I was at the Jorba meeting today and I was startled to find out how many members they have signed up.
I signed up last year, and was member #70 (or so). I was pretty surprised to find out I had such a low member number. I imagine that's what you're getting at here. Having gone through some iterations with selling shirts/etc and trying to get donations, the reality is that mountain bikers as a whole are a tough nut to crack. You would think JORBA membership would be a slam dunk to many people. But unfortunately that's not the case. For whatever reason, there's a lot more talk than walk.
-Who here is a Jorba member?
As mentioned above, I am.
-Would you give your name as a member if it was no cost to you?
I don't know what that would get me, so I don't know. I do feel it would lessen the fact I have paid for membership to then see people getting membership for free. I don't use the discount at shops, I join because I want to support the cause.
-What does JORBA mean to you??
Trail advocacy and maintenance/creation of the trails we ride.
To extend the discussion further. For those of you who are
not members, I would ask what is preventing you from joining? I'm not wondering in an accusing tone. I'm curious why someone would choose not to support. I know "money" will be a popular answer. But for a collective that spends thousands of dollars on bikes, beer, and tattoos, I don't think that holds water against a $25 donation. So is it...lack of tangible benefit? Just never got around to it? Money? Something else?
If you don't want to post it here feel free to PM me and I can pass the message on anonymously.