Texas Bicycle Coalition staff members met for a staff training and retreat Thursday, February 2 through Sunday, February 5 at Flat Creek Crossing Ranch near Pedernales Falls State Park. Board members joined the staff for a board meeting and retreat on Saturday and Sunday. This was the first time that an all-staff training has been held in conjunction with the annual board retreat.

All 22 Coalition staff members gathered to learn about the organization’s structure and programs, interacting with policymakers, communications, administrative functions, presentations, visual image, media relations, website and technology. BikeTexas Safe Routes to School staff members met throughout the weekend to share ideas and resources for the various regions in which they’re helping implement the Safe Routes model.

The board meeting was productive as well. Eight board members attended and discussed a number of issues including Texas Bicycle Coalition Education Fund grants, program reports, treasurer’s and auditor’s report and advocacy efforts. Staff and board members also had the opportunity to hike and bike through the beautiful hill country trails at the ranch.

Texas Bicycle Coalition extends special thanks to Child, Inc. for allowing the Coalition to use their facilities at Flat Creek Crossing Ranch for the weekend. Several folks generously agreed to prepare and cook meals for the retreat at the last moment. Special thanks to John & Ena Mackey and Rebecca Doll for their wonderful cooking! The Coalition also wishes to thank the following businesses which donated food and/or refreshments for the weekend:

El Lago Mexican Foods http://ellago.net/

Live Oak Brewery http://www.liveoakbrewing.com/

Music Mountain Water http://www.musicmountain.com/

The Onion Pizzeria [no link available]

Texas Coffee Traders http://www.texascoffeetraders.com/

Upper Crust Bakery http://www.theuppercrustbakery.com/

Wheatsville Food Coop http://wheatsville.coop/

White Mountain Foods http://www.whitemountainfoods.com/