GLDS is not involved with any of the Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan's events in 2008.

Some of the CCC's literature, including web site info, still incorrectly lists GLDS as the folks putting on the DS portion of their events. Additionally, some CCC events that normally do have a DS option will not in 08.

As of March 31, we've been informed that there will not be a Dual Sport option at the Phil Bean Memorial (Tomahawk/Wolverine) ride in June, nor at the Mio/Hunt Creek ride in August. Their other events that do end up having a DS option will be their own creation, it will not be a "GLDS Dual Sport".

Historically, or since about 2002, GLDS had handled the Dual Sport portion of most CCC sanctioned events. Prior to then the folks who eventually formed GLDS were doing most of the work (since about 1992). Of course, Steve Flach, was the single source for the majority of that effort from the beginning. Without his efforts, Dual Sport very probably would have died off at these events many years ago.

Through the years there were a couple events that still put their own Dual Sport option together as part of their event. Realize that most events were for off-road (unlicensed) trail riding while Dual Sport is usually a secondary option at the event. These other groups dwindled until GLDS effectively became the sole DS provider/worker for all of the CCC's events in 2006 & 2007.

Many folks attending those rides don't realize that Great Lakes Dual Sporters is a club and that it was responsible for putting the Dual Sport options together for all of the events. Lots of folks assumed Dual Sport and the efforts put into that aspect were just an extension/function of the "CCC".

Some events we put on ourselves, some were in partnership with other Clubs. For example, the Rites of Spring event was a partnership with the Capitol Chapter (another Club that is a member of the CCC). Capitol's Members organized the ride and handled the off-road portion, while GLDS handled the Dual Sport option. Capitol handles the brunt of the work/expense for that event, the DS part is just a small part (about 20%). For 2008 we have been told that Capitol is taking care of the DS portion on their own, possibly basing much of the course on what GLDS created for the previous event.

To answer the most common question: GLDS did not leave the CCC, the CCC revoked our Charter*, effectively removing our Club from their organization. The CCC Board interpreted their constitution to state that, effectively, any member or Club in the CCC can only hold/attend CCC Events. GLDS, in addition to it's CCC sanctioned events, also holds AMA sanctioned events and was not willing to make those events "dual sanctioned" events (AMA + CCC) due to the higher cost it would force upon the participants.

*Even though GLDS has requested it in the past, we have not received an official letter, or even an email, from them as to whether we are still a chapter or not. However all mention of GLDS has been omitted from the CCC TrailRider magazine for a while now---as if we never existed in the first place. Update - we have gotten a letter on 4/24/08 from the CCC stating "it's over". Close enough..