User:Doddles c50

Early Beginnings
The association was formed in 1979 by two Sydney Christian Motorcyclist's Clubs and a number of lone riders. The original idea came from Greg Hirst of Brotherhood CMC. Brotherhood CMC and The Disciples CMC decided upon the name of the association, without any knowledge of the Christian Motorcyclist's Association of America, which was formed during 1976 by Herbert Shreve, ( Senior). CMA was called an association and not a club so as Christian riders, who did not want to belong to a club with the responsibility of club involvement, could be linked with Christian motorcyclists where ever they lived without being deeply involved. It also meant Christian Motorcycle Clubs could join and fellowship with other Christian bikers in a fellowship setting, rather than because of any evangelistic or task orientated purpose, (after all this is what the clubs existed for). From this, and Barry Hugget's visit to an International Rally in America, with also a visit by Herbie Shreve to a BBQ with us at Dave Beard's place, to be followed with Herbie travelling to our National Run held in Buxton, Victoria in 1992, we had a loose connection with CMA America. Herbie was visiting Australia on behalf of Open Doors organisation. Since then we had the pleasure of a visit from Joel Wise last year (2001) to Yackandandah, who is one of nine people who head up CMA America. My involvement started when I saw an advertisement for a gathering of Christian riders to be held at Hume Weir camping ground, under the auspices of Brotherhood, The Disciples and God Squad. I must admit I cannot remember if this was 1980 or 1981. It was after I had moved to Griffith in January 1980, so I think it was November 1980. I note that 1982 would have been when they officially called this meeting the National Run by the seventh National Run being in the Newsletter for 1988. The National Run was moved to Riverglade Van Village, Tumut from the Hume Weir in 1986. The 2002 National Run to be hosted by NSW and held at Narrandera would then be the 21st. National Run. The first Teaching Weekend 1987 was held at Gilgandra with 60-70 attending. We held the Teaching Weekend at Cootamundra in August 1989 then we must have moved it to Mt. Vincent in 1994 where it is still held Day Runs were held on the first Saturday each month starting in Sydney, which would have been difficult for country members to attend. As the membership diminished in the Sydney area these day rides ceased. 2002 - 2003: CMA USA or International informs Australia that the previous coalition agreement is cancelled and for Australia to join CMA International under "one banner and patch" This was and is non-negotiable which is a problem for us as we do not and will not wear back-patch. CMA Australia voted to remain as Australia and not join CMA International at this time indicating that the non-negotiable issues ever become negotiable, we would only be too happy to sit around the table as brothers and sisters in Christ to work out a new agreement. 2006-2008: We see this previous non-negotiable statement "under one banner and patch" as having been a mis-understanding by one of the USA members and we are now working as a separate identity CMA Australia with CMA International.