Magazine of the New England Mountain Bike Association

August / September, Number 57 wwwwww..nneemmbbaa..oorrgg

Riding the nasty New England’s Best Swimming holes Don’t get Even: Get Political!

Win a Santa Cruz Superlight! Moab Dream Vacation 2 SSingleingleTTrackS August / September 2001, Number 57 NEMBA, the New England Mountain Bike Association, is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to promoting trail access, maintaining trails open for mountain bicyclists, and educating mountain bicyclists to use these trails sensitively and responsibly.

SingleTracks is published six times a year by the New England Mountain Bike Association for the trail community, and is made possible 9 Technical Survival by riders like you. Even if you’re not an extreme rider, learning how to ride like one will increase your cross-country ©SingleTracks prowess and your fun. By Mike Rowell Editor & Publisher: Philip Keyes Singletracks Committee: Bill Boles, Krisztina Holly, Nanyee Keyes, and Mary Tunnicliffe Executive Director: Philip Keyes Letters/Submissions: New England’s Best Swimming SingleTracks 14 PO Box 2221 Holes Acton MA 01720 Now that we’re in the dog days of summer, what Voice 800.57.NEMBA better excuse for a ride than to cool your toes in Fax: 520-395-7759 one of New England’s best swimming holes. By Email: [email protected] Krisztina Holly Board of Directors Bill Boles, President 17 Len Earnshaw, Vice-President Don’t Get Even: Get Political! Anne Shepard, Treasurer Don’t just complain about your favorite riding area John Dudek, Secretary getting shut down, get involved and get political. Rob Adair, White Mountains NEMBA Mark Bialas, Merrimack NEMBA Here are a few tips on how to get political effective- Norman Blanchette, Merrimack NEMBA ly. By Andrew Stackhouse Bill Boles, SE MA NEMBA Scott Briere, Greater Boston NEMBA Jack Chapman, EFTA Liason Bob Croston, Greater Boston NEMBA SingleTracks welcomes submissions Hunt Durey, North Shore NEMBA and artwork from our literate or cre- Jim Grimley, RI NEMBA ative membership. This is your forum Gray Harrison, Wachusett NEMBA and your magazine, so please send us Krisztina Holly, At Large stuff! Tina Hopkins, Rhode Island NEMBA Mark Jenks, White Mountains NEMBA Contribute! Got a cool story idea? Rich LaBombard, Pioneer Valley NEMBA Rob Macgregor, VT NEMBA Treadlines —3 Want to build your publishing resume? Tom McCrumm, Berkshire NEMBA Happenings —6 Give us a call. You can reach us at Deb McCulloch, Cape Cod & Islands NEMBA SideTracks —18 [email protected] or call 800- TJ Mora, VT NEMBA 57-NEMBA. Mark Polomski, SC NH NEMBA Travel —20 Jason Record, Seacoast NEMBA Chapter News —23 On the Cover: Jason Record of Jean Ruben, SC NH NEMBA Seacoast NEMBA shows some Alex Sokolow, CT NEMBA NEMBA Rides —30 descending skill down the Lynn Woods Dan Streeter, North Shore NEMBA NEMBA Sponsors—36 Mitch Steinberg, Blackstone Valley NEMBA Bow Ridge trails. By Philip Keyes Adam Thomas, Cape Cod NEMBA NEMBA Calendar—38 Know Someone who wants to Mary Tunnicliffe, Berkshire NEMBA John Turchi, CT NEMBA Advertise? Carolyn Zept, SE MA NEMBA SingleTracks offers inexpensive and tar- We are also dedicated to having fun! geted advertising which helps us NEMBA, P.O. Box 2221, defray the cost of producing this cool Acton MA 01720 ‘zine. Call 800-57-NEMBA or email 800 -57-NEMBA [email protected] for our media kit. WWW.NEMBA.ORG

3 TREADLINES

Cape Cod NEMBA Officially Pedro’s-Harpoon MTB Series Cited Raises Money for Charities,Trails Cape Cod NEMBA seems to be With four events a magnet for awards! This cita- under its belt, the tion is from the Massachuetts MBAS has raised State Senate, recognizing them $6099 for charity for being the recipient of their and the trails, and Environmental has brought in 119 Trust grant. Cape Cod NEMBA new NEMBA mem- has been involved in a number bers. By the time of wetlands restoration pro- you read this, the jects and continues to help series will have hit Cape Cod towns protect their the Freetown State open spaces and balance Forest and Great resource protection with pas- Brook Farm State sive recreation, which natural- Forest as well. ly, includes mountain biking. There’s still time to come to the season finale in the White Mountains on September 23, so don't miss out on the fun—all for a good cause. For directions Ted Wojcik Bicycles / Mavic Trail and times, go to www.mtbadventureseries.org. Care Series Expands Northward What began as Seacoast NEMBA’s trail maintenance series has NEMBA Membership Drive expanded to the White Mountains of . As part of NEMBA has begun its first direct mail membership campaign, send- the series, all trail events held by White Mountains NEMBA and ing 11,000 new NEMBA brochures to mountain bikers throughout Seacoast NEMBA are now eligible to win great stuff from the two the region. The address databases were generously provided by the main sponsors, Ted Wojcik Bicycles and Mavic USA. So get out National Offroad Bicycle Association, the International Mountain there, lend a hand, and win some great swag! Bike Association, Mountain Bike Magazine, and Backcountry Excursions of Maine. If you would like to help NEMBA grow by handing out brochures to your friends and riding buddies, send an email to [email protected] or call 800-57-NEMBA and we’ll mail you some. It’s important that NEMBA’s membership grows so that we can represent all bikers in the region and continue to promote and safeguard our sport. In the meantime, ask your friends if they’re members. If not, tell them that joining online is quick and painless. Blood-Sucking Tick Attack! OK, this has nothing to do with NEMBA. Instead it comes from Reuters: “An Austrian girl was bitten by 150 ticks in what doctors say appears to be a record blood-sucking spree, state television ORF said on Tuesday. The 10-year-old girl was attacked by the swarm of ticks as she cycled through a meadow near her home in the northern province of Upper Austria. ``We've never seen such an invasion,'' said Dr. Klaus Schmid, head of the internist division at the local hos- pital. The girl was lucky to have been vaccinated against tick poison, which can be fatal.” Editor’s Note: Yipes!

4 TREADLINES

RI NEMBA works Arcadia Seacoast Works Northwood On April 22, Rhode Island NEMBA repaired water damage along a The Seacoast Chapter undertook its largest and most involved trail on the south side of Arcadia Management Area. This involved project on a cool Sunday morning on the 6th of May. The damming the Northwood part of a stream Meadows State that was taking Park Boardwalk a short cut project was part down the trail of the Ted Wojcik and shoring up Custom Bicycles/ the side of the Mavic Trail Care trail to prevent Series. Headed more damage up by Chris by people rid- Kofer, the project ing the sides of consisted of the trail. A building a board- good crowd, a walk to cross a beautiful day, stream. Spanning 36 feet, the Boardwalk was the major focus of some great work and a fun ride afterwards. —Chris Hughes the group and took the entire team effort of over a dozen volun- teers most of the day to complete. —Len Earnshaw Save the Vietnam Picnic Table Time to Buy Tix is Now! There is a poor, innocent picnic table that doesn’t deserve to be destroyed. Member Jan Hubbell recently took up a collection to Don’t procrastinate! Show your support of NEMBA’s Trails Grant buy a picnic table for the office park where many mountain bikers Program and buy up some raffle tickets to win a Santa Cruz park to use the trails at Vietnam. If you see people hopping on it Superlight and other awesome prizes. The drawing will take place with their bikes, tell ‘em to pick on something their own size! We early fall, and time is going by all too quick. You can order online could lose our ability to park there otherwise. at www.nemba.org or call 800-57-NEMBA.

5 HAPPENINGS Bear Brook Boogie, EFTA/NEMBA Extravaganza by Len Earnshaw, Photos by John Gunterman, Seacoast

Thunder and I wonder lightning, very, what the very frightening, day will me? Not afraid? bring. Naa, it's just the Arriving at weather report. the Park at It wouldn't dare, I 8:00 am we hoped! find that Sue Blais- Weeks of plan- dell, the ning, endless EFTA Fun Ride Chairperson, is already there and is getting things hours of prepara- going. The morning drizzle has stopped as Sue works with my tion and now lovely wife Laurel to get the tent set up at the registration booth. with everything Dave, Lori and Jon put up the final arrows and signs while John and done, it comes down to the final set of circumstances, especially Jason Record wait for people to start showing up to direct them on the weather. parking. A few weeks prior to the event, with state approval in hand, I con- Slowly at first but picking up as the morning moved on the registra- tact my trusted route advisors David Heath and Robert Waldroup tion booth was swamped, not with rain but with riders registering who designed last year’s course. We discuss the possibility of mak- for the event and anticipating a great day. Sue, Laurel, Betty and Jill ing changes to add more singletrack to the long loop. It’s hard Heath kept the registration line moving and assisted in the raffle work, and an art in itself—it also takes longer that you’d think. along with Tony. Luckily, Seacoast NEMBA has some great volunteers, and the good folk at Goodale’s in Nashua even donated some gift certificates! Fortunately the weather held off. Although it was overcast all day, it didn't rain. In fact the cool weather was perfect for riding; there Sunday morning, leaving the house with the wipers in intermittent, was no hot sun beating on the riders and the cool breeze kept the bug count down. An incredible turnout of 127 riders came to the event under the threat of bad weather and were treated to a great day for riding. This year we tested the waters with a Kid's Ride. Karen Gunterman and Linda Hood volun- teered to assist lead- ing the mile and a half loop with a mix of singletrack and gravel roads. We had eight kids sign up, better than I had hoped. They took the loop in stride and it hardly whet the kids' appetite. We added another two mile loop that included a stop halfway for rock jumping and bug chasing. That ride ended with cheers from these future heroes for more, so Linda and Karen took them on a four mile singletrack excursion that has a mix of many challenges. These kids were amazing, adding up over seven miles, it was a pleasure to see them beam with pride on their accomplishments! Jason Record and Roger Moulton swept the adult long course, and Laurel with Randy and Ethan Gilmore swept the short course. And lots of folk helped tear down after the event. The event was a total success, two thumbs up! I wish to express a big thank you to all the Seacoast NEMBA folks that made this happen and to all the riders who came out to sup- port Bear Brook State Park.

6 HAPPENINGS White Mountains Trailbuilding Weekend by Krisztina Holly, White Mountains. Photos by Rob Adair

t's hard to imagine working people REALLY HARD and then have who, over a hundred years ago, would unfailingly hike over the them come back to thank you profusely for letting them partici- Hurricane Mountain pass into Fryeburg every Sunday for church, Ipate… but it happened! The White Mountains Trail Building and the group of Radcliffe women that he convinced to go with Weekend was a huge success. him one weekend. Just imagine the visual on that one! The goal of the weekend was for people to have fun, do a little rid- Anyway, we accomplished an incredible amount. We cleared the ing, and learn trailbuilding techniques like sidehill construction whole lower section of the trail, benching and finishing most of it. and rockwork, while kicking off a new trail in North Conway. Continued on page 8 Almost 40 people turned up for the workday: not only locals, but many from all over New England, too. Even the IMBA/Subaru Trail Care Crew was there to help guide the event. The trail in question will be a multi-use trail connector between a system of trails in North Conway to the Cranmore Connector trail near the top of the ridgeline. Having this connector will mean avoiding Hurricane Mountain Road, the steepest paved road in the state, to get to the trail network off of Black- cap. NEMBA needed to get permis- sion from three differ- ent land- owners for this project. This new trail will be a killler climb, but is rideable and relatively gentle compared to the road. The lower section skirts the bank of a rushing stream for about 2/3 of a mile, until a landing, at which point it heads away from the road between clearcuts, through hardwood and then hemlock forests. The views of the Moats, Cathedral and White Horse Ledges, Kearsarge, and other surrounding mountains are breathtaking all the way up. The total distance is about 2 ½ miles. The trail does not yet have a name… any ideas? One proposal is the "Reverend-Radcliffe Trail," in honor of one Reverend Worcester,

7 Most of it was on really steep Cranmore Mountain Resort and descended on the Adairs' backyard sidehill, some of it quite for a BBQ. It was fun, tasty… and somewhat dangerous! (How rocky, and some sections with many drunk mountain bikers can fit on a trampoline in the dark...?) duff about 3 feet deep... it Many of us felt the effects the next morning… was TOUGH work! We also Sunday we rolled out of bed and onto our bikes to Echo Lake, did some nice rockwork - a where we grouped up for the ride. Wow - 33 riders, that's huge! crib wall, a couple of armored We were a little concerned about how it would turn out (like herd- cobblestone sections. Plus, ing 33 cats - of different abilities!) but it worked out well. After everyone seemed to feel that exploring the twisty lower trails for a couple of hours, many folks they learned something. had their fill. The rest of us broke up into smaller groups and bust- After the event, many new ed out into an epic ride with nice climbs and sweet singletrack people were commenting, downhills. The weather was stellar. "Gee, I never had any idea what went into building a Since the weekend, Rob and several other people have been going trail, this is really amazing! I back to continue our efforts and are already onto the middle sec- have a totally new apprecia- tion of the trail. But we still have a LOT of work to do. We hope tion for it." to have a full-length, awesome sustainable trail by the end of the season. More official trailbuilding days are coming up: The pizza from Elvio's was much appreciated - and didn't last long! We were all very motivat- - Thursday, August 23rd 6:00 PM ed to finish the lower section of the trail, so after the brief lunch, - Saturday, Sept 8th 9:00 PM. everyone rolled up their sleeves and eagerly went back for another couple of hours of work. (We didn't touch the upper part of the An October date will also probably be added. Please help out trail, because we wanted to focus on the lower part and do it when you can! For more information on the trail or the upcoming right.) workdays, contact Rob at 603-356-6913 or radair@all- pointstech.com. After the workday, we freshened up (as much as possible) at the

8 FEATURE Technical Survival by Mike Rowell, Greater Boston

t seems there's some very valuable lessons. I contest that these lessons can be a resurgence, if useful for riders of all skill levels. not a revolu- I My intent here is to share my experiences, both successful and less tion, in technical successful. The first is based on a fairly advanced set of techniques riding. Having in and of itself. However, I think that it is a good place to start spent years riding since you can easily practice it at home in your backyard. and racing flat and fast cross country I hope these tips will inspire you to go out and learn something trails, I'd forgotten new, but I must urge you to be careful and always stay within your the constant chal- personal limits. I've found these skills help me ride better and, in lenges of riding many cases, faster. I'm not an expert and don't proclaim to be. Like technical terrain. other types of riding, these techniques could be dangerous, so With the onset of wear helmets and exercise caution and personal responsibility for "freeriding" and a your actions. mainstream focus Balance on riding more and more chal- Balance is the real key to it all. Without balance you would never lenging terrain, I be able to ride a bike—you’d just fall over. Unfortunately, you can’t see a need for a go down to your local shop and grab a couple ounces of balance, sharing of lessons so you got to practice. learned. When we To learn better bal- ride more difficult ance, practice the terrain and staying on your improve our skill bike when it’s not sets, we learn moving! Called the trackstand, this technique is invalu- able when riding very technical ter- rain that may require slow speed maneuvering over, around, or through obstacles. It is also great for waiting at a stoplight. An easy way to practice this is to just sit on your bike and remain motionless for as long as you can. I find that locking the brakes and keeping a little force on the pedals makes it easier for me. You can also move ahead a little bit, maybe a quarter of a pedal stroke, then stop again in order to adjust your balance point. Once you can trackstand, start applying it in your riding. Try riding the white line on the side of the road, or hop on a curb and see how far you can go. Anything will do, just practice it. If you need to start with something wider then by all means, do so. You can also lay a plank in the yard and try riding it lengthways. It doesn't have to be 8' off the ground to make it challenging and more importantly, rewarding. Once you have spent some time on these techniques, you should find yourself more at ease hovering on slow speed technical sec- tions as well as getting over narrow stuff. You will learn to use the bike to balance and to use yourself as a counterweight. Trackstanding is especially useful so you can remaining riding while some poser hoses a section and is slow to get out of your way. It’s also useful when waiting for the traffic light to turn green. It's all good. Continued on page 10

9 Riding the Skinny probably the biggest component when we are talking about low risk situations like this. It has happened to all of us. We are riding along and The next part of the equation is pretty straightforward. are presented with a nar- You're riding a straight, narrow obstacle; therefore, don't row boardwalk or a skinny turn. I know it isn't always that easy, but when you have no log or plank bridge that we choice in the matter, you have no choice. Turning the bars are expected to ride over. isn't an option regardless of whether or not your balance is I'm not talking "North intact. Shore" here, I mean those That said, what happens when you lose your balance? little 2 x 10’ plank bridges Nobody said that you have to remain still. That is the key. or maybe a log spanning a You are free to move about all you want, as long as you keep 4' gap. Nothing serious, the bike steady and moving in a straight line. You will be right? No reason to get off amazed at how much you can move your body around while your bike at all. Yea, right, still keeping the bike balanced and moving forward on that 5" no reason until your front wide log. wheel slides off and you go ass over teakettle. The last part of this equation deals with your visual focus. Look ahead, focusing on the destination and not on your Really though, there is no current location. Your destination is just a random point, one reason to get off the bike, that you will want to take the shortest distance to, that if you approach it with the being a straight line. right perspective. The first thing you need to have is Practice riding the skinny in low or no risk situations. Set a confidence. You need to board up in the back yard and ride it lengthwise. Ride along know that you not only the curb or a sidewalk. Whatever you have available. can, but will ride it. In my Remember that the obstacle doesn't need to be 6' in the air opinion, confidence is to be effective at teaching you a new lesson. (Philip Keyes)

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10 The Lurch want to be in the middle ring and grind it vs. spin it up. The lurch (or log hop) is probably the first technical skill that I Drop In learned that accounted for a paradigm shift in my ability. What The drop in is the technique used for riding into a very steep sec- that lurch consists of is a complex set of motions that allows you tion of trail. Generally, you will use it for something that is too big to get the bike up and onto or over an obstacle, such as a rock or high to wheelie drop, but steep or technical enough so that you shelf or a log. can't just ride off or through the thing. The principle is very simple, The first part of the maneuver involves a bit of a wheelie jerk, to keep your weight back, stay off the front brake and ride it. get the front end up into the air. Do this by getting your weight This sounds easy for the most part, and it is. All you have to do is back on the bike and then lofting the front end into a wheelie. In maintain a low center of gravity. That means that you will want to general, this is not done using a pedal stroke to get the front end get your weight back behind the seat and off the handlebars. This up. The may mean that you need to drop your saddle a bit. For technical motion is riding, you want your saddle between one and two inches lower more of a than normal anyhow. Once you have your weight back, use pri- rear weight- marily back brake and let it run. ing and jerk up on the Continued on page 12 bars. The first portion of this move is almost exactly like a bunny hop. In fact, at this point, in order to complete a bunny hop, you would The Drop In just hop the rear end up into the air. You then level the bike to roughly match the height of the front wheel, which you have manually wheelied into the air, and hop over whatever you are attempting to bunny hop. That is where the lurch move diverges. The point of this move is not to clear an obstacle, but simply to get up onto it. Therefore, you won't need to level the bike off, you will want to keep the front end high and pointed at or over the top of your objective. With the front end high, you now need to get the back end up and onto the target (say a 3' high rock shelf whose face is at a 60 degree angle to you, making it too hard to just ride up). This will require an upward lunch or jerk of the complete bike, which will transfer your forward momentum into upward momentum. Timing is crucial. Too soon and you miss (or worse), too late and you run smack into the rock face. Ideally, you want to lurch up just as, or slightly before, your rear wheel strikes the obstacle. In order to complete the move, now that you have the upward momentum, you either coast it over or grind it up the remainder of the face. In general, this is a move that requires some momentum. As such, it is not usually a granny gear move. You will probably

11 Wheelie ticing is really easy. Find a curb and wheelie off it, over and over Drops until you have a good feel for the bike and the motion. From there, as your confidence and ability increase, you can start finding bigger Wheelie drops are and bigger stuff to drop off. one of the easiest skills to learn but Now some of you may ask how the wheelie itself is done. That is a one of the most little harder to explain. The majority of the move deals with proper terrifying to per- balance of your weight on the bike. You want to get as far back on form. The move is the saddle as possible, which will give you more torque and also a supreme leap of get your weight as close to the pivot point (the rear wheel's axle) faith as anyone as possible. You then choose a gear that will allow you to give a who has blown a good burst of torque on the cranks. I suggest a middle ring, biggest wheelie drop can cog combination. With your weight back give a good firm pedal tell you. Any stroke and pull lightly back on the bars. This doesn't mean that number of things you should jerk back on the bars. The intent is not to give yourself can go wrong whiplash here. If all goes well, the front wheel should loft. A word sending you of caution, in order to help prevent the dreaded loop-out (going The Wheelie Drop (Philip Keyes) plummeting to over backwards) you may want to ride with one finger on the back the earth, front brake lever. If you feel yourself going past the balance point and wheel first. Obviously, as the height you are dropping increases, falling over backwards, a tap on the brake will send the nose plum- the potential for disaster also increases. Exercise extreme caution meting back to earth. and good sense! The Launch (Huck) All a wheelie drop entails is pulling a small wheelie and riding it This is one of the more advanced, but useful moves for technical until the rear of the bike drops off the obstacle that you are riding. Hucking is a maneuver by which you loft the bicycle over or wheelying off. Simple, right? You wouldn't hesitate to do this off a off of an obstacle, usually a drop of some sort. The primary differ- curb and you probably do it all the time. The only difference is the ence between the huck and a wheelie drop is that you don't do a consequence. The technique is exactly the same. Given that, prac- wheelie before the drop. Instead, you rely on your ability to manu-

12 ally keep the bike relatively level through the takeoff, in the air and My Backyard North Shore onto the landing. by Loren Manginelli, Connecticut This may sound strange, but it really isn't that difficult. The only I've only been riding reason that you need to ever do a wheelie on a drop is that you are mountain bikes for traveling slowly and as you ride off of the edge of the drop, your about two years weight drives the nose of the bike down. If you have ever jumped now, but the bug bit me real bad. One anything successfully at speed, you will note that no wheelie is day at the bike shop required. This is because you kept your weight back as you came ordering some new over the lip so that the nose stayed level. A huck is basically the parts (yes, I bent the same thing, just not necessarily off a jump. wheel, so what?!) I noticed a mountain One of the most bike video called common applica- Kranked IV. The tions of a huck is a salesman had rec- ommended it, saying steep and long rock it was one of the most extreme biking face that ends in a videos he had ever seen, and there were sheer drop that is great North Shore too big to nose in stunts in it that I was just starting to hear on. Another appli- and read about on cation is for a steep the whole freeriding drop that ends in a thing, so I purchased transition. You real- the tape. Well, that ly aren't jumping off video changed my whole outlook on of the top, it's more riding. I wanted to of a launch off. The ride the north shore goal of this maneu- style; I wanted to do ver is to land the the crazy stunts but where? Nowhere, bike more level than that's where. rear first. Generally speaking, you let There weren't any in my area, so I decid- ed to build my own in my backyard. I the bike's suspen- started out small with one ramp with the sion and the transi- free wood I have tion (down sloped gotten from my landing area) handle The Huck brother. I started out practicing small the force of the wheelie drops and landing, rather than landing rear wheel first and ratcheting down riding over 4x4's with the front as a means of dissipating the landing force. lying on the ground. Little by little as my In preparing for and practicing this move, I suggest that you start collection of free small. In fact, lets get back to our friend the curb. What you can wood started to do is ride off the curb just like you did in the wheelie drop, only do grow, so did my it at a greater speed without the traditional wheelie. Instead, do a skills and my imagi- nation. Now I have a “manual,” or manual wheelie. That involves getting your weight 40-ft. easy bridge back on the bike (gee, there's a surprise) and pulling back on the with a 3-ft. drop, a bars to loft the front end of the bike. Practice on the small stuff 95-ft. double log and build your way up. Good luck, and remember to always stay ride with 4-ft. drop. I have a 50-ft teeter totter, and many within your limits. Gravity hurts! others. The cool thing is that I now have the North Shore in my own backyard. Oh yeah, just in case you're wondering — I 'm married with two children, 40 years old and my wife thinks I'm nuts. It must be that mid- life crisis thing I Certified Public Accountants guess. Well, if you - Emerging Business - Tax Planning and Compliance would like to be invited to ride my - Auditing and Accounting·- Profitability Improvement ramps and jumps, or would like more 75 Second Avenue, Suite 300 information, please Needham, MA 02494 email me at for- Phone: (781) 453-1116 Fax: (781) 453-1117 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

13 FEATURE New England’s Best Swimming Holes Compiled by Krisztina Holly, White Mountains

Great Riding and Swimming

1 2 Savoy State Forest 3 DAR State Forest 4 Jamaica State Park 5 Irving State Forest 6 Brimfield State Forest 7 8 9 10 George Washington State Park 11 Arcadia Management Area 12 Myles Standish State Forest 13 Harold Parker State Forest 14 Bear Brook State Park 15 Saco River and Echo Lake 16 Sunday River Resort

(Rob Adair) (Rob and the powerlines on the East side of route 16. If you have it in t's late August; hot, sweltering heat, but you just have to ride. you, you can also ride up the steepest paved road in the state, The sweat beads up on your arms and legs. It feels like you are Hurricane Mountain road (or, coming soon, a new singletrack trail, Isoaking in a vat of butter until you gain a little speed on a down- courtesy of NEMBA - see White Mountains Trailbuilding Weekend hill, giving you a short respite until that next climb. Your core tem- elsewhere in this issue) up to the Blackcap trail, and down from the perature rises, and no matter how much you suck on that CamelBak summit via Cranmore Mountain or the Green Hills Preserve - but tube, you just can't get enough. It's time to cool off! pick an uncrowded day, because Blackcap is a popular trail for hik- ers. We've compiled a few of our favorite swimming spots near some of New England's best riding - so now you have no excuse to not go Also, you can explore the Moats area behind Echo Lake for a mix of riding because of the heat! (Did we miss your favorite? Send it in!) some killer climbing and some twisty singletrack. Speaking of which, Echo Lake is another nice spot for swimming and picnicking, River Dance under the shadows of Cathedral and White Horse Ledges. You can The Saco River just West of Route 16 in North Conway, NH is a find great rockclimbing here as well. popular cooling-off spot for locals as well as tourists. There's a For more suggestions, visit a local bike shop, such as the Red Jersey small sandy beach, a long rocky riverbank, a large grassy field, rope Cyclery on route 302 in Bartlett (continue North on routes 16/302 swings, and even a huge bridge to jump off of (although we would about 6 miles, just past the light where 16 turns right) or Joe Jones never actually condone that, since it's illegal!). Not to mention a in North Conway (on Route 16) - and tell them you heard about bunch of great trails within striking distance around the Mount them from NEMBA! Washington Valley. To get to the bridge from the center of North Conway, go North on There are plenty of singletrack trails in the Whittaker Woods area route 16, and take a left at the light onto River Road. Shortly after going under the railroad bridge, you'll see cars parked along the road near a bridge - park here and start your ride. To find the rope swings, explore up and downstream from the bridge. - Krisztina Holly Biking, Beaches, and BBQ Hopkinton State Park has everything you need for a great summer afternoon - great trails, great beaches, along with BBQ grilles and a bathhouse. It even has a soccer/football field. It hosts the annual Hop-Rock triathlon, the annual Hopkinton Mountain Bike Ultimate Tournament and last year's XTerra professional off-road triathlon. Being one of the nicest state parks in the area, it's a great place to bring the family and not feel guilty about leaving them on the beach

14 while you head off Brook Campground (see below) in Jamaica, VT. Expect to see lots of for a ride. I like nice climbing and descents, some sections of rooty, technical sin- hanging out near gletrack, some dirt roads, and a mammoth hike-a-bike from the the Upper Beach, Jamaica Campground to a great view at the top of a dam. There is but larger groups also some nice riding on the other side of Rte. 30 from the camp- have more space to ground, with a technical climbs and nice singletrack along a lake spread out in the that would make for a nice short evening ride. Ask Mountain Riders "Main Area" beneath bike shop (see below) for suggestions. the dam. There are As for swimming, take your pick! River beach, waterfall, cascades… also many other the beginning and end of the epic ride takes you right by one of the areas to park that best swimming holes - a deep, cold pool with a tall waterfall. After are farther from the you see it at the start of your ride, you'll be dreaming about it the beaches and com- whole time! The Winhall Brook campground has a really nice small pletely uncrowded. beach along the West River, too. The riding in Another favorite we call the "jacuzzi" is a series of cascades near the Hopkinton State entrance to Whitehall Brook Campground. Perfect for an afternoon Park is mostly sin- cocktail (our recommendation: bring plastic cups, ice, and margarita gletrack, with some fixins!). The cascades are shallow, so it is relatively warm, and the double-track thrown water shoots down deep grooves and gives your back a great mas- in the mix. It's sage. Ah, this is the life! The cascades are a bit harder to find, but (Rich Donoghue) mostly intermediate they are right off one of the dirt roads between the campground and difficulty, but there the bike shop. Look to your right to where the small river tumbles are a few challenging spots and a few rooty stretches. My favorite from pool to pool along the road. lop is one that circumnavigates the perimeter of the park. And finally, one of the most impressive watering holes can be found You can start anywhere on the loop, but if you start at the upper via a steep 15 minute hike (no bikes allowed) from the campground beach use the following directions: Go west along the lake until in Jamaica State Park, near the dam, but it's not nearly as conve- you pick up the Arborvitae Trail. Continue along the shoreline on nient as the other watering holes unless you are starting at that the Vista Trail (not marked) until it ends on Route 85. Cross the road and pick up an unmarked singletrack trail (the Vista Trail) until the first junction. Take a left on the Pipeline Trail, and go down sev- eral hills. At the first 4-way intersection take a left, cross a bridge, then take another left on the Glebe Trail. The Glebe Trail ends at You Need a Vacation! Route 85 - cross it and take the Reservoir Run trail, which goes You Need a Vacation! along the lakeshore. Take a right up to the road just before the pumphouse and then a left on the road for about 1/4 mile. When First Class Mountain Bike Adventures Since 1992 you see the dam, go towards it and cross it, then take a quick right and parallel the spillway on the Oval Trail. When you hit a road, Excellent FOOD, cross it and pick up the Long Trail. The Long Trail winds around the LODGING & CAMPING north side of the park and ends near the park entrance. Cross the Expert GUIDES road and play around on the short trails in the center of the park. They all eventually lead downhill back to the upper beach. The loop Epic TRAILS is about 7 miles long and easier in the counterclockwise direction (as described). For a longer ride, play around on some of the inner trails after the loop or repeat the loop in the reverse direction. BRYCE / ZION The park is located on Route 85, two miles north of Hopkinton GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM Center. From the East, take the Mass Pike to the Framingham Exit MOAB and take Route 9 west for about 3 miles. Get on route 85 South. CANYONLANDS The park is about 3 miles down on the left. From the West/495, take route 9 East to 85 South. The park closes at 8:00 (or dusk) and NEW MEXICO they lock the gate, so if you visit the park in the evening, I recom- COLORADO’S KOKOPELI TRAIL mend parking at the canoe launch, located off Rafferty Road about a mile South of the main entrance. You can park there as late as you IDAHO, OREGON & MORE! want. - Dave Freed Welcome to Jamaica! No, not Jamaica in the Carribean (though that would be nice, too…) we're talking Jamaica in Southern Vermont. An annual Call for a FREE Brochure camping trip tradition for the Wachusett chapter, Jamaica provides a huge range of excellent watering holes and some great riding if 800-596-2953 you're willing to explore. www.escapeadventures.com The classic epic loop is a big lollypop starting from the Winhall Instructional, Private & Family Trips Available

15 Interstate 91, go 32 miles North of Brattleboro, VT on Route 30 to intersection of Route 100 North. Go 2.5 miles North on Route 100 to Winhall Station Road. Follow Winhall Station Road 1 mile to Winhall Brook Camping Area. To get to the start of the epic ride from the entrance to the camp- ground, stay south of the Winhall and West Rivers, and follow the dirt road past Campsites S70-75. Stay straight as the dirt road turns to doubletrack and follows the West River. Fork right onto the singletrack and start climbing. After the trail curves left, you'll see the swimming hole. From here, continue via some gnarly off- camber singletrack and get ready to discover some new trails. - Krisztina Holly (with lots of help) Other places to Explore

(Rich Donoghue) In Southern New Hampshire, try Bear Brook State Park, east of end. It is situated above a huge waterfall (be careful!) and features Manchester, NH. Lots of fun singletrack and a beach along a spring- a deep sapphire blue pool surrounded by 15+ feet rocks that many fed lake. You can explore South from the mountain biker's parking people dive from. It's worth a visit if you're willing to do the hike. lot and do a lot of your climbing up the dirt road, while enjoying various fast singletrack trails back down. Take Rte 93 North to Exit To get to Mountain Riders from Interstate 91, take Route 30 North #9 for Rte 28/Rte 3 (Hookset). Remain on Rte 28 as it turns right through Jamaica to Rawsonville. The store is on the right, just at 7.5 miles, and after another 2.5 miles the entrance is on your before the intersection of RT30 & RT100. right. The Winhall Brook Campground, run by the Army Corps of In Rhode Island, try Arcadia Management Area, where there is great Engineers, has some really nice wooded sites and is highly recom- swimming on the Connecticut border right off the main road just mended. For more information, visit www.reserveusa.com west of the park. You can ride or drive there from the park. Because /nrrs/vt/balm or call (802) 824-4570. If possible, reserve a campsite the really good technical trails are hidden away between lots of numbered between S60-75, since these are near the start of the ride sandy dirt roads, you might want to go with someone that knows and close to the beach on the river. To get to the campground from their way around or join in on a NEMBA ride. Or, you can try the insanely technical 8 mile rockgarden called the Walkabout Trail, that starts and ends at a nice swimming beach on the lake at George Washington State Park. In Maine, just North of Sunday River Resort, you can find a great swimming hole with good jumping rocks and a waterfall. The roads have been redesigned since we were last there, so we can't give reli- able directions… which is just as well, since the locals would prob- ably kill us if we divulge the whereabouts! There are 45 state parks in Massachusetts alone that have swim- ming facillities. Some good ones we recommend for riding: Myles Standish State Forest, South Carver, MA - Rte. 3, exit 5, west on Long Pond Rd., follow signs; I 495, exit 2 (Rte. 58), north on Cranberry Rd., follow signs. (508) 866-2526 Douglas State Forest - Mass Pike to exit 10, Rte. 395 south, Rte. 16 east for 5 miles, follow signs. (508) 476-7872 Leominster State Forest, Princeton, MA - A nice mix of fast and super technical singletrack, and some climbing, too. Public beach. Also features rockclimbing. Rte. 2 west to Rte. 31 south. Look for sign. (978) 874-2303 Beartown State Forest, Monterey, MA - Mass Pike to exit 2, Rte. 20 east, Rte. 102 west, Rte. 7 south, Rte. 23 east, Blue Hill Rd., follow signs. (413) 528-0904 DAR State Forest, Goshen, MA - Mass Pike to exit 4, Rte. 91 north to exit 19-Northampton. Rte. 9 west to Goshen. Rte. 112 north, follow signs. (413)268-7098 Harold Parker State Forest - Lots of technical singletrack and a pub- lic beach. Rte. 95, Rte. 114 west, 10 miles, follow signs. (978) 686-3391. For the full skinny on Massachusett swimming, check out www.state.ma.us/dem/recreate/swimming.htm.

16 ADVOCACY Don’t Get Even: Get Political! by Andrew Stackhouse, Greater Boston ou know the ad where the cops chase the tennis players off that number quadruples. Handling all this mail is just one aide. By the court and the caption reads: what if every sport was like contrast, in a US Senators' offices, where the staff may number Yskateboarding? Who would have thought that my pained twenty, they get so much mail that they track issues by WEIGH- breathing and howls of agony unnerve the squirrels? And - group ING the letters for and against. To simplify matters, if your return trips to Redbones aside - using a vehicle with no motor is bad for address is not in their district, or if the 15 pages of signatures can the environment? And while I may be unproductive eight hours a not be linked to potential votes, they will simply throw your letter day, at least I am in the office building, not grinding the corners off away. Letters do impact a legislator's actions is if there is a deluge the granite curbs. from constituents writing on the same issue. And, believe it or not, hand written letters go a long way, and are often culled out for I have learned what a threat my favorite new pastime is from the more personalized responses. This is because if you invested the seemingly endless list of policy initiatives generated by legislative time to pick up a pen, you will probably go to the voting booth as bodies and public agencies aimed at keeping mountain bikers in well. check and under control. Or, in the case of the recently proposed law to make us ride against the flow of traffic, to surreptitiously 5) Pick up the phone. kill us all. No matter how nuts you are, an aide will never hang up on you, Up until now, it has been simple sport for The Man to stick it to and you will leave a more lasting impression with a phone call. mountain bikers. We are a disparate and faceless lot, more com- Furthermore, there is an inverse correlation between the size of a monly associated with MTV than any sort of beneficial activity. representative's district, and the likelihood of speaking directly to Policy makers with a never-ending need to make policy find us an them; state representatives in Massachusetts often answer their easy target. While creating a positive public image will take a great own phone. No matter who says hello, begin your call by telling deal of time and effort, we at least can prevent the immediate ero- them your mailing address and home phone. This vastly increases sion of our rights. your value to the elected official, and thus, the weight of your argument. Try to reference what you are speaking about by its offi- Stopping stupid laws is easy if you know how. Changing existing cial numeric designation (i.e. HB 1151 or Mass Reg. 841.123 or laws is very difficult. Here I will focus on the former, which is Ch. 2 of the Acts of 1999). Say your peace, but be clear, concise, based on my experience working in the Massachusetts legislature, and to the point. If you monopolize their time or get too passion- but can be applied broadly. Except Rhode Island, where basically ate you will seriously undermine your validity. you just have to pay off Buddy. 6) Meet the decision-makers. 1) Figure out what exactly it is you are fighting. If you really want to make a point, schedule a meeting with your Because we spend most of our time in parks and public land, we representative. This is better done alone or with a small group than fall under a wide range of overlapping jurisdictions. If it is a law a cast of thousands but you can bring a petition or membership you are fighting, you need to figure out if it is generated at the list to demonstrate that you represent a much larger group. local, state or federal level. More complicated are regulations, such as park rules. These are set by appointed officials within state or As an aside - this is why lobbyists are not evil. They can walk in federal agencies with surprisingly little accountability to those alone, and simply speak for a group, because they possess instant they influence. validity. This saves everyone a lot of time and effort. Face it, 2) Sending email is a waste of time. NEMBA and many road bike advocacy groups aren't well-known to most policy makers (or else why would there be all these stupid The Congressional Management Foundation and George laws), thus making self-promotion a little more difficult. Washington University report that members of congress receive 80 Always call ahead, as it makes you look more professional and MILLION messages a year, and only a fraction ever get read. The increases the chance of gaining audience with either the official or farther you go down the food chain, from DC to your town manag- the most important aide. Bring supporting materials, but have er, there is ample anecdotal evidence that while the shear volume everything summarized in a one-page brief, because that way they may be less, there is little proportional change. Furthermore, it is will read it. less likely that the recipient knows how to use the Internet, or even has access to computers. I have seen politicians point a 7) Go to the hearing. mouse at a screen. I have also seen them change all their desktop All bills and proposed regulations have public hearings. In the case preferences to WCW effects. of a bill this is where a small group of legislators - the aforemen- 3) Petitions aimed at politicians are a waste of time tioned legislative committee - who focus on a specific policy area and energy. decide whether or not a bill has enough merit to be considered by 4) Don't bother contacting an elected official if you are the entire voting body. In Massachusetts, legislative committees not a constituent. effectively kill over 80 percent of all bills. For a bureaucratic rule, for instance the state forest agency ban- Politicians' ultimate focus is to serve the people who they repre- ning riding in parkland, this is a somewhat more obscure event, sent, or viewed more pessimistically, to keep themselves in office. although those with the power to make policy will tend to be in They have very limited resources to accomplish this task, and the attendance. Often legislators trying to win favor with constituents volume of correspondence is considerable. For example, in will appear to testify while subtly threatening the agency's fund- Massachusetts, a state representative, whose districts averages ing, thus it is to your advantage to make your representative aware about 50,000 people, gets about 50 letters a day. In busy times, of bureaucratic rules you want influenced. when major issues are being voted on or the budget is in debate Continued on page 22

17 SIDETRACKS Lighten Up! 10 Drug-Free Tips for Winning More Races by Krisztina Holly, White Mountains

f you want to ride faster, you need to lighten your load; it's as Once you've gotten rid of useless gadgets, fill your tires with heli- simple as that. You could train harder and lose some weight, um. In fact, hydrogen is even better - but in that case, you'll have Ibut that's really hard work. That's only recommended as a last to refrain from smoking while riding. resort. Weight saved so far: 4.2 pounds. So first, start by removing any bike parts you don't need, like bar Another tip: last night's dinner and yesterday's lunch really add up. ends, quick releases, and any useless plastic doo-dads. Shorten Fast for several days before the race. the handlebars and replace the grips with hockey tape. If you're really serious, remove the saddle and seatpost. (You may want to Then, the morning of the race, evacuate any remaining food in your jam a sponge into the seat tube or cover the end with a tennis ball gut. The most enjoyable way to help things along is a large cup of until you learn to stop ramming your "naughty bits." It won't take java with a double shot of expresso. Lactose intolerant? Add a long.) Extra benefit: it'll now be real easy to get your butt back on healthy dose of cream, too. But do it early enough, and make sure those descents. there are facilities available, or you might have to sacrifice a sock during the race. (Then again, that may save you some weight, Weight saved so far: 1.8 pounds. too.) When ready, advance to singlespeed - no extra chainrings, cogs, or Weight saved so far: 6.6 pounds. derailleurs to weigh you down. Plus, you can't ride slow in your granny, either. Now for the real kicker: remove unwanted organs. The obvious ones are tonsils, wisdom teeth, and your appendix - but that's just Next, dispense with unnecessary accessories. Tools, a pump, even for starters! Considering you have two lungs and two kidneys, your helmet all weigh valuable extra pounds. Don't listen to critics that's one too many if you're trying to save weight. Even pinkies who'll say you have to ride with a helmet. Look at it this way - if and toes can easily be sacrificed without hurting performance. you crashed so hard during a race, you wouldn't have won anyway. You're almost ready… but after all this groundwork, you might as Also, ditch the water bottles and CamelBak. Water is way overrat- well invest in the lightest bike frame and components available. ed - think about the pounds you'll save! For emergencies, you can Never mind the high price, because now you're all set: you can sell pack some dehydrated water instead; it weighs just about nothing. those extra organs on the black market to finance your purchase. Or you can just mooch off of friends. Total weight saved: 10.3 pounds - and you didn’t even need to diet! One final tip: shave your head and ride naked. You may only save a couple ounces, but you'll definitely distract the competition.

18 SIDETRACKS Mars and Venus by Cathy Rowell, Greater Boston or the past couple of years, I have Don't get the wrong idea — this is noticed that increasingly, I am one of definitely NOT a group of women Fvery few women out riding with "the out chatting, riding 5 miles, afraid of guys". While this pushes me to go faster getting dirty, or breaking a nail as and try more technical (aka stupid) most of us don't care about our nails maneuvers, I am usually the last in the anyway ;-). We ride technical trails bunch, and have to walk more obstacles such as Bow Ridge, some obstacles, than any of my riding pals. and some of us even have the "lurch" down pat (although not I, I'm afraid). "The guys" have also discovered free rid- We know how to fix flats and broken ing. While I am lucky to "huck" off of a chains, and can, in a pinch, create a curb, the boys are out dropping off of 6 single speed if we have a broken foot obstacles, trying nose-wheelies, and derailleur. Occasionally, there is riding north-shore style obstacles that even some blood! simply terrify me! (Philip Keyes) In the two years I have been riding Tired of feeling inadequate and maybe a with other women, my technical little scared, I went in search of other women who were at the skills, confidence and endurance have increased, and I have same riding level or better than I was. What's the difference you become a much better rider despite the bruises, scrapes and so on. ask? Women, by nature, are a social bunch, happy to be outdoors, In fact, I recently went out for a ride with "the guys" and managed riding at ANY pace, and being with other like-minded souls. This to hold my own for quite some time even besting one or two along is NOT a race or competition, and doesn't involve any egos or the way. machismo. It IS a chance to go out and improve our riding skills with little pressure, and lots of encouragement. When riding with I'll continue to ride with "the guys" in all conditions (where were all the boys, it is usually all that I can do to keep up, never mind hav- the women in the freezing cold with their studded tires?), but I ing the opportunity to retry an obstacle until I get it (and if I do, eagerly anticipate my "chick" rides every week. there's no one there to see it anyway!). Make the Most out of Your Summer!

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19 TRAVEL AdventureBus Rolls through Moab by Carrie Yurcisin, Connecticut 4950 higher than what I am used to. The weather was a perfect 85 degrees without a cloud in the sky, no wind, and no humidity. This was my first time as a mountain biker. I was also the only one without any experience. However, I did pretty darn well, and I was starting to get into this. This was just the beginning, a preview of what was to come in the next three days. We said goodbye to Bryce Canyon and headed along a narrow and winding mountain road, in which the bus had just enough room to maneuver. When I was brave enough to open my eyes, the scenery was breathtaking. We traveled through the night, sleeping like sardines on the bus, and arrived the next morning in the Canyonlands of Utah. As we began our 4-hour biking As a first time mountain biker signing up to embark on the Ad- excursion for the day, I realized that I was going to get a taste of ventureBus trip to Moab, I really had no idea what I was in for. I slickrock terrain. We biked along enormous stretches of rock and only knew that I wanted to go out west and experience something sand that was visible for miles. In the distance lay the Monitor and someplace new. I can passionately say that I did just that. and Merrimac rock formations, and a never-ending blue sky. I was My trip began in LA where myself, and 16 other new friends board- ready for more too. ed an old Greyhound that had been transformed into a traveling Moab…our next destination. We would camp there for three mattress on wheels. Foam mattresses lined the inside of the bus nights. I was hesitant to participate in the rides because I knew during the day; and the few times we slept on the bus, more mat- tresses appeared to create a giant bed. As we left LA for our first stop, Vegas, the conversations began. "Are you a hiker or a biker?" was the main question. Well, "I like to do both." I said, a little unsure of why this question was necessary. I hadn't brought a bike with me, but I had paid a little extra to rent one. I planned to ride, but had no idea what kind of terrain we were going to attack. The suspense was starting to build. We continued through Vegas, after a short stop to pick up a few other Adventurebus goers, and woke up the first morning in Zion. Having never been to a National Park of this magnitude, it was magnificent. This was also the point when the hikers said, "Let's go up to the top of Angels' Landing" and the bikers said, "I want to rest before tomorrow's ride." Hey, I was hiking. None of this rest- ing crap for me. What an amazing hike too. My fear of heights problem was just going to have to be ignored. I had no choice but to just keep climbing up the side of the cliff if I wanted to see the incredible view. And that day, I was a "hiker." Back at the bus, our two incredibly talented, handsome, and enter- taining drivers/chefs/guides/bus mechanics were preparing a late lunch. The food was outstanding every day. Pancakes, French toast, stir-fry, salad, incredible pasta creations, fresh fruit, wonder- ful cheeses (my staple), and well, the beer cooler always managed to be readily stocked too. Our next stop heading east was Bryce Canyon. The first day of biking, for anyone who was up for it, and I was. I had rented a bike, and dammit, I was going to use it. Our group of 12 bikers began near Fish Lake and ended up at the Bryce Canyon overlook. This particular route was about 20 miles long, single and double track, with a few rough climbs. The altitude kicked in a little too. We were biking at about 5000 feet above sea level. That is about

20 TRAVEL

they were considered extremely difficult and not for beginners. However, with enough convincing from the rest of the group, there was no doubt I was going to ride Slickrock trail. Slickrock was a roller coaster of sticky rock, never-ending climbs, and treacherous downhill twists and turns. There is nothing like me), and more breathtaking scenery. And…I survived. Not only it. All I could see was an ocean of rock in all directions, with the did I survive, I was hooked on a new sport. I flew home to snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance. It was an experi- Middletown, Connecticut with a new excitement in my life, and a ence of physical, mental, and even emotional ups and downs. But, reason to spend my savings account. This trip absolutely changed afterwards, as I drank the coldest beer of my life, I felt great. my life. Before we were to conquer yet another Moab trail, we did have a Contact AdventureBus at www.adventurebus.com or 888-737- day off to canoe down an 8-mile stretch of the Colorado River. 5263. Also, don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets, because That actually gave me just enough time to convince myself that I AdventureBus has donated a similar trip as one of the prizes! was going to ride the next day on another extremely difficult trail…Porcupine Rim. Much different from Slickrock, this trail was filled with every ele- ment my amateur mind could think of…small rocks, large rocks, sand, trees, long climbs, singletrack with a 500 drop to the imme- diate right and a wall of rock to the left (that scared the hell out of

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21 Get Political... Rack it Up to Experience Gone Arwy continued from page 17 by Chris Harris, Greater Boston Those matters important to us, which I'm a biker. I own lots of bikes, both road but first go round that was all I saw. That tend to be well outside the sway of and mountain. My station wagon has stick- was the beginning of the happy part of the public discourse, can be easily influ- ers all over it and a fancy Yakima rack on tale. enced by a group of people expressing top saying "I am a biker!" I usually carry my We drove home with me grumbling the their stance at a committee hearing. bike in the wagon just for safe keeping. It whole way and the kids notably quiet for a Even if you can not get yourself to the might rain or you might want to stop and change. Saturday of Memorial Day weekend hearing, or do not have a day to kill who wants to trust their loved ones to a with rain in the forecast and no window. waiting for your turn to speak, usually flimsy roof rack lock. You get real used to Great. To my shock and joy, thanks to you can submit written testimony. The driving as if there is no bike to worry about. Arbella Insurance and JN Phillips glass policy analyst making a recommenda- You have to have the rack though because (shameless plugs), in just over two hours tion on the bill will read it, and you never know when you will need to after the wreck I had a new window and a because they most likely know little carry lots of bikes. about our sport, it can have a great mostly vacuumed clean car! For nothing! Memorial Day weekend the family and I effect. Picked up the bikes on the way home-inside were going riding so my wife's and my hard- this time, with the trashed rack stuffed in While the above seven suggestions tails (her’s is a newly built XT/XTR rig, on top and went home to assess the dam- focus on matters before a state, they hardly ridden, and my old beloved Fat age. Tossed a different seat on the Fat and can be applied equally to a city govern- Chance) were up top with the kid's bikes checked it out. The only other damage I ment. Federal matters, on the other stuffed in the back ready to go. First found was my seatpost was bent back a hand, require a lot more coordination, though, quick stop at work to take care of a couple degrees! My heavy steel Kalloy seat- and are where the skills of groups such bit of business. Cruising towards the post. Had I still had the Syncros on the bike as IMBA have the most bearing. entrance I check the options: Drive to the it probably would have just snapped right Influencing town matters can be quite end of the lot, climb three flights of stairs off and that would have been it (assuming I tricky, as personality and xenophobia and hit the guard desk or zip through the heard it and didn't go further into a shal- have so much bearing. The best advice garage right to the door. I do that all the lower bit of garage, of course). That damned is to bring as many residents as possi- time- no problem. Take the turn into the steel post was stronger than the rack! My ble to the town meetings where the garage and SMASH! The rear window wife's seat was totally scuffed on the top issue can be raised (though grabbing explodes with glass flying everywhere and pushed all the way back on the rails. your selectman in the grocery store inside the car. Kids are screaming, the wife Presumably it was just the right height to can work well too). is bewildered. "WHAT WAS THAT?" they all scrape and the tires compressed enough to ask. Hitting my head on the steering wheel, Nothing annoys the God-fearing, law- avoid any further damage! I bought a new I respond that that WAS the bikes. I abiding, ambulatory-inclined citizenry set of Yakima double cross towers for $90 climbed out of the car to survey the wreck- more than a bunch of well-spoken, at REI and cut the folded long rails down to age on the roof. The bikes, with those won- loosely organized hooligans. With a short rail size and Voila! back in business. derful lawyer tabs are still firmly attached little hard work (and getting past the Still need to slap on a new NEMBA sticker to the rack. The rack, on the other hand is a stage fright) it does not take much to on the new window and a friend has twisted mess, having slid as far back on the get your government to do what you promised me a new RockShox sticker but factory rails as possible before breaking free want. Especially when you know you other than that, consider my blessings and pivoting into the rear window. For are right. counted many times over. those who don't know, safety glass is truly wonderful stuff but it sounds like a bomb What saved me, other than plain luck and a when it goes. greater than 7' entrance was that the rack was mounted on factory rails which run Parenthood is an amazing study on self- lengthwise on the car. Had they been hard restraint. The words that came streaming to mounted to rain gutters or directly to the the tip of my tongue, and went no further roof, images of open sardine cans come to were amazing. I will admit to yelling at mind. That Yakima system, though secure, myself but nary a curse word came out. My is only rubber grabbing on the rails. It did wife took the kids aside and showed them finally break free which might well have the sign that said "7' clearance" in big bold saved the frame! I will keep using that style NEMBA’s letters and the mark where my bike had hit thank you. As for that damn seatpost? Part the sign and explained that perhaps they Official of me screams that I needed the extra set should leave me alone while I tried to back and didn't have some fancy shee-shee remove the wreckage from the roof. Singletrack expensive aluminum thing on there but Bar! It took a while to free the rack from the roof then I realized that it would have cost more (not having brought the tools for that job, to buy a new one of those than the new of course), but finally the bikes and the rack rack bits! Go figure. Next time though, I Eat ‘em and were locked to a bike rack in the same have a feeling I won’t forget where I keep garage. Surprisingly I didn't see a lot of my bikes! Ride! damage to the bikes. My seat was totaled

22 CHAPTER NEWS

fun and challenging trails. Hodges Village is The project was organized by Dick Miller, who is located south of Worcester and is easy to actively involved in several bicycle and pedestri- access from the Pike and Rt 395. Contact Rich an committees in Framingham and Natick. If Blackstone at [email protected] for more details. We have you'd like to learn more or volunteer, visit 3 floater rides available in August and http://www.millermicro.com/crt.html September, tell us where you'd like to ride! As Valley the days get shorter in the Fall, we'll switch Thanks to Mark Lamkin's successful NEMBA trails grant, we have begun construction of the President: over to twilight rides with lights (where permis- Anne Shepard, 508-624-7185 sible). kiosk for the new Edmands Road parking lot at [email protected] . The kiosk will include Annual Chapter Meeting/Ride/BBQ trail maps and information about NEMBA. The Treasurer: Mitch Steinberg unit will be constructed in sections and assem- By the time you read this, Blackstone Valley Secretary: Jeff Gallo bled on site. We expect to have it ready to Chapter will have held its Summer Picnic at install later this fall. VP Callahan: Mark Lamkin Hopkinton State Park, doing some riding and eating great BBQ. A big thanks to Landry’s for Dave Freed has forged a very positive alliance VP Vietnam: Joe Bolandrina the swag. with the Westboro Community Land Trust. VP Upton/Douglas: His work coordinating NEMBA and WCLT vol- Mitch Steinberg EFTA/NEMBA Funride at Douglas State Forest VP Whitehall/Hopkington: unteers on the Charm Bracelet project has David Freed Sunday August 26th. Back by popular demand, garnered the praise of the project leaders and a VP Noanet Woodlands: Andy Mitch Steinberg is organizing another outstand- very supportive article in the Worcester Thompson ing tour of the finest singletracks, rock gardens Telegram & Gazette, http://www.telegram. and fast fire roads of the Douglas woods. This VP Hodges Village: Rich Kordell com/sports/bike17.html Way to go Dave!! arrowed ride offers routes suitable for all levels NEMBA members participated in two mainte- Email List: [email protected] from beginner to seasoned expert. It's a great nance days in June, constructing new trails and way to explore this popular park without fear of Web: www.bvnemba.webprovider.com boardwalks near Little Chauncy Pond. Lou getting lost or dropped. For more information D'Amico was on hand videotaping the volun- contact: [email protected] teers hard at work for our upcoming BV Nemba Summer's here and the time is right for riding in 2nd Annual Triple Basin Blast Epic Ride program on M8, Marlboro's cable access chan- the woods! Saturday September 8th. nel. The next WCLT trail work day will be on Saturday September 15th at 9 AM. The Blackstone Valley NEMBA folks have been Dave Freed will be leading this grand tour keeping busy riding, working, and having fun through Vietnam, Peppercorn Hill, Upton Dave Freed will also be leading another project outdoors. We kicked off the trail maintenance State Forest and . We'll with Gary Whittemore to install a boardwalk at season early (with snow still on the ground) traverse the headwaters of the Charles, Whitehall State Park in October. Andy and managed to wrap up our spring projects Blackstone and Sudbury rivers. There are three Thompson will be leading another trail mainte- before the oppressive heat and humidity kicked routes and three leaders, so all ability levels are nance project at the Trustees of Reservations in full blast. Now that summer is in full swing, welcome. The short route will be 15 miles with at Noanet Reservation in early November. We we're focusing on fun rides and festive gather- some technical terrain and climbing, suitable for will announce the dates of these fall projects in ings. novice-intermediate riders, the medium route the next newsletter and via email. will be 25 challenging miles with lots of hard Our Wed evening ride series has been a terrific All Nemba members who participate in 2 or climbing. The long route does a full round trip success. On June 27th Dave Freed hosted an more BV trail work days are of 35 tough miles. The 15 and 25 mile routes unusual and entertaining collaboration between will shuttle via car back to the AAC for post invited to attend our 2nd Annual Volunteers BVNEMBA and his talented teammates in ride refueling and festivities. This event is open Appreciation ride and lunch on Sunday Nov Mountain Bike Ultimate Frisbee. Gary to NEMBA Members only. There is no cost, but 18th. Last year we had wonderful ride in the Whittemore and Mitch Steinberg led NEMBA riders must pre-register so we can plan the car brisk autumn air around Hopkinton State membas on an exhilarating loop around shuttles and keep the group sizes within rea- Park, followed by a carnivorous feast at Hopkinton State Park's choicest singletrack son. Last year the rides filled up, so register Ipanema. This year's ride location and restau- while Dave and the Ultimate players engaged in early e-mail Dave Freed at dfreed@ rant will be determined in the fall, let us know if fierce competition on the playing field. As the peoplepc.com or call 508-366-7870. For more you have any suggestions. sun set we cooled off with a dip in the lake and details, please visit our website http://www. refueled with freshly grilled burgers. If you've bvnemba.org As always, we invite your suggestions for rides, never heard of Mountain Bike Ultimate, it's real- events, or trail work. Volunteers are always ly cool to watch and a nifty challenge to play: Blackstone Valley members participated in a welcome. Hope to see you on the trails soon! check it out at http://webpages.charter.net/ number of exciting trail maintenance —Anne Shepard jeffnjanet/mbucentral/ projects this spring. In May Andy Thompson and Anne Shepard joined a large number of vol- On July 25 Rich Kordell will lead a ride at unteers clearing and cleaning up a large section Hodges Village, which offers over 20 miles of of the Cochituate Rail Trail in Framingham.

23 CHAPTER NEWS

forget, many thanks to the volunteers who have Well I'm happy to report that positive things are supported these initiatives. I think that you happening at both areas. At Bluff Point, Paul may have noticed that our TM leadership is a Bassett has taken the reigns and has opened Connecticut bit thin. We could certainly use your help. Give dialogue with DEP supervisor, Jon Lincoln. me a shout and lend a hand. It's not too diffi- There has also been an outpouring of responses President: John Turchi, [email protected] or 860-653-5038 cult to arrange such endeavors, the chapter can from the area cycling community regarding not help, and everyone benefits. only Bluff Point but also other southeastern CT Vice-President: Alex Sokolow, areas like Pachaug SF. It looks like the early for- [email protected], 203-281-0789 Well now for a spot of dark news. Our local mation of a nucleus of MTB advocacy is in the Mountain Bike Adventure event was a bust. works. Secretary: Nancy Martin, [email protected] Actually a torrential washout as was the case Treasurer: Mike Gnazzo for the rest of statewide National Trails Day At the opposite end of Southern CT in events. Being a naïve group of first timers we Trumbull, Paula Burton has already held the Directors: Irv Schloss, Paul Wetmore, Matt Mueller showed. A few actually ventured out as the first of what is expected to be a comprehensive weather lightened up. But in general we were TM series (held July 14th) to assist the DEP and Email List: [email protected] just a group of drowned rats standing around supervisor, Tobey Buff, better enhance and CT Web: http://members.aol.com/joeorto/ under tents. Did we learn anything? Sure, con- manage the trail system in Pequonnock SF. tingency plans are a good thing. Better karma is Again, there has been quite a showing of Patrol Web: in the offing next year. enthusiasm from area cyclists. Many thanks to http://members.home.net/bnemba all. On the brighter side, I understand that the MS Mountain Bike Ride for the Cure was a solid Welcome new chapter sponsors. During the Well gang, twice now I've tried to presume the success. One week (later), dry skies, significant past couple of months three new shops have weather and trail conditions in drafting this support from our own detail of the New joined NEMBA as member/dealers. Please wel- report (it's now July). No more. Predictions of England Mountain Bike Patrol, and a strong come: Cycle Works (Wallingford), Wallingford this nature are obviously not my penchant. outpouring (no pun intended) of support form Bike & Repair (Wallingford), Saybrook Cycle Suffice it to say that this riding season rocks! the cycling community. Sounds like just the Works (Old Saybrook), Biker's Edge (Bristol) and The Trail Maintenance program continues to right recipe. The MS may not realize it, but they Rock'n Road (Clinton). impress. By the time you read this we will have have one heck of a good thing in the form of our own Brian Smith who carries a big load assist- Looking ahead, all I want to say is, Fall Fiesta. topped 300 man-hours. Not too bad consider- It's coming. It will surpass prior years. More ing that our organized events this spring have ing in organizing this MTB venue and its worthy cause. information will be mailed out to the chapter been coordinated by only five people. We membership in August. should all thank in particular the efforts of Paula In the last issue I issued a general alert pertain- Burton, Gene Kulak, Joe Ortoleva, and Brian ing to both Bluff Point State Park (Groton) Got any news, issues or otherwise? Need some Smith, who have taken the lead in producing and Pequonnock State Forest (Trumbull). help? Drop me a line. —Turch this spring/summer event series. And let's not

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24 CHAPTER NEWS

these classes, please do get in touch with me. England. Please take some time and show up at Each class is about 10 in size. Two levels of these work days. There is new trail blazing in classes, and lots of nice people show up that the Bow Ridge area. The park rangers are re- Greater Boston really want to know and learn. I think there will marking the trails to show the new loop that President: be some skills classes set up in the fall. I want we have installed. The ridge always had a rarely Tom Grimble, to thank Art Paradise for attending and helping used second entrance to the ridge. We have re- [email protected] out at all three clinics. I want to thank Belmont defined this trail and marked it to allow access Vice-President: Jeff Hyland, jhyland- Wheelworks and North Shore Cycles in Lynn to the new loop section. Up near the water [email protected] for supplying swag for these clinics. I also want tower, there is now a loop that connects back Secretary: Colleen Haggerty to thank Steven Fuchs, Drew Penziner, Sean to an earlier section. Even the most avid Bow Condon, Criss Harris, Criss Gagne, and new Ridge riders have not seen some of these trails Treasurer: Scott Briere comer Brian Goff for teaching at two Lynn before. They are also very exciting rides, with Email: [email protected] Clinics. potential to be much better than the original ridge ride. Email List: [email protected] Lynn Woods Update: There are also a couple of other projects for the Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of month Hello folks, here is some quick news about the Lynn Woods. One is to create a Loop Trail happenings at the Lynn Woods. First of all, Bow around . While there is already a Ridge: Bow Ridge will never be the same again. loop trail, it will now be recognized by the park, Skills Clinic Update It will be better. Yes, it was a big loss to lose the as a loop ride. We are planning to install a ride we once had across the length of the ridge. I would like to thank everyone that has helped boardwalk up near the north end of Walden Some of it is now private property, so please Pond to allow access to the trail when the this year for the Greater Boston Mountain respect the park boundaries. The new news is, Bike Skills Clinics. Three such clinics were water levels are very high. We hope to have this we are working together with the Lynn Woods done on a work day late this fall. held this spring. In attendance were over 80 land management to supply ample riding and people. We had beginner and novice riders, new experiences at the Lynn Woods. The last Please contact me if you would like to get young and old, male and female. The feedback day of our Spring Lynn Woods Maintenance involved with planing these work days, other from the people that attended this year was series, we put some beginning work on a loop projects you would like to see, or attending very inspiring. I think this is a service that trail. It was a very disappointing work day. Not work days to help out. —Michael Salerno: Greater Boston should keep providing to our many people showed up for the work. We really [email protected] members. I would like to put together a core of do need our members and others to put time mountain bike skills instructors to make these into these projects when we have them. Bow events easier to put together in the next series Ridge is still some of the best riding in New of clinics. If anyone is interested in teaching

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25 CHAPTER NEWS

trail maintenance day coming up later this thanks to Rob a local NEMBA member. I can't year on September the 29th. With state think of a tougher doable climb in the approval we could be ready to start work on a . The pitch is just steep Merrimack new trail. The trails and the forest in Dracut enough with enough loose rocks and gravel to have never looked better in my opinion. I think break your traction but not your spirit. I was the increased usage and visibility of mountain thinking about how to make use of this little VAlley bikers have helped to define the trail system gem. Maybe a hill climbing challenge with President: Norman Blanchette, 978-957- and also helped to keep the undesirable activity prizes to those who are successful. Or maybe it 0800, [email protected] to a minimum. could be done as a time trial to see who gets up there the fastest. Just wanted to throw that out Vice-President: Mark Bialas, 978-452- The state has also been busy in the forest lately. 1590, [email protected] to see what kind of feedback I get. In the mean- On my last ride I noticed crushed gravel has time, just show up for a Dracut ride and you Treasurer: Hugh Folsom, (978) 244-0633 been deposited in low-lying areas along the can get to try your skills on the hill. trails to help shore them up. There are also plans to create a real parking lot for the Dracut NEMBA Rides State Forest. We should start to see activity on Chapter Update this before the fall. The parking lot will be locat- As always the local rides are posted in the back ed off of Trotting Park Road as you enter from of SingleTracks. I would suggest calling a few I'd like to welcome the newest NEMBA mem- Varnum Ave. It's funny, we talk about this stuff days ahead to get direction and starting times. bers to the Merrimack Valley Chapter. By the for years and then one day you go for a ride and I've been keeping an Email List of local riders so time you read this, the Pedro’s-Harpoon MTB you start to see the results of all the time that as new riding opportunities come up I have Adventure Series in Carlisle will just about be invested. Nothing happens overnight but things a way to spread the word. If you would like to wrapping up. Merrimack Valley NEMBA will be do get done eventually. get your name on this list drop me an e mail at helping out Greater Boston and I will be reach- [email protected]. I think I presently ing out for volunteers. Hopefully we'll have Dirty Thoughts have over 20 names on the list. Give me a call good weather and a good turnout. Speaking of and I'll put YOUR name on the list. —Norman volunteers and turnouts we still have one more I've recently rediscovered the absolute joy and Blanchette physical challenge of climbing Whortleberry Hill Pioneer Valley President: John Dudek, 413-772-0496, [email protected] Vice-President: Rich LaBombard, 413- 527-7427, [email protected] Treasurer: George Willard Web: http://pvnemba.tripod.com/pvnem- ba.htm our ride sponsors for their generous sup- port: Competitive Edge Ski and Bike Adventure Series Ride: Our chapter's Shop, Northampton Bicycle, Seven Adventure Series ride was held on May 27th at Cycles, Laughing Dog Bicycles and, of the Notch Visitor's Center in Amherst. After course, Pedros, Harpoon Brewery and five days of rain we were very pleased to have Metro Sports. Thanks also go out to 88 riders show up despite the day dawning Rafter's in Amherst for hosting the after- foggy and damp. Those 88 riders were treated ride party. to either a beginner/intermediate loop of about We raised about $400 that day and plans are to use it to build a new parking lot along Batchelor Street in Granby. Batchelor Street is the best access to the Mt. Holyoke Range trails, but the on- road parking is very inadequate and somewhat dangerous. In addition, we've already built a 32' bridge over the upper access stream using two donated tele- phone poles. Using the donated poles and wood left over from last year's sup- ed and it's hard to generate enthusiasm to work ply, we only spent $10.00 for nails. This bridge on trails you can't ride. We do perform trail will not only be useful in the summer, but also work on Mt. Tom but nowhere near the amount in the winter for cross-country ski access to the that is necessary to make a difference. trails. One project we recently completed on Mt. 10 miles or a 14-mile expert course full of chal- Mt. Tom area: In January, DEM purchased a Tom was the restoration of a historic carriage lenging climbs and twisty, semi-smooth single 200-acre parcel of property adjacent to Mt. path which goes to the Eyrie House ruins on track. The Holyoke Range trail system was the Tom. The area is known as "Little Tom" and Mt. Nonotuck. This work came about after PV ideal spot for this great ride and lots of praise there are currently no trails. We have explored member Pete Ogulewicz approached Mt. Tom were heard on the course's design. Thirty new the property and flagged what could be a beau- Supervisor Doug Clark looking for a trail pro- members signed up that day - we welcome tiful multi-use trail. It's been formally submit- ject. Doug suggested repairing a section of col- those new members - check our website or call ted to DEM and appears to have the support of lapsed stonework on this trail…and, after for more information on upcoming trail work the supervisor and some of the other interested about 28 hard man-hours, the carriage path is days. parties. We hope construction on the trail can now as good as, no, better than, new. We also We'd like to thank the folks at the Notch begin this year. installed a water bar and built a rolling grade dip above the damaged area to lessen any fur- Visitor's Center for allowing us to use their The trail system on Mt. Tom needs a lot of ther erosion problems. —Rich LaBombard grounds and facilities. We'd also like to thank attention. Presently, bicycle access is very limit-

26 CHAPTER NEWS

standing water. This event was abbreviated due Bear Brook Boogie EFTA/NEMBA Fun Ride, to lighting and downpours, but we managed to and it was a huge success with 127 riders make the best of it. attending. With series sponsorship from Ritchey Bicycles providing Kevlar tires, grips, Seacoast Saturday, June 23rd was the day we put the stem and other cool stuff, along with three gen- President: Len Earnshaw, final touches on the new trail at Northwood [email protected] erous gift certificates from Goodale's Bicycles, Meadows State Park. You may remember from we had some great swag to give away. This year Vice-President: Jon Wilberg, the last issue that we built a 36-foot bridge on we included a Kid's Ride and it also was a suc- [email protected] May 6th. Stay tuned to our website for infor- cess with eight hearty youths taking the mile mation on the ribbon cutting ceremonies for Secretary: Jason Record, and a half challenge. They all passed with flying [email protected] this new trail! colors and at the finish they pleaded for more. Treasurer: David Heath Frame Work We made an impromptu loop up more difficult trails to a cemetery and back for an additional Email List: [email protected] The following are the dates for our Ted Wojcik two miles. They begged for more, so after a Bicycles/Mavic Fall Trail Care Series, so mark Web: www.snemba.org short cookie break, these tykes on bikes headed your calendars! Bring work gloves, boots and out for another loop along the Little Bear and eye protection; we supply the lunch, and bring Salt Lick trails for another four tough miles! All your bike and gear for a ride afterwards. The Big Ring totaled the majority of them did an astounding Ted Wojcik Bicycles/Mavic Trail Care seven miles! I needed a break, they wore me This spring has produced one of the most pro- Schedule out! ductive Trail Care events that we have ever seen. September 16 - Bear Brook State Park - Contact Seriously it was a pleasure to watch them tackle Len Earnshaw (603) 895-6633, the trails and their enthusiasm is what great It was a warm and sunny day on June 10th [email protected] rides are made of. The adults had the option of when a dozen Seacoast Chapter members October 7 - - Contact taking the 10-mile or challenging 20-mile loaded up three vehicles with lumber, miscella- David Heath (603) 463-9811 course. The feedback from all was positive! neous tools, food and volunteers and trekked [email protected] If you missed the Boogie this year you can catch down into a very unforgiving place at Fort Rock November 4 - Fort Rock, Exeter NH - Contact in Exeter, NH. Their goal was to reach a trail us next year, destined to be bigger and better. Mark Desrochers, Stay tuned in to this column for info on next that was in dire need of rescue. Four and a half [email protected] hours later they had accomplished the task - year's event and check out the EFTA/NEMBA the once perpetually wet and muddy trail was Check our website for additional Trail Care days Fun Ride Series and the Pedro’s-Harpoon restored with new drainage, incredible rock to be announced at www.snemba.org. And give MTB Adventure Series at these websites work and a fourteen foot bridge. These trail me a call if you know of other locations that www.efta.com and rescues rangers then treated themselves to require maintenance, restoration or new trails. www.mtbadventureseries.org. sandwiches, fruit, sweets and replenished their Chain Gang Happy Trails hydration packs before heading out to a well- deserved long ride! Do your part, that's what it's all about. Come We are always looking for new people to ride join us for a Trail Care day and see what it's like with regardless of skill level. Don't be shy! All One week later another group of volunteers, to give a little back into the trails you ride. One you have to do is ask. If you're interested in Peter DeSantis, Jerry White, John Gunterman day a year is a small investment to keep the riding in our region, send us a note and we'll set and I participated in another Ted Wojcik trails you ride open. up a ride or let you know where the good trails Bicycles/Mavic Trail Care day at Bear Brook are. See you on the trails! —Len Earnshaw State Park. We accomplished some much Cranked needed brushing, a rolling grade dip and removed some built up berms to drain away On Sunday, July 8th we held our second annual

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27 CHAPTER NEWS

DeGroot, Susan DeCloedt & John Redemske, ence on the UTA so we can be sure to keep Mark Lisee, Collin Galloway, Matt Wickenheiser, mountain biking in Yudicky. John Aldfurson, George Borrelli and his daugh- South-Central ter Aylssa, Harry & I, along with five members We've made some nice progress with the land of the UTA under the supervision of Len managers in the area. George Borrelli met with New Hampshire Earnshaw and Robert Waldroup (thanks guys!) both the Amherst and Merrimack from the Seacoast Chapter, set out to fix the Conservation Committees and received a President: Jean Rubin, [email protected] problem. The logs were rearranged and the warm response from both. As a matter of fact, decking was laid out and nailed down. Beautiful he has been invited to join the Merrimack Vice-President: Mark Polomski Committee. Susan and John have been talking [email protected] rock approach ramps were built at each end. Then the old corduroy was pulled out of the to the people that look after Lamson Farm in Secretary: Debbie DeGroot Mont Vernon. Michael Dianne Wingerter, chair- [email protected] mud and the trail was redirected. The result of our morning’s worth of hard work is a very person from the Mine Falls Park Advisory Treasurer: Susan DeCloedt, handsome, very sturdy bridge. Then, after Committee gave a talk at our June chapter [email protected] lunch, we went on a great ride through Yudicky meeting and told us we were "free to do what ever needs to be done" to help with the trails in Web: http://scnh-nemba.intranets.com/ proper, then across the road and up the hill to our favorite, the Mine Falls. If you are looking to help with trail "quarter track". maintenance, check the calendar section A big Thank You to on our web site for everyone who helped dates. make our very first project such a suc- Quite a few new cess! Also a big Thank people have joined You to Pelham Lumber the chapter sense and Building Supplies the last issue of and Ben Thibault. SingleTracks came out, and I'd like to An unhappy post- invite you new folks script to this story is to come and join us that the Urban Trails at one of our chap- Alliance may be dis- ter meetings. We banding. A couple of would love to meet the members are leav- you and get your South Central built a bridge! Well, 90% of it. ing and they feel they ideas and sugges- We've got a park here in Nashua known locally don't have enough people to keep the group tions. Meetings are held every third Monday of as Yudicky. The Urban Trails Alliance, which going. If there is any one from Nashua who the month at 7:30pm. Also, new members, and has been looking after Yudicky, had started the might be interested in joining the UTA, let me old, make sure you sign up with the southern bridge over a swampy section but they were not know. A lot of the land in Yudicky, or The South NH e-mail list, Mtb-SouthernNH, at the mother happy with the way it was turning out. The logs West Park (which is it's rather blah official NEMBA web site. The list covers both the were just side by side and wobbly and were name) is going to be turned from a very natural Seacoast chapter and the South Central chapter. hard to walk on. Bikers just rode around it, over space into a more civilized park with soccer That is the main conduit for chapter informa- some old corduroy and through the mud. They fields and parking etc. It would be nice to have tion. We post rides, trails days, meeting loca- asked if we could help fix it. So on May 19 the UTA around because they do a good job and tions, all sorts of stuff on there. —Jean Rubin Pamela & Mark Polomski, Debbie & Dave it would be nice to have a mountain bike pres-

Wompatuck SF until we were safely inside sipping beer. Even with that grim weather predic- SE Mass tion, 122 riders attended netting $777 and 22 new members. President: Carolyn Zepf, 781-297-5658 NEMBA folk came from as far as VP Ames Nowell: Don Jordan, 781- central Mass. to help out and 767-4044 make the event great. VP Blue Hills: Joe Sloane, 617-696- An awesome new feature of 3533 these events is the post-ride free VP Borderland: Richard Higgins, 508- massages. Near-graduating 328-7590 masseuse interns needed the credits and many weary bikers VP Foxboro: Dan Ibbitson, 508-543- happily obliged. 4428 Plans are underway to have new VP Freetown: Dennis Lewis, 508-993- 5920 trails and build a rock bridge at in VP Wompatuck: Paul Peasley, 781-925- Easton. Call Rich Higgins if you 2512 can help out. Lets face it, that place rocks, no lot of attention, doesn't it?) Odds of getting it VP Wrentham: Kevin Delaney, 508- pun intended. We can make it even better. are pretty good, just ask Anne Shepard, last 226-3467 We're also going to revamp Ames Nowell; the year's winner. good ranger willing. There's lots of potential fun Treasurer: Well I nominated Bill Boles for our chapter's Bill Boles, 508-583-0067 riding there and a lot of potential manpower for Rock Shox Hero and he won. Wahoo! He gets a trail day. We're hoping to recruit high school Secretary: Eero Kola, 781-356-2518 lots of swag that he probably doesn't need but students who are mountain bikers. Email List: [email protected] who deserves it more? Let us know of any other If anyone would like a free Merlin titanium great contributors to our sport for next year. mountain bike, there are two Merlin trail main- What makes a Rock Shox hero? You decide. — The torrential downpour held off for the entire tenance days left on 10/21 adn 11/11 at Carolyn Zepf Pedro’s-Harpoon MTB Adventure event at . (That place sure gets a

28 CHAPTER NEWS

to Winhall. Vermont Mountain Bike Advocates Rochester Forest district. For now we will turn Executive Director Tom Yennerell kindly drove our attention to the Somerset Reservoir area the shuttle for the one way ride. Thanks also to which will involve negotiations with several dif- Ben and Brent at Mountain Riders in Bondville ferent organizations, the Vermont Land Trust: Vermont for setting up some plush K2 sleds for the Pacific Gas and Electric (owners of the land); President: Rob Macgregor, 802-824-3642, Forest Service staff. V.A.S.T.; and the Catamount Trail Association. [email protected] The road is a snowmobile corridor in the winter Bill Kilday and TJ Mora at Battenkill Sports in Secretary: Cyndi Kilday and is between novice and intermediate skill Manchester arranged for the chapter's purchase level- not too hard but a long way out in case of of a BOB trailer which is now available for use bonk or breakdown. It will take until next sum- along with the chapter's supply of hand tools. Greetings! Hope your trails are all clear and fast mer to go through the approval process, but Contact me if you need to use any of these for enough to stay ahead of the deer flies and mos- would be the first bike route in the southern trailwork projects. Don't forget the NORBA quitos. Also hello and welcome aboard to the Forest district not also open to wheeled motor Nationals at Mount Snow on Aug. 18-19th. newest chapter members. vehicles. It will be a key leg in the southern end We'll have the NEMBA booth there as usual of the Green Mountain Bike Route/ APEX trail. thanks to Mount Snow. Please consider helping Our bike corridor in the Stratton area of the Next step, assuming approval, is to develop sig- out at the booth for an hour or two, if you can. Green Mountain National Forest is inching ever nage for the trailheads and intersections. Expect a general purpose letter soon addressing closer to becoming reality. In May Forest Service issues facing the chapter now that we'll have trail managers Doug Reeves and Bill Garrison: One additional development with the Forest some official trails to maintain. You can contact NEMBA memba and map-maker extraordinare Service is that after an April meeting with VT me for whatever reason at the adresses above. Bill Kilday: outdoor sportswriter Peggy McKay NEMBA and VMBA, the Memo of Happy Pedaling! —Rob Macgregor Shinn and yours truly rode the 9.2 mile Understanding between NEMBA and USFS wil International Paper Co. road from the town of be extended to include VMBA as the trail coop- Stratton around the west side of the mountain erator organization for the more norhern Berkshire Cape Cod President: Mary Tunnicliffe, President: Charlie Genatossio,508-477- North Shore 413-298-0073, [email protected] 4936, [email protected] President: Dan Streeter, 978-462-4605, VP: Herm Olgunick Vice-President: Mitch McCulloch [email protected] Secretary: Jan Marcotte Secretary: Vice-President: Joe Dizazzo Treasurer: Ellin Borrus Rex Channell Treasurer: Ron Corporon Email List: [email protected] Treasurer: Margaret Moore Secretary: Dan Walsh Email List: [email protected] Email List: [email protected] Rhode Island Wachusett President: White President: Jim Grimley, 401-782-0162, Vacant. [email protected] Vice-Presidentl: Vacant Vice-President: Jim Christensen VP Groton TF: Dave Stockwell, Mountains [email protected] President: Mark Jenks, 603-536-0233, Treasurer: Sara Grimely [email protected] VP Leominster SF: Jim Wrightson, Secretary: Tina Hopkins [email protected] Vice-President: Rob Adair, 603-356- 5214, [email protected] Email List: [email protected] VP Midstate: Jim Amidon, [email protected] Treasurer: Jeff Cavicchi Web: http://members.aol.com/rinem- ba99/rinemba.htm VP Townsend SF: Dana Blanchard, Treasurer: Cathy Steers [email protected] Email List: RI Patrol: Tom Hogan, 860-376-3250 Treasurer: John Pratt [email protected] http://www.geocities.com/mtbikepatrol Secretary: Gray Harrison Email List: [email protected] Web: http://geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadoe s/1441/

29 NEMBA RIDE SERIES Bill Boles, Ride Coordinator

NEMBA rides are led by individual NEMBA members for other members and prospective members. So if you haven't yet joined NEMBA, please do. Rides are usually for small numbers of people and vary with the location and the personal style of the host. Rides have been known to change location or time at the last moment. So be sure to call the ride's leader, both to sign up, and to find out more about the ride. **Be sure to contact the ride leader a couple of days before the ride takes place. That way you will be sure that the ride is on. If you commit to a ride, go, since space is limited. That way the rides will stay manageable and be enjoyable for everyone. Helmets are required on all NEMBA rides. Contact the ride leader if the weather looks questionable. HEY! - Why not lead a NEMBA ride yourself? Contact Bill Boles at 508-583-0067 or [email protected] for more information.

(MBA) Indicates a NEMBA Mountain Bike Adventure Series Ride (EN) Indicates an EFTA/NEMBA Fun Ride. (D) Indicates a weekday daytime ride. (FBH) Indicates a Friends of the Blue Hills Ride. (BHTW) Indicates a Blue Hills Trail Watch ride. (NBTRS) indicates Newington Bike Trek Ride Series (Dog) Indicates you can bring your dog. (W) Indicates a WOMBATS ride. (k) Indicates a Kids & Family ride. (CALL) Indicates contact the leader to see if the ride is on. (TBA) Indicates location to be determined.

The following ride categories are only general guidelines. You should ask the ride's leader exactly what type of ride he or she is planning in terms of distance, pace and technicality. Also, be realistic about your level of riding skills and don't join a ride that is beyond your present ability or fitness level.

MBA 10-20 miles. A ride on a marked course for all ability levels. Normally includes short and long loops. Call for more information. EFTA/NEMBA 10-25 miles. Marked loops for all ability levels. Normally includes multiple loops. Call for more information. Kids/Family: 2-10 miles, usually easy pace & terrain. These rides are aimed at parents with young children. Beginner: 2-7 miles, easy terrain, easy pace. These rides are aimed at riders with little or no riding experience. Novice: 4-9 miles, mellow pace, easy terrain, frequent stops. Advanced Novice: 6-10 miles, mellow pace, either mostly easy terrain, or could be technical terrain done slowly, frequent stops. Intermediate: 10-20 miles, moderately technical, somewhat faster pace, occasional stops and bail out points. Intermediate rides are designed for people who ride frequently, and have some skills, but who probably don't enter races. Advanced Intermediate: The same as intermediate, except faster and harder terrain. Advanced: 20-30 miles, high technical difficulty, fast pace, few stops or chances to bail out. These rides are intended for advanced riders or, racers who would like to go for a challenging ride at less than all out race pace. Women's Rides: Can be any level of difficulty. Call for more information.

Cape Cod & Islands 08/12 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 08/14 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 08/15 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/15 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/17 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/19 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 08/21 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 08/22 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/22 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/24 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/26 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 08/28 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935

30 08/29 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/29 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 08/31 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/02 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 09/04 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 09/05 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/05 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/07 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/09 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 09/11 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 09/12 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/12 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/14 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/16 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 09/18 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 09/19 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/19 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/21 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/23 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 09/25 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 09/26 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/26 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/28 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 09/30 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 10/02 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 10/03 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/03 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/05 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/07 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 10/09 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 10/10 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/10 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/12 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/14 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 10/16 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 10/17 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/17 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/19 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/21 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 10/23 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 10/24 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/24 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/26 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/28 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 10/30 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 10/31 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 10/31 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/02 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/04 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 11/06 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 11/07 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/07 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/09 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/11 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 Advertise in SingleTracks Reach thousands of mountain bikers throughout New England! Call 800-57-NEMBA for rates.

31 11/13 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 11/14 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/14 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/16 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/18 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 11/20 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 11/21 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/21 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/23 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/25 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 11/27 Trail of Tears Adv. Novice-Intermediate Steve Wong 7:00pm 508-428-1935 11/28 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/28 Trail of Tears All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 11/30 Otis All Mike Dube [email protected] 508-477-1300 12/02 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905 Central, Wachusett & Western Mass

08/16 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 08/23 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 08/30 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 09/06 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 09/13 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 09/20 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 09/27 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 09/08 West Hawley All Peter Weber [email protected] 303-545-9011(IMBA) Connecticut

08/12 W. Hartford Res. All Gene Kulak [email protected] 860-225-0085(NBTRS) 08/15 Branford Beginner-Novice Alex Sokolow [email protected] 203-281-0789 08/22 Tyler Mill, Wallingford Alll Gene Kulak [email protected] 860-225-0085(NBTRS) 08/22 Meshomasic SF Intermediate Alex Sokolow [email protected] 203-281-0789 08/25 Airline Trail South Kids/Family Amy Gray [email protected] 860-584-2443 08/25 Cockaponset SF Novice & Inter. Mike Dews [email protected] 860-045-1347 08/27 Case Mtn. Intermediate Alex Sokolow [email protected] 203-281-0789 08/28 Easton Novice Paula Burton [email protected] 203-426-5369 08/28 Penwood SP Novice John Turchi [email protected] 860-653-5038 09/05 Tyler Mill Beginner-Novice Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet 203-281-0789 09/08 Case Mtn. All Gene Kulak [email protected] 860-225-0085(NBTRS) 09/10 Branford Adv. Nov-Intermediate Alex Sokolow [email protected] 203-281-0789 09/11 White Memorial Kids/Family Amy Gray [email protected] 860-584-2443 09/11 Nepaug SF Novice John Turchi [email protected] 860-653-5038 09/15 White Memorial Kids/Family Amy Gray [email protected] (860) 584-2443 09/17 Brooksvale/Naugatuck Adv. Novice-Inter. Alex Sokolow [email protected] 203-281-0789 09/22 Penwood SF All Gene Kulak [email protected] 860-225-0085(NBTRS) 09/24 W. Rock Ridge SP Intermediate Alex Sokolow [email protected] 203-281-0789 10/30 W. Hartford Reservoir Beginner John Turchi [email protected] 860-653-5038 11/23 CT Turkey Burner All (TBD) John Turchi [email protected] 860-653-5038 Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont

08/13 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/14 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/14 Manchester Ctr. Intermediate Bill Kilday [email protected] 802-362-2734 08/14 Fort Rock, Exeter Intermediate Wheel Power 603-772-6343 08/14 Massabesic, NH Family/Kids Karen Gunterman [email protected] 603-268-0011 08/16 Mine Falls, NH Women Pamela Polomski [email protected] 603-886-5705 08/16 Bear Brook, NH Adv. Beginner John Gunterman [email protected] 603-268-0011 08/17 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/20 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/21 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/21 Manchester Ctr. Intermediate Bill Kilday [email protected] 802-362-2734 08/21 Fort Rock, Exeter Intermediate Wheel Power 603-772-6343 08/23 Massabesic, NH Women Pamela Polomski [email protected] 603-886-5705 08/23 Candia NH Adv. Beginner John Gunterman [email protected] 603-268-0011 08/24 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/27 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/28 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190

32 08/28 Manchester Ctr. Intermediate Bill Kilday [email protected] 802-362-2734 08/28 Fort Rock, Exeter Intermediate Wheel Power 603-772-6343 08/30 Mine Falls, NH Women Pamela Polomski [email protected] 603-886-5705 08/30 Massabesic, NH Adv. Beginner John Gunterman [email protected] 603-268-0011 08/31 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/04 Manchester Ctr. Intermediate Bill Kilday [email protected] 802-362-2734 09/04 Fort Rock, Exeter Intermediate Wheel Power 603-772-6343 09/04 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/06 Massabesic, NH Women Pamela Polomski [email protected] 603-886-5705 09/07 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/10 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/11 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/11 Manchester Ctr. Intermediate Bill Kilday [email protected] 802-362-2734 09/11 Fort Rock, Exeter Intermediate Wheel Power 603-772-6343 09/13 Mine Falls, NH Women Pamela Polomski [email protected] 603-886-5705 09/14 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/17 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/18 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/18 Manchester Ctr. Intermediate Bill Kilday [email protected] 802-362-2734 09/18 Fort Rock, Exeter Intermediate Wheel Power 603-772-6343 09/20 Massabesic, NH Women Pamela Polomski [email protected] 603-886-5705 09/21 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/23 White Mtns. All Pedro’s-Harpoon MTB Adventure Series 800-57-NEMBA 09/24 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/25 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/25 Manchester Ctr. Intermediate Bill Kilday [email protected] 802-362-2734 09/27 Mine Falls, NH Women Pamela Polomski [email protected] 603-886-5705 09/28 Mine Falls, NH Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 11/23 Auburn, NH All Jack Chapman 603-483-2951 (EN) Metro Boston, Merrimac & North Shore

08/12 Blue Hills Intermediate Dave McElwaine [email protected] 617-727-6918(BHTW) 08/12 Townsend SF Intermediate Norm Blanchette [email protected] 978-957-0800 08/12 Townsend SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/15 Great Brook SP Intermediate Norm Blanchette [email protected] 978-957-0800 08/16 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 08/18 Charles River Intermediate Michael Salerno [email protected] 08/19 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-2543 08/19 Townsend SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/22 Charles River Intermediate Michael Salerno [email protected] 08/23 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 08/25 Fells Women Chris Sebastian [email protected] 617-573-9546(W) 08/26 The Grim, Littleton Intermediate Norm Blanchette [email protected] 978-957-0800 08/26 Townsend SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 08/29 Great Brook SP Intermediate Norm Blanchette [email protected] 978-957-0800 09/02 Dracut SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/05 Charles River Intermediate Michael Salerno [email protected] 09/06 Groton TF Adv. Beg - Int. Cal Goldsmith [email protected] 978-772-1590 09/08 Charles River Intermediate Michael Salerno [email protected] 09/09 Townsend SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/15 Blue Hills Advanced Int. Carol Pino [email protected] 617-727-6918(BHTW) 09/16 Great Brook SP Intermediate Norm Blanchette [email protected] 978-957-0800 09/16 Townsend SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/19 Charles River Intermediate Michael Salerno [email protected] 09/22 Fells Women Chris Sebastian [email protected] 617-573-9546(W) 09/23 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-2543 09/23 Townsend SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/29 Charles River Intermediate Michael Salerno [email protected] 09/30 Townsend SF Adv. Beg-Intermediate John Morrissey [email protected] 603-598-0190 09/30 Great Brook SP Intermediate Norm Blanchette [email protected] 978-957-0800 10/06 Charles River Intermediate Michael Salerno [email protected] 10/13 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(FBH) 10/14 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(BHTW) 10/21 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-2543(FBH) 10/23 Dracut All Norm Blanchette [email protected] 978-957-0800(EN) 10/27 Fells Women Chris Sebastian [email protected] 617-573-9546(W) 10/28 Harold Parker SF All Dan Streeter 978-462-4605 (EN) 11/10 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(FBH) 12/01 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(FBH)

33 Rhode Island

08/15 Arcadia All Tina Hopkins [email protected] 401-539-7540 08/16 Arcadia Intermediate Women Sara Grimley [email protected] 401-732-6390 08/18 Arcadia Beginner Jim Grimley [email protected] 401-732-6390 08/22 Arcadia All Tina Hopkins [email protected] 401-539-7540 08/23 Big River Intermediate Women Sara Grimley [email protected] 401-732-6390 08/25 Big River Beginner Jim Grimley [email protected] 401-732-6390 08/29 Arcadia All Tina Hopkins [email protected] 401-539-7540 09/05 Arcadia All Tina Hopkins [email protected] 401-539-7540 09/12 Arcadia All Tina Hopkins [email protected] 401-539-7540 09/19 Arcadia All Tina Hopkins [email protected] 401-539-7540 09/26 Arcadia All Tina Hopkins [email protected] 401-539-7540 Southeastern Mass & Blackstone Valley

08/12 Blue Hills Advanced Int. Dave McElwaine [email protected] 617-727-6918(BHTW) 08/14 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 08/15 Callahan SP Intermediate Jeff Gallo [email protected] 08/16 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 08/18 Foxboro SF Women Kristin Weisker [email protected] 508-801-6628(W)(D) 08/18 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 08/19 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-2543 08/21 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 08/23 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 08/25 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 08/26 Douglas SF All Mitch Steinberg [email protected] 508-529-9339(EN) 08/28 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 08/30 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 09/01 Callahan SP Women Harley Erickson [email protected] 508-872-2470(W) 09/01 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 09/04 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 09/05 Upton SF Intermediate Dave Freed [email protected] 09/06 TBA Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 09/08 Foxboro SF Women Sue Mitchell [email protected] 508-761-4291(W) 09/08 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 09/08 Tripple Basin Blast All David Freed [email protected] 508-366-7870 09/11 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 09/12 Vietnam Intermediate Ray Ryan [email protected] 09/13 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 09/15 Foxboro SF Women Kristin Weisker [email protected] 508-801-6628(W)(D) 09/15 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 09/15 Blue Hills Advanced Int. Carol Pino [email protected] 617-727-6918(BHTW) 09/18 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 09/19 Framingham Intermediate Jeff Gallo [email protected] 09/20 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 09/22 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 09/23 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-2543 09/25 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 09/27 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 09/29 Foxboro SF Women Ann Natalizia [email protected] 508-384-8266(W) 09/29 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 10/02 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 10/03 Upton SF Intermediate Dave Freed [email protected] 10/04 TBA Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 10/06 Callahan SP Women Harley Erickson [email protected] 508-872-2470(W) 10/06 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 10/09 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 10/10 Vietnam Intermediate Dave Freed [email protected] 508-366-7870 10/11 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 10/13 Foxboro SF Women Sue Mitchell [email protected] 508-761-4291(W) 10/13 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 10/13 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(FBH) 10/14 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(BHTW) 10/16 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 10/17 Callahan SP Intermediate Jeff Gallo [email protected] 10/18 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 10/20 Foxboro SF Women Kristin Weisker [email protected] 508-801-6628(W)(D) 10/20 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 10/21 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-2543(FBH) 10/23 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512

34 10/25 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 10/27 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 10/30 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 11/01 TBA Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 11/03 Callahan SP Women Harley Erickson [email protected] 508-872-2470(W) 11/03 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 11/04 Freetown SF All Dennis Lewis [email protected] 508-993-5920 (EN) 11/06 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 11/08 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 11/10 Foxboro SF Women Sue Mitchell [email protected] 508-761-4291(W) 11/10 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 11/10 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(FBH) 11/13 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 11/15 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 11/17 Foxboro SF Women Kristin Weisker [email protected] 508-801-6628(W)(D) 11/17 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 11/20 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peaslee 781-925-2512 11/24 Ames Nowell SP Intermediate Bike Barn 781-447-7223 11/29 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitosn [email protected] 508-384-0665 12/01 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067(FBH) Concerned Long Island Mountain Bike Association Island Mountain Bike Concerned Long

35 SOS: Support Our Sponsors. They Support Us!

$1000+ $250+ Easthampton Bicycle, Easthampton MA Belmont Wheel Works, Belmont MA Cane Creek, Fletcher NC Exeter Cycles, Exeter NH Bikebarn, Whitman MA Mavic, Haverill MA Ferris Wheels Bicycle Shop, Jamaica Plain MA Cycle Loft, Burlington MA USE Shokpost, Portsmouth NH Highland Hardware & Bike Shop, Holyoke MA Dirt Rag Magazine, Pittsburgh PA $150-200+ Mid-State Biycles, Leominster MA Harpoon, Boston MA Competitive Edge, Northampton MA North Haven Bike North, Haven CT Independent Fabrication, Somerville MA Mean Wheels Bike Shop, Lenox MA Pig Iron Bicycle Works, Glastonbury CT IMBA, Boulder CO Yarmouth Bicycle & Fitness, Yarmouth MA Riverside Cycles, Newburyport MA Merlin Metalworks, Chattanooga TN $100 Rock'n Road Cycles, Clinton CT Redbones BBQ, Somerville MA Bath Cycle & Ski, Woolwich ME Saybrook Cycle Works, Old Saybrook CT Santa Cruz, Bicycles Santa Cruz CA Benidorm Bikes & Snowboards, Canton CT The Bicycle Shop, Topsfield MA Seven Cycles, Watertown MA Bicycle Alley, Worcester MA The Bike Shop, Inc., Manchester CT Ted Wojcik Bicycles, Hampstead NH Bicycle Bill, Allston MA Union Cycle, Attleboro MA $500+ Bicycle World Inc., Greenfield MA Wallingford Bike & Repair, Wallingford CT Gately Associates, Wellesley MA Bikers Edge, Bristol CT Yankee Pedaler, Hudson MA Goodale’s Bike & Ski, Nashua NH Bikes Belong Coalition, Brookline MA $50 Landry’s Bicycles, Framingham MA Cove Cycle, Hyannis MA North Shore Cyclists, Amesbury MA Newington Bicycle, Newington CT Cycle Works, LLC, Wallingford CT Northeast Bicycle Club, Burlington MA Rock Shox, Colorado Springs CO Downeast Bicycle Specialists, Fryeburg ME Team Bicycle Alley, Worcester MA

R i d e N E M B A ’ s C y b e r - T r a i l s ! What are you waiting for? Don’t wait for the next SingleTracks to find out what’s happening! NEMBA can hook you up with all the latest news, rides and happenings on our many email lists. Join one, join two, three; it doesn’t matter. Thousands of other New England mountain bikers are already online sharing tales of their latest crashs, their best rides, and planning their next epics. Don’t miss out! Log on to www.nemba.org’s “NEMBA Email Lists” Choose the email lists that fit your mountain bike fancy!: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

They’re free and they’re fun, so put down the magazine and subscribe. Hey, I said, put it down!

36 Membership Application We need you to join! You’ll get a year’s worth of SingleTracks, a membership handbook, some cool stickers and a member’s card which is frequently good for discounts at your local bike shop. More than that, you’ll be welcome to come to all our events and you’ll be helping make the trails a better place for mountain biking!

Name ______Pick a Chapter! Address ______At Large City ______State ______Zip ______Berkshire NEMBA

Home phone ______Chapter ______Blackstone Valley NEMBA Cape Cod NEMBA New:____ Renewal: ____ Visa/MC# ______exp______CT NEMBA Greater Boston NEMBA Individual $20 ______Family $30 ______Supporting $50 _____ Sponsoring $100_____ Merrimack MA NEMBA Benefactor $250_____ Trail Builder $500 ______Master Trail Builder $1000 ______North Shore MA NEMBA Pioneer Valley MA NEMBA Dealer Memberships: Basic $100 _____ Supporting $200_____ Benefactor $500_____ Lifetime $1500_____ Seacoast NH NEMBA South Central NH NEMBA Industry Memberships: Southeast MA NEMBA Basic $75_____ Supporting $100 _____ Benefactor $500_____ Rhode Island NEMBA If possible, please include your company’s matching gift form Vermont NEMBA Wachusett MA NEMBA Mail to: NEMBA, PO Box 2221, Acton MA 01720 White Mtns NH NEMBA OR CALL 800-57-NEMBA (06/01)

Got NEMBA? Membership Benefits • Supporting MTB Trail Advocacy, Education and Helping to Preserve Open Space • Lots of Volunteer Opportunities • 1000s of rides around New England • Training, Skills Clinics • A year’s worth of SingleTracks • NEMBA Email Chat Lists

www.nemba.org • Discounts to NEMBA Events • Cool Stickers • Bike Shop Discounts at the Best Shops • Season Kick Off Party • Doing the right thing! Join Online

37 NEMBA EVENTS 2001 Festivals and Benefits Sept. 30 Blue Hills Mountain Bike Day Oct. 14 CT NEMBA Fall Fiesta, Glastonbury, 860-653-5038 Nov. 25 SE MA NEMBA/ TrailWatch Toys for Tots Ride, Blue Hills

Pedro's-Harpoon Mountain Bike Adventure Series 800-57-NEMBA www.mtbadventureseries.org Sept. 23 Bear Notch Ski Touring Center, Bartlett NH

EFTA/NEMBA Fun Rides Aug. 26 BV NEMBA, Douglas SF, 508-529-9339 Oct 13 MV NEMBA, Dracut State Forest. 978-957-0800 Oct. 28 NS NEMBA Harold Parker SP, 978-462-4605 Nov 4 SEMASS NEMBA, Freetown SF, 508-998-2085 Nov 23 FOMBA Turkey Burner, Auburn, NH, 603-483-2951

NEMBA Trail Maintenance Work Parties

Merlin/NEMBA Trail Maintenance Series Blackstone Valley NEMBA Sept. 15 Westboro Charm Bracelet, 508-366-7870 October TBD Whitehall Resevoir (Hopkinton) 508-366-7870 November 3 Noanet, [email protected]

Greater Boston NEMBA Sept. 15 Lynn Woods, 978-251-0105 Sept 29 Fells, 978-657-0557 Oct. 6 Great Brook Farm SP, 781-275-1861 Oct. 20 Lynn Woods, 978-251-0105 Oct. 28 Belmont, 617-924-4539 Nov. 3 Great Brook Farm SP, 781-275-1861 Merrimack Valley NEMBA Sept. 29 Dracut State Forest, 978-957-0800 South Central NH NEMBA Aug. 11 Mine Falls Park, Nashua, [email protected] Sept. 16 Mine Falls Park, Nashua, [email protected] Oct. 27 Mine Falls Park, Nashua, [email protected] SE MA NEMBA October 21 Wompatuck SF, 781-925-2512 Nov. 11 Wompatuck SF, 781-925-2512 Wachusett NEMBA Oct. 20 Leominster State Forest, 978-464-2763 CT NEMBA/Cannondale Trail Maintenance Series August 12 MDC Res., Brian Smith [email protected] August 18 Huntington State Park, 203-426-5369

Ted Wojcik/Mavic Trail Care Series Seacoast NEMBA Sept. 16 Bear Brook State Park, 603-895-6633 Oct. 7 Pawtuckaway State Park,603-463-9811 Nov. 4 Fort Rock, Exeter, [email protected]

White Mountains NEMBA August 23 North Conway (6pm), 603-356-6913 Sept 8th North Conway, 603-356-6913 October TBA North Conway, 603-356-6913

38 Presented by MetroSports Magazine and the New England Mountain Bike Association Come Ride on Great Trails and Support Good Causes There will be lots of prizes, and Harpoon will be hosting a post-Adventure Party at a local pub after each event! The cost is $10 per ride, $3 for NEMBA members and free to anyone who joins NEMBA at the event. Whole families can ride for $25. All Rides Benefit a Charity or the Trails! May 5 Lynn Woods, Lynn MA —a benefit for the David Kirby Fund May 27 Holyoke Range/Skinner State Park, Amherst MA —a benefit for the Holyoke Range/Skinner State Park June 2 Cockaponset State Forest, Chester CT —Lance Armstrong Foundation June 17 Wompatuck State Park, Hingham MA —a benefit for Wompatuck Trail Fund July 22 Freetown State Forest, Freetown MA —a benefit for the Friends of Freetown-Fall River State Forest August 5 Great Brook Farm SP, Carlisle MA —a benefit for the Friends of Great Brook Farm State Park Sept. 23 Bear Notch Ski Touring Center, Bartlett NH —a benefit for the Kennett High School Mountain Bike Team For more information, and directions to the events: www.mtbadventureseries.org 800-57-NEMBA

39 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #148 Plattsburgh, NY

New England Mountain Bike Association PO Box 2221 Acton MA 01720

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