LEA DING THE PARTI CIPATION OF MOUNTAIN CYCLISTS IN THE TRAI L COMMUNITY MAY—JUNE 2006 Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Trail Restoration Plans

By Meredith Manning Road and Trail Erosion Project Manager/ Inventory of the Preserve. Open Space Planner Both trails are located on former logging skid and haul Midpeninsula Regional Open roads that were not meant Space District (MROSD) for year-round use. expects to perform major Construction is planned to restoration work on two very occur from July 15 through popular multi-use trails October 15, pending permit within the El Corte de authorization from CA Dept Madera (ECdM) Creek Open of Fish and Game, San Space Preserve (Preserve) Francisco Bay Area Regional this summer. The purpose of Water Quality Control the proposed work is to help Board, San Mateo County protect a downstream Planning, and San Mateo population of steelhead trout, County Building Departments. a federally threatened coastal species, by improving water Giant Salamander Trail quality, reducing trail Giant Salamander Trail erosion, and reducing suffered erosion during this sedimentation to the aquatic heavy rain season. A culvert environment. The two trails became clogged with debris, scheduled for improvements water diverted down the are Giant Salamander (in the trail, and finally drained off interior of the Preserve) and the road, taking about 100 El Corte de Madera Creek cubic yards of saturated fill Trail (from Gate CM01). material with it to the creek Last year, MROSD benefited below. Improvements to this from ROMP members’ input trail will provide a long-term on improving the Giant solution to the drainage Salamander Trail for both erosion We hope that this advance notice problems and enable the popular control and rideability. We look will help us cooperate with you so trail to remain open to users while forward to continuing to solicit help that we can successfully complete reducing the potential for future from ROMP during the construction restoration work in the Preserve. creek sedimentation. MROSD staff, phase of this project and beyond. El Corte de Madera Creek and Giant with assistance from ROMP This project will not be successful Salamander Trails were identified as members, reviewed all options for without mountain bikers continuing high priority treatment areas for restoration work, including extensive to remain patient and finding other their potential to deliver sediment to scouting for new trail realignments. trails to ride during and immediately the aquatic environment in a 2002 (Continued on page 4) after construction.

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 1

Fear and Loathing in Woodside

By Josh Moore with a public workshop. County The next opportunity for public Presid ent of ROMP parks worked with numerous input was Public Trail User Focus equestrian groups, and some other Group Meeting #2, on January 31, We are extremely disappointed by the stakeholders. It is not clear whether 2006 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, at Huddart and Wunderlich master mountain biking interests were well Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside planning process. We have been represented prior to the Parks and Road, in Woodside. At that meeting, slandered and called terrorists. Recreation Commission Meeting to held in a room way too small, the We have heard a large number of consider the draft master plan in equestrian lobby out-numbered misconceptions repeated over and August of 2005. At that time, a few mountain bikers by a factor of five or over, and that does not make them of us began writing and addressing more. They spoke out of turn, booed true. The current re commendations the commission, even though the and generally made asses of disregard the desires of a large process seemed biased against us themselves. The meeting was a number of responsible and respectful from the very start. disaster, and many cyclists felt cyclists in San Mateo County, threatened afterwards. and do not adequately anticipate demographics The prevailing attitude that over the next 20 years. was screamed at us cyclists by the attending equines, There is a rich history of was "go somewhere else" - mountain biking in the Dirt Alpine, and Windy Hill San Francisco Bay Area, were stated as viable the birthplace of alternatives for us bicycle mountain biking. ROMP riders to get from valley to was formed in the early skyline, then ride north eighties, and the along Skyline (State International Mountain Highway 35) to access Biking Association was ECDM or Purisima. spun out of ROMP in It is doubtful any cyclist 1988. None of this rich would opt for this 10+ mile history has taken place ride and report having had in San Mateo County, an enjoyable-safe excursion and judging by the once on hwy 35. In addition, current state of the the equestrian bigots Huddart Wunderlich reviled again and again Master Plan, it is not at all things bicycle. On going to happen soon. Despite the seemingly impossible multiple occasions we were Huddart Wunderlich Master odds, Commissioner Bern Smith referred to as "teenaged terrorists". Plan History made a motion at the end of all the We were taken to task as prone to The mission of the County Parks presentations and discussion, to urinating at the front of resident's Division is stated as: "Through forward the Draft Master Plan to the homes, hogging paved roads with stewardship, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors with the rude-boorish packs of verbally Park and Recreation Division condition that staff identify a route abusive malcontents, not paying preserves our County's natural and for bicycles up through the parks to taxes, etc. So, in the view of cultural treasures, and provides safe, the ridge. The motion was seconded equestrians in Woodside, not only accessible parks, recreation and by Chair Richard Biederman. There are we unwelcome in the County learning opportunities to enhance the was discussion about whether a route Parks, but we should be removed community's quality of life". We are should be specified, such as a trail or from paved roads too. concerned that the current proposed perhaps Bear Gulch Road, and the This meeting really precipitated the master plan with no bike access on motion was amended to simply state fear and loathing of the equestrian dirt in any of San Mateo County's "a route." There was discussion about community. They rallied, and put parks is not providing access, nor safe whether this represented a together a Not-in-My-Back-Yard, recreation for anyone. The proposed recommendation to lift the ban on anti-tourism, anti-growth web site, master plan will guide the parks' bikes system wide, and Chair keepwoodsiderural.org. The web site stewardship for the next twenty Biederman said that times change bemoans out-of-towners taking all the years. and maybe it's time to re-evaluate parking, running on trails, scaring this restriction and start with this The process began in July of 2004 (Continued on page 10) one Park.

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 2

Boggs Mountain State Demonstration Forest

By Peter P. Donohue providing accessibility to multiple use groups. I was first introduced to Boggs In addition, logging through a series of mountain bike pays the bills for the races that were held there called the park, so there are no Boggs Mountain Bashes. The races use fees for the public. are no longer run, but that didn't stop me from returning to the trails Note: there is another last summer on a long weekend. Demonstration Forest located closer to the Boggs Mountain is located north of SF Bay Area, and that Napa County, next to the small town is "the Demo" (Soquel of Cobb, CA. Boggs Mountain is one Demonstration State of eight State Demonstration Forest), between San Forests. It is controlled by the State Jose and Santa Cruz, (specifically the which has many good Department of Forestry) and is trails, as well. managed as a multi-use resource. Normally when a mountain biker Boggs Mountain says multi-use, they are talking contains 22 miles of about trail users such as hikers, fire roads and 14 miles horseback riders, and bikers, but in of single track in this case it also includes uses such as nearly 3500 acres. logging and hunting. These trails explore a variety of terrain, from The "demonstration" part of the forest to brush. Although the forest needed at the CDF station and then name refers to the balance between is located on Boggs Mountain, there take the road to Houghton Creek sustainability and use upheld by the is not as much climbing as one would Trail and back to the campsite. parks resource management: the expect, but don't get me wrong - the If you are riding during blackberry forest stays healthy and living while terrain isn't flat. For most people, season, there is a huge blackberry 2 or 3 days is enough to cover patch at the creek crossing on the whole park. Pick up a map at Houghton that you can snack on. the kiosk as you enter and start For a shorter loop, just take Scout, to exploring. The trails are pretty Karen's to Hobergs's Loop. This also well marked though the map is would be a good route for hotter getting a bit out of date, as some days, as these trails are well shaded of the newer trails weren't and offer some relief from the sun. marked. The single track trails are generally well groomed and Boggs Mountain is a bit of a trek while challenging aren't overly from the Bay Area, but conveniently technical. there is camping on site. The facilities are sparse (pit toilets, If you only have one day and are closest water is at the CDF station looking for a long ride, a good which is a few miles from the loop is to follow much of what camping area, etc.), but it was used as the race course. is hard to complain since there is no Start at the campsite and work fee to camp there. The camping area your way down either Ball Cap also makes a great starting point or John's Trail and then down for many of the trails. trails 300 and 100 to Grizzley. Go up the different parts of The park is a bit dusty and can be Grizzley and then up Jetro. Out hot, so you may want to bring a solar Scout Trail, to Karen's, and then Hoberg's Loop. Refill water if (Continued on page 9)

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 3

(Continued from page 1)

Because the surrounding topography was too steep to construct an erosion-proof trail system, the decision was made to upgrade this trail in its curre nt alignment. The temporary trail closures will be worth the inconvenience because the “daylighted” stream crossings, partial road-to-trail conversion, and narrow-track reroutes will produce a better ride from behind the handlebars while protecting the aquatic environment. Proposed Giant Salamander Trail work includes a reroute of the deeply incised and gullied easternmost portion of the trail where it connects to Timberview Trail. A new bridge will replace the existing failing culvert crossing constru cted during the MROSD staff takes sedimentation readin gs in the ECD M watershed logging era. Three smaller bridges users during construction. However, El Corte de Madera Creek Trail will replace culverts along the dependent on the presence of rock The El Corte de Madera Creek Trail western portion of the trail where it dump trucks, water trucks, heavy was originally a logging haul road connects with Methuselah Trail. equipment, and vehicle traffic constructed immediately adjacent to All the fill material associated with necessary to support the restoration a stream that flows year-round. the culverts is proposed to be work, temporary closure may be Springs, seeps, and intermittent physically removed and the original considered to ensure visitor safety. stream channels that flow into the stream channel bed exposed. Large year-round stream must cross this heavy equipment is necessary to The Giant Salamander Trail is also trail before they can reach their perform this work; hence, the need proposed to remain closed to users destination into the channel. to close the trail for safety throughout the first rainy season Adding moderately heavy visitor during constru ction. following construction. This is traffic on this trail compounds the critical because the restoration work The access road for the Giant problem by causing additional will suffer from even light foot Salamander Trail work will be on erosion and sedimentation to the traffic during the first winter season the Methuselah Trail. This trail is creek. Proposed work for 2006 following construction. not expected to be closed to Preserve includes removing culverts and all associated fill material and replacing them with three new bridges. As with the Giant Salamander Trail, we did extensive reconnaissance to find a better route. Finding none, the decision was made to upgrade this trail in its current alignment. These popular trails must be closed during construction to protect the safety of Preserve users and apologize for the inconvenience. We look forward to continuing to work with ROMP on trail reroutes and layout opportunities in the future. We also appreciate your patience and willingness to support ongoing restoration efforts in the Preserve. It is a pain in the short-term, but a long-term gain for all.

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 4

Jersey Sale! Jerseys: $55 + $2 shipping The new, green, light bl ue, and yellow Jerseys have arrived! Thes e V oler Jerseys run a little small so we suggest ordering one siz e larger than normal. To order, fill out the following: (or pick them up at a club meeting or by arrangement at a club ride

Item Size Fabric Qty. Subtotal

Order total :

Shipp ing $2 e a.: Total:

Name

Address

Email Phone

Send form with check payable to: ROMP – A ttention: A pparel PO Box 1723 Campbell CA 95009-1723

Romp Directory PO B ox 1723, Campbell, CA 95009-1723 408-420-7342 www.r omp.org President Josh Moore 408-420-7342 president@romp. org Vice President (Int erim) Paul Nam 408-446-3745 [email protected] Secret ary (I nteri m) Charles Jalgunas secretar [email protected] Treasurer Glenn Wegner 408-257-8284 [email protected] Beginner’s Clinic Leader Jim Sullivan 650-493-8774 beginnersclinic@romp. org Membership Director Linda Wegner 408-257-8284 [email protected] Membership Database David Vol ans ky 415-334-7569 memberdat a@romp. org Social Director [email protected] Newsletter Layout Steph Cramer newslett [email protected] Newsletter Editor Norm ROMP Monthl y Meeti ngs Newsletter Distribution Glen Wegner 408-257-8284 [email protected] Monthl y meetings are where the vast Trail Education traileduc ation@romp. org majorit y of ROMP business is c onduct ed. Trail Work Coordi nat or Charles Jalgunas [email protected] They occ ur at 7 PM on the f ourt h Monday of Ride Coordi nat or Julie Bar ott 650-814-8271 [email protected] each mont h (exc ept D ecember) at t he Round Table Pizza, Sunnyval e Town and Country Sponsor Coordinator John Morgan 408-224-6879 spons [email protected] (408) 736-2242 National Mtn Bi ke P atrol Dave Wi eland 408-371-2729 [email protected] Web Master Tom Oshima [email protected]

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 5

ROMP Membership Application, Renewal, Change of Address, and Donation Form ROMP is a group of local, energetic mountain bikers who have discovered the need for an active representation for the mountain biking public, and for an organized, responsible attitude in the practices of off-road bicyclists. ROMP needs YOUR support. Name Family Members Address Phone City email State Zip Membership Type Send Newsletter Individual ($20.00) Family ($25.00) Student ($10.00) Via US postal service Just send me an email New Renewal Change of Address Donation $ ...... READ AND SIGN WAIVER BELOW (Required each year to process membership)

LEAGUE OF AMERICAN WHEELMEN d/b/a LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS (“LAB”) RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AND PARENTAL CONSENT AGREEMENT (“AGREEMENT”) IN CONSIDERATION of being permitted to participate in any way in Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (“Club”) sponsored Bicycling Activities (“Activity”), I, for myself, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin: 1. ACKNOWLEDGE, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of Bicycling Activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such Activity. I further acknowledge that the Activity will be conducted over public roads and facilities open to the public during the Activity and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected. I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the Activity. 2. FULLY UNDERSTAND that:(a)BICYCLING ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH (“RISKS”); (b)these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” NAMED BELOW; (c)there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I incur as a result of my participation or that of the minor in the Activity. 3. HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the Club, the LAB, their respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers, and em- ployees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises on which the Activity takes place, (each considered one of the “RELEASEES” herein) FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON MY ACCOUNT CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEG- LIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS; AND I FURTHER AGREE that if, despite this RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the RELEASEES, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE Releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such cl ai m. I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID THE BALANCE, NOTWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

X______X ______(Release Signature of Applicant) (Release Signat ure(s) Of A dditi onal F amil y Members 18 and O ver) FOR MINORS ONLY COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING : AND I, THE MINOR’S PARENT AND/OR LEGAL GUARDIAN, UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF BICYCLING ACTIVITIES AND THE MINOR’S EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES AND BELIEVE THE MINOR T O BE QUALIFIED, IN GOOD HEALT H, AND IN PROPER PHYSICAL CONDIT ION T O PART ICIPATE IN SUCH ACTIVITY. I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RELEASEES FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DE- MANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON THE MINOR’S ACCOUNT CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS AND FURTHER AGREE THAT IF, DESPITE THIS RELEASE, I, THE MINOR, OR ANYONE ON THE MINOR’S BEHALF MAKES A CLAIM AGAINST ANY OF THE RELEASEES NAMED ABOVE, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RE- LEASEES FROM ANY LITIGATION EXPENSES, ATTORNEY FEES, LOSS LIABILITY, DAMAGE, OR COST ANY MAY INCUR AS THE RESULT OF ANY SUCH CLAIM.

______(Print Name Of Parent/ Guar dian) (Print Address and Phone Number If Diff erent from A bove) X______(Release Signature of Par ent/ Guardian) (Please print names and ages of minors) Questi ons? For new member i nfor mati on, c all Linda Wegner (408) 257-8284

Send this form with check payable to ROMP – At tention: Membership, PO B ox 1723, C ampbell CA 95009-1723 R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 6

RIDES May 2006 Rides Calendar Wednesday, May 3, 2006. 6:00 PM Fremont Older After Work Ride (2:00) Join us for our weekly Fremont Older rides. We leave the Sunday, May 14, 2006. 9:30 AM main concept of this ride is FUN, any main Stevens Creek County Park 2nd Sunday Ride at Soquel Demo hammerheads are summarily ditched parking lot at 6PM. The parking lot Forest (4:00) C/INT/12-18/2500-3000 and left to prove something is about 2 miles south of I-280 on The ROMP Second Sunday somewhere else Location: California Stevens Canyon Rd (Foothill Blvd. Demonstration Forest Ride will join ave Caltrain station in Palo Alto Palo exit off I-280.) County Park charges the MBOSC Club ride. Both clubs Alto. Contact Information: Jim for parking, also bring money for will meet at the parking lot across Sullivan 650-493-8774 optional post-ride food. Glenn & the bridge at 9:30 AM. Wheels rolling [email protected] Linda, 408-257-8284. by 10:00 AM, up Buzzard's Lagoon to Location: Stevens Creek County Santa Rosilia Ridge. Consensus will Wednesday, May 17, 2006. 6:00 Park Foothill Blvd, Cupertino determine the route down the PM Fremont Older After Work Sunday, May 7, 2006. 10:00 AM mountain. From hwy 17, take the Ride. See May 3, 2006 ride listing First Sunday Social Ride at Summit Rd exit and head SE. Go 5 for details Saratoga Gap (3:00) B/ 1/2 miles to the first stop sign, turn Sunday, May 21, 2006. 10:00 AM EASY/11/1500 Meet at 10am at right and then bear left onto 3rd Sunday Ride at SDF (Demo Grizzly Flat on Skyline Blvd (in Highland Way. Go another 4 miles to Forest) (3:00) C-D/DIFF/15/3000 -- between Junction 9 and Page Mill the entrance. More info on SDF. C-D/16-18/3000-4000 The third Road). This is a social ride so there Contact Information: Rich Andrews Sunday ride is now changing to SDF! are plenty of breaks, and we wait for 408-738-1384 [email protected] Meet at 10am at the entrance to SDF everyone. Bring a helmet, water and on Highland Way. From hwy 17, take some power bars. After the ride we Tuesday, May 16, 2006. 4:30 PM the Summit Rd exit and head SE. Go will go for lunch in Saratoga. 3rd Tuesday Alpine Road (3:00) 5 1/2 miles to the first stop sign, turn Location: Start at Grizzly Flat. This year round ride has a couple right and then bear left onto Contact Information: Dave Tripier options on where to meet up. First Highland Way. Go another 4 miles to (408) 255-3464 [email protected] chance meets the #262southbound @ the entrance. We are going to be lot's 4:33 pm, + #169 northbound also of fun with 2 loops of super action : ) Wednesday, May 10, 2006. 6:00 @4:33 at the california ave caltrain Location: SDF (Demo Forest) Contact PM Fremont Older After Work station. RSVP a must if you plan on Information: Dave Tripier (408) 255- Ride. See May 3, 2006 ride listing attending this ride, as the meeting 3464 [email protected] for details places will vary depending on Wednesday, May 24, 2006. 6:00 Saturday, May 13, 2006. 2:30 PM weather. From here we pedal PM Fremont Older After Work Arastradero Second Saturday through Stanford's "Professorville", over Old Page Mill rd, through Ride. See May 3, 2006 ride listing Social (2:00) B/EASY/7/900 This Arastradero Preserve to The Portola for details friendly, introdu ctory ride cove rs Valley ranch . The 2nd chance to most major trails in the preserve, Saturday, May 27, 2006. 12:00 PM meet up occurs here @ 6:15, corner of including some moderate hills, Basic Fixit Class (1:00) The fixit Alpine rd. -Willowbrook in Portola jumps, tight switchbacks and single clinic is for current romp members Valley, please park on Willowbrook. track. More skilled riders are only, membership forms available at The ride then meanders up Alpine encouraged to join us, socialize and clinic for easy sign up. Beginner ride rd, following El Corte De Madera provide support. Directions: Take at 1:00 is open to the general public creek , all the way to Page Mill rd x Oregon Expressway / Page Mill Rd RSVP is a must due to max class size Skyline. This 3 hour ride requires south past hwy 280. Turn right on limit. This hands on fixit class will go the use of lights in the fall- winter Arastradero, and right into the over the basic needs for preventative months, loaner sets are available, parking lot. Bring your helmet, a maintenance and trails repair of your and rear flashing lights are highly snack and water. Rain cancels. mt bike. Fix a flat, adjust your recommended. Please contact Jim Location: Arastradero Open Space derrailleurs, straighten a wheel, and beforehand for any equipment Preserve Parking lot near gate A anything else bike related that will questions. This complete ride is for Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto. get you back on the trail. Location: intermediate level riders, however, Contact Information: Josh Moore Arastradero OSP Parking lot many of our participants show up (408) 420 7342 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto. Contact and ride a portion of the distance just [email protected] Information: Jim Sullivan 650-493- to stretch the legs after work. The 8774 [email protected]

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 7

Saturday, May 27, 2006. 1:00 PM Sunday, June 18, 2006. 10:00 AM you are coming. We have gloves if 4th Saturday Beginner's Clinic 3rd Sunday Ride at SDF (Demo you need them. Contact Paul Nam by (3:00) On the 4th Saturday of each Forest) (3:00) C-D/DIFF/15/3000 -- phone 408 446-3745, or email month, meet at 1pm at the C-D/16-18/3000-4000. See May 21, [email protected]. Location: Arastradero Preserve, at the main 2006 ride listing for details. Hunting Hollow Parking Lot Henry parking area on Arastradero Road. W. Coe State Park (See Web Link Tuesday, June 20, 2006. 4:30 PM We'll cover the basics of mountain below for driving directions) Gilroy / 3rd Tuesday Alpine Road (3:00). biking while riding a combination of Morgan Hill http://coepark.org/ See May 16, 2006 ride listing for fireroads and singletrack. Be sure to directionsse.html details. bring a helmet, water, and Sunday, May 14, 2006. 9:00 AM something to eat. Please RSVP to Wednesday, June 21, 2006. 6:00 Water Dog Park Trail Work (4:00) Jim at 650-493-8774 or PM Fremont Older After Work The NEW Trail Work Schedule For [email protected]. RSVP is a must, Ride. See May 3, 2006 ride listing Water Dog Lake, in Belmont. The as the meeting spot at the Preserve for details Land Manager is friendly and can vary with class focus. Map Saturday, June 24, 2006. 12:00 appreciative, it's close & easy to get Location: Arastradero Preserve PM Basic Fixit Class (1:00). See to and we're building trails with our Arastradero Road Palo Alto. Contact May 27, 2006 ride listing for details. interests & needs in mind. It's a cozy Information: Jim Sullivan 650-493- place, but full of destination quality 8774 [email protected] Saturday, June 24, 2006. 1:00 PM trails. Come out & help make this 4th Saturday Beginner's Clinic Wednesday, May 31, 2006. 6:00 season's project a reality and then (3:00). See May 27, 2006 ride listing PM Fremont Older After Work come out & ride it. We will be for details. Ride. See May 3, 2006 ride listing working on Sundays this year and for details Wednesday, June 28, 2006. 6:00 will be meeting at 9:00AM. Please e- PM Fremont Older After Work mail Berry Stevens June 2006 Rides Ride. See May 3, 2006 ride listing [email protected] to sign up Sunday, June 4, 2006. 10:00 AM for details for the date of your choice, or phone First Sunday Social Ride at 650-364-6785, with questions or your Saratoga Gap (3:00) B/ TRAIL WORK eager desire to volunteer. Location: EASY/11/1500 Meet at 10am at Water Dog Park Belmont. Grizzly Flat on Skyline Blvd May 2006 Trail Work Saturday, May 20, 2006. 9:30 AM (inbetween Junction 9 and Page Mill ECDM Trail Work (6:00) Meet at Sunday, May 07, 2006. 9:00 AM Road). This is a social ride so there Skegg's Point Parking Area. Trail Wilder Ranch Trailwork (4:00) are plenty of breaks, and we wait for Work-Originally scheduled for Giant First Sunday Every Month. See everyone. Bring a helmet, water and Salamander or Methuselah Trail, trailworkers.com for more some power bars. After the ride we however recent storm damage may information. will go for lunch in Saratoga. change specific work site. Nine Location: Start at Grizzly Flat Saturday, May 13, 2006. 9:00 AM remaining volunteer spots available. Contact Information: Dave Tripier Henry Coe Trail Day (4:00) We are Please RSVP to Paul McKowan at (408) 255-3464 [email protected] looking for volunteers for another [email protected] or Wednesday, June 7, 2006. 6:00 PM trail day at Henry Coe. We'll be 650.691.1200. Each participant will Fremont Older After Work Ride. meeting at Hunting Hollow at 9am. receive mo re details the Monday See May 3, 2006 ride listing for It happens rain or shine each second prior to the event via email. details Saturday of the month through May. The exact trail project we choose June 2006 Trail Work Saturday, June 10, 2006. 2:30 PM depends upon conditions. There will Saturday, June 03, 2006. 8:30 AM Arastradero Second Saturday be coffee and snacks served at the National Trails Day at Butano Social (2:00) B/EASY/7/900. See meet. Riding options will depend on State Park (6:30) We will be doing May 7, 2006 ride listing for details the weather. Volunteers may ride to finishing work and final construction Sunday, June 11, 2006. 9:30 AM the trail project, take shuttles, and/or of the "Candelabra Redwood" Trail, 2nd Sunday Ride at Soquel Demo hike as conditions allow. Please dress followed by a BBQ in the late Forest (4:00) C/INT/12-18/2500- appropriately. Wear clothes you do afternoon when all the trail crews 3000. See May 14, 2006 ride listing not mind getting dirty, because trail return. Bring lunch, at least two for details work is all about moving dirt, and it liters of water, energy snacks, work gets all over and in you, your shoes, gloves and trail work clothes (jeans, Wednesday, June 14, 2006. 6:00 and under your nails. Bring food and long sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes). Tools PM Fremont Older After Work drink. No experience necessary. No will be provided. No experience Ride. See May 3, 2006 ride listing matter what the weather looks like necessary. Groups welcome. Youth for details we bring a sweet attitude and wear must be 14 years or older to warm smiles. Please let me know if

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 8

(Continued from page 8) 10493 S. De Anza Blvd. (two blocks (Continued from page 3) south of Stevens Creek Blvd.). Call participate unless accompanied by an 408-255-2217 for prices on swap shower, or better yet, take a break adult. Directions to Site: Take US spaces. Volunteers are required from from the park and head out to one Highway 1 to Pescadero, CA, and 7.00am to 4.00pm. Contact of the many nearby springs to rinse follow Pescadero Road east to [email protected] if you wish to the dust and sweat off. Cloverdale Road. Take Cloverdale volunteer for this event. Donations of Road south to the Park entrance. items for ROMP to sell at the Swap One option is Harbin Hot Springs. Meet at the entrance Ranger station. Meet are welcome. Now's a good time There is a lot of geothermal activity Location: , to clear out your garage and help in the area and even a power plant Pescadero. ROMP. Contact [email protected] if you that uses geothermal water to have any donations to give to ROMP produce power. One of the benefits Saturday, June 03, 2006. 9:30 AM for sale at the Swap Meet. You can of this geothermal activity is the National Trail Days Project with have your own swap meet table by natural hot springs that have BART at ECDM (6:00) Help contacting Cupertino bikes 408 255- formed. Harbin Hot Springs, which complete the Watershed Protection 2217 or www.cupertinobike.com is based out of the town of Project (or other more ro utine trail ROMP makes their money on the # of Middletown, is clothing optional work depending on conditions) with swap meet selling tables there are. So and does have camping facilities on volunteers from ROMP and the Bay the more we can list that Cupertino site, if you'd rather stay away from Area Ridge Trail Council. Please Bikes is open to more business tables Boggs. RSVP with Paul McKowan the better for us. Location: Cupertino [email protected]. If you prefer to soak in cold water Bike Shop 10493 S De Anza Blvd Location: Skeggs Point Parking Lot, (or just don't want to be around Cupertino. Highway 35, approx. 5 miles north naked people), I received a great of Highway 84. Saturday, May 13, 2006. 9:00 AM local hint. Barbeque Potluck (6:00) Join us for A waterfall that drops some 30 to Sunday, June 04, 2006. 9:00 AM a barbeque potluck at Twin Pines 40 feet into a rock canyon form a Wilder Ranch Trailwork (4:00) park in Belmont. ROMP will provide pool about 10 feet deep and 20 feet First Sunday Every Month. See ice, beer, other beverages and in diameter, with cool, crystal clear trailworkers.com for more charcoal. Show up at 9, unload your water. This spot is well known by information. bike and food, and ROMP members locals, so don't expect much privacy will lead various level rides in on hot days. Waterdog park. Around noon the To find it, drive up Socrates Mine festivities will begin. BYO meat, and Road (between Middletown and a side or dessert, and a few friends. Cobb on Highway 175) for 2 miles. Location: Twin Pines Large Group The parking area is a pull off on the Picnic Area 30 Twin Pines Lane left just after Ford Flat Road. Walk Belmont CA 94002. Contact down the trail (about a half mile, Information: Josh Moore 408 420 and steep in places) and jump on in. 7342 [email protected]. If you want more to do in the area, Wednesday, May 17, 2006. 7:00 PM it isn't a far drive from Boggs to Let CitySports Magazine's 2005 Best Clear Lake or to Calistoga and Bay Area Personal Trainer Al Painter the Napa Wineries. Happy trails! show you how to ride longer and pedal stronger at the Los Altos Training Studio (LATS). FREE for ROMP members and their families, $15 for SPECIAL EVENTS non-members. Al is a graduate of Santa Clara University, a member of Sunday, April 30, 2006. Swap meet the National Academy of Sports at Cupertino Bike Shop. Each year Medicine and a USA Cycling Coach ROMP hosts a swap meet. The swap with over 10 years of personal meet is a fund-raiser for ROMP and a training experience. Please RSVP to place where cyclists can purchase Al [email protected] or call 650-224- road and mountain bike parts, tools, 4354 by Friday May 12, 2006 if you frames, complete bikes, clothing and are going to attend. ocation: LATS, accessories. Per-person admission 955 Fremont Ave at the corner of B charge is minimal. The meet is held Street and Fremont Ave in Loyola behind the Cupertino Bike Shop, Corners, Los Altos.

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 9

(Continued from page 2) The town of Woodside and the equestrians, and blocking traffic while equestrians have riding bikes on the road. This website actually been does not publicly state who is behind running anti-bike it. The fact that they are not willing ads in the papers, to publicly say who they are conjures against the visions of bigots in white robes proposed trail. carrying flaming crosses, and lynching They have sent a anyone in lycra. A "whois" lookup postcard to all the suggests the domain is registered to residents to reject James Johnson of Creativity Center in the proposed Woodacre CA, 94973, [email protected]. trail. Their major Woodacre is in Marin. Please don't do objections are business with him. that it would make Woodside What is most distressing for me is even more of a the fear within the equestrian destination, and they do not have the Perhaps there should be 5 times more community that generates more fear. infrastructure for it; that Woodside trails open to cyclists than to The fear results in intolerance, and has a long equestrian heritage; that equestrians. scapegoating. Pretty soon the reaction Cyclists have more trails available to is similar to Nazi Germany. All of ROMP did an informal study which them than equestrians; and that Woodside's problems can be attributed shows half of trails North of Page Mill multiuse trails really are not multi to cyclists. Cyclists should be rounded Road are available to all users use, because it is too dangerous for up and eliminated. I am fearful to go including cyclists, and half are equestrians. While I believe some of to Woodside any more, but then again, available to hikers and equestrians their arguments are valid, and I enjoy that is what they want. We won't be only, excluding cyclists. None of San hiking on trails without mountain intimidated. I hope that Parks and Mateo County Park's trails are open to bikers on them, I think their beliefs, Recreation will stand up to them. the County's 33,600 mountain bikers (2). attitudes and methods are repugnant. The Blue Ribbon study of trails is no concession to the mountain bike At the next public community. Instead, leave the meeting Dave Holland conceptual Squealer Gulch trail in decided to back down the plan. Please include in your from the proposed recommendation for the blue ribbon trail. Some cyclists study, a study of trail user have suggested that it populations and growth. Please also would be better to de- require the parks commission ACT on couple this from the the results of the study. Please request master plan and work a repeal of the county ordinance at it from another side banning bikes on dirt. later. Dave Holland just started and There have been many studies perhaps needs to showing trail wear is similar for all protect his reputation, users (3). Equestrian use in particular and look like he is in causes troughing, turning trails into touch and effective. little gorges and channeling the water down the trail. Evidence of ROMP's position this is widespread in neighboring Using information Teague Hill OSP. from the American Horse Council and Mountain bikers are good stewards. The National Bicycle Mountain bikers donate thousands of Dealers Association, hours each year to build and maintain I estimate there are trails all around the peninsula, and in 5,880 equestrians and San Mateo. ROMP and others have 33.600 mountain helped build and maintain trails in bikers in San Mateo Waterdog Lake Park and El Corte de County. That’s 5 times Madera OSP (4). Equestrian trail use causes "troughing", an ero sion more mountain bikers pattern with a flat bottom, typically one foot wide, up than equestrians (1). (Continued on page 11) to a foot deep.

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 10

(Continued from page 10) accordingly on the results of the open to bicycles. blue ribbon study. End Notes Outside of San Mateo County, there 4. Please request a repeal of the are plenty of successful multi use 1. US Census data was used to calculate county ordinance banning bikes areas in the Bay Area where cyclists percentages of US, California and San on dirt. Mateo populations, used to extrapolate and equestrians successfully share data. trails: Annadell State Park, Fremont 5. Organize and stage regular events Older OSP, and Arastradero Park to to help relieve multi-use conflict An American Horse Council press release in 2005 indicates that about 42% of all horses name a few. The fear mongering, through shared riding events. are used for recreational purposes, and that exclusionist equestrians in Woodside Conclusion there 700,000 horses in California. That have repeatedly misrepresented this suggests there are about 294,000 I would like to share a quote with you fact, and their fear contributes to, recreational horses in California. If horse from some years ago: and perpetuates, the incompatibility population is directly proportional to humans, there are 5,880 horses in San of bikes and horses in San Mateo "First, know that the tiny community Mateo County. County. I ask the commission to of Woodside is Bike Central. There recommend and also help organize isn't a more bike-friendly town The National Bicycle Dealers Association reports that in 2002, 41.4 million Americans and stage regular events to help anywhere in the Bay Area, a region age seven and older were estimated to have relieve multi-use conflict through filled with bike-friendly towns. And ridden a bicycle six times or more in 2002, shared riding events, like Carrot there isn't a more likely place to spot according to the National Sporting Goods Fests or ROMP n STOMPs (5). the most expensive bikes, the hottest Association.. Of bikes sold, 34% of them gear, and the tautest leg muscles. It were mountain bikes - that suggests 14 The population of California will million riders rode mountain bikes in the seems that people who can afford to continue to grow, and more US, or 33,600 in San Mateo and more trail users of all County. types will want to use San http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/ Mateo County parks. states/06/06081.html Creating a legal alternative http://www.horsecouncil.org/2005% trail for cyclists will make 20June %20E co no mi c%20St udy % the parks safer for all users. 20Press%20Release.htm The city of Woodside and http://nbda.com/page.cfm? PageID=34 the equestrian community have bullied San Mateo 2. Sullivan, J. "Boycott Tour de County Parks into NOT Peninsula". The Mountain Cyclist. July - August 2005 making positive changes to help alleviate conflict. I am http://www.romp.org/news/ stunned that San Mateo pdf/0507.pdf County Parks concern for 3. Sprung, G. Natural Resource Woodside's infrastructure Impacts of Mountain Biking. outweighs the plans mission ht t p:/ /www. imba. co m/ re so urce s/ science/impact_summary.pdf to provide recreational opportunities for County residents. live in Woodside have plenty of time 4. http://www.trailworkers.com/ spun out of Woodside is long overdue for for recreation and fitness. You can't Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz and provided over 2000 hours of trail work in infrastructure improvements to hold it against them." (6) 2006. ROMP member Berry Stevens has support local tourism, and a Master Everyone in the bike community built and maintained miles of trail in Plan with the proposed bike trail Waterdog lake Park in Belmont, and helped hopes that we can work towards a alignment should go through and be construct the Leaf trail in ECDM. ROMP safe, equitable solution to the an additional catalyst for much members helped reroute the Blue Blossom growing demands on limited parks and giant Salamander trails in ECDM. needed change in Woodside. resources in San Mateo County. I Please see http://www.romp.org for more Recommendations know that someday the above quote information. 1. Leave the conceptual Squealer will once again be true, if the 5. Photos of a ROMP n STOMP in San Gulch trail in the plan. Just because equestrian community is willing to Mateo County in 2005 it is in the plan does not mean it will look for solutions beyond irrational http://www.romp.org/index.phpmodule= photoshare&func=showimages&fid=29 happen, or happen anytime soon. fears and intolerance. Leave out the most objectionable http://mbosc.blogspot.com/ Mountain bikers too have much work areas if necessary. to do. We need to reach out to the 6. Brown, Anne Marie. Foghorn Outdoors Bay Area Biking: 60 Of the Best Road and 2. Include in your recommendation equestrian community. We need to Trail Rides. Avalon Travel Publishing, first for the blue ribbon study, a study of provide opportunities to work and e dit io n. trail user populations and growth. ride together. Most importantly though, we need to stay off trails not 3. Require the parks commission act

R OMP MOUNT AIN CYCLIST 11 PRESORTED STANDARD Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers U.S. POSTAGE PO Box 1723 PA ID Campbell CA 95009-1723 SA N J OS E CA PERMIT NO. 1371

Inside this issue: Short-Term Pain, 1 Long-Term Gain Fear and Loathing 2 Boggs Demo Forest 3 Calendar 7-9

Saso Cycles. [email protected] or call at (408) 926-0183 Trail Head Cyclery 14450 Light&Motion, Union Ave, San Jose 408-369-9666 trailheadonline.com 300 Cannery Row, Monterey

831.645-1538 bikelights.com Summit Bicycles 111 East Main Street., Los Gatos 408/399-9142; Calmar Cycles 2236 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 1111 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame 650-343-8483; 1820 4th 408-249-6907 calmarcycles.com Street, San Rafeal 415-456-4700 Palo Alto Bicycles 170 University Ave. Palo Alto Slough’s Bike Shoppe 650-328-7411 paloaltobicycles.com 260 Race St., San Jose 408-293-1616

Cupertino Bike Shop 10493 S. De Anza Blvd, Cupertino 408-255-2217 BikeMapDude: cupertinobike.com bikemapdude.com Walt’s Cycle and Fitness. 116 Carroll Ave, Sunsh ine Bicycles. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-736-2630 309 First St. Gilroy, 408 842 4889 Calabazas Cyclery Zanotti Cycles 6140 Bollinger Rd., San Jose 4396 Enterprise Place, Suite A; Fremont, CA 94538. 408-366-2453 calabazas.com 510-490-4030. [email protected]

Crossroads Bicycles 217 N Santa Cruz Ave # C, Los Gatos,CA 408-354-0555

Willow Glen Cycles. Chain Reaction 1451 El Camino Real, Redwood City 650- 1111 Willow St. San Jose 95125 366-6620; 2310 Homestead (at Foothill Plaza), Los Altos 408-2932606 408-735-8735 chainreaction.com

Passion Trail Bikes For the Love of Mountain Biking 415 Old County Rd. Belmont Posture Pros Personal Training 650-620-9798 955 Fremont Ave, Los Altos, passiontrailbikes.com CA 94024 650.224.4354 [email protected]