A survey of the Club’s active members was undertaken the week of November 11th to gauge overall satisfaction with the Club, get input on various areas of interest, obtain demographics, and understand what can be done to further member participation. Of the 74 recipients, 30 folks responded. These responses yielded a wealth of insight into how well the Club is performing and ways to increase participation.
Overall, the Club received a 6 rating out of 10, or a little above satisfactory. The survey generated significant insight into the wants of the membership with the overarching theme of members wanting more Club organized rides beyond those currently offered.
To understand what’s important to members, four key areas were noted. Tied at the top of the list with 19 responses each were club rides and forming camaraderie with fellow members, followed by social gatherings with 16 and volunteer/charity events with 11. The survey responders also provided input on what can be done to accommodate these interests.
The responders chose those topics they would like to see more of. The topics, in descending order of importance, are club rides, maintenance workshops, rider skills training, charitable events, and social events. These topics present the best opportunity for members to become more involved with the Club and closely resemble what’s most important to members.
Most respondents (17) said the Club’s focus should be on half/full day rides. The next most desired ride durations are: Overnight (7), 2-3 days (2), and 4-7 days (1). More rides will require more individuals to volunteer to be Ride Captains, which can be done using the Club’s email.
Maintenance workshops are highly desired by most members. However, providing such workshops poses a challenge that can also be seen as an opportunity. These workshops require folks to offer their skills, tools, and time. If you, or someone you know, have these, and the desire to share them, please email the Club.
Rider skills training is a valuable opportunity to bring folks together and improve the Club’s overall rider performance. The areas of training needs, according to the survey, are refining and building skills and motorcycle maintenance both with 12 responses, riding in slow traffic and aspects of safe riding, both with 7 responses, and off pavement with 6 responses. The remaining respondents chose “None of the Above.” If you can offer to do some of this training or know someone who can please email the Club.
It was reassuring to learn most respondents:
- Know the 1st year of MOA membership is free (73%).
- Will keep their membership if required to pay membership dues to MOA (73%).
- Find the website informative (66%).
- Get their information about the Club from emails (80%).
- Know members can sell motorcycle-related gear at the Club website (76%).
- Believe frequency of emails is just enough (76%).
- Are interested in buying club logoed merchandise (75%).
- Know members can contribute articles to the website (80%).
At least 83% of respondents said they visit the Club’s website at least monthly or every couple of months, while others never visit the site. The website not only provides everyday items of interest about the Club but also Club events and cycling-related opportunities that aren’t shared elsewhere. It’s advised to check the site at least monthly to not miss out on these events and opportunities.
As for the need for a social media presence, responses show this is not important to most. Eighty-two percent of responses were either it is not important at all or neither agree nor disagree it’s important. The responses may be reflective of the age demographic of the membership.
Regarding demographics, the survey asked folks to indicate what age bracket they fall into. The graph below provides the breakout of the members’ ages.
The Club’s members own and ride a variety of bikes, including:
R1250 GSA R1200 GSA K1600 GTL K1300 GT R1200 R R1250 R
R1250 GS R1250 RT R1200 RS 1200 GS R1200 GSA 1150 GS
R1200 RS R1200 RT R1200 RT R1100 RT K1000 B 1976 R90 /6
Moto Guzzi V100 Triumph Thruxton Honda AT Vespa
1966 Matchless G15CSR
Respondents were generous when providing input as to where they would like to take Club rides. These include:
Texas State Parks, Pali Duro Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Goliad State Park, Ft Davis Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Willow City Loop, East Texas or Arkansas Llano, Castell, Mason, MOA Getaway at Fontana, MOA National Lebanon, TN, 49er Rally in CA, South Central Rally, Fayetteville TX, Ozarks, Tail of the Dragon, Mexico, Great Lakes East Texas, Gulf Coast, Concan, SW region of US, Four Corners, Local Attractions, New Mexico
Bottom line, the results show there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get engaged, whether it’s volunteering to become a Ride Captain, stepping up to offer training, or just becoming engaged in the activities the Club offers.