Previously, when the club published and mailed out the Gateway Gazette, the president would write a short column for each. I intend to revise this tradition and will post “Presidential Ponderings” on a regular basis on a variety of topics concerning the club.
It should be remembered that this is a social club, whose primary function is the enjoyment of motorcycling as a hobby. While riding motorcycles is the primary focus of the club, other social aspects such as the Falling Leaf rally, parties, and meetings are also benefits of membership It should always be remembered that the club is run by volunteers and that club members are expected to treat each other with respect and decency, there is no place in the club for bullying or abuse.
The topic for this “Ponderings” is my thoughts on the club hierarchy or structure. These are my opinions and others may think differently. All the club positions are important and the work of all the officers and directors filling them is greatly appreciated.
I personally feel that the most important position in the club is the events director (though Dan prefers the title “events chairman”). I am in a couple riding groups that consist of nothing more than an organizer and ride lead volunteers. No other club trappings are required. With motorcycles as the focus of the club, the person organizing the events is key for these to happen. Of course, I may be slightly biased after having had the job for over 2 decades. Supporting the events director are those generous volunteers who lead rides and/or graciously host parties or progressive dinner courses or help at the rally. These volunteers are what makes the club function, and I will touch on these in a future note.
The second level, due to the club size, variety of events, and funding involved, are below. The club has sufficient funds to make the treasurer’s job key to smooth functioning of the club. The membership director is important. not only for recruiting new members but also encouraging existing members to remain in the club. Our rally director leads the execution of the club’s big party for other clubs (i.e. Falling Leaf) in October, which is the event that other clubs typically think of when they hear “Gateway Riders”. Certainly, the website director is key to keeping the club communication channels functioning and allows the rally to function in this digital age. The technical director and food director make the tech sessions happen and ensure we have food and drinks for the club parties. These two functions are adjunct to riding but important for the social aspects of the club.
The final level, down from those above, are the rest of the officers and directors. As the president, I feel the functions listed previously are those that the majority of members utilize. The president, vice president, and secretary should have relatively straight forward jobs in a well-functioning club. The supplies director and other club liaison are important and appreciated, but not functions that are usually utilized often by our members.
Thanks;
Jeff Ackerman
President – Gateway Riders 1/24/2026