Help Create a Bike Park in Grass Valley!

As you may know, I have been advocating on behalf of a bike skills park in Grass Valley for several years now. This facility could include dirt jumps, teeter totters, a pump track and more. The Grass Valley Parks and Recreation Commission has generally been supportive, but they need to hear from you. We need to convey that there is significant community interest in this project. If enough of us speak up, I have no doubt that this facility will become a reality.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Please submitting a letter the Parks and Recreation Commission using the following sample letter as a template (see below). Also consider forwarding this email:

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Parks and Recreation Commission
City of Grass Valley
123 East Main St.
Grass Valley, CA 95945

Dear Commissioners:

This letter is intended to express my support for a bicycle skills facility in Grass Valley, preferably in Condon Park.

Such a facility would terrific recreational asset for the City. A bicycle skills park serves similar functions to a skatepark, as it enables both young and old riders the chance to use and improve their skills. Kids love to expand their abilities on dirt jumps and obstacles at these parks. Such a facility provides a vital opportunity for children to get away from the TV and go get some fresh air and exercise.

Such facilities have been successfully implemented elsewhere in Northern California on municipal land, including Pleasanton, San Jose and Folsom. With proper construction, appropriate layout and compliance with environmental standards , these examples have proven that liability and risk can be reasonably managed. It is possible to use supplemental volunteer labor to construct such a park for a very reasonable cost as compared to other public recreational assets.

Thank you for your consideration.

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Bicycle Master Plan Meeting Recap

Last night's public county Bike Master Plan meeting was cordial and in fact very productive. The plan is laudable (yes, I did just call it laudable) in many of its suggested improvements to PAVED cycling in Nevada County. Given that Caltans has allocated significant money for PAVED cycling and impressive local efforts to target this funding, riding bicycles on PAVED surfaces in Nevada County will hopefully see some dramatically improved conditions in future years.

I and many others at the meeting still fault the plan and county for not considering trails as part of this plan. Or perhaps we would feel better about this omission if Nevada County government had a better (any?) record of planning for and accommodating trails across the county. In any case, there is a glaring hole in planning for cycling in our rural area when bicycling on trails is not acknowledged in any formal plan.

But herein lies the silver lining: Mike Woodman of Nevada County Transportation Commission (NCTC) told me that the County has allocated some $85,000 in this years fiscal budget for creation of the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. And here, BONCers, is our opportunity to improve trail riding and target funding for new and better trails. BONC needs to be on top of this process beginning *now*. We need to contact NCTC, supervisors, whomever to let them know that we expect follow through on a plan that adequately depicts trails in this county.

Thus is see the need for to action items from last night:

• A letter from BONC that endorses the bicycle plan with some changes, specifically that it be renamed something/anything other than "Bicycle Master Plan" and that it should formally recognize the importance of trails to Nevada County's cyclists.
• BONC heavily involves itself in planning for the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. Let me know if you want to help.

Diamond Arrow Trail Flagged

In case you missed it, we have flagged a preliminary route of the Diamond Arrow Trail. From the BONC list:

"An update to the Diamond Arrow Trail project: yesterday, Bill Haire, John Rapphahn of the BLM and myself finished flagging a preliminary route for the entire trail. This was the result of five scouting expeditions by Bill, others and myself over the past few years as we sought out an optimal route for this new trail. I think the preliminary route is very good and will provide an excellent multi-use trail experience for everyone, including the kids at the Diamond Arrow camp.

Next, the BLM will file environmental docs and have a biologist/archeologist/experts survey the route and sign off. We also will work with the Diamond Arrows Conference Center to secure an easement across their property; they have already indicated their willingness to do this. It is my hope that we can begin turning dirt on this trail this winter!

You can see the preliminary route here:

Google Earth:
http://www.bonc.org/KML/diamond-arrow-trail.kmz

Same data in Google Maps:
http://tinyurl.com/2hntw3"

Help Improve Auburn Trails!

As we know, Auburn State Recreation Area offers superb trails. NorCal IMBA rep Jim Haagen-Smit asks that you help make them even better:

"Do you appreciate the trails you ride in the Auburn State Recreation Area? Participate in a planning process now underway!

The Auburn State Recreation Area Management Plan is being updated by State Parks. Thanks to those of you who've attended stakeholders' meetings and the May 30 public workshop. State Parks is gathering comments until June 30, but the sooner the better. For background you may visit the webbsite: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24325

Email comments to: jmiche@parks.ca.gov

Or mail:

Jim Micheaels
California State Parks
Gold Fields District
7806 Auburn-Folsom Road
Folsom, CA 95630

Please make personal comments and thank State Parks for volunteer opportunities, access, race venue at Olmstead, support of Endurance Capitol theme, and bike businesses, etc. Possible asks:

The plan should include equal miles of trails between the user groups (currently mtbs are allowed on 60 of the 115 miles - 12 of those at Mammoth Bar. Equestrians get 90 miles).

Add a multiple use loop in the upper middle fork zone - none currently exist now.

Support the North Fork Trail plan by the County. (need another trail to disperse users from popular Clementine/Connector Trails.)

Request safe access to river at Oregon Bar (State Parks have mtbs on the road with cars, instead of the near-by trail.)

Request safe and more enjoyable Auburn to Cool trail.

Support multiple use trails (single use trails are difficult to enforce, promote polarity, have high impacts on limited natural resources.)"

Beginning Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride

Darwin invites you to the following"

"Beginner / intermediate mountain bike ride. Most Saturdays, Empire Mine State Park. Meet at Chiropractic + 605 South Auburn Street, Ste: D Corner of Empire & South Auburn Streets /Front parking lot Empire Professional Building. Rain Cancells. Call 530-273-8082 (press 6 to leave message) day prior, or early morning of to see if ride is on for that day. Need H20, proper clothing for temps, bike, replacement tube, helmet, good attitude. ( : Hope to see you there... Darwin S. Leek, D.C."

Trimming Back the Nasty Stuff

This goes out a bit late, but kudos to the fine volunteers who have trimmed back poison oak on the South Yuba trail in the past month. These people include Mike Haire, Dave Lawell, George Maier and others. This time last year, the trail was badly overgrown with the nasty stuff, enough so to make it unusable to many of us. But now it is in great shape. Thanks guys!

I've been encouraging other trail users to bring clippers and folding saws with them on their hikes and rides. Local offices of federal land management agencies have seen budgets for trail maintenance staff slashed this year. Thus it is up to us to make up the difference.

On my rides, I carry a pair of cheapo hand clippers and this Felco folding saw. This saw is amazingly effective at trimming anything up to 5-6" thick. I've pruned back a lot of manzanita on trails near Osborne Hill in the past few months.

When Horses Attack!

(Just kidding with title of this posting :-)

From Joe Chavez of the Tahoe National Forest:

"FYI - The annual horse endurance event will be happing this weekend. They will be using some of the trails in the Burlington area and Pioneer Trail. They posted a sign at Chalk Bluff Staging area last weekend. Please let your club members know this will be going on. Thanks, Joe"

Please note that there is yet another equestrian event the following weekend too. So unless you enjoy hiking or riding a mountain bike through dust and horse turds, find another place to ride. Where? The South Yuba is in great shape, as local mountain bikers have spend many hours trimming back poison oak in the past few weeks.

And lest my equestrian friends think I am picking on them, let me acknowledge that the Gold Country Trails Council just put in a ton of trailwork on the Halllujah Trail extension and Rock Creek Trail. Rock on, Wilbur!

Improvements to the Excelsior Trail

Several volunteers with the Nevada County Woods Riders dedicated some quality volunteer time to improving switchbacks on the Excelsior Trail near Burlington Ridge. According to Joe Chavez of the Tahoe National Forest:

"I had two NCWR volunteers help me reroute the 2nd climbing turn on Excelsior Trail (bottom of 19 turns) on Sunday (5/20/07). They each contributed 3 hours (including driving time). The old one was too steep coming out of it and was rutting pretty heavily already."

More work needs to be done on this trail, but I am glad to see the original route improved.

Help Shape the Future of Riding in Auburn

Jim Haagen-Smit reminds us:

"Please plan on attending a workshop on May 30, 6:30 pm in Auburn - Canyon View Community Center, 471 Maidu Drive, Auburn.

The Management Plan for the Auburn State Recreation is being updated. This includes our favorite trails from Auburn-to-Cool, to the Foresthill Divide Loop."

I agree; this is a very important process and we need to work with State Parks to improve and optimize mountain biking opportunities at ASRA. These management plans are where important issues are decided, such as implementing or improving new trails, resolving user conflicts and establishing cooperation between user groups and State Parks.

Learn more.

High Elevation Trails Melting Out

On Sunday, a bunch of us rode Blue Lake Trail > Grouse Ridge Trail > Spaulding Lake Trail. For those of you who don't know this route, it sits near the junction of Highway 20 and 80 in the Tahoe National Forest and tops out at about 6100'. We encountered very little snow and enjoyed a gorgeous ride on some wickedly technical terrain. The Grouse Ridge Trail descent is as crazy as ever; "rock garden" does not even begin to describe it.

I managed to shear off my derailleur hanger early in the ride, but was able to make a completely functioning conversion to a single speed, with SS-like gearing (~32x18). So I got to experience the rockiest terrain around here on a hardtail singlespeed. Funny enough, I really enjoyed this setup and was able to ride all but a few sections.

Much beer and chips were had at Fuller Lake at the end of the ride.

It is Official: Bill Haire Rocks!

On Friday at the California Trails and Greenway Conference, Bill Haire will receive a Lifetime Achievement award for his ceaseless work on trails over the course of his career. Whether as a USFS staff member, Nevada County Land Trust Trails Coordinator or plain old volunteer, every single mountain biker on this list has benefited from his efforts on local trails. There are outstanding trails near Downieville, Bullards Bar, Burlington Ridge, Grass Valley/Nevada City, Grouse Ridge and elsewhere that would never have come to pass without Bill's quiet but relentless efforts. And sometimes, it seems that he is just getting started (or at least he likes to think so).

The next time you see Bill, be sure to thank and congratulate him. Chances are, he'll have a volunteer trail project that needs you some time in the next few weeks :-)

Pushing for Grass Valley Jumps

This afternoon, I made a very brief presentation to the Grass Valley Parks and Recreation Commission about implementing a bike skills facility on city property. This facility would be comprised of dirt jumps, a pump track, obstacles and more. Again, the commissioners were receptive and one mentioned her intention to check out the new bike skill facility in Folsom at Cummings Park. They asked a few questions about maintenance and security of such an area, but said nothing indicated that they are opposed to the project.

As is often the case with new trails, this will be a classic case of slow progress toward a fantastic final goal. I plan to remain persistent and continue to get our ducks in a row until opportunity presents itself. I am convinced that ultimately, Grass Valley will have a sweet bike skills park.

Osborne Hill Trails Threatened - Help Save Local Trail Access!

Developers have planned to implement a high density, out-of-town, expensive home development atop Osborne Hill near Empire Mine. As many of you know, this area is packed with outstanding singletrack that has been used for decades by cyclists, equestrians and hikers alike. Current plans for this development would obliterate much of this trail network with disregard for existing usage.

State Parks has expressed interest in acquiring the property and annexing it to Empire Mine Historic State Park. There are pending grant applications supported by the Nevada County BOS and the Grass Valley City Council that would make this annexation a reality. Trail users and the community would be best served by this approach, instead of another high end development far from town that shows no regard for existing trails.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Nevada County is accepting public comment on this proposed development. Please comment by APRIL 23 using a version of the sample letter below or your own tailored message:

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Tod Herman
Nevada County Planning Department
950 Maidu Avenue
Nevada City, CA 95959

Dear Mr. Herman:

This letter is in regards to the proposed Osborne Hill Project. As an area resident and trail user, I am very concerned about this proposal for the following reasons:

- The proposal does not accommodate or preserve existing trails or trail access. This area includes an extensive network of publicly used trails used by the community for many years.

- The proposal involves extensive grading and vegetation removal, all of which will negatively impact these trails. The plans do not address how existing trails will avoid damage from this disruptive activity.

- The proposal involves extensive construction of roads and buildings including an extensive sewage treatment field. Again, such construction will either negatively impact or completely destroy existing trails. Such impact is not addressed in the application.

- The proposal does not address if existing public trail access will be preserved in the development. Such trails should continue to be acknowledged and supported by any such proposal.

In conclusion, this application is incomplete until it fully addresses these issues. I urge the County not to accept the application until the project is sharply reduced or altered so as to accommodate public trail access.


Truly,
YOUR NAME HERE

Help Build the Rock Creek Trail

The Gold Country Trails Council will be hosting a Rock Creek Trail Work Day on Sunday, April 29, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. From the GCTC:

Bring: Loppers, gloves, shovels, hand saws, drinking water and snacks. Plan on wearing the Forest Service required "uniform" (long pants, long sleeve shirt and closed toe shoes).

Why: To complete the construction of the Rock Creek Trail that was started last fall. And to have a fun time working outdoors in the beautiful forest with your fellow club members.

Directions to Rock Creek Nature Trail Head: Take Highway 20 east out of Nevada City towards Reno. Approximately 6-7 miles out of Nevada City, turn left on Forest Conservation Camp Rd. Go about 1 mile and look for a dirt/gravel road on the left leading towards the Nature Trail. Travel down this dirt road to the bottom where the Nature Trail Parking Lot is located."

Diamond Arrow Trail Progress

Earlier this week, Bill Haire of the Nevada County Land Trust, John Rapphahn of the BLM and I scouted a route for the upper (southern) section of the forthcoming Diamond Arrow Trail. You can view a track of the route we flagged:

View upper route in Google Maps
View upper route in Google Earth

One important thing I learned on this expedition is that it may be possible to keep the entire trail on BLM property, which would make planning and construction much simpler. Originally, I had thought that the trail would have to cross the Diamond Arrow property.

This project has long been dear to my heart, as I see this trail as a great addition to the South Yuba trail system. It seems that there is some momentum now to move this project along. The BLM may have some resources to conduct the necessary environmental assessment this year. Once that is in place, we can begin construction.

The terrain that this trail will traverse is similar to other areas near Round Mountain. Lots of nice views, poison oak, decomposed granite and steep canyon slopes.

Auburn Alert

IMBA State Rep Jim Haagen-Smit passes this along:

"ALERT: Auburn State Recreation Area Update

Mountain bikers should be aware of two issues concerning riding
opportunities in the Auburn State Recreation Area. First, State Parks is drafting a feasibility study regarding the Auburn to Cool Trail. Second, the management plan for the entire ASRA is being updated. It is important the mountain bike community be at the table. That's you!

Regarding the AtoC trail, it is general consensus that the current trail alignment is too steep and not all that fun. Additionally, the current river crossing has gone away now that the river is being restored into its channel, so agencies are reviewing crossing options. What would you like to see? A big expensive new bridge? A seasonal crossing? Use existing bridges, such as the Mountain Quarries Bridge (currently closed to bikes) or Highway 49, with new well-designed, sustainable trails between Auburn and Cool. Take a moment to send in a quick comment to:

Auburn to Cool Trail Crossing Study
Attn: Jennifer Rogers
c/o Jones & Stokes
2600 V Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
Comment deadline: April 15, 2007.

Next, be a part of the update process for the management plan. Email State Parks to let them know you would like to be on the mailing list. Small stakeholders meetings last Spring and this April are including mountain bikers, as well as equestrians, hikers, etc. Based on comments received, a draft plan will be issued and public hearings will be held. Please be prepared to review the plan and attend the hearings – FATRAC will post details. To get on the mailing list, email: jmiche@parks.ca.gov

For more information on the Auburn State Recreation Area, go to www.parks.ca.gov.

Contact: Cathy Haagen-Smit at (916) 663-4626."

New Space for Trails Near Auburn

The Sac Bee ran a story on Saturday indicating that Placer County intends to acquire over 600 acres of open space near the Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn. The plan is to use this land as an additional location of trails and recreation. View the existing Hidden Falls Trail map (PDF).

I have not visited the Hidden Falls park yet, but I hear that it is ripe with trail opportunities and possibilities. A big thank you to Placer County for taking on this initiative! And here is another story about open space acquisition near Donner.

Auburn to Cool Trail Public Meeting

From California Department of Parks and Recreation:

"Please join us to learn more about the Auburn to Cool Trail Crossing Feasibility Study! The California Department of Parks and Recreation is exploring options to provide a trail crossing of the North Fork of the American River for the Auburn to Cool Trail. We would like your input on crossing options, including potential bridge types and locations.

What: Public meeting
When: Tuesday, March 27 at 6 pm
Where: Canyon View Community Center, Foothills Room, 471 Maidu Drive, Auburn, CA

Project Background: The Auburn to Cool Trail is a multi-use recreational trail route between Auburn and Cool. The Auburn to Cool Trail is located within the Auburn State Recreation Area and crosses the reach of the North Fork American River that has been dewatered to allow for construction of the Auburn Dam. The Bureau of Reclamation and the Placer County Water Agency are working together to build a new Pump Station and to restore the North Fork of the American River to its historic channel. When complete, the restoration of the river will allow for all beneficial uses of the river in what is now the dewatered channel, including recreation, fisheries and other in-stream uses. As a result of this project the North Fork of the American River will divide the Auburn to Cool Trail. The California Department of Parks and Recreation is preparing a study to assess the feasibility of various options to provide a trail crossing
of the river.

We want to hear from you. This meeting will allow residents, stakeholders and interested parties to learn more about the potential Auburn to Cool Trail crossing project and to provide input on the potential crossing options and locations. Please join us!

For more information about the meeting, please contact Jennifer Rogers at (916) 737-3000, ext. 3326."

GCTC Spenceville Ride

Trail Boss Mark Hicks invites you to attend the upcoming equestrian Spenceville Ride!

NEW Date: Saturday, March 24, 2007
Time: Ride out at 10 a.m.

Directions: Take Highway 20 west out of Grass Valley; turn left on Smartsville Road heading towards Beale AFB; take left fork; turn left on Waldo Road; pass shooting range; cross Waldo Bridge; bear left 4 miles to staging area on left.

Questions or planning on attending the ride? Please RSVP/contact Mark Hicks at 530-268-0799 or e-mail lislhix@jps.net. Happy Trails!

Fund Raiser for NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League

From Jason Moeschler:

"The NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League is Pleased to announce the World Premier Tour of the Mountain Bike Movie 24 Solo. This is a benefit for the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League.

The movie will be playing in five locations throughout Northern California, including a stop at our very own Del Oro Theater, in Grass Valley.

By the looks of the trailer, the movie is going to be a good one. It will be a great evening to get together with the other local bike riders, and watch a good riding flick, while helping out the NorCal League.

The Movie will be playing on April 18th at 7:30pm at Del Oro in Grass Valley. For more information, to buy tickets, or to view the movie trailer, go to http://www.norcalmtb.org/."

Miners Indie Mountain Bike Team Article

There is another article in today's Union about the independent Miner's high school mountain bike team. It is very encouraging to see how well this team and the entire league has fared since they launched. Team practice rides always involve large number of kids and many members of SERT join in to help coach and mentor these you racers.

What a great way to focus your energy and time as a high school student. Way to go Miners!

Bicycle Master Plan Coming to Nevada County

Nevada County will conduct a bicycle master plan workshop on March 20, 6:30-8pm at Grass Valley City Hall. I also encourage ALL of you who ride a bicycle on dirt or pavement to attend this short meeting. If you ride the road, it is a great opportunity to ask for better riding conditions, bicycle lanes, etc. If you prefer the dirt, this represents a great chance to speak up for new trails as transportation corridors.

From Mike Woodman, Transportation Planner, Nevada County Transportation Commission:

"The Bicycle Master Plan is coming along well. Alta Planning + Design have been working on the mapping in preparation for public workshops in eastern and western Nevada County.
I have provided flyers to the bicycle shops and will be contacting BONC and the Sierra Express Bicycle Club as well. Also, a bicycle user survey is posted on the Nevada County Transportation Commission website at www.nctc.ca.gov.

The survey can be found by clicking on the "Poll" button on the bottom left of the homepage. The survey is in Adobe Acrobat format and is setup to allow the user to check boxes and fill in responses. Once it is complete it can be saved to the users computer and emailed in to me at mwoodman@nccn.net or printed out and mailed or faxed.

Hope to see you at the workshop on March 20th."

New and Improved Trails Planned

The USFS is planning to improve and add trails near Downieville, Grouse Ridge and Highway 20. To this end, they have published public scoping documents that describe these exciting new updates to our trail inventory.

The first three of the following documents have maps that describe the planned work. I suggest that you take a quick look at these documents and pass along your support to Tahoe National Forest staff:

• Pioneer Trail Re-Route
• Grouse Ridge Re-Routes and Additions
• Craycroft Trail Re-Route
• Summary of all of the above

What Do You Think?

Traditionally, trail building and improvement projects have been based on ideas from land management agencies and club leaders. But what trail projects do you think need our attention?

Use the comment feature of this blog to speak out about deserving trail work projects in and near Nevada County. Maybe we can address them in an upcoming trail work day or two.

Big Bullard's Day

If you were to ride Bullard's Bar sometime just after the next rainfall, you would probably experience the best trail conditions that system has ever seen.

Why? Because on Sunday, some 40+ BONC and SBTS volunteers joined forces to put in a complete set of trail enhancements. Check out some photos (and let me know if you have any others). The trailwork included:

• Lopping and trimming overgrowth on the whole trail system
• Improving drainage features on a number of trails, including backsloping
• Cutting a new short connector trail between 7-Ball and 8-Ball Trails and sign installation
• Removing tree stumps in various locations
• Installation of culverts on Bullard's Bar Trail

Thank you to everyone who participated, including the Tahoe National Forest staff.

Miners Earn an IMBA Grant

Today's Union has an article about the successful IMBA grant application put in by the Nevada Miners Indie high school mountain bike team. Way to go!

According to team coach Debra Little, the club hopes to use the money to buy some trail work tools and to improve the trail around the old Nevada City airport. Best of of all, it gives an incentive to these members of the next generation of cyclists to become involved in trailwork and mountain bike advocacy.

Of course the high school team already did a great job of trailwork last fall on the Scott's Flat Trail.

Tread Lightly

According to The Union, Nevada County received some five (count 'em) inches of rain over the weekend. So this means that our beloved trails are saturated, mucky and very vulnerable to damage.

Please consider avoiding the trails until things dry out a bit in a day or two. Personally, I plan on riding the road until Friday. I just hate to think that I am creating on trails ruts that will stick around for months or beyond.

Trail Daze @ Bullard's

As mentioned in a previous post, BONC will join forces with SBTS for a big weekend of riding, camping, more riding and quality trailwork on the Bullard's Bar trail system on 2/16-2/18. Here is a schedule of events:

Camping
Free camping will be provided Fri/Sat/Sun night at the Dark Day Campground at Bullards Bar by RSVP ONLY. You must let us know if you want a site.

Sunday
SBTS crew to meet at the Dark Day Campground at 9AM.
BONC crew meets at the Camptonville Ranger Station at 10AM.
SBTS to provide lunch fixins for Sunday work day
SBTS Sponsors to provide swag and beer

*Bring your own water for the entire event - water is turned off at the campground for the winter *

Rides
Saturday ride groups meet at 12 Noon at Dark Day Boat Ramp. There will be rides for varying skill and fitness levels. Sunday after-work ride planned for 2:30 or 3:00.

Horse Post

Get it (the bad pun above)? This blog is more bicycle-centric than I would like, so here goes my first in a series of equestrian rides listings. From the GCTC:

"Gold Country Trails Council's 1st Ride of the New Year!

Trail Boss Mark Hicks invites you to attend the upcoming Spenceville Ride!

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2007
Time: Ride out at 10 a.m.
Directions: Take Highway 20 west out of Grass Valley; turn left on Smartsville Road heading towards Beale AFB; take left fork; turn left on Waldo Road; pass shooting range; cross Waldo Bridge; bear left 4 miles to staging area on left.

Questions or planning on attending the ride?
Please RSVP/contact Mark Hicks at 530-268-0799 or e-mail lislhix at jps dot net."

Winter Returns

Of course, it had to end. The ridiculous streak of sunny, dry days wraps up this week with lots and lots of rain predicted. I will miss the endless opportunities to ride the last month brought, but I know the trails very much need the moisture. Some of the conditions out there have started to resemble those of early summer, as I've seen plenty of dust and even some duff in places.

My partner recently got me a pair of Lake winter mountain bike shoes. I will probably fit my road bike with compatible cleats and see how these work on both bikes. I've worked really hard to improve my fitness this winter and would hate to start missing too many rides due to weather.

Rattlesnake Trailbuilding Continues

The Nevada County Land Trust will be working on a trail along Rattlesnake Creek this Saturday (2/3) from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. You are invited to come out and help build a section of the trail. The setting is beautiful with large ponderosa pines, cedar and oaks, and Rattlesnake Creek below. The trail we are building will utilize an abandoned ditch, paralleling the creek for much of the distance. Tools will be provided by the Land Trust; however if you have a trailbuilding tool, bring it so we don't run out of tools. Work will consist of clearing debris from the abandoned ditch grade and grubbing out small trees, brush and roots to make a smooth trail bed.

Meet at Bob Goar's house at 14676 Highland Drive (phone number is 477-5050). Highland Drive is off of Rattlesnake Road, it meets Rattlesnake Road at two points, you take the second Highland Drive if traveling from Highway 174. From Cedar Ridge, travel south on 174 to Rattlesnake Road, then 1.4 miles down Rattlesnake to Highland, left on Highland to the first house on the left (just across the creek). We will walk from there to the work site, across Rattlesnake Road in the Rattlesnake Ridge Subdivision.

Please call if you need any additional information. A response is appreciated if you plan to help out, so that we have an idea about how many tools are needed. Call for more information: 272-5311

Reschedule of BONC Party

Due to a conflict with Jim Rodgers' 50th birthday party, we need to reschedule our BONC pot luck to FRIDAY, February 9th at 7PM. See you there!

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Ken Ebi will host the next BONC potluck on Friday, February 9 at 7PM (note the time!).

Please bring your favorite dish. Some folks like it when you label your dish vegetarian/vegan. As usual, the BONC meeting at this party will last *no longer than one hour*, hopefully less.

PARTY LOCATION: Ensemble Designs at 870 Gold Flat Rd., near Gold Flat Rd. & Railroad Ave. in Nevada City. There's a sign on Gold Flat that reads "Racine Properties", the entrance to Ensemble is along the right side of the building as you drive in from Gold Flat.

MAP and DIRECTIONS: http://tinyurl.com/2fy7da

Freaky Winter

What strange winter it has been recently. Take the following:

Auburn trails are dusty. Not all trails are this dry; in fact most are perfect. But in those sections that see a lot of sun exposure, you can see dust follow feet, hoofs and tires as they travel the trails. In January.

Up near Grouse Ridge, there is very little snow. You can drive in all the way up Bowman Lake Road to the turn off for Carr/Feely Lakes and beyond. This is at least 5500' elevation without significant snow. In January.

I guess I am happy about this in a myopic, self centered way, but I am concerned that if this continues, this will be a rough winter on the state. But then again, last March was crazy wet, so we will have to wait and see.

Western States Trailwork

Volunteers are needed to work on the trail from Cool to the "No Hands Bridge" Sunday, January 28th

Meet in Cool behind the Fire Station at 8 a.m. If anyone is interested in helping, please call 530-269-3018.

BONC Party February 10th

Ken Ebi will host the next BONC potluck on Saturday, February 10 at 6PM (note the time!).

Please bring your favorite dish. Some folks like it when you label your dish vegetarian/vegan. As usual, the BONC meeting at this party will last *no longer than one hour*, hopefully less.

PARTY LOCATION: Ensemble Designs at 870 Gold Flat Rd., near Gold Flat Rd. & Railroad Ave. in Nevada City. There's a sign on Gold Flat that reads "Racine Properties", the entrance to Ensemble is along the right side of the building as you drive in from Gold Flat.

MAP and DIRECTIONS: http://tinyurl.com/2fy7da

Official: All Empire Trail Closures are Temporary

I just spoke with Ron Munson of State Parks. These are definitely NOT permanent closures. He said that Conlon Mine rail may be closed longer than others though due to its proximity to Prescott Mine and hazardous materials from that shaft.

Read the press release.

Trail Closures at Empire Mine: Temporary or Permanent?

According to this press release from CA State Parks, managers of Empire Mine will close some trails in the park on a temporary basis. But according to one of the workers at the park who was erecting a fence across the entrance to Conlon Trail (see map), this particular trail closure is permanent.

So what is the deal? The trails affected at Empire essentially includes all the singletrack in the park. Was this worker misinformed? Before I sound the alarm, I will try to get the story straight from Ron Munson (superintendent of Empire Mine) and post the real story here. Of course, trail enthusiasts will want to watch this closely.

Riding the Divide

Today, my friend Steve and I and I embarked on an epic ride on Western States and others trails at the Foresthill OHV area east of Foresthill, CA. We started at the China Wall OHV staging area and banged out a ride that was just under 6 hours (~5 hours of ride time on the Polar!). The ride featured two incredible descents into El Dorado Canyon (Trail 5 and Western States Trail). I can't really describe how fun and spectacular these drops were, especially the WST descent. Endless, narrow, technical challenging singletrack that offered stunning views of the American River watershed.

So why in the world don't more mountain bikers flock to these great trails? Well, once you get to the bottom of each descent, you have to complete a death march/hike a bike out. The climbs involved at least 45 minutes of walking each. Think Halls Ranch near Downieville, but much steeper. Times two. Yeah... ouch. Steve and I decided to have a good attitude about this and enjoy the scenery and the workout. But it was a long trek up each climb.

The OHV trails we hit were really fun and challenging. Very fast and technical. We saw a few motos, two equestrians and zero other mountain bikers. I should also note that this ride would never be accessible in the middle of a typical January, but there is very little snow throughout the Sierra this winter thus far. We did encounter some ice, but very little snow.

Another Beginner Mountain Bike Opportunity

Dawrin Leek leads a ride for beginners this Saturday. According to Darwin:

What: Beginner / Intermediate mountain bike ride. Saturday 1-20-2007

Where: Meet @ Empire Professional Building, Back, Body & Beyond / Chiropractic +, 605 South Auburn Street, Front Parking lot. Grass Valley, CA (Corner of Empire & South Auburn Streets)

Time: Arrive @ 9:30-9:45 am / Leave promptly @ 10:00 am.

Details: Empire mine state park, fire roads, single track, hills, etc. Ride will be at beginner / intermediate level / those more advanced that know the park are invited to assist/ encourage others, or go @ your own pace.

Further Details?? Contact: Darwin S. Leek, D.C.@ (530) -273-8082 (press 6 to leave message)

What to bring: Weather appropriate clothing. Recommendations: (2 layers lycra / with nylon shell-vest is best) Full fingered gloves, Wool socks, non-slip comfortable cycling appropriate shoes. H20: Water bottle, or hydration pack. Spare tube / pump / recommended. Bike helmet * REQUIRED...NO HELMET= NO RIDE. Oh yeah... Don't forget to bring your fat-tire... not the beer... the bike....( :

I practice the "No Rider Left Behind" Rule....Will wait at turns...tops of hills for those that are not yet able to keep up...This is designed to be a fun ride for all.

Not to put a damper on things, or discourage participation, but this probably does need to be said: While generally a safe and fun sport...due to the strenuous physical nature & terrain involved in Mountain Biking, as in other such sporting / recreational endeavors: MINOR TO SEVERE INJURY / BRUISES / FRACTURES / DISLOCATIONS, OR DEATH CAN OCCUR...all participants do so @ their own risk & take full responsibility for their own state of health /actions / equipment / abilities / choices. Minor children must be accompanied by a responsible parent / guardian. In other words I am doing this as a way to introduce people to a generally healthful & fun recreational activity in our community, so don't get maimed, wounded, hurt, or dead & sue me : ( , or I will have to find something else to do with my Saturday mornings. ( : !!!

So Whatever Happened to the Diamond Arrow Trail Anyway?

Good question. Those of you who recall know that the Diamond Arrow Trail was a proposal to construct a trail from the Diamond Arrow Christian Conference Center down into the South Yuba Canyon where it would connect to the South Yuba Trail just downstream from Edwards Crossing. View a map of the proposed route here.

The Diamond Arrow Trail proposal won the support of the South Yuba Management Plan. This plan was the result of many public volunteer hours and countless input meetings. The plan wrapped up in 2005.

But the planners (USFS, State Parks and the BLM) needed money to implement this management plan. Funding of this would pay for the environmental assessment needed before we could construct the trail. Today, I called BLM and State Parks only to find that a recent Prop 50 grant application for the plan was denied. These officials had no other news about possible funding. Even the plan's hotline and website has no updated information.

I would hate to think that all of us who donated a lot of time to these meetings and trail planning did so in vain. When will the plan be financed? When can we see the management plan implemented? The public wants and deserves to know.

More Trail Building on Rattlesnake

From the Nevada County Land Trust:

"Are you tired of staying inside and out of the cold? This Saturday, the Nevada County Land Trust is providing two opportunities to work outdoors: 1) Rattlesnake Ridge trail construction and (2.) Salter Property cleanup.

Trail Construction starts at 9:00 a.m., meet at Bob Goar's house at 14676 Highland Drive. We will be continuing the trail construction we started in December.

Cleanup at the Salter Property starts at 9:30 a.m., work til noon.
The property is located at 10910 Bitney Springs Road. Work consists of cleaning up the property (placing junk in a dumpster) so that it will
be easier to sell. The funds will go toward developing a dog park for the community.

Please give me a call if you want any additional information.

Bill Haire
Trails Coordinator 272-5994"

Beauty of Auburn Trails

We rode a shortish Auburn loop (Google Earth file) yesterday (Clementine > Connector > back on Connector > Fuel Break > Culvert > Confluence). The trails were in great condition. Some recent work was done on the Connector Trail which allowed water to drain off the trail at sections where otherwise mud would collect. A big thank you to FATRAC and others who keep these trails in top shape.

The Connector Trail has matured into a terrific route. It is a blast to ride, features a sustainable design and does well in all months of the year. The builders of this trail should be proud of what they've created and all of us should be grateful.

Yesterday, I was struck by the beauty of some of the Auburn trails and the accompanying scenery. For example, just the short section of singletrack near the beginning (bottom) of Clementine is just gorgeous. To see what I mean, visit this web album of our ride.

Strange Conditions

Trail conditions continue to be very bizarre this winter. There is so much frost and recent hail on or in the ground that often the trail beds seem either very crusty with ice or very, very wet.

I rode the section of the South Yuba Trail from Edwards to Round Mountain yesterday and it was rather dicey. As you may know, that section is already somewhat hazardous, but with the ice it was especially scary. I took my time, as I was riding alone and it was only an hour before dark; if I had a mishap out there, I would be in deep, deep trouble. But at least I did not see any motos out there.

I don't have any stats to back this up, but it seems that thus far, it is very cold this season.

Beginner Mountain Bike Ride - Saturday 1/6

"Beginner Mountain Bike Ride:
When: Saturday 1-6-2007
Where: Meet @ Empire Professional Building.
605 South Auburn Street, Ste: D, Grass Valley, CA
Chiropractic + /Back, Body & Beyond.
Corner of Empire & South Auburn Street (Front Parking Lot)

530-273-8082 (press 6 to leave message)
Meeting Time: 9:45 AM to check Bikes/ Equipment
Leave @ 10:00 AM.

Ride: Empire Mine Loop Service Roads, Single Track, 1-2 hours.

Bring: Bike, Spare Tube, Air-Pump, H20
(Bottle in Cage on bike, or hydration pack).

Temperature appropriate clothing (2-3 layers) 2 layers lycra with nylon shell is best... Full fingered gloves, helmet. (No helmet-No Ride)

Hope to see you there, Darwin S. Leek, D.C."

Motos Tear Up Round Mountain

While riding Round Mountain a few days ago, I yet again encountered motorcycles illegally riding non-motorized trails. This time it was the Up-and-Over Trail near Trailhead Road. These people roared off before I could confront them. Sigh. Like many others, I am becoming really tired of seeing shredded trailbeds due to illegal moto usage on local trails.

As part of our spring trailwork, I would like to propose to the BLM that BONC erect some kind of moto obstacles and signage on these trails on and near Round Mountain. I realize that such actions are not going to stop the least considerate moto heads, but it might deter others. Right now, it is too easy for these people to assume that it is OK to go off and tear up sensitive trailbeds.

Deluge

OK, first it was frost. Now it is the endless days of rain. You see, I knew this was coming. It comes every year, "it" being the long spell of cold rain days that keep me off the trails until I become annoyed and restless. This year it seems particularly frustrating, as I have been very focused on achieving a high level of fitness.

Sure, I could use a trainer or go to the gym. But those things are B-O-R-I-N-G. One of the wonderful things about mountain biking is that it is so much fun that I don't notice how hard I work while I am on the bike. It gets me in shape without forcing me to think about the pain. In the gym or on the trainer, that is all I think about.

But in case my complaining is getting you down, think about how nice it is not to deal with dust on the trails :-/

Rebel Ridge

Today, Shannon and I rode Bullard's Bar and had a chance to see first hand the work that Joe Chavez of the USFS did on the Rebel Ridge trail. Great stuff. The rolling climbs and re-routes he worked on are built very well and look like they will be very stable once they settle in.

Bullard's is a funny place. It offers great trails, but the trails inevitably are hammered each year by the winter. Trees fall, water crossings wash away culverts and erosion takes out entire portions of the trail. Part of the problem seem to involve the size and density of the trees there and the slope of the terrain. I wonder if the soil composition is to blame as well.

Having said that, Bullard's was great today. Very few trees (maybe 4?) were down and even after recent rain, it was rather dry. I suggest heading out there now before Mother Nature takes her annual toll on this system.

Of course BONC and SBTS will be out there on February 18th to do our part. Come out and join us.

Frosty Trails

Am I the only one who has been amazed at the amount of snow and ice are on our local trails these days? In the last few days, I rode at Empire Mine and Round Mountain and felt like I was sledding much of the time.

I theorize that all of this is because of recent weather patterns. We received a lot of rain, followed by unusually cold evenings. Thus, each night the water in the ground freezes and never has a chance to evaporate until very late in the day.

Even here in Bay Area, we're seeing a lot of frost. I rode this morning at El Corte de Madera and there was a lot of white stuff on Highway 35 near La Honda.

I don't have any specific technique for riding on ice; I pretty much point the front wheel straight and pray.

Bullard's Bonanza

Sunday, 2/18 is BONC's annual Bullard's Bar Trail Day! Please join in as we help improve this trail system with the Forest Service. We'll have some swag for participants, food, drink and precious, precious beer. Please bring your bike, as you'll need it to access the area where we will concentrate our trail efforts. I am sure some of us will ride afterwards.

Meet @ 10AM at the Camptonville FS Ranger Station or meet at 9AM @ the downtown Grass Valley Flour Garden to carpool with anyone who is interested in sharing a ride. If bad weather occurs, please call 530-274-DIRT after 8AM on 2/18 to determine if the event will be rescheduled.

Beginner and Intermediate Mountain Bike Rides

Just starting out riding a mountain bike? Darwin Leek has begun leading rides out of Grass Valley. According to Darwin:

"Most Saturdays, Empire Mine State Park. Meet at Chiropractic + 605 South Auburn Street, Ste: D Corner of Empire & South Auburn Streets /Front parking lot Empire Professional Building. Rain Cancels. Call 530-273-8082 (press 6 to leave message) day prior, or early morning of to see if ride is on for that day. Need H20, proper clothing for temps, bike, replacement tube, helmet, good attitude."

Join the BONC list to learn more about other riding and trailwork events.

Bullards Improvements

Joe Chavez of the USFS tells me that over the weekend, he re-worked some of the switchbacks on Rebel Ridge Trail at Bullards. He asked that we stay off the old alignment and allow the area to re-vegetate. Hopefully, BONC will be able to get out there in the coming months to do some trailwork of our own. I am hoing for a February 17th date.