UPDATES and TRAILWORK SCHEDULE

UPDATES
Trail is in great shape - get out and ride before it gets muddy.

Check out NMB for the latest:
http://nationalmountainbike.com/board/showthread.php?p=99856#post99856

Latest maps update - I'd do a labeled map at the end of the season - but for now, here it is! The newest section is in red. 6.4 miles (plus about 0.3 back to the trail head on the road).

TRAILWORK
We're going to do some trail work soon to finish the last section that was opened up.

The first day is this Sunday (Nov. 14) after lunch (around 1 pm) - we'll meet at the parking spot to organize. This will be a little lower effort day since the Lock 4 6-hr race is the day before. I'm not getting the trailer, but will have weed wrenches, pruners, and pick-axes. Bring your favorite tool, some gloves, and SAFETY GLASSES - these are very important! If we have enough folks, we'll split into 2 or 3 small groups. I'd like to concentrate on finishing the last trail work. BTW - watching the Titans loose is not an excuse to not love your favorite trail - LOL - but if you must, DVR or tape it (Like Eric Fisher said he would do).

The next day planned is December 11 - it's a Saturday - and we'll meet around 8:30 at the bath house near the end of the trail (same place as the last work day). I should have the SORBA trailer for this day (if it's available). And if the forecast is good - we'll work out a cookout - I'll provide burgers and dogs - you provide the rest. I'd really like to know who can come out so we can plan the everything else part. If the weather is bad, we'll send out for some pizza like last winter. This day will be dedicated to more new trail cutting. Tommy should have the last of the perimeter section flagged.

I'll have a few more dates to post up in the near future.

Steve

Public Lands Day Success!

The work day went just as planned. We had a good turnout of 20 people, many first-timers. Firstly, the breakfast provided by chef Tim with the Bicyclette http://www.bicyclettecafe.com/ was awesome. Sausage biscuits and fruit w/ juice and coffee. The gravel piles section (Tommy's Folly) was completed, the trail extension was cut and partially finished, and some maintenance completed. Afterwards, we had burgers and a tour of the NWS office. Pretty cool place to visit. If your out riding the trail at 6 pm, you can see a weather balloon launch. It's done from the white building at the top of the hill.

The trail extension is about 1/2 mile long with a little bit left to flag and cut. The rideable part is 1/4 of a mile long. The remainder has been cut and cleared, but needs to be de-stobbed, weedeated, and blown. Part of this will be a challenge because of the size of the rocks. Some places will likely need 3 optional routes!

Here's a link to a slideshow from the weekend:

http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/TNcaveman/Shutes%20Branch%202010%20Public%20Lands%20Day/?albumview=slideshow&direction=reverse

Parking and Work Area Map

I talked with the Swankmotee to day and decided to make a parking / work area map. If you have a nice vehicle, you might want to park at the entrance (labeled Parking Area #1) to the park and walk, due to possible branches hanging into the old campground roads. This is the general area to park when riding the trail.

The back side bathhouse is very near the trail extension and is where I'll have the SORBA Trailer and breakfast - plus registration and orientation for the morning trail work (labeled Parking Area #2). This will be our central "command post" and is close to the picnic area.

Two rules on parking -don't block the road and don't park on the NWS road.

We'll have some signs posted that morning to help folks find us. We'll probably draw the gift certificates just before lunch.

Steve

Meeting time is 8 am

We'll be meeting at 8 am and eat, socalize, fill out COE and SORBA paperwork, and prepare for the trail work.