L EADING THE PARITION OF MOUNTAIN CYCLISTS IN THE TRAIL COMMUNITY JANUARY—FEBRUARY 2004 SF Mountain Biking Skeggs Advocacy Changes By Eric Lafferty By Aaron DelloIacono Thies El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space If you live in San Francisco, or visit Preserve (a.k.a. Skeggs Point) is about regularly, you’re probably aware that to undergo major changes. On there are many great trails throughout November 19th a new Watershed the western half of the city. Golden Protection Program outlining changes Gate Park, the Presidio, Land’s End, to the park was announced. and other local parks offer excellent Little dirt in Golden Gate Park is legal to ride opportunities for mountain biking. As part of the three-year $1-million plan, the Midpennisula Regional Open What you might not know, however, is Within the city limits of San Francisco, Space District (MROSD) will be re- that riding many of these trails there are many green-spaces, parks aligning and improving trails, is illegal. and unpaved trails that are loved by upgrading storm drainage facilities, many for the mountain biking, hiking Recently, SFMTB, a loose-knit instituting new maintenance tech- and other recreational opportunities group of volunteers, came together to niques, and developing an environ- that they provide. These are the places coordinate input from local mountain mental education and outreach close to our homes where we exercise, bikers, and to help gain better legal program, pending approval from the relax, talk, think and temporarily es- mountain bike access to trails in San full MROSD Board of Directors. Francisco. cape the city's howl. These trails offer a large number of people the opportu- Undoubtedly trail-users will be most Originally formed in response to the nity to recreate without requiring a concerned with the proposed trail new Presidio Trails and Bikeways trip in the car. realignments and improvements. Master Plan (created in early 2003), Portions of Giant Salamander, North Many San Francisco open spaces and SFMTB continues to work on and South Leaf, Virginia Mill, Cross- trails can be logically linked into a San Francisco specific mountain bike over, Fir, and Blue Blossom Trails are series of inter-connected multi-use issues. ROMP has offered support of all slated for change. their efforts. trail loops that encompass most of the city. At present there are at least nine The Watershed Protection Program is SFMTB is not an official club or separate trail loops that can be needed to better protect wildlife that is organization. Anyone can get combined. A small number of located downstream from El Corte de involved. This grassroots advocacy unplanned and relatively overlooked Madera Creek Open Space (ECdM). group is working to preserve and "connecting greenways" provide off- This plan is part of the on-going bal- promote responsible mountain biking pavement travel between these loops. ance between environmental and rec- in San Francisco through advocacy, reational interests. trail stewardship and community This San Francisco "Multi-Use Non- Paved Trail Network" exists now. It is outreach. (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 7)

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The Price of Access

by Paul Nam, ROMP President As we enter 2004, ROMP’s mountain bike access program is downstream. ECdM land is at the head of the watershed undergoing a renaissance. In Santa Clara, San Mateo and for , home to both Steelhead and Coho San Francisco Counties, many exciting new opportunities Salmon. The habitat of these fish is being destroyed, and in and serious challenges line the trail ahead. order for these fish to survive it needs to be restored. Fortunately, there are killer new technologies to aid our Access requires sharing, including sharing with wildlife. metaphorical “trail-access bike.” We power along without Sharing pays huge dividends when we respect each other. the need for suspension lockout thanks to our “Stable The Watershed Protection Program addresses these Platform Values” - access for all trail-users on trails designed environmental concerns, but not without exacting a high to resist erosion, control speed, provide challenge, and allow cost from taxpayers, and us to appreciate nature. requiring a large volunteer The story of trails is the path effort. of history. Ever since Another local park where tree-folk took to the ground, ROMP will step up its and Adam and Eve left the support of trail projects in the Garden of Eden, trails have coming year is Henry Coe been the means to connect State Park. Mountain biking people and places. Trail potential in this 90,000-acre work, as a result, has been park, site of a 2003 IMBA humanity's chore since the Epic, is great. The park beginning of time. provides many in the cycling Toll roads developed to community with the satisfac- provide a means to maintain tion of long epic rides. passage through difficult Currently, the steep terrain terrain. Paying or bartering and extensive network of granted a traveler the right to ranch roads and trails within passage. Coe needs care, repair and in The Romans were prodigious some cases realignment. road builders. Wherever they Building new trails and went, their armies built roads. reviving sections that have Roads were strategic element fallen into disrepair is greatly of conquest, government, needed. commerce and travel. The As a member of the Coe Roman Empire granted its Trails Advisory Council, I work directly with State Park citizens passage along these roads in exchange for taxes. staff on trail projects. ROMP will step its support of this This established the fundamental financial model for the incredible aprk in 04' beginning with visits from the IMBA highways and trails we use today: taxes. Trail Care Crews on Feb 14-15. Please join us in this effort All travelers pay for "right-of-way". This right has never for training (especially useful in connection with ECdM's come without cost. On public lands, right-of-way comes plans). through negotiation, finance, planning, litigation, In 2003 the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation construction and maintenance. Access has its costs. Department finalized its Strategic Plan. ROMP advocates The logging roads and skid trails of ECdM have long been a participated in this process. We fought for the inclusion of favorite Bay Area mountain biking destination. "mountain biking" as a legitimate use in the parks, and we Unfortunately portions of the trail network and several won. We hung in throughout the lengthy process of stream crossings have been identified as sources for shaping this document, making sure that the staff and excessive silt loads that are compromising wildlife habitat commission knew that bicycles belong.

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In the new plan for the soon-to-be-opened Coyote Lake Harvey Bear County Park (located in Morgan Hill), 19 miles of trails will be open to cyclists. This is in great part a result of work performed by ROMP advocates in 2002. Big Basin State Park’s Master Plan is currently being rewritten. In August 2003, during a period of public comment, it was determined that increased mountain bike access was needed. It was a great pleasure to see this recognized in September’s planning process news- letter. Mountain bikers are now recognized as major stakeholder in the planning process of this park. In large part to ROMP volunteers, we succeeded in making it known that bikers want access, and that regional trail connections are strategic necessities in the final plan. In each of these projects, ROMP contributed to local mountain bike access. Active volunteers spend their time ensuring that mountain bikers are represented in local trail developments. Working with local land ROMP At The Races management agencies, ROMP volunteers ensure that tax dollars spent on parks and open space goes toward By Max Zinsman places open to cyclists. Active volunteers ensure access ROMP is organizing a race team to attract attention to the club, for each of us. it's advocacy work, and fun events. The 2004 race season will When we ride trails and dirt roads in our counties we be a trial period for the team. ride on a network of compromise. We use these trails to The race team will represent ROMP at race events involving appreciate nature, and at the same time we share these mountain bike cross-country, mountain bike downhill, parks with nature. It’s only natural to love them; but cyclocross, and 24-hour racing. Participation is voluntary. let’s not Other Cycling Organizations smother them. The team is open to all ROMP members over the age of 18, and Bay Area Velo Girls to riders of all skill levels. All race team members need to have We pay for our 650-347-9752 www.velogirls.com Bicycle Trails Council of Marin (BTCM) completed eight hours of volunteer work (including trail work, right-of-way. PO Box 494, Fairfax CA 94978 or other ROMP related activities), be an ambassador of good Access is not 415-456-7512 www.btcmarin.org bicycling citizenship, participate in at least one race in 2004, and free. Trails Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay (BTCEB) own (or borrow) a ROMP jersey. need to serve PO Box 9583, Berkeley CA 94709 the purposes 415-528-BIKE www.btceastbay.org If you want to re-enter the racing fray, or are looking to do your Folsom Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition of the people 916-663-4626 www.fatrac.org first race, sign up for the team! Racing can be enjoyable, who pay for International Mt. Biking Association (IMBA) rewarding, and exciting, especially when enjoyed with others and use them. PO Box 7578, Boulder CO 80306 who have similar interests. Tentatively, the “kick off” race will Simultane- 303-545-9011 www.imba.com be on February, 15, 2004 in Cool, CA. ously they Monterey Mt. Bike Association (MoMBA) auburnbikeworks.com/racing.htm. PO Box 51928, Pacific Grove CA 93590 must adhere to 408-372-2134 For more details, see the our fiscal and Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBoSC) Mountain Cyclist ROMP website under [email protected] www.mbosc.org environmental The Mountain Cyclist is the monthly newsletter Sonoma County Trails Council (SCTC) Race Team. Training ride responsibili- of the Responsible Organized Mountain www.sonomatrails.org/sctc/ schedules will be forth- ties. ROMP Pedalers San Jose Inner City Outings (San Jose ICO) coming. If you have any will continue www.sierraclub.org/ico/sanjose/ Send general newsletter material directly to the questions, contact working Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition editor (not to the club PO box): Max Zinsman at towards these www.svbcbikes.org/ ◊ Eric Lafferty / Josh Moore Western Wheelers Bicycle Club [email protected] (408) 921-3532, or goals. www.westernwheelers.org Send ride listings to the club ride coordinator [email protected]. Women’s Mt. Biking and Tea Soc. (WoMBATS) (not to the club PO box): www.wombats.org ◊ Julie Brown (650) 814 8271 [email protected]

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Trail Closures For any questions regarding these Why Seasonal closures, please call (408)355-2215 unless otherwise stated.

The Los Gatos Creek Trail (west side trail closest to Highway 17) from Main Street in Trail Closures? downtown LG to the dam at Lexington Reser- voir is closed through February 2004. The San Jose Water Company is replacing huge water By David Sanguinetti, Area Superintendent and San Gregorio Creeks. supply pipes in this area and have closed the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District area to all public access. The public can access Long Ridge, Skyline Ridge, Russian Lexington County Park via the east side trail The Bay Area is entering the winter which goes through St. Joseph's Preserve. If Ridge, , El Corte de you have any questions regarding this closure rainy season, and inevitably, as in Madera, and Purisima Creek Open please call the Town of Los Gatos at (408)354- years past, some trails will be closed Space Preserves are all located either 6809. for their protection. As the Superin- completely or partially within the Lexington Reservoir -Limekiln Trail is closed tendent of the Midpeninsula Regional drainages of these creeks. Increased until further notice. Open Space District, I’d like to explain sedimentation in these creeks destroys Almaden Quicksilver - Virl Norton Trail is how we manage the resource and why the wildlife that they support. closed until Spring 2004 due to trail we need to close some trails during Second, the District has routine maintenance and rehabilitation. New Almaden the rainy season. Trail is temporarily closed between the Mine maintenance responsibilities that are a Hill and Senador Mine trails. All other trails Last year the District celebrated our major portion of our workload. open to foot traffic only. 30th anniversary. In those 30 years we Maintaining the surface of our trails Calero - All trails open to foot traffic only. acquired nearly 50,000 acres spread and roads requires many hours of Mt. Madonna - Merry-Go-Round and Tie across 26 preserves. Within this in- Field Staff time to ensure the safety of Camp Trails are closed to equestrians until credible expanse of land we manage everyone who uses our preserves. further notice. several hundred miles of fire roads (Currently we have two Field Offices, Upper Stevens Creek County Park - Due to and single-track trails in the Santa each with approximately 20 employ- bridge construction on Stevens Canyon Road, Cruz Mountains. Our job is to ees, dedicated to preserve manage- the section of Stevens Canyon Trail from Table effectively protect, manage, and Mountain Trail to Stevens Canyon Road is ment.) To effectively utilize staff time closed. This closure is in effect from September maintain these roads and trails during it is important not to repeat the same 2003 to January 2004. There is no access from the rainy season, and that is why we work on the Skyline Boulevard, Page Mill Road or upper employ seasonal trail closures in some same trails in Monte Bello Road via Canyon Trail to Stevens of the wettest spots. Creek Reservoir. the same The Mid-Peninsula Regional Open season. Space District does not seasonally The District close trails to decrease the volume of uses “Best bicyclists and equestrians. We Management welcome cyclists and horseback riders Practices” for on our lands. Rather, there are two trail mainte- compelling reasons that require us to nance, includ- I wuz gonna wash your bike close trails and roads during the wet ing outside season. surface cross-sloping and rolling First, the District’s primary responsi- drainage structures. Bicycle and bility is “resource protection,” and equestrian use on trails during wet that’s why we work closely with the weather creates cupped surfaces, and Department of Fish and breaches drainage structures. Once Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this occurs, water remains on trail Army Corps of Engineers, and the surfaces for longer periods of time, Water Quality Board to reduce the eroding additional surface. Eventually amount of sediment loading in natural drainages are created that important fisheries like the Pescadero increase the normal level of silt load Eric Lafferty shows respect for trail closures. delivery into the watershed.

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IMBA Rules of the Trail Land Manager Meetings Land Manager Directory ROMP, an IMBA-affiliated organization, Acterra (Arastradero Preserve) 3921 E. Bay- Midpeninsula Regional Open Space supports and practices the IMBA Rules of the shore Blvd., Palo Alto, CA 94303, 650-962- District (MROSD) oversees many open Trail. Following these rules is not only key to 9876, fax 650-962-8234; www.arastradero.org, space preserves throughout San Mateo and responsible riding, but essential to keep trails www.acterra.org/[email protected] (general), Santa Clara counties. Board of director's open to cycling. meetings are open to the public on the www.participation.com/arastradero 1. Ride on open trails only. second and fourth Wednesdays of each California Recreational Trails Committee 2. Leave no trace. month at 7:30 PM in the district offices at Ken McKowen, Trails Coordinator, PO Box 3. Control your bicycle. 330 Distel Circle (off El Camino Real north 942896, Sacramento 94296-0001, 916-653-6501 of Rengstorff), Los Altos. The MROSD also 4. Always yield trail. holds Trail Policy Committee meetings Castle Rock State Park Bob Culbertson, 5. Never spook animals. which develop and implement trail use 408-429-2869; Dave Keck, 916-322-2997 6. Plan ahead. policy. City of Palo Alto (Arastradero) Recreation ROMP Membership Update Los Gatos Trails Committee meets on the Open Space and Sciences Division, second Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 650-329-2423 Renewals Tom Austin & Family PM at 41 Miles Avenue, Los Gatos. East Bay Regional Park District 11500 David Belden Santa Clara County Group of the Bay Area Skyline Blvd., Oakland 94619, 415-531-9300 Michael Bigler Ridge Trail Committee (BARTC) meets on Ryan Brecht Henry W. Coe State Park 9000 East Dunne the third Wednesday of each month from Julie Brown Ave, Morgan Hill 95037. 408-779-2728 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Greenbelt Alliance, Donald L. Brubaker II Gavilan Sector Supervising Ranger Denise 1922 The Alameda, Santa Clara (may change Melvin D. Chan Reichenberg [email protected]; – call before attending). Call Judy Etheridge Tom Collett Coe Senior Ranger Barry Breckling at 408-248-3900. Ryan Connolly [email protected]; coepark.parks.ca.gov Jeff Driskell San Mateo County Group of the BARTC Monterey District California State Parks, Gregory D. Frank meets on the first Wednesday of each month Gavilan Sector; Henry W. Coe State Park. Richard & Toni Gooch from 9:30 AM to 12 noon at Coyote Point Brett Hallinan Museum (odd months) and other locations P.O. Box 787; 19 Franklin Street; San Juan Adrienne Harber (even months). Call Bill Smith at 650-873- Bautista, CA 95045. 831-623-1659. Monterey John Hurwitz 0415 for meeting locations and other District Superintendent C.L. Price Chuck Isaacson information. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Kelly Johnson 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos 94022; Anne-Marie Jumeau This material is carried downstream 650-691-1200; [email protected], Bob Kane where it smothers Steelhead Trout and openspace.org John F. Mason Mark McConnell Mt. Diablo State Park District Office 96 Coho Salmon in their spawning beds. Gary Minnaert Mitchell Canyon Rd., Clayton 94517; John & Karen Morgan & Family To avoid erosion, and to effectively 510-673-2891; Larry Ferri, Paul Nam & Christine Voci-Nam Park Superintendent manage our trails and roads, it is H Preston & Ellen Nelson important for us to implement Santa Clara County Parks & Rec. Dept. 298 Claire Nippress & David Tripier seasonal closures. Protecting these Garden Hill Dr., Los Gatos, 95030; Mark John Novitsky & Family Don & Stacy Palermini trails allows them to function appro- Frederick, Capital Projects Mgr., 408-358-3741 x143; fax 408-358-3245; Henry Pastorelli priately in the rain. [email protected], Mike & Kathy Podgorski Dan Powell Additionally, when the weather clears claraweb.co.santa-clara.ca.us/parks/ Janine Ramonda for a couple of weeks, our staff checks Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors 70 Shaun Reid & Stacy Cohen trail conditions and opens trails where W. Hedding, San Jose, 95110; 408-299-2323 David Skinner & Heidy Braverman appropriate. Santa Cruz District 600 Ocean St., Santa Cruz Hal Stanley 95060; 408-429-2850; David Vincent, Mary Walker & Mark Interrante To help keep our users current on trail District Superintendent Harvey Wong closures, we provide up to date Laurence Wong The Trail Center 3921 E. Bayshore Road, Ford Young & Amy Faucher information via our Trail Update Palo Alto 94303; 650-968-7065, trailcenter.org Max Zinsman service: (650) 691-2150, Option 3. New Members I hope that my explanations help you Daryl Brown Interested in leading a ride? Jason Buberel to better understand how we manage Pete Czerpak Contact Julie Brown, (650) 814 8271 the resource and why we need to close Christine Dieterich some trails during the rainy season. If or [email protected] by the tenth of the Michael Hank you have further questions, please feel preceding month.for newsletter Scott Hill & Valerie Newhouse listing. See www.romp.org for help Patrick Murphy free to contact me at (650) 949-1848. David & Amanda Templeton on leading a ride or to submit your Tom Zang ride online.

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Water Dog Rockin’ Rick’s ROMP Needs You Ride Report By Rich Andrews by Berry Stevens I just returned from the “Sea to Big Basin” ride with Glenn, A new season of trail work is about to begin at Water Dog Linda, Chris, Adrienne, Eric and his sweet lady. Now Lake Park in Belmont. Volunteer are needed to help immersed in the afterglow of an all-day ride, my limbs are construct new trails in the park. limp and my face is flush. Nothing legal feels finer. This will be a high payback season at Water Dog Lake Park, We rode for six hours, covered 40 miles and climbed more as a project from last year will be finished, and a new one than 4,000 feet. It was all fire-road. will be completed. Volunteers will be amply rewarded with This morning we meet by Gazos Creek on Highway 1, about a sense of having made a difference, and having built a new 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Starting early and alone, trail for all to ride. This is a great opportunity to join the thinking the strong climbers would pass me, I immediately fun of completing a new trail. got lost. After a mile of steep climbing along a fire-road, The City of Belmont has “green lighted” a new trail segment something just didn’t feel right. Doubling back, I found the for this season's project. It will be the next-to-last link in an “correct” trail, and found myself way behind the group. I unbroken series of single-track that runs the full length of caught the others at the ride’s halfway point, at Big Basin the canyon. That’s nearly three miles of destination type Park Head Quarters, where we reunited for our descent singletrack, rideable in both directions! back to the sea. The new trail is well below the top of the canyon’s western I want so much to share the beauty of this ride. The climb is wall, and offers great views, intimate segments thru open 2,000 feet up the ridge, non-stop, right out of the gate, but oak woodlands, technical challenges and big fun. the grade is not too steep and is totally rideable. The good news is that being entirely fire-road, there is no need to The project this season will be a piece of cake. Much of the concentrate on staying alive. I was able to enjoy the broad clearing was done during the scouting and flagging process, vistas of the enchanted forest below. and half of the trail’s length follows existing road cut. There is relatively little poison oak, and what does exist will be cut The view to the south was primeval woodland, thick with early while it’s dormant. Already there is sufficient soil varieties of trees that seem to stretch forever. Towering moisture to cut dirt, so work can proceed at any time. We conifers laced with phosphorescence lichen, and critter- just need volunteers! tracks adorned the dusty way. As the climb gained elevation, the canopy of stately redwoods created a misty In addition to the new trail, we will complete rain. Riding fast through the puddles, mud the final 70-feet of last season's project, and covered my body. I savored the coolness perform much needed maintenance on other before the bright sun and further climbing trails as time permits. warmed me as I topped the ridge. Trail work is scheduled for: January 17; It was impossible to stay focused on my February 7; February21; March 13; April 10 riding, as I entered the Old Growth redwood More dates are possible as rainfall permits. forest. Magnificent trees, hundreds of years old, silently witnessed my passing. Please sign up for as many dates as possible. We need your help. Please, e-mail Berry A steep downhill interrupted the reverie; it Stevens ([email protected]) to re- was back to hanging on for dear life. The serve your space on one or more of these dates. bike appeared possessed as I struggled to hang on. There are a couple of Ritchey Z-Max tires to be given away As the way flattened, the halfway point was attained - Big to the 5th person to volunteer, so respond soon! Basin Redwoods State Park with all the amenities. Water Dog Lake Park is located in the City of Belmont at the As we returned via Gazos Creek, we had to mind the deep end of Carlmont Drive, near Ralston and gravel and steep incline. The creek was just below, and Alameda De Las Pulgas. springs soaked the hillside above.

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resources. The GGNRA includes lands 1 Visit and read our always up-to- SF Advocacy such as Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, date website to learn more about Land's End, and the Marin Headlands. San Francisco mountain biking is- (Continued from page 1) SFMTB is looking for mountain bikers sues: sfmtb.com to volunteer and support this trail 2 Join the SFMTB newsgroup to stewardship effort. not a dreamer's concept. However, an discuss mountain biking issues: organized network does not currently The Trails Forever stewardship pro- topica.com/lists/sfmtb/ exist, and it has no official status. gram will also include the Mori Point 3 Attend the Mt. Davidson moun- coastal land in Pacifica, which was The centerpiece of this conceptual San tain bike ride on Sunday, January recently acquired by the GGNRA. Francisco trail network is Golden Gate 11, 2004, and see how San Francisco This land has many excellent technical Park. At present, off-road biking in trails could be expanded and im- trails that could be opened to the park, which is managed by the San proved. For details visit mountain bikes. Francisco Recreation and Parks sfbike.org/?chain Department, is not allowed. However, New trails in Golden Gate Park and If you’d like to get involved, or have recent edits to the park's master plan the GGNRA will be built and main- further questions,, please contact allow for the creation of a mountain tained based on input from volunteers. Aaron at (415) 317-3753.

ROMP “Twenties” ride participants enjoy spectacular views and some of the best off road riding in San Francisco around Mount Davidson.

biking trail loop plan. The park's If mountain bikers are involved, these Mt. Davidson Mountain Biking Tour supervisors are eager to implement trails will include our interests and Sunday, January 11, 2004 this change to the master plan and are influences. If mountain bikers are not 10am - 1pm accepting input from SFMTB and the involved, we will likely get little or no McLaren Lodge Stanyan @ Fell Streets San Francisco Bicycle Coalition consideration. (SFBC). We hope to guide Rec. & Park This 16-mile ride will take us through in the creation of sustainable trails that Historically, there has been little Golden Gate Park, along Sunset Blvd, can be created and maintained by a mountain biking advocacy or efforts to up to the cross at Mt. Davidson, and core group of volunteers. forge and define trail routes in the back. The 1200-ft climb to the top is patchwork of parks and pavement of quite strenuous, but you'll be treated Additionally, the Golden Gate San Francisco. The time is ripe for us to some of the City's finest trail riding. National Recreation Area (GGNRA) to make an impact and officially bring Learn how SF trails could be expanded has started a trail stewardship pro- mountain biking into the city. If you and improved. Bring plenty of water gram called "Trails Forever." "Trails live in, bike in, or generally care about and a snack. Contact Aaron at Forever" is managed by the Golden bike access in the city, now is the time [email protected] for more information. Gate National Parks Conservancy, the to get involved. non-profit partner of the Golden Gate This event is co-sponsored by the San National Parks. The program’s goal is We’re making it as easy for you to get Francisco Bike Coalition (SFBC) to engage volunteers in trail steward- involved in the SFMTB advocacy and SFMTB. ship and preserve fragile park efforts. Here’s how to get started:

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Holidays with Julie Ride Listings By Claire Nipress she was per- Arastradero Second Saturday Social suaded to ROMP’s annual Holiday Party was 02:30 PM Saturday, January 10 2004 further pur- Duration: 2:00 B/EASY/7/900 held at the Blue Pheasant Restaurant sue biking, in Cuppertino, on December 5th. This friendly, introductory ride covers most and went on Approximately 40 ROMP members major trails in the preserve, including some to be in- moderate hills, jumps, tight switchbacks and and their guests came to eat, drink and ducted into single track. More skilled riders are encouraged celebrate the holidays. to join us, socialize and provide support. De- the Mountain pending on skill level and time, we may go up By far the biggest hit at the party was Bike Hall of dirt Alpine rd. after. Take Oregon Expressway / guest speaker, Julie Furtado. Julie Fame Page Mill Rd south past hwy 280. Turn right on dominated woman’s professional Arastradero, and right into the parking lot. mountain bike racing from 1989 until Bring your helmet, a snack and water. Rain (mtnbikehalloffame.com) for her cancels. Contact Information: Josh Moore retiring in 1996. Julie raced for both accomplishments. 408) 420 7342 [email protected] Yeti, and GT Cycles. About seven years ago after retiring Mt. Davidson Mountain Biking Tour 10:00 AM Sunday, January 11 2004 Julie’s many racing accomplishments from racing, Julie moved from include: 5-time Cross-country US Duration: 3:00 Meet at McLaren Lodge in San Durango, CO, to Santa Cruz where she Francisco. (Stanyan at Fell) National Champion; 3-time Cross- now lives. Her favorite place to ride is country World Cup Champion; 1-time This 16-mile ride will take us through Golden at Wilder Ranch on the “Secret Trails.” Gate Park, along Sunset Blvd, up to the cross at Downhill World Champion; winner of Mt. Davidson, and back. The 1,200 foot climb to every pro women’s NORBA cross- Julie expressed her respect for ROMP the top is strenuous but you'll be treated to country race in 1993 and other advocacy groups that work some of the City's finest trail riding. Learn how to ensure that mountain bikes S.F. trails could be expanded and improved. At the party, instead of giving a continue to have access to old and new Bring plenty of water and a snack. standard presentation Julie held an trails. She also does her bit to help the Sponsored by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition informal and entertaining question mountain biking cause by helping (SFBC) Location: McLaren Lodge Stanyan at and answer session. with local trail work. Fell San Francisco Contact Information: Aaron 415-317-3753 [email protected] Being modest, Julie described her first At the end of the open discussion, sfmtb.com/sheets/rides.htm cycling win as being as much of a ROMP presented Julie with a bottle of 2nd Sunday Ride at Soquel Demo Forest surprise to her as everyone. At the wine from our local Ridge Winery, 10:00 AM Sunday, January 11 2004 time she was more interested in skiing and a ROMP jersey. (Hurry up and Duration: 4:00 C/INT/12-18/2500-3000 Meet at than bikes. She made winning a bike 10am at the entrance to SDF on Highland Way. order your own if you have not done From hwy 17, take the Summit Rd exit and race sound too easy. so yet, and you’ll ride as well as Julie!). head SE. Go 5 1/2 miles to the first stop sign, Julie had been a member of the U.S. turn right and then bear left onto Highland For the rest of the evening ROMP Way. Go another 4 miles to the entrance. National Ski Team throughout most of members kept the bartender busy. More info on SDF at the 1980’s, but after several knee Some hit the dance floor with moves mtb.live.com/rides/SoquelDemo.html. surgeries, decided that attending the equal to those used to clear the Rides will vary covering singletrack such as University of Colorado on a gnarliest trails. Ridge, Braille, Tractor, or Sawpit; Double loop downhill skiing Others swapped option if you didn't have enough fun the first time down. Contact Information: Rich Andrews scholar- bike stories and ship 408-738-1384 [email protected] news with friends. A mtb.live.com/rides/SoquelDemo.html made great time was had more 3rd Sunday Ride at ECdM (Skeggs) by all. 10:00 AM Sunday, January 18 2004 sense. Duration: 3:00 2 RIDES: D/DIFF/15/3000 & B+/ While INT/9/1500 --Meet at Skeggs Point on Skyline attending Blvd at 10am. All hammerheads should ride college in with Dave. Anyone who wants to ride the trails at a more leisurely pace should ride with Claire. Boulder, Julie began Contact Information: Claire or Dave cycling for training. (408) 255-3464 [email protected]

Luckily for the sport 3rd Tuesday Alpine Road of mountain biking 05:00 PM Tuesday, January 20 2004

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Duration: 3:00 This year round ride has a couple between Junction 9 and Page Mill Road). This is options on where to meet up. 1st chance is the a social ride so there are plenty of breaks, and General Ride Info California ave Caltrain station in Palo Alto @ we wait for everyone. Bring a helmet, water and 5:05 pm, meeting the Northbound#79 and the some power bars. After the ride we will go for Southbound#66 trains @ 5:05 pm. From here we lunch in Saratoga. Contact Information: Ratings code pedal through Stanford's "Professorville" on Claire & Dave 408-255-3464 lightly travelled streets, over Old Page Mill rd, [email protected]; Pace / Technical difficulty / Mileage / through Arastradero Preserve to The Portola [email protected] Approximate elevation gain Valley ranch . The 2nd chance to meet up occurs 2nd Sunday Ride at Soquel Demo Forest here @ 6:15, corner of Alpine rd. -Willowbrook Pace 10:00 AM Sunday, February 08 2004 in Portola Valley, please park on Willowbrook. A – Slow; social or introductory ride. Riders Please see January 11 for details. The ride then meanders up Alpine rd, following need not be experienced or fit. El Corte De Madera creek , all the way to Page Arastradero Second Saturday Social B – Moderate; recreational ride. Mill rd x Skyline. This 3 hour ride requires the 02:30 PM Saturday, February 14 2004 C – Quick; fun and fitness ride with multiple use of lights in the fall- winter months, loaner Please see January 10 for details. hours of strong riding. sets are available, and rear flashing lights are D – Sustained, fast; sweaty, intense training highly recommended. Please contact Jim before- 3rd Sunday Ride at ECdM (Skeggs) ride. hand for any equipment questions. This com- 10:00 AM Sunday, February 15 2004 E – Hammerfest; riders should have their heads plete ride is for intermediate level riders, how- Please see January 18 for details. and knees examined! ever, many of our participants show up and ride 3rd Tuesday Alpine Road Pace generally reflects climbing speed; downhill a portion of the distance just to stretch the legs 05:00 PM Tuesday, February 17 2004 speed in most local areas is limited to 15 mph. after work. The main concept of this ride is Please see January 20 for details. A, B, and C rides are “no drop” rides with FUN, any hammerheads are summarily ditched regroups as needed and rest breaks appropriate and left to prove something somewhere else 4th Saturday Beginner's Clinic for weather, terrain and pace. D and E rides Location: California Ave Caltrain station in Palo 01:00 PM Saturday, February 28 2004 may drop riders who cannot maintain the pace; Alto Palo Alto CA Contact Information: Jim Please see January 24 for details. the drop policy may be stated in the ride listing, Sullivan 650-493-8774 [email protected] ROMP Last Sunday @ Wilder Ranch is BACK! or ask the ride leader. 4th Saturday Beginner's Clinic 10:00 AM Sunday, February 29 2004 01:00 PM Saturday, January 24 2004 Please see January 25 for details. Technical Difficulty EASY – Smooth singletrack or fire road; Duration: 3:00 A/Easy/6/800 On the 4th Saturday First Sunday Social Ride at Saratoga Gap obstacles such as rocks and roots might exist but of each month, meet at 1pm at the Arastradero 10:00 AM Sunday, March 07 2004 are not numerous. Preserve, at the main parking area on Please see February 1 for details. Arastradero Road. We'll cover the basics of INTermediate – Steep, rutted fire road; mountain biking while riding a combination of Arastradero Second Saturday Social singletrack with extended sections that can fireroads and singletrack. Be sure to bring a 02:30 PM Saturday, March 13 2004 include medium or large rocks and roots; helmet, water, and something to eat. Please Please see February 14 for details. stream crossings; exposure; long singletrack RSVP to Jim at 650-493-8774 or descents. 2nd Sunday Ride at Soquel Demo Forest [email protected]. RSVP is a must, as the meet- DIFFicult – Singletrack with very steep and/or 10:00 AM Sunday, March 14 2004 ing spot at the Preserve can vary with class fo- rocky sections; narrow trails; exposed Please see February 15 for details. cus Contact Information: Jim 650-493-8774 sideslopes; downhill-side-sloped sections. [email protected] 3rd Tuesday Alpine Road EXTreme – Singletrack with extended steep 05:00 PM Tuesday, March 16 2004 climbs or descents over rough terrain; many ROMP Last Sunday @ Wilder Ranch is BACK! Please see February 17 for details. tight switchbacks and turns. Portions may 10:00 AM Sunday, January 25 2004 require portage. Duration: 4:00 B-C/INT/16/2000' -- Wilder Ranch is 2 miles past the traffic Notes light at Western Dr. on Highway 1 (N). We will meet in the parking lot near the For your first ROMP ride, try one of our restrooms. Leave the parking lot at 10:00. monthly A, B, or C rides to get an idea of pace Lots of single track on your favorite trails: and technical difficulty. Old Cabin, Rodrigo, Twin Oaks, Zane HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL ROMP Grey. Many regroups and "do-overs". RIDES. Please be prepared for the ride (make Bring water and a snack. Be prepared for sure your bike is in working order, bring the best views of Monterey Bay, great appropriate tools, food, water, clothing, etc.). technical single track and faces you may All riders will need to sign a waiver before not have seen for a while! Lunch in Santa every ride; minors will need a parent or Cruz after for those interested. Michael & guardian to sign their release. Jain Location: Wilder Ranch Highway 1 (West of SC at 2 mi.) Santa Cruz CA Con- In general, rain at the area of the ride within 48 tact Information: hours of the ride cancels. But, because different Michael & Jain Light (831) 662-9744 trails can withstand the weather differently, we [email protected] allow the ride leader to make the final decision. If you are unsure about whether a particular First Sunday Social Ride at Saratoga Gap ride will go on, contact the ride leader. 10:00 AM Sunday, February 01 2004 Duration: 3:00 B/EASY/11/1500 Meet at 10am at Grizzly Flat on Skyline Blvd (in

R OMP MOUNTAIN CYCLIST 9

loads delivered from the preserve, The siltation problem that we have Skeggs there are other concerns as well. As today stems largely from the pre- part of the Endangered Species Act, serve’s history. The land within persons or groups that deliberately or ECdM was logged for much of the 100 Changes accidentally kill or harm an endan- years prior to being acquired by gered or threatened species can be MSROD in 1988. Much of the present subject to criminal penalties. Since trail system was created during the two “threatened” species are being long period of logging as seasonal (Continued from page 1) impacted, MSROD could be charged “skid roads” – roads where felled trees ROMP supports the overall proposal, with a “take” of these fish under the were “skidded” downhill to sawmills and expects to be involved in helping Endangered Species Act, and pun- based along the creeks. These “roads” MROSD plan and execute these ished as such. The repercussions of were further developed as trails for changes. Together MROSD, ROMP, being found guilty of a take could off-road motorcycle use during the and other trail-user groups will work include monetary penalties, fines, or period just prior to MROSD’s towards minimizing the environ- closure of the preserve by the Federal stewardship. mental impacts associated with the Government. Needless to say, neither Much of the siltation problem that trail system, while increasing the trail-users nor MSROD are interested exists in the park today is a direct recreational opportunities in these options. result of these prior land uses. The in the preserve. Special Meeting of original skid roads were never Environmental Impact the Board of Directors of intended to be long-term year-round The root of the problem that the the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open trails, yet we use them as such. Watershed Protection Program seeks Space District What’s Changing and When? to address lies several miles down- The Board of Directors will be In January the Watershed Protection stream from ECdM. Coho Salmon and considering whether to approve the Program will be presented to the Steelhead Trout, both listed as El Corte de Madera Creek Open MROSD Board of Directors for “threatened species” under the U.S. Space Preserve Watershed approval. The meeting is open to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Protection Program. public, and anyone interested spawn in San Gregorio Creek. should attend. Unfortunately, San Gregorio Creek is Wednesday, January 21, 2004 Many of the recommendations that are experiencing an increase in the 7:00 P.M. amount of silt being delivered from incorporated into the plan result from upstream sources. Soil carried by Los Altos Youth Center data collected by Timothy Best, a seasonal rain run-off flows into tribu- 1 N. San Antonio Road Certified Engineering Geologist hired taries and creeks that eventually feed Los Altos, CA by MROSD to measure and identify into San Gregorio Creek, where trout problem areas in the park. It should be noted that at least one and salmon eggs are smothered in Assuming that the proposed plan is effort is currently underway to de-list their spawning beds. approved the following changes Coho from the Government’s Most of the land in ECdM, are expected: endangered species list for areas south approximately 2,788 of the park’s of San Francisco. The Central Coast 1) Crossover Trail (the steep connector 2,821 acres, is located within the San Forest Association (ccfassociation.org) between Crosscut and Gordon Mill Gregorio Creek watershed. That argues that Coho are not indigenous Trails) will be closed. Prior to its clo- means that nearly all of the rain that to the rivers south of San Francisco, sure, a replacement trail will be con- falls in the park will eventually reach and as such should not be protected in structed between Timber View and San Gregorio Creek. MSROD, as that area. The group contends that Gordon Mill Trails. stewards of the land, has the responsi- Coho were introduced into the bility to mitigate the siltation that 2) Lower Fir Trail will be rerouted streams by fish hatcheries, and that occurs downstream by implementing between the vista point and they compete with Steelhead for changes in the park. Methuselah Trail. survival. Although their arguments Although saving a species from are well documented, others 3) Short segments of Blue Blossom, possible extinction should be reason document counter-arguments equally Virginia Mill, and North and South enough to work toward lowering silt well – which is true is difficult to determine. (Continued on page 11)

R OMP MOUNTAIN CYCLIST 10

(Continued from page 10) of developed land. Using such an trails where permits are already approach, trial-users should have an in-hand will start first. As permits Leaf Trails will be rerouted. enhanced experience, while at the become available, work will begin on 4) Giant Salamander will be targeted same time environmental impacts are other trails as workers and construc- for tread improvements that will dramatically reduced. tion seasons dictate. reduce siltation associated with it. Proposed changes in patrolling How To Get Involved 5) El Corte de Madera Creek Trail will techniques contained in the Water- Although we are optimistic that the be reduced in width from a 12-foot shed Protection Program also allow Watershed Protection Program will wide fire-road to a 4-foot wide trail. MROSD to convert some former improve the preserve, the 6) Portions of Tafoni, Methuselah, logging roads to trail widths. Instead improvements will not happen Spring Board, Virginia Mill, and of patrolling trails and conducting without your help. rescue operations in full-sized trucks, Lawrence Creek Trials will be reduced First, the plan is not approved. On future operations will be conducted to “trail” width. January 21, 2004, the MROSD Board of with 4-wheel ATVs. The narrower Directors meets and must approve it. In the delicate balancing act between width of these vehicles allows for The Board answers to its constituents. environmental responsibility and reduced trail widths while retaining If you support the plan, you need to recreational opportunities, it appears acceptable service levels. as though both may be enhanced let the board know by writing, calling, through this plan. Proposed changes When completed, the proposed plan or attending the approval meeting. Second, if the plan is approved volunteers are needed to work. Hand-built single-track trails do not materialize out of thin air; they’re built. MROSD does not have the manpower to build these trails alone. Much of the staff’s time will be working on non-trail related improvements, including building footbridges and reconstructing a number of culverts that transport rain run-off in the preserve. ROMP plans on helping create new trails that follow IMBA’s “Trail Buildinguide” imba.com/resources/ trail_building/index.html Volunteers will be needed to help build these trails. Tyler French rides up a challenging, technical, yet highly erosive stretch of the Manzanita Trail at ECDM Without active support in ushering include reducing trail widths on this plan through the approval selected trails, and building new would increase the total off-road miles process, and in constructing trails, this single-track trails by hand - trail- by 1.4, and increase the total number plan stands to fail. It’s up to each of building machines may be impractical of trails (as opposed to fire-road) by us to not let that happen. due to steep slopes, and MROSD’s eight miles. This plan has the poten- goal is to minimize the environmental tial for being a huge win-win for trail- More information, including details of footprint of the new trails. users and the environment. the proposed changes, see website openspace.org or contact Reducing the amount of developed Assuming the plan is approved, work Matt Freeman, District Planner. land area in the park will reduce the will start in early 2004. There is a long [email protected] outflow of sedimentation. MROSD permitting process for trail-building, or (650) 691-1200. has taken the stance that reducing a culvert replacement and other erosion trail’s width will reduce the footprint control activities, so construction of

R OMP MOUNTAIN CYCLIST 11

Donner lake Rim Trail

By Berry Stevens work site, and began to sink our tools our stay by preparing a delicious in the dirt. Our group had been group dinner On September 13th, ROMP members assigned a particularly difficult section performed trail work in support of the The next morning Josh, Richard, of trail to build. Steep side slope and on-going effort to build the Donner Coraline and I took the opportunity to many roots and rocks kept our Lake Rim Trail (DLRT) near Tahoe. ride “Hole in The Ground,” a nearby progress short and hard earned. We When completed, the DLRT will be a 16-mile loop trail with great view and completed about 70 feet of new trail, 20-mile loop encircling Donner Lake continuous challenges. The trail offers including a drainage crossing. along both sides of I-80. 360-degree views of the surrounding After hiking out and getting our spiffy vistas, including Castle Peak. Josh Moore, Rich Andrews, Coraline long-sleeved T-shirts we retired to the Journel and myself joined Mike During our return down the trail, the Viking Ski Lodge, where ROMP had Masek of the Viking Ski Club to group decided to split. Josh and I generously sponsored our stay. The construct a portion of the DLRT proceeded at a brisk pace, while Rich ski lodge is basically a hostel available above I-80 in the upper reaches of and Coraline took a more mellow to Viking Club members. Since we Negro Bill Canyon. “stop and smell the roses” ride. were not members we helped pay for Conditions were perfect with Before trail work started, we temperatures in the 60's, little participated in honoring Adda breeze, clear skies, just enough Quinn, who represented her family. sun, and no trail dust. We stopped The Quinn family donated money at Lower Lola Montez Lake to for a much needed bridge along the enjoy a snack while viewing the trail. Adda has been a tireless beautiful alpine lake, before advocate for trails and equestrian heading back to pavement and access. She has participated in returning to the Viking Ski Club. several “ROMP ‘n Stomps” events, which are joint mountain bike and Both the trail work and the ride equestrian rides. It was great to see made for a good weekend. We did her efforts recognized. our share to help move forward a great trail project, rode one of the After the ceremony we hiked to the best trails in the Sierra Nevadas, and enjoyed the warmth, hospitality and convenience of the Viking Ski Club. If you are a skier and a cyclist, I recommend joining the club. ROMP will be supporting this annual project again next September. Reserve time for another great weekend.

R OMP MOUNTAIN CYCLIST 12

The Adventures of Captain Kickstand

R OMP MOUNTAIN CYCLIST 13

“Fast” Fred Stanke by Fred Stanke newsletter for more A few years ago, after being away detailed ride rating info.) from California for 13 years, I moved I did officially join ROMP back to the bay area, and took up too, dues and all. As a biking at that same time. I started fairly apolitical creature, trying to bike to the top of Page Mill they made it easy for me to Road in Palo Alto, which seemed at become active in local the time to be an almost ludicrous lobbying to insure that this goal. Eventually I made it to the top sport that I have come to and "discovered" that there were trails enjoy so much continues to up there, and that those trails were be available to all. I have inhabited by ROMP. had great fun, and have While on a ride, I met a group of rid- earned a great sense of ers who were with ROMP, and was accomplishment, in joining struck by their friendliness, and by some of the work projects their evident experience in this sport that ROMP has sponsored. that was so new to me. I started It is wonderful to be on a riding with them, and haven't ROMP ride, and not worry stopped since. about where you are, or I started with the beginner “A” ride, at where you're going - just Fast Fred Stanke is Friendly too . . . Really! Russian Ridge Open Space. After- follow the bikes in front of you. Some of the trailside repairs that they have ward I routinely joined ROMP for of the ride venues, like El Corte de helped me with have been awesome. several rides a month, from the more Madera Open Space or Henry Coe In one case I managed to "taco" a front relaxed, social “B” and “C” rides, up State Park, have incredibly complex wheel (i.e. your wheel is folded over through the more difficult “D” and and extensive trail systems. ROMP in such a way that it resembles a taco). “E” rides. In my opinion, the “E” rides are a great way to find out what's It looked hopeless, but Glenn, one of rides are for folks who need their available and how to get around. the ROMP regulars, whapped the heads and knees examined! (See the There is an abundance of mechanical wheel on the ground a few times and “General Ride Info” section of the expertise in the ride groups too. Some straightened it out. Away I rode, and finished the ride with no further ado. Romp Directory Eventually, I took the opportunity to PO Box 1723, Campbell, CA 95009-1723 408-380-2271 x2171 www.romp.org plan and lead a couple of rides near President Paul Nam 408-446-3745 [email protected] my home, in those first open spaces I Vice President Claire Nipress 408-255-3464 [email protected] Secretary You? [email protected] "discovered" around Page Mill Road Treasurer Glenn Wegner 408-257-8284 [email protected] and Skyline Blvd. I guess my experi- Beginner’s Clinic Leader Jim Sullivan 650-493-8774 [email protected] ence has come full circle, as I now Membership Director Linda Wegner 408-257-8284 [email protected] help others as they once helped me. Membership Database David Volansky 415-334-7569 [email protected] Social Director Riya Devine 408-253-7086 [email protected] Land Management Liaison Scott Schlacter [email protected] ROMP Monthly Meetings Newsletter Layout Joshua Moore 408-420-7342 [email protected] Monthly meetings are where the vast Newsletter Editor Eric Lafferty 408-733-4549 [email protected] majority of ROMP business is conducted, Newsletter Distribution Glen Wegner 408-257-8284 [email protected] including policy development issues, Trail Education Rich Andrews 408-738-1384 [email protected] budgets, and cyclist education. They occur at Trail Work Coordinator Berry Stevens 650-364-6785 [email protected] 7 PM on the fourth Monday of each month Ride Coordinator Julie Brown 650-814-8271 [email protected] (except December) at the Round Table Pizza, Sponsor Coordinator John Morgan 408-224-6879 [email protected] Sunnyvale Town and Country National Mtn Bike Patrol Dave Wieland 408-371-2729 [email protected] Web Master Tim Pepper [email protected] Address: 101 Town And Country Sunnyvale, CA 94086. (408) 736-2242

R OMP MOUNTAIN CYCLIST 14

ROMP Membership Application, Renewal, Change of Address, and Donation Form Jersey & T-Shirt Sale! ROMP is a group of local, energetic mountain bikers who have discovered the Jerseys: $55 + $2 shipping need for an active representation for the mountain biking public, and for an The new, green, light blue, and yellow Jerseys organized, responsible attitude in the practices of off-road bicyclists. ROMP have arrived! These Voler Jerseys run a little needs YOUR support to help these changes come about. small so we suggest ordering one size larger than normal. Fill in all information whether you are a new or renewing member. Failure to T-shirts: $10 + $2 shipping include all information will delay your membership. Please print legibly. (Sorry, only size XL available) Name To order, fill out the following: (or pick them up at a club meeting or by Additional Family members arrangement at a club ride) Address

Size Color (olive or forest) Qty. Subtotal City State Zip

Phone email

Membership Type Individual ($20.00) Family ($25.00) Student ($10.00)

New Renewal Change of Address Donation $ ...... Order total :

Send Newletter Shipping $2 ea.: Total: Via US postal service Just send me an email when the news is online Name Club Directory — please list my Address

Name Address phone email Do not list me in the directory Email I‘d like to help with Phone

Education Trail work Fundraising Letter writing Send form with check payable to: Event coordination Newsletter articles Ride leadership Social events ROMP – Attention: Apparel Release of Liability Agreement PO Box 1723 Campbell CA 95009-1723 Upon acceptance of my membership in Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP), and while participating in any group event sanctioned, sponsored or organized by ROMP, I hereby, for myself, my heirs, assigns, successors and administrators, release, waive and discharge any and all claims for liability or damages resulting from death, personal injury or damage to any property which may occur, or which may later become accountable to me as a result, directly or indirectly of my participation in ROMP events (group rides). I fully understand this release is intended to unconditionally release, in advance, ROMP from any and all liability pursuant to or arising from my participation in club event, EVEN WHEN SUCH LIABILITY ARISES OUT OF NEGLIGENCE OR CARELESSNESS ON THE PART OF ROMP, its members, officers, and representatives. Signature Date

Parent signature (if under 18) Date

Send this form with check payable to: ROMP – Attention: Membership, PO Box 1723, Campbell CA 95009-1723

Did you complete all information, sign your name, and enclose your check?

Thank you, and welcome to ROMP!

R OMP MOUNTAIN CYCLIST 15 Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PO Box 1723 PAID Campbell CA 95009-1723 SAN JOSE CA

PERMIT NO. 1371 Inside this issue:

SF MB Advocacy 1 Skeggs Changes 1 The Price of Access 2 ROMP Races 3 Why Seasonal Clo- 4 Water Dog 6 Rick’s Ride Report 6 Holiday Party 8 Ride Listings 8,9 Donner Rim Trail 12 Cap’n Kickstand 13 “Fast” Fred 14

Saso Cycles. [email protected] or call at (408) 926-0183 Trail Head Cyclery 14450 Union Ave, San Jose 408-369-9666 trailheadonline.com Light&Motion, 300 Cannery Row, Mon- terey, 831.645-1538 bikelights.com Summit Bicycles 111 East Main Street., Los Gatos 408/399- 9142; 1111 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame 650-343-8483; 1820 Broken Spoke 782 Laurel 4th Street, San Rafeal 415-456-4700 Street, San Carlos 650-594-9210 brokenspoke.com Slough’s Bike Shoppe 260 Race St., San Jose Calmar Cycles 2236 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 408-293-1616 408-249-6907 calmarcycles.com BikeMapDude: Palo Alto Bicycles 170 University Ave. Palo Alto 650-328-7411 bikemapdude.com/ paloaltobicycles.com Walt’s Cycle and Fitness. 116 Carroll Ave, The Bicycle Outfitter 963 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-736-2630 Fremont Avenue, Los Altos 650-948-8092 bicycleoutfitter.com Calabazas Cyclery 6140 Bollin- Cupertino Bike Shop 10493 S. De Anza Blvd, ger Rd., San Jose 408-366-2453 Cupertino 408-255-2217 cupertinobike.com calabazas.com Sunshine Bicy- Crossroads Bicycles 217 N Santa Cruz cles. 309 First St. Ave # C,Los Gatos,CA 408-354-0555 Gilroy 408-842-4889 Chain Reaction 1451 El Camino Real, Redwood City Zanotti Cycles 4396 Enterprise Place, Suite A; Fre- 650-366-6620; 2310 Homestead (at Foothill Plaza), mont, CA 94538. 510-490-4030. [email protected] Los Altos 408-735-8735 chainreaction.com Willow Glen Cycles. 1111 Willow St. San Jose, 95125. 408-2932606