2005 Annual Photo Contest – Send in your best! SSingleingleTrackrackSS TNovember 2005, Number 82 www.nemba.org
AttitashAttitash MadagascarMadagascar FreerideFreeride byby MountainMountain BikeBike WeekendWeekend
SSingleingleTTrackS NEMBA, the New England Mountain Bike November 2005, Number 82 Association, is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organi- zation dedicated to promoting trail access, maintaining trails open for mountain bicyclists, and educating mountain bicyclists to use these trails sensitively and responsibly. Live Free SingleTracks is published six times a year by the New England Mountain Bike Association for the trail community. and Ride ©SingleTracks Editor & Publisher: Philip Keyes Build it, Ride it, Huck it Staff Writer: Krisztina Holly at Attitash Contributing Writer: Jeff Cutler 12 Copy Editor: Nanyee Keyes By Todd Bumen Executive Director: Philip Keyes NEMBA PO Box 2221 Acton MA 01720
Voice 800.57.NEMBA Fax: 928-395-7759 [email protected] Madagascar Board of Directors by Mountain Bike Tom Grimble, President Bill Boles, Vice-President By Kailas Narendran Anne Shepard, Treasurer Tina Hopkins, Secretary 17 Rob Adair, White Mountains NEMBA Norman Blanchette, MV NEMBA Todd Bumen, Mt. Agamenticus NEMBA Tom Carruthers, CT NEMBA Peter DeSantis, Seacoast NEMBA Bob Hall, SC NH NEMBA SingleTracks Hey, get creative! We wel- Steve Cole, Mt. Agamenticus NEMBA come submissions, photos and artwork. This is Jon Conti, White Mountains NEMBA your forum and your magazine. Be nice, and John Dudek, Pioneer Valley NEMBA Bob Giunta, Merrimack Valley NEMBA share! Harold Green, Pioneer Valley NEMBA On the Cover: Jason Record rides the rocks of Rich Higgins, SE MA NEMBA Lynn Woods. Photo by Philip Keyes Dan Ibittson, SE MA NEMBA Krisztina Holly, At Large Have a pic that would make a good cover shot? Tina Hopkins, Rhode Island NEMBA Email it to [email protected] Rich Kordell, Blackstone Valley NEMBA Paper Trail Mark Ouellette, Seacoast NEMBA Ernie Phillips, Maine NEMBA NEMBA Calendar —4 Bill Piotte, North Shore NEMBA Want to Advertise? Heather Linscott, Berkshire NEMBA Treadlines —7 Tom McCrumm, Berkshire NEMBA SingleTracks offers inexpensive and targeted Matt Mueller, CT NEMBA NEMBA Donors —10 advertising which helps us defray the cost of Scott Nixon, SC NH NEMBA producing this cool ‘zine. Call 800-57-NEMBA Joseph Re, Greater Boston NEMBA SideTracks —26 or email [email protected] for our media kit. Bill Rogers, RI NEMBA Dan Streeter, North Shore NEMBA Chapter News —29 Moving? Mike Tabaczynski, Greater Boston NEMBA John Vosburg, Blackstone Valley NEMBA NEMBA Rides —33 Don’t miss an issue! Change your address online at nemba.org or mail it into SingleTracks, PO Box Calvin Weeks, Maine NEMBA Support our Sponsors—38 2221, Acton MA 01720 WWW.NEMBA.ORG
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 3 NEMBA Fall Event Calendar 2005
Fun Stuff
Oct. 30 Wicked Ride of the East, EFTA/NEMBA Fun Ride
Merlin / NEMBA Trail Care Series
Greater Boston NEMBA SE MA NEMBA Oct. TBA Great Brook Farm SP, [email protected] Oct 16 Borderland SF, 617-512-5441, [email protected] North Shore NEMBA Oct 23 Foxboro SF, 508-695-1033, [email protected] Oct. 15 Bald Hill Reservation, [email protected], 978-618-8596 Oct. 30 Wompatuck SF, [email protected], 781-925-2512 Nov. 6 TBA, [email protected], 978-618-8596 Wachusett NEMBA Oct 15 Leominster SF, 978-464-5353, [email protected] Nov 12 Leominster SF, 978-464-5353, [email protected]
New Hampshire Rocky Mountain Bicycles Trail Care Series
Seacoast NEMBA Oct 16 Fort Rock, [email protected] 603-775-7362 Oct 24 Pawtuckaway, [email protected] 603-463-9811 Cannondale / CT NEMBA Trail Care Series
Oct. 22 Mainus, Stamford, [email protected] OFF THE FRONT When Worlds Collide
I'm relatively new to the mountain biking. Fast-forwarding more than a dozen years, I notice a bizarre email in my inbox from a In '92 I picked up a mountain bike to help dissi- Canadian missionary living in Cuzco. He apol- pate frustrated energy that brewed out of the ogized for writing to a total stranger but asked process of dissertation writing. It was a world of me if I'm the same Philip Keyes who was an ethereal academics. Foucault, Boudrieu, and anthropologist living in a remote Peruvian Marx interplayed with the latest in anthropolog- hamlet back in 1981. Turns out the mission- ical treatises, all centered around my field of ary is a mountain biker, familiar with NEMBA. study: South American Andean Indian uprisings. He even congratulates me about the Vietnam Yes, I was in need of escape, and it was my land acquisition. He goes on to say that he mountain bike that provided transport. has a Quechua Indian in his employ that says For years I rode alone, relishing the solitude, the he know me, that we're tied by ritual bonds trails and the woods. I remember picking up a with his son, for whom I'm a godfather, and Dirt Rag early on at my local shop, a black and he, my compadre. white 'zine not too dissimilar in texture to the Yes, the world is big; but it is also small. It's SingleTracks you're now holding. "It's a Big hard for me to imagine the decades of turmoil World, Ride It!," proclaimed the pages. A simple that my compadre must have undergone dur- phrase, but one layered in nuances of global ing the dark years of Shining Path and insur- interconnectivity. Most all of my mountain bik- gency that forced me to relocate my research ing was out my back door, riding through secondary growth forests to Bolivia. It's even more amazing that it was mountain biking that once walked by the likes of Thoreau, Walden and Emerson. Riding played a role in reconnecting our two diverging worlds. with no other company than my own, it was impossible not to Whether it’s Peru or Madagascar —featured in this issue— it is dream, ponder and feel a closeness to nature and the exhilaration of indeed a big world: ride it like you mean it. exploration and discovery. It's remarkable how the simple act of rid- ing a bike in the woods engenders such a crystallizing and clear sense of thought and being.
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 5
TREADLINES Harpoon-Topeak Finale Fest Raises $6600 for Katrina Victims
Despite high gas prices and the threat of another hurricane, 400 riders made their way to Cape Cod to celebrate the finale of the Harpoon-Topeak Mountain Bike Adventure Series, code-named NEMBAFest, raising $6652.45 for the American Red Cross. Many camped out the night before, filling the campground at Sandwich’s Camp Lyndon and enjoying enjoying plenty of food and a couple of kegs of fresh IPA and Octoberfest, donated by Harpoon Brewery. On the day of the fest, scores of industry tents offered great end-of-season deals, the riding was excellent and Justbill’s technical skills set up was a great hit. The NEMBAfest is usually a fundraiser for our organization. However, because of the nation- al calamity caused by Hurricane Katrina, with some of the victims staying nearby at Otis Air Photo by Tom Greene Force base, NEMBA decided that donating the proceeds to the American Red Cross was much more important, "Our hearts go out to all the victims and the families devastated by Katrina," says NEMBA's executive director, Philip Keyes, “and it’s nice to see mountain bikers from around New England come show support and have a great day riding." Neal Todrys, owner of Topeak Cycling Accessories (Foxboro, MA) commented that "Topeak is pleased to be involved with an organization like NEMBA because of its ability provide great riding opportunities for cycling enthusiasts throughout the region, and its ability to raise money for good causes." Individual riders who gathered more than $200 in pledges were entered to win a custom cruiser bicycle donated by NEMBA member, William Noonan. The lucky winner was Sharon Lamb, of Billerica, MA. More pictures can be seen at www.nemba.org
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 7 TREADLINES SingleTracks Annual Photo Contest Sponsored Begin your Amazon Shopping @ NEMBA.org It's been a great season of riding and taking pictures, so we want to ‘Tis the season when we try to stay out of the mall as much as see the very best that you have. We'll be awarding top honors to possible. If you’re planning on doing a bit of holiday shopping on four categories and will publish your pictures in the February/March Amazon, please begin by going to NEMBA.org and use the issue of SingleTracks Magazine and on nemba.org. Each winner will Amazon link. By using this link, up to 5% of the proceeds will go receive a $75 gift certificate from Wheelworks. directly to NEMBA. NEMBA has raised hundreds of dollars for advocacy through our Amazon affiliation. Please help us celebrate a big Christmas this year by doing all your Amazon purchases through www.NEMBA.org. Tell your family and friends too!
Credit where credit is due: In our article “Beyond NEMBA,” we inadvertently and incorrectly wrote that George Borrelli was a founder of South Central NH NEMBA. The original members of this chapter, listed by level of involvement, were Jean Rubin, Pamela Polomski, Mark Polomski, Sue Decloudt, John Redemski, Dave and Debbie Degroot and Harry Rubin. Len Earnshaw of Seacoast NEMBA also offered much assistance to this new, and now highly productive chapter. We regret the error.
To enter, you must be a NEMBA member and all pictures (except Want a really great beer? category 4) must be taken in New England. 1. Best Scenic Picture with a mountain biker 2. Best Riding Picture 3. Best Group Picture, ie, more than two riders. Available 4. Best Picture taken outside New England You must include the location of the picture as well as the names of in bottles the riders. Also include your name, address, phone number and email (if you have one). Please send in only two submissions per and draft in category, include only your very best! Submissions may be made until December 31st, 2005. MA and VT! Email your pictures to [email protected] or mail a CD to: SingleTracks Photo Contest PO Box 2221 Acton MA 01720 2001 USBTA National Champion • ESB 1998 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal • Brown Ale By submitting your pictures, you alknowledge that NEMBA has the 1997 GABF Silver Medal • Brown Ale right to print and reprint them with photo credit in the magazine 1996 WBC Silver Medal • Brown Ale and on our website. 1995 GABF Gold Medal • Brown Ale Also, if you have cool photo collections that you'd like to share with Honorable Mention • Robust Porter NEMBA and SingleTracks, please burn them off on a CD and mail 1994 GABF Bronze Medal • Golden Ale them in. We're trying to build up a decent photo collection of all 2002 World Beer Cup Silver medal • Brown ale aspects of mountain biking and we could use your help. However, 2002 USBTA Regional Champion, Winter please don't email me photo collections since you'll crash our sys- • Brown ale, Stout, Imperial Stout tem! Visit our Pub! 4pm to 2am, Monday - Thursday 2pm to 2am, Friday - Sunday McNeill’s Brewery 90 Elliot Street • Brattleboro VT • 802-254-2553
8 | November 2005
NEMBA thanks the following individuals and families for their financial support over the last year. Please help us make 2006 even better
$1000+ Mike Tabaczynski Glenn Kirby Michael Morgan David & Graham Tobias Jonathan Kranes Jeffrey Morrissey Bill Boles James Tordella Joyce Lockert & Sharon Lamb Eric Muehlmatt Krisztina Holly & Peter Jason Marra Michael Mulhern Brandenburg $101to $249 Don Myers Dan Murphy Michael Gnazzo John Peters Alison Wald & John Mustard Rick Smith Rob & Kim Adair James Powers Matt O'Keefe Jim Amidon Jon Rawstron Joe Paduda $250 - $999 Teresa McGowan & Rob Auffrey David Rifken Patrick Pedonti Terry Avery Cathy & Michael Rowell Jeff Philibert Susan & Alexis Arapoff Steve & Angela Bader Jonathan Salinger Joachim & Susan Preiss Thomas & Kyle Berry Stig & Claudia Bolgen Eric Strauss David Reichman Katherine Schwab & Stephen Jim Bonham Dan Streeter Thomas Riihimaki Bonin Paula Burton Tim & Judy Sykes Mike Romney Maureen & Derrick Click Ed Calnan Michael Tonry Robert Ronan Lewis & Cary Collins Tom Carruthers Caitlin Sheehan & David Watson Pierre Rouzier Sarah Schlesinger & Todd Dibble Ian Christianson Scott Wilson Anthony Salido Jeffrey Gallo Brian Dahlstrom Jim & Danielle Schley Tom & Claire Grimble Brendan Dee $100 David Schwartz Ken Holberger Michael Dube Don & Kristen Seib Tina Hopkins Art Dufresne Sam & Marie Bartlett R. Leslie Shelton Kathy Olney & David Bruce Friedman Douglas Baumgartner Anne Shepard Kleinschmidt Peter & Niall Gengler Jeff Berlin Steven & Julie Shope Matthew Loitz John Gilday Mark Bialas Selwyn Shuman Ed Mahoney Robert Giunta & Family Scott & Charlene Bosley Jeff & Kim Sollows Rebecca & Nick Nowak Kirk Goldsworthy David Boynton Ron Tilsley Cliff & Susan Pierce Stephen Goodwin Charles Brown Mike Trykowski Ed & Tom Schneider Matthew & Harold Green Nick Caramello John & Jan Turchi Erik & Liz Schoepke Jim Humphrey Rui & Julia Coelho Conrado Vellve Joe Scozzafava Dan Hurwitz Andrew & Carolyn Coffin John & Dianna Vosburg Barry & Claudia Spaulding Judy & Jonathan Keyes Steve Cole Martha Walker Philip & Nanyee Keyes Chris & Nina Coleman Peter Watson Gary Contic Carl Weymouth Peter Crimmin John Zink Jeffrey Day Carol & Leo Devellian $50 - $99 Joe DiZazzo Give to NEMBA's Annual Fund David Dunn Mike & Jen Agosti NEMBA's Annual Fund is critical to keeping our organization Len & Laurel Earnshaw Angela Barry & John Allen going and helping us to grow so we can protect trail access David Eikenberry Mike Andersen and build new riding opportunities. Tim Eliassen Stephen Anderson Larry & Chris Felton Catherine Atkinson As the nation’s premier regional advocacy organization, our Douglas Fifolt Richard Aucoin success comes from our hardworking chapters, our board of Jack Fitzgibbons Bill Bailey directors, and most importantly from the intelligence, dedica- Mark Forkey Chip Baker tion and generosity of our members. Your donations are key Charles Gaudette David Baldwin to our strength and effectiveness. Chris Geaghan Jane Barbieri Please send in your end-of-year annual gift to NEMBA Glen Gordon Steven Barnes as soon as you receive our Annual Fund letter. Gary & Anita Graham Matthew Barrett You may also donate online at www.NEMBA.org. Ray Hubbe Lydia & Wes Barter Eric Johnson Herb Bates We know you love this sport, so please show your passion to Joseph Jutras Tom Batko protect it by sending in a donation today. Bob Kelly Richard Beard The trails will thank you! Frank Krahenbuhl Ward Bennett Matt Lennon Gary Bernatowicz Lisa & James Lewis Else Bettencourt Ronald MacDonald Michael Beville Daniel McBride Bryce & Jason Blair Jennifer Miller Norman Blanchette
10 | November 2005 Francis Blesso Matt Fields Pete Long Dean Rinaldi Pamela Bonin Bill Fixsen Paul Losordo Bruce Ringwall Matthew Boutin Chris Flagg Robert Love Jamie Robichaud George Brandenburg Paul Flaxman Chris Lowenstein Stephen Rogers Scott & Laurie Briere Kenji & Kimberly Freedman Susan Lynch Daniel Rose Skip Brown Denise LaFrance & Erik Froburg John Lynch Art & Melissa Roti Jonathan Bruce Sal Frontiero David & Natalie MacKnight Jean & Harry Rubin Slim Bryant Steve Frothingham Adam Maines Bill Rucker Kim & Ben Burdon Robert Gagnon Alice Mainville Richard Rude Barry Burke Mel Gallant Steven Marchessault Scott Rust Dave Burnham Charles & Susan Genatossio Steve Marohn Robert & Ariane Salamy Keith Burrows Mark Gibson Leif Martinson Karen Sarkisian Greg Gaus & Rachel Byland Andrew Gilbert Dean Matsuno Adrian Berridge & MJ Sassler Trevor Calvey Dan Glass Jack & Dana Maxwell Kathy Schonenberg Dan Camilleri Daniel Goldberg David K. McCallum Matt Schulde John Carolan Joe Goncalves Patrick & Connor McCarthy Mark Seaback David & Samuel Carpenter Mark Goodman Tel McCormick Jen Secor Jim Casagrande Steven Graham Paul McGrath Michael Shea Ed Castine Elizabeth Pell & Howard Granat Timothy McLean John Sheehan Jacob Chase-Lubitz Noreen & Tom Greene Jon McNeill John Sherry Dave Chicoine Thomas Grzejka Richard Mehlhorn Cyndy Shulman Jason Clark Michael Hahn Howie Mekler Dan Sloan Jonathan Clark Dan Hampson Theodore Michalakes Joe & Amelia Sloane Wayne Clark Karl Hanner Steve & Kathy Miller David Smith Ed Clausen Barry & Lisa Harsip Bill Moeller Jeff Smith Steve Cobble Richard Haskins Scott Monette Mark Smith William Cody Chris Hebert Scott Morad Magnus Snorrason Normand Collard Don Heckler Denis Morgan Alex Sokolow Tom Colley Jack Henebury Stephan & Jennifer Morgan Mike Souza Lance & Kelly Connolly Rick Hennessy Tom & Lisa Morley Kenneth Spargo John Connolly Richard Higgins Glenn Morrell Phil & Amy Speare Rick Cooke Rob Hildebrandt Terence Moynihan Mark Sponauer Tim Cosgrave Chris Hill Kevin Murphy Michael Stamm Joseph Crist Nancy Hagens & Tom Hill Rick Nelson Jeannie Sellmer & Mitch Brian Croteau Gregory Holt Craig Newell Steinberg Mary Cummings Brian Igoe Liam O'Brien Eric Steinhart Ross & Diane Currier Mike & Kristin Jacobs Caroline & Jeff O'Connell Timothy Stiles Joseph & Joe Custer Doug Jansen David O'Connor Sarah Stone John DaDalt Larry Johnsen Theresa & George Obrien Joe Tack Aaron Daigle Scott Johnson Jason & Lowell Pare Michael Tarantino Andrew Day Don Jordan Anthony Parent Scott & Donna Taylor Mike Deak Gregory Kahoun Stephen Patient Bruce Thomas Kenneth Decko Steve Keenan Christopher & Stephanie Patrick Christian Thomas Christine DeLise Philip & Nanyee Keyes Alan Perkins Marie Guerriero & Chris Matthew DelMonte Scott Kirschner John Peterson Thurrott Allen Delude Richard Kordell Michael Pfarr Tim Tierney Joyce Gilman & Nicholas Shelby & Doug Kornbluth Ed Pierce Mark Toce DePasquale Simon Kozin Kelly & Tod Pleasant Richard Tower Mark Donovan Jim & Ilona Kucharczyk Phil Pless Keith Vargas Lisa Dorr Denis Lafaille Michael Pollack Seth Vinick William Doucet Christopher Lanouette Dennis Powers Richard Wilk Mark Dougherty Joseph Laughlin Jason Pronovost George Willard Robert Dowler Fred & Jill Law Joe Pustizzi Richard Williams Daniel & Nicole Doyle David LeBlanc Giles Rae Rich Wolfe Martha Dragon Steven Legro Joseph Re Andy Sanidas & Lesli Woodruff Michael & Darlene Ducharme Carrie Lemieux Susan DeCloedt & John Jeffrey & Jennifer Woods Joan Dumas Chris Lento Redemske Bill Wooldridge Michael Duval Benjamin Leung David Reilly Jim & Jennifer Wrightson Jeffery & Catherine Eska Cathy Rubin & Jim Levola Gregg Reilly John Zajac Keith Evans Noel Linback Avery Revere Donovan Chin & Sue Katherine Evans Andrew Littlehale Timothy Reynolds Zimmermann Victor Evdokimoff Scott & Deborah Livingston Dianne Sforza & Paul Rheaume Nora & Joe Zizlsperger Gary Fentin Kathleen McCrickerd & Thom Dave Riding Michael Zola Daniel & Amy Fields Lockerby James Riley
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 11 FREERIDE Live Free and Ride White Mountains MTB/Freeride Weekend in New Hampshire provided fun and a little adventure for both the XC and DH crowds By Todd Bumen Photos by Z
One of NEMBA's primo events camping area courtesy of the Forest Service. fire is combined with a gathering of tribes, A few choose to camp in the quiet secluded and in our case the bikes danced in the that big knobby riders look for- grass field by the Swift River, while the absence of gravity as the moon traveled ward to each year is called the majority of us car-camping tent-pitchers set across the sky…or were we spinning past the White Mountains MTB Weekend. up by the large bonfire and meeting place for moon? the weekend activities. It's always a good Saturday Morning abrasively arrives too It's a chance to air out the tent, sight to see that the "Westy" VW bus sur- soon, but it's nothing that a little coffee and dig in the dirt, swim in chilly vived yet another year and is ready for duty a big air drop to the "Island in the Sun" can't as NEMBA's unofficial mobile command cen- water, play with fire and of fix. Some more fellow riders roll in and gath- ter. The planned activities were a bit different er around the smoldering remnants of the course…mountain bike. than years of past. Trail work on Saturday fol- bonfire and collect trail tools for today's lowed up by riding for all abilities on Sunday This would be the 5th year in August that tasks. Old acquaintances and new, volun- was still at the core of this event, but in a southern riders would travel to New teers dispatch into groups and crew leaders new twist, the White Mountains chapter Hampshire's big mountains and when North are introduced. "XC" crews head out on bikes partnered up with the great folks at Attitash Conway locals crawl out from under their to the Rob Brook area for some much needed Ski area for something new. Finding public rocks to attend this grassroots social event. corridor clearing on the soon to be damp and lands that are enthusiastic about building Every year the main draw to the weekend has rainy trails. The other twenty volunteers car- "expert" bike trails with technical trail fea- been miles of challenging cross-country rid- pooled over Bear Notch road to Attitash. tures (TTFs) is still challenging, but for now ing (this year part of the Harpoon-Topeak There we were greeted by Attitash leaders partnering up with private landowners is one Adventure series), but also a new option this Nate, "Trail Ninja" Chris, and veteran fire great way to cultivate the growing freeriding year for mountain bikers who are a little more jumper Russ. One crew proceeded to the movement within NEMBA's ranks. inclined to decline: lift assisted DH runs at chair lift for some major rock work and dig- Attitash! There was something planned for Pale orange clouds faded and the purple ging to open up a new trail up top, while I everyone this year. shadows of mountains slinked into camp, as and others were treated to a slippery 4x4 ride Early Friday evening, attendees followed the a spark brought the ceremonial bonfire to life up the slopes to Grandma's house. It was winding, Kangamangus Highway to Anise on Friday night. There is always something pretty obvious where this "mellow" downhill Field, where we would have our own private magical and timeless that occurs when a big trail needed some new berm construction for
12 | November 2005 added flow and fast speed. Regular Attitash riders like Alex, Adam, and Geoff were help- ful in making sure the berms were just right. The lush forest sheltered workers from the rain showers, which had started to fall heav- ily around lunch time. Leap-frogging down Grandma's, we were done in no time. Tired, wet and hungry, the berm and rock crews re- grouped at the lodge for some refueling, courtesy of Attitash, and we were given lift tickets in exchange for the help. Everyone was pretty excited about the good work that was done and some guys went back out on their bikes to check it out. Back at camp, the roaring bonfire warmed damp souls and the rising steam from drying shoes, coats, gloves, and bodies looked as if they were smoking and about to blaze up. Some power naps were sneaked in and a crew gathered for a 3:30 ride in the light rain. A quick little posse, which for some reason had me barfing up a lung on the long climbs, was sprinting up, down and all around the marked loops in a preview of tomorrow's big MBAS ride. I cursed my heavy, knobby DH tires which constantly felt as if the were stuck in molasses; there was no way I could
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SingleTrackS No. 82 | 13 catch Jisch, Tony and Record, who (an encore to the stick-roasted, were setting a blistering pace. Back at half-burned weenies from the previ- camp, we mauled the leftover subway ous night) that I would just have to platters. Bottle cap openers were in take his word were good. Sometime high demand as the rain subsided. A around midnight the fire died down chilly quick river swim washed off the and campers crawled into their day's accumulated crud and everyone tents. got ready for nightfall. 2:00am rain, sleep. 4:30 birds and What I failed to mention about the light from the sun, back to sleep. first night of campfire riding sessions 7am — "LET'S GET IT STARTED!" were the large rough-sawn wood Thanks Peter D, for blasting me out boards and the log blocks which were of my sleeping bag with your very which were constantly being maneu- robust car stereo. Does it go up to vered into different riding configura- eleven? Now why, exactly, we all tions and ramps. This fine test of had to "GET STARTED" at such an one's skills in jumping gaps and bal- early time in the morning is a mys- ancing on skinnies also provided great tery to me. Screaming "SHUT UP" entertainment for spectators, who was a waste over the booming sys- were giving their camp chairs a good tem and I swore revenge on Mr. work out. Well, tonight would be no DeSantis, preferably when he is different than last night's show, sound asleep with a hangover. I except maybe the airs were longer, went back to bed for a bit, since it more helmets were worn, and thank was a little gloomy and drizzly on goodness there weren't any more this Sunday morning. wedding bands cut off because of bro- Cars loaded with bikes started to ken swollen fingers — thanks, flip show up for the Harpoon-Topeak flops! Chief Julian served up some sponsored ride. I even heard a crew charcoal potatoes seasoned with dirt from Rhode Island say they just saw
14 | November 2005 Attitash would be a washout too. So hanging out in Radair's Westy, getting high on magic markers while Z colored the map routes, was just fine. Many of us figured we'd save the lift tickets and use them on some sunny day in the future at Attitash. The sun did finally pop out around 11, and riders coming back from MBAS loops had big smiles. I did managed to squeeze a ride in across from Bear Mountain with a few friends just before heading over to the wrap-up party and $2 drafts at the White Mountain Cider Company; wicked good food! Big thanks to all the sponsors: Clif Bar, Red Jersey Cyclery, Joe Jones, Michelin, Topeak, Artisan Sausage and, of course, Harpoon for providing great prizes and swag. Despite the damp weather a moose! PK was even here at the registration it is fair to say all attendees had an excellent after some very positive feedback from tent, which was a pleasant surprise. Feeling a time, especially those of us who went to Attitash, next year's event is shaping up to little groggy from the night before, it was still work on the downhill trails. Ideas flew over a be even bigger and better for 2006. a bit early for me to ride and we thought that brew about the WM Freeride weekend, and
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 15 Madagascar by Mountain Bike
By Kailas Narendran
After four years rescheduling due to family travel in some parts of the island? All of "easiness to get to" scale, Madagascar is a 0. commitments, volunteering in 3rd world those reasons and more are why we went, There are 2 flights a week, all from Paris. countries, startup company pains, weddings and why we plan to return at some point in There may be more, if you're willing to and heeding warnings from the U.S. state the future. Hopefully this trip report will give explore your way through Africa and associ- department, my wife, Katie Fillion, and I you a little insight into the land, the culture, ated sketchy airlines. The most popular way finally got to take our trip to Madagascar. and the incredible adventures that we had to get there is Air France from Boston -> Not just any trip, but probably one of the and are available to all "vazaha" that dare to Paris -> Antananarivo (Note: Air France most amazing experiences in our life. venture to the red island. ships a bike box as a check in bag, very cool). Our plan was to spend the first half of the Why Madagascar, you ask? Was it the Our entire trip composed the entire month of trip mountain biking up the eastern cost of wildlife? How about the amazingly friendly June 2005. While our entire trip took us by the island, from Tamatave to Maronsettra, malagasy people? I did almost get a C in brush taxi, bike, boat, car and plane around and the 2nd half exploring the southern half French at MIT, perhaps the chance to practice the island, this trip report deals only with the of the country with 2 friends that would it (pretty much no one speaks English in bike section. meet us back in the capital (we'd fly back to Madagascar)? Roads so bad that traveling by If getting to Lubbock, Texas is a 10 on the meet them). The eastern part of the country mountain bike is actually the best way to is known for it's lush, tropical forests, coastal highway "RN5", and absolutely horrible road conditions. We read that map legend as "perfect for mountain biking". Day 0 Bags, check. Bikes, check. Tickets, check. Ride to airport, check-in, security, breeze. That's when our excitement started. Our flight out of Boston was delayed, we missed the connection in Paris to our flight to Madagascar. But we didn't take no for an answer, and made Air France buy us tickets for the next flight on Air Madagascar. Our original plans had us arriving in Antananarivo (Tana) at 10PM, giving us the chance to rest and clean up, before hitting the road the next day. The new plan had us resting on the plane, getting to our hotel at 5am, putting our bikes together, packing our bags for bik- ing, leaving the extra gear behind, and head- ing out to buy maps and a bus ticket to the coast. Day 1 - Arrive Tana, head to Tamatave It actually probably worked out for the best that we arrived at 5am, with little sleep. The
16 | November 2005 not-s0-restful flight gave us the motivation to get moving right after landing. After dealing with an incredulous pair of customs officials (they didn't believe you could fit a bicycle in a box. At least I thought I said bicycle…). We planned to stay at a little B&B right outside of Tana because of the fact the owners were incredibly friendly, and seemed quite trustworthy. We planned to leave the extra gear for the 2nd half of our trip with them while we were biking, and leave the bikes with them, when we were on the 2nd half of our trip. After arriving, we took a quick sink bath, put our bikes together, repacked our stuff for bike travel, and caught a taxi into the city to buy maps, and get on the next taxi brousse (brush taxi) to Tamatave. The city of Tana is a bustling place, not unlike your standard, Third World population center. Here, everything is negotiable, so taking the few extra minutes to haggle will generally save you 25-50% or more off of most things, if you're obvi- ously a foreigner. We made our way around town to the cartographic institute to buy maps of our route (even the best maps in Madagascar are wrong, but these would be better than nothing), and headed to the taxi brousse stand. The taxi brousse stand is capitalism in the flesh. As you enter, people run along side your car, having "claimed" the commission from taking it to their taxi company's stand. You get out and are swamped with peo- ple trying to get your business. After we negotiated a good rate, they grabbed our bikes, strapped them on top and away we went. The rest of the day involved somehow sleeping on the bus, and finding our way to the hotel late at night. We got in a restless night of shuteye as we eagerly awaited the real adventure to begin. Day 2 - Warm Up Today started with an early breakfast and start out of town. The first 150 Km of the journey were on paved road, and we hoped to cover much Continued on page 18
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 17 of it today. The road was very flat, traveling slightly inland along the ocean. The scenery was lush, and there was almost no vehicle traffic. We ran out of water and rehydrated at a roadside coconut stand, getting lunch at a small town on the way. As night closed, we ended our full day of riding in Fenereve, at a beach resort that we stumbled upon. With a combination of French, sign language and charades skill I had honed over time, we communicated we wanted a room for the night. After about 45 minutes a guy showed up with our key and we got our first, well deserved, night of rest to the sounds of the ocean crashing on the beach. Day 3 - Where the sidewalk ends and beyond We started early, leaving our beach hotel behind, heading for Soniran-Ivongo. The city is a popular stepping stone to head to the tourist island of Isle St. Marie. More excit- ingly, it's where the paved road ends and the "seasonal" one begins. After a small mechanical failure of a flat (where the entire town showed up to watch the spectacle), we made it there by noon, grabbed a lunch of "Soupe Chinoise" (a tasty mixture of veggies, egg and zebu) and headed down to the water. At this point we embarked on the first of what seemed like an infinite number of river crossings. Since the Malagasy aren't ones for maintenance, whatever road and bridge infrastructure once existed along RN5 is now replaced by 4 wheel drive tracks, and guys with dugout canoes. Whenever you reach where a bridge might have been at one point in time, you load your bike, yourself and possibly up to 14 of your closest friends (or strangers) into a tiny canoe, and an oars- man rows you across the body of water in your way. Although we were constantly afraid of capsizing, It never actually hap-
18 | November 2005 pened. The "seasonal" road started with hard packed dirt. It soon became virtually beach sand, mak- ing the going very slow. All the while, we were getting rained on every hour or so. As 5pm and night time rolled around, we found a brushy spot off the side of the road (coinciden- tally in a swamp), and pitched the tents, made a quick backpacker meal, and huddled in the tent before dusk. We dozed off to sleep to the sounds of droves of mosquitoes swarming out- side our tent. Their hum, the tropical rain, the rustle of exotic plants, calls of wildlife and exhaustion from long days of riding with inad- equate food is a recipe for sleep like no other (or maybe just the exhaustion part). Day 4- Rinse, Rinse and Rinse again! We woke up bright and early, packed up camp and got back on the road. Katie's bike sprung a slow leak at some point in time, but we decided to keep going as far as possible on it, since we only brought 3 spares and a few patches. Today we understood why the east coast has two seasons, the rainy one and the
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SingleTrackS No. 82 | 19 season in which it rains. I'm not sure which one it was, but it rained almost constantly. We passed rural landscapes as we became more and more of spectacles. Due to the dif- ficulty of access, foreigners don't often make it to this part of the island. As we rode through village after village, we were greeted by children yelling "Sali vazah!", which trans- lates to "welcome guest!". We had a hard time finding food, so we basically lived off of French bread, laughing cow cheese (available at all village general stores), and coca-cola (amazingly, available everywhere). The rain was merciless, with the skies open- ing up every hour. During one cloudburst we stopped under the awing of a church. The children rushed out to see what was up with the foreigners with funny hats (much more interesting than Sunday school). After a very wet day of riding, we finally made it into Antanabe, and stayed at a nice little hotel run by a French couple. It provided us a wel- come opportunity to get some real food, and coke as we travel, realizing we need to find a tune up the bikes, cleaning out the generous Day 5 - "30 Km" place to sleep since the sun is about to go amount of sand and mud Madagascar had down at 4pm, and cleaning the bikes to pre- We started day 5 with a huge air of confi- heaped upon us. pare for the next day after we've arrived dence. We only had to go about 40-50 kilo- At this point we were starting to establish a somewhere. Not too bad! meters. Compared to previous days this was routine of riding all day, grazing on fruit and nothing, so we got a late start and headed on
20 | November 2005 our way. The scenery was astounding and the trail was perfect trail touring terrain. The road went up a bit, but continued along the coast with breathtaking views of dense rain- forest, descending to deserted beaches and rocky coast. We took our time, taking lots of pictures, stopping on beaches, and generally enjoying the ride. I had a weld break on my rear rack, but a little nylon strap and redistri- bution of weight fixed that problem. There were the sketchy bridges, curious vil- lagers and amazing scenery that made this trip incredible. As we went along, we always asked how far to Mananara (our destination for the day), and were repeatedly answered with "30 Km". After about 3 hours of riding, and the answer never decreasing, we started to get a bit worried. At this point we were approaching the 3pm "we need to find a place to sleep" mark, the road was just getting worse and worse, with sections of unrideable boulder fields, coveredPhoto: Peterwith Brandenburgslippery red mud, and the villages were more and more remote, with hardly anyone speaking French. Pretty soon the sun was starting to set, we hadn't seen a hotel, and didn't really know where we were on the map. As the sun went
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SingleTrackS No. 82 | 21 down, we started trudging through the dark, often wading through muck and mud, guided by our two penlights (yes, we did kick our- selves for forgetting headlamps). We finally arrived at a village where someone spoke French, and discovered we still had about 15Km to go. Better yet was the fact that there were no hotels nearby. Just as the bad news started to sink in, the rain started to pour, and the bugs started to come out. We were totally, mentally defeat- ed. Even if we wanted to take a car, we had- n't seen any since the roads were completely undrivable. As things were looking pretty bottom of the barrel, we ran into a guy that invited us to stay with him and his family. Given that we really had no other choice, and we were here for the adventure, we followed him through a maze of huts before arriving at his. We were completely filthy, covered in the thick Madagascar mud, and saturated with water. He pulled our bikes into his hut and gathered some rain water for us to wash off (not that hard in the torrential down- pour). Afterwards, he got us a very tradi- tional Malagasy meal of rice (that's right, just rice). Since we were guests, we got a duck egg to go with it. I tried to tell him about what were doing and how we ended up there Switch to Telphonic to Support NEMBA & IMBA
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22 | November 2005 (and thank him profusely) in what little French I could get out, but the exhaustion quickly took over, and we crashed on the mattress they had graciously offered us on the floor of their hut. The rain on the tin roof lulled our exhausted bodies and minds to sleep like nothing else. Given the stresses of the day, I'd have to say that was the most relaxing night of my life. Day 6 - Then, a Day to rest I woke in the morning to the family hanging around outside the hut. They gave us a break- fast of coffee and café (condensed milk and water). The gentleman we stayed with (named Monsieur Jacki) seemed to be a person of some standing in the village, given the three-room size of his hut. He had planned to accompany us the rest of the way, but couldn't due to the death of two small children the night before (we think from malaria). We spent the morning exchanging broken French stories about home, what we did, and such. I had a hard time explaining that Katie worked with the small flies that were eating their fruit, modifying their DNA. They had never
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SingleTrackS No. 82 | 23 heard of DNA, and later I found out that the word I thought was fruit fly was actually the name of a plant. Oh well. We gave our bikes a quick rinse so the chain would turn (they were in horrible shape), and got back on the road. The road improved drastically, and in about three hours of very slow riding, we were at Mananara. We were exhausted, filthy, and our bikes were non-functional (and my rear rack was broken). We decided to get the hotel mechanic to clean and fix the bikes. My French phrasebook didn't have the words for "heli-arcweld this aluminum joint" in it, so I tried pointing and very slow English (amazing how somehow you think that they'll under- stand if you just speak slowly. When I point- ed at the broken weld, everyone said "Gressage". That sounded like a welding noise, so I agreed that's what it needed and the bikes were whisked off. We took well deserved and needed showers and naps. When we went to the restaurant to eat, I came to the realization that he had never seen a bike like ours before and baby lemur. For those of you that don't know "Gressage" actually meant "Grease". The lacked the know how to put it back together what one is, you should go to Madagascar hotel mechanic had completely disassembled correctly, it was pretty interesting. and experience them for yourself. Like a our bikes and was greasing everything, hub cross between a rat, a monkey, and a bird. The coolest bit at the hotel was the resident bearings to headset. Other than the fact that Very weird, but very cool, curious, and
24 | November 2005 friendly primates. We took the rest of the day to relax, and check out aye-aye island (where we saw a lot of lemurs and an aye-aye in the wild). This stop gave us a very needed break and rest from the journey. We didn't, however, have access to any communication, as there was no international telephone access or internet (that would have to wait till our des- tination, Maronsettra). Days 7 & 8 - Smooth Sailing After Mananara, the road got increasingly better. The scenery changed to more coastal, with occational patches of forest. We broke the trip in two, spending one night on a deserted beach. The riding was relaxing, the scenery was awesome, and we had enough local know-how at this point to choose our meals, and eat on a regular basis. One of the interesting things in Madagascar is the preponderance of local bike shops. Not quite like what we know here, but basically a Beyond provide us with an all round, surreal, journey. rain shelter with a guy that can keep bikes If you've got a stomach for adventure travel After we arrived at Maronsettra, we proceed- running for years with some wrenches and a and have the time and finances to make the ed to trek in primary forest, and search for hammer (the guy in the picture is stitching a trip, you should. You'll have the opportunity animals in torrential downpour. Following a tire back together). to witness a land completely unlike ours. A few days of that, we flew back to the capital, land that's partially pre-industrialization, As we approached the civilization (in a very met up with some friends, ditched the bikes, with most of the population living in a sub- relative sense) of Maronsettra, the traffic and headed to the southern part of sistence agrarian lifestyle. If you want to increased (never more than a car every 10 Madagascar. We saw more people, experi- hear more about the trip, see more pictures, minutes or so), and we started to see lots enced more wildlife, and brought back with or have any other questions or comments, more pedestrians and cyclists. Upon arrival us more incredible memories and pictures we feel free to contact me at [email protected]. at our destination we found a hotel and could have ever imagined (there are actually splurged on hot showers (our first since leav- not many souvenirs stalls, if any, so that's ing America). We met the first Americans about all you can take back). The land, the we had seen on our trip, and spoke the most nature and the spirit of the country and English we had spoken since our pedals start- region were profound, and all combined to ed turning. NEMBA Holiday Gift Ideas
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SingleTrackS No. 82 | 25 SIDETRACKS Traffic Light by Jeff Cutler The traffic jam was 35 miles long. THIRTY- Was this the column on pet peeves or on daylight fading fast? Oh, yeah. FIVE MILES. Insane fans from all over the So, with more light, I think I'd give up on television or at least watch much less. It hardly makes sense to watch American Idol or the newest Scrubs episode when it's light out. Daytime television is known universe were plodding along toward Oprah, Matlock and the ever-popular back-to-back-to-back-to-back- to-back Law and Order episode. Foxboro Stadium to see the Patriots first Therefore, television would be out. An exception to viewed program- ming would include movies, for two reasons. One, movies are in the game of the 2005 season. Cars, vans and family of 'events' like a whale watch or fireworks or a parade. Simply put, things that you can only see once in a while. trucks packed with booze, food and people And two, how cool is the disoriented feeling of walking out of a movie into the brightness of day? It's right up there with the unexplainable crept down every road south and west of smile you immediately get when waking up from a nap in the ham- mock. Boston — and I was unpleased. If I had omnipotent daylight powers, I'd drink more coffee and be They came from Maine, NH, VT, CT, RI and MA to see their team. A calmer. Recent trips abroad have indicated that enjoying a cup of cof- team that is pretty good. A team that has won a few Super Bowls fee in the afternoon is a worldwide obsession and is more than just lately. A team that I detest. jamming caffeine into your veins. It's a social event where you go and relax for hours. It can be done in the rain and the wind, but it's pre- I have always hated the Patriots. From the days of Steve Grogan, John dominantly done when it's light out. I'm all for being social and for Hannah, Sam Cunningham and others, I have despised the team. The ingesting hot beverages. traffic that now plagued my commute didn't change my view of these rabid followers of the now-beloved "patsies." I hated them even more I would make more money if it were light out. Contrary to the belief and my anger management techniques weren't helping out at all. that writers procrastinate horribly, they're just afraid of the dark. So, when they begin writing a column for SingleTracks or Chicago Counting to 10 didn't help, nor did trying to put the situation into Magazine or the Boston Herald, they have to get it done during the perspective. What did help was the voyeuristic joy of watching other daylight. Well, many other things have to be done during the day and people fume in their respective cars all up and down the highway. writing often begins around 5PM. I was in my car and it was an early September day - slowly turning By extension, if it starts getting dark at 5:01, that's only one minute into evening. My bike sat happily on top of the car, practically panti- of writing per day. Try making a living by just working for a minute a ng in anticipation of a ride at Vietnam. The new trails there are a day. It's hard. vision of slick singletrack and challenging and gut-wrenching drops and obstacles. But the sun continued its inexorable journey toward With more light, I could start writing at a civilized hour like 11PM. the horizon and my mood continued its journey south as well. That would leave time for my coffee, my hammock, movies, daytime television and even my riding. The summer had only 13 days left and I was trying to squeeze in one of my last after-work rides. As the car inched forward, I felt like I was The hard part is generating the light. Recent articles I've read in in a movie. Speed, Back to the Future, Die Hard - anything with the Popular Science have talked about floating a solar sail in the upper 'ticking clock' method of pacing. The closer I got to 'Nam the later it atmosphere to generate electricity from the sun. These huge sails got. I jumped off the highway onto Route 9 and encountered more would be made of highly reflective material that could probably also traffic. The clock ticked closer to darkness. By the time I reached 85, be aimed at spots on the earth creating light at any hour. the sun was so low that my bike's shadow was reaching across lawns While it might be akin to the ant/magnifying glass 'experiment' we did and driveways as I raced down the road. as kids, I think it could work. We might have to wear some asbestos The battle was lost. I missed the ride and consoled myself with $7 Camelbaks and find some Lycra and baggies that can hold up to the worth of junk food from the Mobil station while I thought about how heat. But it would be worth it. life - and riding - would be different if we could flick a switch and just And if this solar sail thing didn't pan out, we could always go ride our illuminate our surroundings. While it would be similar to how the evil bikes at Foxboro Stadium - they only use it eight times a year. Patriots light up their stadium to daylight perfection whenever the darkness approaches, it would benefit riders and give us more time to do the things we value. **Yeah, $3 per gallon gas, blah, blah, blah. I'm now driving a tiny, gas- sipping car. I get around 33MPG when I'm driving normally and can For instance, with instant light I'd probably drive farther to go rid- boost that to 37 or 38 if I drive like an old lady. So enjoy your Jeeps ing.** I'd take my bike to Mt. Greylock and Canada and probably even and WRX sports cars and even your Subaru wagons, I can fill my 11- Moab. Since time wouldn't be an object, I could meander around the gallon tank and make it to Philadelphia without refilling. OK, fat lot United States looking for places to ride. I'd also never be late for a ride of riding they have around the Liberty Bell, but you get my point. because we could schedule them around traffic-causing events like a football game, concert or burning camper on the side of the road that backs up cars on the other side of the highway for NO REASON!!
2626| September| November 2005 2005 WASUPWIDAT? Random Useless Facts to Know and Tell
It's possible to lead a cow The first National Park that makes them looks like Tommy Lee Jones and Al upstairs but not down- dedicated east of the its kissing the conveyor Gore were freshman room- stairs. Mississippi is in New belt. mates at Harvard England - Acadia National Ten percent of the Russian Park in Maine At sunrise, the first rays of Lynn Woods, outside of government's income sunlight in the United Boston, MA, was notori- comes from the sale of Each king in a deck of play- States can be seen first on ous as a hangout for gangs vodka. ing cards represents a great the summit of Cadillac throughout the 70's and king from history. Spades - Mountain in Maine. had its large share of vio- Stewardesses' is the King David Clubs - lent crimes - that is, until longest word that is typed Alexander the Great Hearts An Ostrich's eye is bigger mountain biking became with only the left hand. - Charlemagne Diamonds - than its brain. popular in the mid 80's and Julius Caesar drove the crime out. Now No word in the English The longest recorded flight it is enjoyed by trail users language rhymes with 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 of a chicken is thirteen sec- of all types - cyclists, hik- month, orange, silver,and =12,345,678,987,654,321 onds. ers, families, and equestri- purple. ans. Clans of long ago that The name Jeep came from "I am" is the shortest com- wanted to get rid of their the abbreviation used in The fingerprints of Koala plete sentence in the unwanted people without the army for the "General Bears are virtually indistin- English language. killing them used to burn Purpose" vehicle, G.P. guishable from those of their houses down, hence humans, so much so that The oldest deciduous tree the expression "To get The highest point in they could be confused at in the country is in New fired." Pennsylvania is lower than a crime scene. England - a black gum tree the lowest point in in Portsmouth, NH. It's on Thirty-Five percent of the Colorado. Months that begin on a private land, and its loca- people who use personal Sunday will always have a tion is a closely guarded ads for dating are already Nutmeg is extremely poi- "Friday the13th." secret. married. sonous if injected intra- venously. The highest point in A duck's quack doesn't The longest continually Connecticut is not the echo, and no one knows maintained recreation trail No NFL team which plays summit of a mountain. It’s why in the country is in New its home games in a domed actually the on the flanks England - the Crawford stadium has ever won a of Mount Frisell, whose The reason firehouses have Path in the White Superbowl. 2453' summit is in circular stairways is from Mountain National Forest Massachusetts, in the the days of yore when the was built in 1819. It takes 3,000 cows to town of Washington. engines were pulled by supply the NFL with Incidentally, the highest horses. The horses were Only two people signed enough leather for a year's summit in CT is Bear stabled on the ground floor the Declaration of supply of footballs. Mountain, at 2316'. and figured out how to Independence on July 4th, walk up straight staircases. John Hancock and Charles If you put a raisin in a glass There are 293 ways to Thomson. Most of the rest of champagne, it will keep make change for a dollar. The airplane Buddy Holly signed on August 2, but floating to the top and died in was the "American the last signature wasn't sinking to the bottom. All of the clocks in the Pie." (thus the name of the added until 5 years later. movie "Pulp Fiction" are Don McLean song). Snails can sleep for 3 years stuck on 4:20. Hershey's Kisses are called without eating that because the machine
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 27 SIDETRACKS
No More Excuses by Peter DeSantis It hit me the other night, while on a road became my slave. I was totally hooked. Bigger rocks and higher drops meant more suspension was needed. A new Yeti 575 was the answer. ride seldom taken. I'm slow… at least slow- I would go back and re-attack that technical feature two or three times. Not great for the heart rate, but the skills were piling on. Road er than years past. riding…. forget it! I was having too much fun on the dirt. Who wants exhaust fumes, hot pavement and crazy drivers anyway? But this winter it happened. I don't know how or when, but it was You see… I was once strictly a roadie. No evident when the warm weather hit. I put on my work shorts and they were a tad tight. I had to face reality. For the first time in my life, mountain bikes in my life! I wasn't the a few pounds made their way to my waistline when I wasn't looking. I bit my lip and ordered the next bigger size shorts. I was determined fastest… but, pretty good. I mean, I've done to loose the weight quickly. I have to ride more! a century or two around a 20 mph average. But you remember this spring, wet and cool. My mountain biking was sporadic at best. The road bike continued to gather dust. Sure, I tried Many of my rides were 30 to 50 miles at an the trainer…BORING! My riding "buddies" joked at my expanding gut during our bi-weekly rides. I was no longer in the front of the group. easy 18 mph average. No problem! The hills just seemed longer. Don't get me wrong, being on the trails is great exercise, but it just isn't cutting it any more. I need some road But then it happened a few years back. I purchased a mountain bike. miles! A Trek hard tail… simple, inexpensive, fun. I rode it along a local rail bed. I quickly moved to double track. Then advanced to sweet single NO MORE EXCUSES! track. Ahhh heaven! I have used them all… it's too hot, too cold, might rain, looks like Shortly, a full suspension Gary Fisher Sugar 2 was in order. More trails snow, gets dark earlier, no time… NO MORE EXCUSES! "But it looks a little chilly this morning. Is that frost on the grass?" It's not like I don't have the gear. I have enough bike clothes for three peo- ple! Some of the best clothing made. Heck, I could survive a night on Everest! NO MORE EXCUSES! "But I don't want my steel frame in the salt in the winter." So my Bianchi Eros gets used when it is nice. I can put slicks on the hardtail when the salt hits the road. My studded tires are great on the Sugar when it's ice and snow season. NO MORE EXCUSES! "But it is getting dark earlier." Isn't that why I paid hundreds for a light that outshines the moon! Gosh, my rear light has more flashing options than a Christmas tree. NO MORE EXCUSES! "I just can't find the time". It takes me 25 minutes to drive the 18 miles to work. I can bike it in an hour or so. If I plan ahead, I can bike home in the evening and ride in the next morning. A quick 36 road miles in two days and it only took an extra 70 minutes. My wife will barely notice I'm later. NO MORE EXCUSES! "I have too much work to do." And tomorrow is going to be any dif- ferent? NO MORE EXCUSES! What are your excuses?
28 | November 2005 SingleTrackS No. 81 | 28 CHAPTER NEWS
Change is in the air, and my favorite riding time of other places, (Vermont's Green Mountains, New the year is here. As I write this NEMBAfest is a few Hampshire, and some stuff in D.C. I think were days away, a big thanks to Cape Cod NEMBA, also going to be in a good place next year. Speaking of Greater Boston to Harpoon, Topeak, all our other sponsors, volun- next year, keep an eye out for the return of our President: Mike Tabaczynski teers, and rangers for a stellar year of events. Wednesday evening ride series (which was a huge [email protected], 781-861-1537 success and a ton of fun), as at this point we've run Our trail maintenance series has about wrapped up out of daylight. Vice-President: Joseph Re for the season, and I'd like to take a second to Secretary: John Masone thank all the volunteers who came out to bust Keep an eye to www.gbnemba.org for our meeting their humps to make the trails better for everyone. times and location. —Joe Re Treasurer: Claire Grimble It's a big part of why we exist. Patrol Director: Art Paradice, Even though winter, snow, and cold are right [email protected] around the corner that doesn't mean the riding has Email List: [email protected] to stop. Many public lands, and some state parks, are open mountain biking through the winter. Website: www.gbnemba.org Check with your local officials at your town hall if Meetings: Check website for monthly you're unsure. meeting schedule 1st Monday each All in all there's not a ton going on within our month. chapter. There's been some stuff going on in some
We in northern Maine have been very busy with several events happening at the Nordic Heritage Center. We have had an open house with our ter- rain park/jump park being introduced to the public Maine on Aug 6 + 7. Next we had a skills enhancement President: Jon Kibler, weekend with world class educators teaching a [email protected], 207-892-9228 women's day and a coed skills day. Next we are Vice-President: Ernie Phillips, hosting a cross country race and a timed downhill [email protected] on Sept. 17. We will be following that event up Secretary: Calvin Weeks with another cross country race at Big Rock Ski Area on Oct. 2 with the first dual slalom event Treasurer: Brian Condon being presented. We have completed an additional Northern ME: Tom Chasse four miles of single track and have 3/4th of the expert level trials trail built and we are working Bangor Area: Chris Moore hard on the last ten miles of trail which will give us Central ME: Jeff Clarke a total of 24.5 miles of single track, a terrain park, jump park and a expert trials area. Without a Western ME: Lisa Coté doubt the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, Midcoast Area: Rick Nelson Maine is the best kept mountain bike secret in New England. Camping is cheap and you can ride Brunswick/Portland: Gary Oullette to the trails from Arndts Campground which has York County: Tom Noble excellent facilities. Come and visit and enjoy the Email List: [email protected] change of the trees and the special peoples. —Tom Chasse Website: www.maine-nemba.org
Dracut Tyngsboro state forest. Their only request on another weekend and wrap things up. It's that was that we come back next year and show them big of a project. So for those of you who have been photos of the bridges and boardwalks that will be champing at the bit to get out and cut new trails, Merrimack installed. I guess they want to make sure that this is your call to arms or loppers if you will. were not going to go in there and do a hack job. Please mark your calendars and drop me an email That will also position us for future trail projects so I can get an accurate head count. I'll keep the VAlley in that area with that board. They were even jok- list up to date as we get closer to the 24th. — President: Norman Blanchette, 978 455- ing with us to see if we could do anything about Norman Blanchette 5605, [email protected] the illegal ATV use. So we have a tremendous opportunity here. VP Groton Town Fst VP: Mike Andersen Lowell-Dracut SF VP: Bob Giunta As you may remember from previous updates, that new trail is one and a half miles long and is already Treasurer: Hugh Folsom, (978) 244-0633 flagged. Some preliminary work has already taken Email List: mtb- place to put us in the best possible position to get [email protected] this huge project done before we get too deep into the fall, and hunting season. That's why Saturday, Website: www.mv-nemba.org September the 24th will be so important to us. I think everybody will be pleased with what we put together out there. (We actually started working Earlier this week, we had a very successful meeting on the layout of this trail about two years ago). with the Dracut Conservation Committee and There are some great technical features in there received permission to go forward with our new with something for all abilities. Even with a large trail out at the Gumpus Road area in the Lowell turnout we will probably have to go back in there
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 29 don't be afraid to stop and help if even for a short The sun is setting earlier and soon the leaves will while. change. Then you know what comes next. THE WICKED RIDE of the east. This is our chapters We held our summer chapter meeting at the annual summer season ending event. This is a North Shore home of member Fred White in Rockport. Fred Fun Ride done jointly with NEFTA. It's on Sunday President: Bill Piotte, and his wife are wonderful people and have our the 30th of October. The flyer is elsewhere in this [email protected], 978-373- sincere gratitude for their hospitality. The chapter issue and details all the information. We will be is doing well, membership is up, keep talking up 9753 needing volunteers for the usual duties, parking, NEMBA to riders you meet. The trail side pitch registration, and please host a group ride for oth- Vice-President: Frank Lane, always works best for me and I keep a couple ers at your level. Better yet , why not lead a [email protected],978- membership flyers in my pack. We had a great beginner ride for our visiting members, then head 465-2295 cookout and then Fred showed us the local trails. out on your own after. They don't call that place ROCKport for nothing. Treasurer: Ron Corporon While I am on the subject of volunteers. How Secretary: Jim Humphrey Thursday evenings have been getting very busy bout it? NEMBA is what we the members make at Harold Parker State Park. Could it be the word Email List: [email protected] it. If you would like the chapter to be involved in is out on the terrific new trails. If you haven't some aspect of MTB where we are not then been to the new trail, also known to some as the This summer we have certainly enjoyed wonder- please let me know. If you have a project in mind Boulder Bridge trail, you are missing some great or an event you think others might benefit from ful riding weather. I hope you all have been get- new terrain. This is much more then a path ting out and enjoying it. There are new trails all then I am wanting to hear all about it. Everyone swept clear in the woods. Multiple lines, rock has something they can do well and if we all give over New England this season thanks to the work, bridges, deep bench cuts and a stream efforts of the NEMBA trail care crews. Due to a little then we can accomplish a lot. Think about crossing over a waterfall to a step up. If you can it won't you? —Bill Piotte (justbill) their hard work we enjoy a great relationship make it without a dab then its time to try the with the land managers. Be sure to thank those boulder bridge. Please let me know if you see working when you see them on the trail, and anyone make it. I would like a picture.
Franklin County Hats off to Liam, Marc, Harold, and Pioneer the boys and girls out there. The Harpoon Adventure Series Ride had Valley superb weather and a fantastic President: George Willard, 413-527- turnout. And best of all, it benefit- 0330, [email protected] ed the park, with funds going towards a new pavilion. VP Hampshire County: Rich LaBombard, [email protected], 413-527-7427 It looks like more trail building is on the way for that long neglected, VP Franklin County: Liam O’Brien but not any more, State Forest. VP Hamden County: Matt Harris Check with V.P. Liam O'Brien via the PV member email list. Treasurer: Peter Ogulewicz Hampden County Email List: mtb- [email protected] What else can you say about the Web: http://pvnemba.tripod.com/pvnem- Batchelor Street area that hasn't ba.htm already been said? The technically demanding, rocky, twisting trails are drawing riders from all over New England. Rumor has it that PV Hello again PVNEMBA, will host a ride in the upcoming 2006 season. Stay tuned. What a great finish to the summer! The trails were in great shape, the humidity was where it should John Jenkins Memorial Ride Mark Courtemanche, Liam O’Brien and Wendell State Forest Land have been, and tons of weekend sunshine made up Manager, Bryant Stewart at the Harpoon-Topeak Adventure Ride for most of those nasty days earlier on. The new On August 20th, 33 riders took part trails out in Wendell, Holyoke/Skinner Range State in a benefit ride, honoring the mem- Boy Scout, Black Bear, Tilton Farm, Town, and Park, and on the other side of Rt.116 (Earl's Trails) ory of the late John Jenkins, one of our sports pre- Balancing Rock Trails all waiting to be ridden. were broken in nicely. And hopefully, by the time mier pioneers, racing legend, and all around great you're reading this, the best weather is right now. man. Bring a lunch, and enjoy autumn in the D.A.R. Anybody get stung lately? Those warm last days of The ride, organized by son Chris, his family and Nonotuck Park, Easthampton summer and early fall seem to bring out the friends, was one that John surely would have been What a fun place to ride, especially for the riders best/worst in those little buggers. So watch out if proud of. It was truly of epic proportions…30 plus who took part in the popular Thursday night rac- you are doing some sort of off trail excursion into miles of mostly singletrack…just the way John ing series sponsored by Competitive Edge. The rel- new territory. liked it. atively flat, but tight turns through the pines, on Hampshire County D.A.R. Reminder some pretty buff trails, are made for both begin- ning riders, and those who know how to get the The Katherine M. Root conservation Area, known Haven't ridden there yet? Here's a short loop… Try most out of themselves and their bikes. Thanks go as the Boruchowski property located off of the Sunset, Camp Howe, Porcupine, Turkey, to Comp Edge guys, and the volunteers who made Hendrick Street, has a nice new 30-foot telephone NEMBA Trails to the top, then come down the it such a fun event. pole bridge spanning Broad Brook, thanks to the Long Trail, take a right 6/10 mile on to the Moose efforts of V.P Rich LaBombard and crew. The pro- Run Trail, which brings you back on to the Long There's a zillion other places to ride within the PV posed trail system is still in the early stage at this Trail, take a right, after the Bog Bridge go right And you just can't ride them all in one season. But writing, but you can count on it being of typical again, along the lake, and back to the parking lot. you can try. This fall will be a great time to check Rich design. Just be ready to climb and have a blast out new areas. So go and have fun. Ride safe. GW doing it. There are others like Bobcat, Beaver Pond Loop,
30 | November 2005 Big River Inn on Rt. 3. Both of these establish- Last. Keep your equipment right for the condi- ments are just down Rt. 3 from Big River. Watch tions. You will want to keep that drive train clear the e-mail list and our website, www.rinemba.org, of ice. A little silicone spray is helpful in doing Rhode Island for updated information. that. In addition, you may want to get some studded tires for the rogue ice patch that will send As we enter the Fall / Winter season, safety you tumbling. You may even want to ride a sin- President: Leo Corrigan, should be on top of our list. First, ORANGE. Be [email protected], 401-231-2809 glespeed all Winter to avoid that drive train ice all sure to wear solid daylight fluorescent orange in together. (Singlespeeds aren't just for Winter any- VP Arcadia: Jim Grimley all Management areas during hunting season. 200 more!!) sq. inches is required except for during Shotgun VP Big River: Peter Gengler Deer Season (December 3 - 18, 2005), when 500 You may get tempted to do some night riding. Be VP Lincoln Woods: Brendan Dee sq. inches is required. The orange requirement is sure to keep it legal. It is illegal to use all RI seven days a week (even Sunday). It is best to Management areas after dark. That means no rid- VP Snake Den: Jon Wellington stay out of the Management areas during Shotgun ing at night. If you do ride at night make sure the Treasurer: Sara Grimley Deer Season. DEM requires more orange for a rea- place you ride is open at night. You really should- son. n't do any night riding alone. You don't want to Secretary: Bart Angelo be out there by yourself in the dark hurt. Choose Second. Dress appropriately! Layering and wick- a light that is made for cycling. It is also a good Email List: [email protected] ing material is a must. You should dress so that idea to have a back up. you are a little chilly before you start. Otherwise Web: www.rinemba.org you will be too hot when you begin to ride. We will be meeting all Winter planning our Spring events. Please try to make it to the meetings to Third. Ride only when the conditions are right. If help us out. —George Porter, there is too much snow or too much ice or too [email protected] RI NEMBA is back in full swing again. Meetings much mud, find another way to get your exercise. are held the 1st Tuesday of each month. We have You don't want to get hurt and you don't want to been meeting at either Mark's Grill on Rt.3 or The tear up the trails.
Hills (see photo). Maggie is the head ranger at Blue Hills and she and her staff have been true friends of mountain bikers, partnering SE Mass with NEMBA and Trail Watch to host all President: Rich Higgins, rlhiggins@com- kinds of bike events every year. Joe Sloane cast.net ,508-238-7590 has been running Blue Hills Mountain bike Vice-Presidents: day and various other events at Blue Hills for years. Joe has unlimited energy and is Ames Nowell: Don Jordan, 781-767- always working to make things better for 4044 bikers in the Blue Hills. Blue Hills: Joe Sloane, 617-696-3533 I'd like to say thanks to Brad Childs, long Borderland: Christopher Patrick, time SEMASS NEMBA member, whose quick actions helped prevent a forest fire at Franklin SF: Jan Hubbell, 508-341-5509 Foxboro State Park. He describes what hap- Freetown: Dennis Lewis, 508-993-5920 pen as follows. "I came upon a party zone Wompatuck: Paul Peaslee, 781-925-2512 with the partyers leaving behind a small campfire and empty beer cans. The campfire Wrentham: Kevin Delaney, 401-722- was still smoking and embers burning. I 2426 emptied my camel back on the campfire, Treasurer: Bill Boles, 508-583-0067 dug around the area to keep it from burning outward. I tried to find something (hol- Secretary: Eero Kola, 781-356-2518 lowed out bark from a tree) to get water Email List: [email protected] from the lake as the campfire was still smoking & possibly burning underneath September 10 saw the return of the MBAS series to the top soil. Without the means to get Wompatuck State Park. Under perfect temps and more water to the campfire, I jumped on my bluebird skies, the attendees enjoyed a tremen- Santa Cruz Superlight and headed to the dous bike loop showcasing the best Wompatuck Ranger station. I left my bike at the Ranger has to offer. The hungry mountain bikers enjoyed station, jumped in one truck while the burgers and dogs after their efforts. In the after- other two fire fighters jumped in another noon we got to see a cyclocross race, a first time and headed out to the trail head. We hiked Cyclocross rider at the Landmine Classic race that took event at Wompy. NEMBA's own Philip Keys raced in about 1/8 of a mile and when we got close on his new cross rig and made a very respectable place at Wompatuck State Park after the Harpoon-Topeak you could smell the smoke. The firefighter Ride first time showing. Special thanks go out to Paul had the biggest camel back I had ever seen Enjoy the great riding this fall and check Peaslee and Kevin Chichlowski for putting on the and proceeded to wet down the area and dig up the NEMBA.org for trail maintenance dates. We've got race weekend and donating the proceeds to top soil with a tool. They called in for a wind direc- a full slate in October with 2 scheduled in NEMBA. This is the 5th year for the Landmine tion (NE @ 12 miles per hour) and informed me if Wompatuck and one each in Foxboro and Classic Mountain bike race at Wompatuck. Paul it wasn't reported there was a good possibility of Borderland. We also are sponsoring rides on and Kevin have always given a lot of time and the fire re-catching onto another area. The acting National Take a Kid Mountain biking day (10/1 at money to NEMBA - they are the best. A big thanks Captain for the Foxboro Fire Dept. was called in to the Blue Hills). Blue Hills hosts a trailwork event to all the volunteers who helped and the riders assess the area as it was on town land and we all on October 29 and the Christmas Toy ride will be who came to the event and the weekend's spon- thanked each other before departing. And no, I on December 4th at 9:00am. Happy Trails. —Rich sors: Bike Barn, Topeak, and Harpoon. didn't get to turn on the lights or siren on the way Higgins Back in August, I presented certificates of appreci- back. I left my name, address, home phone # along ation to Joe Sloane and Maggie Brown for their with my NEMBA affiliation @ the Ranger station dedication toward mountain biking in the Blue for their reports." Way to go Brad!
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 31 tifully and about 55 riders enjoyed the marked loops in the Rob Brook area of the Kanc. White Many took advantage of their lift tickets at Attitash to sam- ple the enhancements com- Mountains pleted on Saturday. President: Mark Jenks, 603-356-0233, [email protected] We appreciate the help of sponsors Harpoon, Topeak, Clif Vice-President: Rob Adair, 603-356- Bar, Michelin, Joe Jones, Red 5214, [email protected] Jersey Cyclery, Busted Treasurer: Phil Ostroski Spoke.com, Attitash, Artisan Sausage, and the continued Secretary: Cathy Steers support of the U.S. Forest Email List: Service. [email protected] A number of people did a huge amount of work to pull off this White Mountains NEMBA has had a busy summer! event: Mark Jenks put in many MTB Weekend August 20-21 hours getting trails ready, coor- dinating with the Forest We held our 5th Annual White Mountains MTB Service, and putting up and Weekend on August 20th and 21st. This year was taking down arrows. Peter one of the best ever, with excellent camping and DeSantis drove the New campground stunts, a massive bonfire, satisfying Hampshire NEMBA tool trailer trail work, and good riding. The weather was a bit up from southern NH and led a wet, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the work crew (we won't mention 40 trail work participants. Half of the workers his "wake up" music); Michael Mark Jenks, Trail Ride Guru trimmed brush on the Nanamocomuck Trail and Hartrich, Peter Minnich, Tony bermed a switchback on the Sherwood Forest sec- Tulip, Dave Halpin, Peter hours of organizational work behind the scenes - tion of the Mineral Site Trail, while the other half Brandenburg, and Phil Ostroski helped with prepa- the event would not be the success that it is year built berms and a route through a major rock gar- rations and/or led work crews; Chris Krug, Nate after year without her involvement. den at Attitash. Waterhouse, and Russ Van Deursen were fantastic in organizing the Attitash portion. Extra thanks to Most of all, thanks to those who showed up. It The weather forecast and morning showers hurt would not be an event without you. – Rob Adair attendance at the Harpoon/Topeak Adventure Russ and Attitash for the use of the big top tent. Series ride on Sunday, but the day cleared out beau- Finally, Krisztina Holly put in literally hundreds of
Other NEMBA Chapter Contacts:
Berkshire NEMBA Heather Linscott, [email protected] Blackstone Valley NEMBA Richard Kordell, [email protected] Cape Cod NEMBA Charlie Genatossio, [email protected] Central NH NEMBA Glenn Kirby, [email protected] Connecticut NEMBA David Singleton, [email protected] Mt. A NEMBA Todd Bumen, [email protected] SC NH NEMBA Scott Nixon, [email protected] Seacoast NEMBA Mark Oullette, [email protected] Vermont NEMBA Aaron Codling, [email protected] Wachusett NEMBA Jim Wrightson, [email protected]
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32 | November 2005 NEMBA Rides
NEMBA rides are led by individual NEMBA members for other mem- MBAS Harpoon MTB Adventure Series ride. 10-20 miles. bers and prospective members. So if you haven't yet joined NEMBA, A ride on a marked course for all ability levels. please do. Normally includes short and long loops. Call for more information. Rides are usually for small numbers of people and vary with the loca- tion and the personal style of the host. Rides have been known to EFTA/NEMBA 10-25 miles. Marked loops for all ability levels. change location or time at the last moment. So be sure to call the Normally includes multiple loops. Call for more ride's leader, both to sign up, and to find out more about the ride. information. **Be sure to contact the ride leader a couple of days before the ride Kids/Family 2-10 miles, usually easy pace & terrain. These takes place. That way you will be sure that the ride is on. rides are aimed at parents with young children. If you commit to a ride, go, since space is limited. That way the rides Beginner 2-7 miles, easy terrain, easy pace. These rides are will stay manageable and will be enjoyable for everyone. Helmets are aimed at riders with little or no riding experience. required on all NEMBA rides. Contact your ride's leader if the weath- er looks questionable. Novice 4-9 miles, mellow pace, easy terrain, frequent stops. HEY! - Why not lead a NEMBA ride yourself? Contact Bill Boles at 508-583-0067 or [email protected] for more Advanced Novice6-10 miles, mellow pace, either mostly easy ter- information. rain, or could be technical terrain done slowly, fre- quent stops. (T/FR) Indicates a technical or freeride (MBA) Indicates a NEMBA Mountain Bike Adventure Series Intermediate 10-20 miles, moderately technical, somewhat Ride faster pace, occasional stops and bail out points. (EN) Indicates an EFTA/NEMBA Fun Ride. Intermediate rides are designed for people who (D) Indicates a weekday daytime ride. ride frequently, and have some skills, but who (DB) Indicates a daybreak or early morning ride. probably don't enter races. (BHTW) Indicates a Blue Hills Trail Watch ride. Advanced Intermediate The same as intermediate, except faster (NBTRS) indicates Newington Bike Trek Ride Series and harder terrain. (Dog) Indicates you can bring your dog. (W) Indicates a WOMBATS ride. Advanced 20-30 miles, high technical difficulty, fast pace, (K) Indicates a Kids & Family ride. few stops or chances to bail out. These rides are (CALL) Indicates contact the leader to see if the ride is on. intended for advanced riders or, racers who would (TBA) Indicates location to be determined. like to go for a challenging ride at less than all out (U) Indicates an urban ride. race pace. (SS) Indicates Single Speed bicycles are OK. Women's Ride Can be any level of difficulty. Call for more infor- (SKILLS) Indicates a skills training session mation.
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.
Cape Cod & Islands
10/15 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 10/16 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 10/16 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 10/16 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 10/19 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 10/21 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 10/22 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 10/23 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 10/23 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 10/23 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 10/26 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 10/28 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected]
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 33 10/29 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 10/30 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 10/30 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 10/30 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 11/02 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/04 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/05 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 11/06 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 11/06 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 11/06 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 11/09 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/11 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/12 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 11/13 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 11/13 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 11/13 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 11/16 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/18 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/19 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 11/20 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 11/20 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 11/20 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 11/23 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/25 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 11/26 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 11/27 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 11/27 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 11/27 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 11/30 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/02 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/03 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 12/04 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 12/04 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 12/04 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 12/07 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/09 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/10 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 12/11 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 12/11 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 12/11 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 12/14 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/16 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/17 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 12/18 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 12/18 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 12/18 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 12/21 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/23 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/24 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 12/25 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 12/25 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 12/25 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 12/28 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/30 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 12/31 Harwich /Punkhorns All Mark McKenney [email protected] 508-430-4375 01/01 TBA Beginner & Inter. Village Cycles [email protected] 508-759-6773 01/01 Trail of Tears Advanced Beginner EMS Hyannis [email protected] 508-362-8690 01/01 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon [email protected] 508-693-4905 01/04 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] 01/06 Trail of Tears Intermediate Steve Shakin [email protected] Central, Wachusett & Western Mass
10/14 TBA Advanced/Intermediate Mark Courtemanche [email protected] 10/15 M&M Trail Intermediate - Adv. Int. Nathan Bannish [email protected] 413-562-5072 10/16 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 10/16 Leominster SF Advanced Beginner Jim Wrightson [email protected] 978-464-5353
34 | November 2005 10/19 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 10/19 TBA Advanced/Intermediate Mark Courtemanche [email protected] 10/21 TBA Advanced/Intermediate Mark Courtemanche [email protected] 10/23 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 10/23 Leominster SF Advanced Beginner Jim Wrightson [email protected] 978-464-5353 10/26 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 10/26 TBA Advanced/Intermediate Mark Courtemanche [email protected] 10/28 TBA Advanced/Intermediate Mark Courtemanche [email protected] 10/30 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 10/30 Leominster SF Advanced Beginner Jim Wrightson [email protected] 978-464-5353 11/02 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/06 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/09 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/13 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/16 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/20 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/23 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/27 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 11/30 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/04 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/07 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/11 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/14 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/18 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/21 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/25 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] 12/28 TBA Beginner-Advanced Bob Perry [email protected] Connecticut
10/15 Westwoods Intermediate (T/FR) Andrew Porto [email protected] 860-227-4662(T/FR) 10/16 Tyler's Mill Adv.Beg-Intermediate Mike Scotto [email protected] 860-249-2298 10/19 W. Hartford MDC Res. Adv. Beg.-Intermediate Don Myers [email protected] 860-561-2755 10/19 Tyler's Mill Adv.Beg-Intermediate Mike Scotto [email protected] 860-249-2298 10/26 W. Hartford MDC Res. Adv. Beg.-Intermediate Don Myers [email protected] 860-561-2755 10/23 Tyler's Mill Adv.Beg-Intermediate Mike Scotto [email protected] 860-249-2298 10/26 Tyler's Mill Adv.Beg-Intermediate Mike Scotto [email protected] 860-249-2298 10/30 Tyler's Mill Adv.Beg-Intermediate Mike Scotto [email protected] 860-249-2298 11/02 W. Hartford MDC Res. Adv. Beg.-Intermediate Don Myers [email protected] 860-561-2755 11/09 W. Hartford MDC Res. Adv. Beg.-Intermediate Don Myers [email protected] 860-561-2755 Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont
10/14 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 10/18 TBD Intermediate Bob Hall [email protected] 10/21 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 10/25 TBD Intermediate Bob Hall [email protected] 10/28 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 11/01 TBD Intermediate Bob Hall [email protected] 11/04 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 11/08 TBD Intermediate Bob Hall [email protected] 11/11 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB)
SingleTrackS No. 82 | 35 11/15 TBD Intermediate Bob Hall [email protected] 11/18 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 11/25 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 12/02 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 12/09 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 12/16 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 12/23 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) 12/30 Portland, ME Area Intermediate-Advanced Avram Hains [email protected] (DB) Metro Boston, Merrimack & North Shore
10/15 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 10/17 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 10/18 Great Brook Farm SP Intermediate David Zizza [email protected] 10/20 Great Brook Farm SP Beginner David Zizza [email protected] 10/22 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 10/24 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 10/29 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 10/31 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/05 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 11/07 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/12 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 11/14 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/19 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 11/21 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/26 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 11/28 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/03 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 12/05 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/10 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 12/12 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/17 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 12/19 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/24 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] 12/26 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/31 TBD Intermediate/Advanced David Zizza [email protected] Southeastern Mass, Blackstone Valley & Rhode Island
10/15 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 10/17 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 10/19 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 10/20 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 10/21 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 10/24 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 10/26 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 10/27 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 10/28 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 10/29 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 10/31 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/02 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/03 TBD Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 11/05 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/06 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 11/07 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/09 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/10 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 11/12 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/13 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 11/14 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/16 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/17 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 11/19 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/20 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 11/21 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM)
36 | November 2005 11/23 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/24 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 11/26 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 11/27 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 11/28 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 11/30 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/01 TBD Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 12/03 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/04 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 12/05 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/07 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/08 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 12/10 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/11 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 12/12 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/14 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/15 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 12/17 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/18 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 12/19 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/21 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/22 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 12/24 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/25 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 12/26 Blue Hills All Steve Cobble [email protected] 781-254-8796 (AM) 12/28 Plymouth All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 12/29 Foxboro SF Intermediate Dan Ibbitson [email protected] 508-384-0665 12/31 Duxbury All Walter Masgul [email protected] 603-512-5095 01/01 Hodges Village Dam Novice-Intermediate Eammon Carleton [email protected] 508-361-3509 01/01 TBD Intermediate Bill Boles [email protected] 508-583-0067
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38 | November 2005 SingleTrackS No. 82 | 39 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #148 Plattsburgh, NY
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