Is the TRF still worth joining?

[Alphadog43]

With all of the negative comments in the TRF website thread I am having second thoughts about joining the local (Worcester) TRF.

I'm not really interested in the politics but would like to meet some like minded individuals to go trail riding with and most importantly help support a group dedicated to keeping green lanes open.

Will I be disappointed if I join?

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

That depends very much on the quality of the individuals in the local group: some are more welcoming than others.

I've never had a problem with members of any local groups I've been a part of. You will get a wide range of people from different walks of life, with different personalities.

If I were you, I'd join and see how you get on.

One of the reasons I haven't rejoined is I'm quite a long way from my two 'nearest' groups because I'm on the North Cornwall/Devon border.

[HedgeHopper]

If you are looking for group rides the local groups are great ways to get into green lanes, you may be dissapointed at having to stop and open/close bloody farmers gates all the time, but that's just how it is in the UK.
Personaly I think a lot of the local groups have got it wrong in one respect... that the group rides are too big (too many riders) but that might just be me.

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

That's a fair comment.

The trouble is people seemed increasingly reluctant to get the maps out and research and plan a ride...which is strange to me as I've always regarded that (and paper map and compass navigation) as part of the fun.

Are you really a trail-rider if you just chase another guy's number-plate all day?

[2 Yams]

I would suggest making contact with your local group, see how welcoming they are, and enquire about an introductory ride with the group before making your mind up and actually paying any subscriptions.

I was a long time supporter of the TRF but will definitely not rejoin whilst certain directors are in office, and openness and accountability becomes the norm.

2 Yams

[Paul_C]

Ditto.
Go along and see what you think.
I'm not a big group ride or meeting type of person so that aspect doesn't suite me. However, you only need one person who's willing to show you the ropes. I was lucky and found that person. If I can I now try and do the same. Sadly though, not via the TRF.

[Fried Egg Sandwich]

Come along to the West Midlands TRF meeting. The Worcester one is just a few mates having a meal at the pub. There's a vibrant and welcoming club at the West Midlands TRF. 1st and 3rd Wednesday's of the month 8:15 ish at
Wilmcote Sports & Social Club 16 Aston Cantlow Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9XX, United Kingdom

[chipy]

Come over the Shropshire group lots of good lanes .....
http://shropshiretrf.freeforums.net

Meeting is next Thursday in Much Wenlock

[chipy]

Come over the Shropshire group lots of good lanes .....
http://shropshiretrf.freeforums.net

Meeting is next Thursday in Much Wenlock

[ggp59]

Like others have said, go along to a meeting or better still some rides and see how it goes.....

I've been lucky enough to belong to a great group who taught me what trail riding really was, how to read a map properly, organised some brilliant rides all over the country and met people who are still friends 20 years later.

Sadly, and more recently in a completly different area (so with two different groups) had less luck, and found some groups that are dominated by a few tossers who have a greater love of social media and themselves than I do, so have opted out - but that's only a personal experience