Focusing on what we CAN do
(with a little help from our friends)
Last month the 4Five+ Committee came together to set a course for the year ahead. The Collective has certainly grown since the five founding members sat around a table at the Typsy Monk more than two years ago, but our core goals have not changed
To inspire and support female athletes aged 45 and over to maintain an active and competitive life, providing benefits for physical and mental health by:
challenging prejudices around ageing & performance through positive communications
creating and supporting opportunities to participate in competitive sport
promoting and providing access to research and information to facilitate age-adapted training
developing social networks to build self-esteem and confidence
One of the great things about being part of 4Five+ Committee is that we recognise we all lead full and active lives, and that the time we contribute is precious and variable depending on our professional and personal commitments. Within our small group we have seen many changes in the past two years; new jobs, new locations, new sporting goals, new health challenges. It takes time and effort to adjust, so we do what we can with the time and energy we have available.
Above: 4Five+ Committee 2022-2023: Deb Kempe, Sam Bolton, Vanessa Johnson, Jodi Earnshaw, Kate Boulton
And so, our planning for the year ahead focused on what 4Five+ CAN do for our members with the resources we have. There are things we will keep doing, and new things to try.
Continuing initiatives:
4Five+ Cycling events - Twilight Criterium Series, Tiger Tracks Gravel
Learning opportunities - skills sessions, seminars, online resources
Social catch-ups - First Friday rides
Member support - event logistics, mentoring, referrals
Collaboration with clubs and organisations to boost female participation e.g. ATTA Birds in the Park, Femmes on Track
New initiatives for 2024
Development Grants to assist members in achieving skills that support 4Five+ objectives (email going to members soon)
Monthly special offers for members
4Five+ South West chapter development e.g. monthly rides around Margaret River, Nannup etc
Of course, none of these initiatives are possible with out the help of volunteers, and the help of our sponsors and supporters, and we are truly grateful for all of the generous assistance we have received through the past few years.
The 4Five+ AGM is scheduled for 20 September (members, check your email), and while we have preliminary nominations in place for the main Committee roles, we always welcome additional General Committee to broaden our perspective and lend a hand. You can read more about what is involved in being on Committee HERE.
We will also be seeking help from members to assist with some small roles to keep the 4Five+ wheels rolling smoothly - things like…
first aid kit manager - check first aid supplies are stocked for events
volunteer co-ordinator (can be per event e.g. ATTA BIP vollie roster)
grant monitor - capture details of available grants suited to 4Five+ initiatives
research scout - share relevant research via socials, add to 4Five+ resources
digital marketing mentor - advise on social media tools
If you are keen to help with any of our new initiatives (volunteering, advice, sponsorship etc) or with any of the roles above, we would love to hear from you! Help us to help you :-)
Coming up
You can keep track of 4Five+ events, rides, racing and training via the TeamUp Calendar HERE, and add it to your calendar app of choice using the iCal feed
Some highlights include:
20 August - Sleep - are you getting enough?
1 September - First Friday Ride - an early celebration of Women’s Health Week with free coffee for financial members.
The 4F Twilight Series returns in November-December, and plans are already underway for Tiger Tracks Gravel 2024!
4F Custom Kit
Order your 4Five+ Custom Kit on the Escape online shop - orders close SUNDAY 20 AUGUST for October delivery.
Please note: we do not hold stock for exchanging sizes. We recommend trying on the kit at Ride Advice (on Hay St in the Perth CBD) if you are unfamiliar with Escape sizing.
NEW!! RACE JERSEY - PRO CUT - just for 4F racers
We're being bold with our club colours. The new race jersey is predominantly coral, designed to team with our traditional navy knicks. The jersey will launch at the Tour of Margaret River, worn by our 4F Femmes and 4F Fusion teams. If you plan to do ANY racing in 4F colours in the year ahead, this is the jersey for you. It recognises our long-time supporters Ride WA and R&D Cycles (a new shop for Lakes Bikes). The PRO cut jersey is available to try on at Ride Advice (hanging on the rack).
NEW!! CLUB JERSEY - TEAM CUT - ride in style
This is our traditional dark blue kit, with a switch to the TEAM cut. The same great Italian fabrics, but with a slighty more relaxed fit, ideal for cruising the river loop or the hills. It has a slightly longer body and more relaxed sleeve than the PRO cut. The TEAM cut is also available to try on at Ride Advice - it's grey sample kit held behind the counter.
KNICKS - PRO BIBS - quality comfort
The same quality knicks from previous orders, with a switch to a plain blue leg band to mix & match with both jerseys.
GILET - versatile!
A favourite piece of kit, great for brisk mornings and change of season, or for popping on as an extra layer at the coffee shop. Designed to mix and match with both the RACE and CLUB jerseys. Love the two-way zip!
ESCAPE CUSTOM SHOP: https://escape.cc/products/4f?_pos=1&_psq=4f&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=40221702062167
SIZE GUIDES: https://escape.cc/pages/size-guides
RIDE ADVICE: https://www.rideadvice.com.au/pages/find-us
Do you have surplus vintage 4F kit?
If you have purchased 4F kit that is now surplus to your needs, we kindly request that it is sold within the 4F+ Community <3.
