During their last general meeting, new members joined the board of directors and the association’s office. Notably Laurent Catrix, as vice-president. “I arrived two years ago. I come from the north where I used to run. But there, in winter, we don’t run. So I switched to cycling. »
The new vice-president is a sign for Alain Carles, president of the Mailhouns, of the freshness of the club. “Many associations lack volunteers. This is not our case. We are lucky to have new members, among them people who are available and who want to get involved. »
Outings and stays
For more than half a century, the common thread of the Mailhouns has been to organize weekly outings, by level. To break the routine, the club also offers several stay packages each year. This year, Ardèche, Gers and Corrèze are on the program as well as Cambrils, near Tarragona, in Catalonia. “We also see that cyclists are much more respected in Spain than here,” observes Alain Carles with regret.
Travel is organized by car to the place of stay. “We transport the bikes,” emphasizes Alain Carles. But this year we bought a trailer bike rack capable of carrying three bicycles. »
The Mailhouns today have 133 members and 182 licensees. “During our general assembly, there were 85 members,” says Alain Carles, “This is a sign that many are interested in the life of our club. »
“Almost every day of the week there are outings. And in our groups, there are all levels”
“Our number of members allows us to form different groups,” explains Jacques Girr, secretary of the club. Almost every day of the week there are outings. And in our groups, there are all levels. This allows new members to find the one that suits them. »
Safety and pleasure
At a time when individual practice is growing a lot, the Mailhouns defend the club spirit. “Being a member of a cycling club brings several advantages,” assures Jacques Girr. First there is security. In a group, we can help someone who has a problem and in the event of an accident, we are not alone. We can also better control the management of efforts. »
Even if the sporting dimension is not excluded, the Mailhouns first intend to prioritize the pleasure of riding. And the pleasure of meeting up, every Friday evening, at the premises they own within the Jean-Moulin stadium, for a friendly drink. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together and share. It promotes communication between all members. “, confides Alain Carles, “We are also invested in the activities offered by the city, such as the Everyone by Bike Day, the Easter omelette, the association forum or the Anglet festivals. »
