newcastlecycling

Gaintcfr,

Not sure where your friends come from saying KOCC is moving forward and HDCC is not. If anything the reverse is true.

Last year (2009) HDCC did struggle - had to cancel some races because of shortages of people to run races and problems with contracted traffic controllers. Robbie's death hurt HDCC badly, and Mick's death had a profound effect.  Key HDCC members believed HDCC would not survive, and after Mick's death merger was something they thought had to happen. However, after a lot of softpedalling from key KOCC Committee members on having a meeting between the two committees, the meeting finally took place and after that meeting some of the HDCC delegation formed the view that merger was not something some from the KOCC Committee favoured.  So HDCC reorganised itself.  HDCC now has a younger committee (relative to what it was previously, and relative to the KOCC committee), an internal structure to ensure races can be run, new sponsors, and are continue to be committed to the velodrome and an off-road road racing circuit.  

I only see more of the same for KOCC, which is running regular racing at Kooragang.  KOCC has, for a few years, tried to be innovative by hosting teams races and points races, and they are great. So it is more of the same good stuff, rather then new stuff.

Look at the makeup of the committees for each club - probably a fair guide for the focus of the clubs. If you are in the upper three grades then HDCC is the club you should join.  If you race C grade or below then KOCC is the place for you.

Good luck with your decision