Bullards and Downed Trees

Joe Chavez of the USFS and others have put in many hours taking out down trees at the Bullards Bar trail system. Regardless, the place is a bit of a mess. Note that BONC will host a trailwork day on 4/23 to address these challenges. This update from Joe:

"I had a chance to personally see the damage from the last heavy low elevation snow storm on the Bullards trail system yesterday (March 13). Myself, plus three moto volunteers went out to do some clearing. Its bad! I have never seen so many downed trees (many stump pulls on or near the trails), it looked like bombs went off in the area. It is 5 times worse than November's low elevation snow storm. We could not go more than 50 yards without coming across another downed tree. The current status of the trails is as follows:

TRAIL/STATUS

8-Ball/Cleared

Rebel Ridge/Cleared (Be aware of a stump pull hole adjacent to the trail towards the top end)

7-Ball/Cleared

Schoolhouse/Cleared (cleared by FS fire crews)

Bullards/Vista to Dark Day- cleared of logs, large washout near Dark Day (cleared by FS fire crews - FS has submitted for an internal grant to repair this - status on funding currently undetermined).

Dark Day to Camptonville- Many downed logs across the trail, several stump pulls near or on the trail (tread work will need to be done at the stump pulls and some minor reroutes will be needed to get around some damaged spots). Expert faller needed to clear area 1/3 mile west of Dark Day (I will be requesting continued help from the FS fire crews to assist with this). "

Bullards Trail Event Rescheduled to 4/23

Due to current snow conditions at Bullard's, the USFS and BONC need to re-schedule this weekend's trail event at the lake. The new date is Saturday, April 23.

See a full description of this event.

Round Mountain Event Rescheduled to 4/9

Because of snow and ice conditions, the Round Mountain trail day has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 9th @ 10AM.

In the meantime, please consider joining our Bullard's trail day + ride on Sunday, March 6th.

BONC March Newsletter

The BONC March newsletter is now available online. Please check it out to learn about local riding, trail building, advocacy and social events for our mountain bicycling community.

BONC Clothing Order

BONC is taking orders for club cycling clothing! Members can order jerseys, jackets, shorts and bibs. More information here. Deadline is March 1st, 2011.

Not a member yet? Well, what are you waiting for? Help promote trail building and advocacy in Nevada County. Join today!

DA Flagging Continues

Big thanks to Dieter King and Jerry Henderson. Together, we flagged a full mile of the new Diamond Arrow Trail alignment on Saturday. This section turned out to be more complex than I thought. On paper, it seemed very straightforward, but conditions on the ground are always different than what your topo map or software will tell you.

Regardless, the route we picked for this section is great and conforms with BLM standards (the BLM will build the trail by machine with grant money acquired by BONC). It largely avoids switchbacks and incorporates wide-radius turns. One fine day, this trail will be a great resource for local trail users.

I plan to flag again on 2/12 and perhaps 2/26, Let me know if you want to help out, thanks.

North Yuba Trail

Today, Jon Pritchett, Chris Rose, Rob Heller and I rode the North Yuba Trail out of Downieville. This was the first time we've ridden this section. Looking for something new, I selected it as our destination for my birthday ride.

I want to acknowledge all the people who put in the effort to extend this great riverside singletrack. This includes Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, Joe Chavez, Bill Haire and others. It was a huge project that extended the better part of a decade. The result is a joy to ride.

Like a lot of new trails, the North Yuba Extension could use some tweaks here and there. The narrow benchcut + sloughing off of soil from the uphill side occasionally pushes users to the soft edge of the trail bed. But it is still a great local trail asset. Note that there are some trees down on the section we rode, one of which damaged the bridge just east of Goodyears Bar.

I suggest that local trail users support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. Their paid staff and volunteers have done some great work in the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests.

Bullards Conditions - 1/15

Is there a better place to ride than Bullards on a beautiful winter's day?

Yesterday, I hooked up with Mark Demartini and Matt Provencal for a loop at the lake. Trail conditions are good, though I counted about 10 downed trees, mostly on Bullards Bar Trail. The good news is that none of the trees are large (about 12" in diameter). There were about 4 washouts (3 on BBT and one on 7 Ball). We can tackle these on our 3/6 volunteer day.

However, the big news at Bullards is the massive canyon of erosion just west of Dark Day. It is ~40' deep and hundreds of feet long. Mark (a civil engineer by trade) tells me that this was likely caused by the parking lot recently constructed above it. Talking to the USFS, it seems likely they will plan a trail re-route at this section. Not sure how that solves the erosion problem though.

Please be careful around the slide. It is unstable and a fall into it could ruin your whole day.

Bullards Bar Trailwork and Ride - 4/23

Note that this event has been rescheduled to 4/23.

Join us as we improve and ride this singlespeed-singletrack paradise. Under direction of the USFS, we will re-route blown out sections of the Bullards' Bar Trail.

Meet at 10AM on Saturday, 4/23 at the Rebel Ridge trailhead (see map). Please bring long sleeves, long pants, appropriate shoes, a snack and some water. BONC will provide New Belgium beer to participants. Ride will occur afterward, helmets required.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/LrLv

Round Mountain Trailwork and Ride - 4/9

Note that this event has been rescheduled to 4/9.

Once again, we will give this precious local trail system some attention. On Saturday, 4/9, meet at the corner of Rector and Lake Vera-Purdon Roads at 10AM.

We will volunteer on the Rock Creek Flume Trail, where we will improve drainage on sections that are perpetually wet in winter months. Please bring long sleeves, long pants, appropriate shoes, a snack and some water. BONC will provide New Belgium beer to participants. No doubt some of us will ride afterwards.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Xeyk

BONC Gala Ride - 1/30

Join us for a BONC Gala ride on Sunday January 30 @ 10AM.

Meet at the northwest corner of the Twin Cities Church parking lot. We'll ride Kenney Ranch, Deadman's Flat and other lesser known local gems. Helmets required. Beer very possible. Map:

http://goo.gl/maps/vxHa

Bullards Bar Conditions

Joe Chavez of the USFS sends us an update on the Bullards Bar trail system:

"Thanks to a little help from a moto volunteer (Dave Wood), we were able log out (minus a few very small logs) Rebel Ridge, 8-Ball, 7-Ball and Bullards is logged from Vista Point to Rebel Ridge. East of Rebel, Bullards trail has not yet been logged, but last time I mountain biked it in December there was not too much down.

Just west of Dark Day on the Bullards Trail, there is a deep landslide in a channel. Folks can cross at a point about 100 feet up hill."

BONC Meeting - Sunday 1/9

Like pizza and beer? Come participate in the planning of future mountain biking in Nevada County. On Sunday January 9 at 5:30PM, meet at 14204 Plover Way, Grass Valley. We'll discuss future trail projects, social events and rides.

And suck down pizza and beer. Agenda for the meeting:

• Treasurers report
• Next Round Mountain trailwork day
• Round Mountain vandalism
• Agenda and minutes posting
• Trail signs and stickers
• Jersey update
• Volunteer awards
• BONC online store
• February Gala ride
• Board nominations and resignation
• Next meeting

New Year's Ride Cancelled

This sucks, but BONC's New Year's Day ride has been cancelled. Predictions of 32 degrees and snow showers are why. I suppose we could try to toughen up and ride anyway, but who are we kidding... we are Californians.

Hopefully, we can schedule another club ride soon.

BONC January Newsletter

The January BONC newsletter is now available. Get the scoop on local mountain bike riding, advocacy and social events. Read it online:

http://www.bonc.org/newsletter.html

Kids and Trailwork

Recently, I began training my kids to enjoy and participate in trailwork. Like adults, at first they find the work challenging and exhausting, but come to appreciate and deeply enjoy it. Trailwork is an ideal activity for kids; it gets them outside exercising and developing a work ethic, plus they start to learn the intrinsic value of being a volunteer.

The key is to not push them too hard. Give them small tasks that do not require large hikes in or full day efforts. Today, I brought my daughters out to Scott's Drop, where we cleared many downed trees that made the trail impassible. While I did the heavy lifting, I set them off trimming smaller brush with loppers and handheld clippers. After several hours, we wrapped it up, climbed back in the truck and headed home. Both of the girls told me they really liked our outing and would love to do it again.

Which is about as nice a thing as I could hear on this Christmas Eve.

Round Mountain Recap, 12/11

A big thank you to everyone who pitched in at BONC's trailwork event on Saturday. About 25 volunteers installed culverts, took out downed trees, built a bench at Coyote Overlook, repaired a blowout of the South Yuba Trail, finished the re-route project near Coyote Overlook and planned for more trail improvements.

We'll have a longer write up in our upcoming BONC newsletter issue. In the meantime, here are some pics. Darwin posted some additional pics on our Facebook page:

Special thanks to the Nevada County Land Trust (who donated a culvert) and everyone else who has worked on Round Mountain recently.

Join BONC at a New Membership Level!

Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) is pleased to announce multiple membership levels, each contributing toward the future success of BONC's advocacy and trails building efforts:

Basic Membership - $20 annual

Trail Explorer - $40 annual

Fat Tire Friend - $70 annual

Singletrack Sustainer - $100+ annual

BONC invites financial contributions in excess of our basic membership level. This encourages those who can, to support trails development financially, even if unable to personally move dirt on BONC's trail-building projects.

Your membership helps fund purchase and maintenance of tools, trail construction, trails maintenance, trail planning, advocacy, events, club insurance and more. Enjoy a 10% discount off parts at local retailers, upon presentation of your current BONC membership card. Visit www.bonc.org and click Join for details.

Join BONC for 2011 today.

BONC is an 501c3 non-profit organization; consult your tax professional regarding deductibility.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to the ongoing success of BONC!

New Year's Day Ride

Join BONC for an intermediate-advanced ride on New Years Day! Meet at the Rood Center at 10AM... hey you have to wake up sometime :-) We'll meander along local ditch trails, perhaps hit the top part of Round Mountain or Miners Trail. Helmets required.

Please let me know if you can co-lead this ride, thanks. Map:

http://goo.gl/maps/B6D0

Round Mountain Trails Clear

Today I rode Round Mountain (Rock Creek Flume > Up and Over > Round Mountain > South Yuba > back) and was pleased to see that so many of the downed trees from last week's storm have been cleared. Many of these trees were large, so it was impressive to see the trail community step up and put in such an effort. I've advocated such maintenance for a long time; it is good to see that others share this perspective.

Round Mountain is a special place. If you want to help further improve these trails, please consider joining BONC for a trailwork and ride event on Saturday 12/11.

11/27 Ride Cancelled

Because of the forecast of snow/wet/cold, Saturday's BONC ride from the Rood Center is *cancelled*. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.

BONC Newsletter

I am very happy to declare that at long last, BONC has a newsletter! Take a look.

We'll distribute this to the group's email list, website and at local bike shops. If you have a story or submission, just let BONC know.

BONC Ride, Saturday 11/27 at 10AM

Join BONC for an intermediate/advanced ride on Saturday, 11/27 @ 10AM. We will explore the new Hirschman's Trail, Cement Hill Ditch and the top of Round Mountain. Bring a snack, water and determination to have a good time! Helmets required. Meet at the Rood Center. Map:

http://goo.gl/maps/B6D0

If you can help co-lead this ride, please let me know.

BONC Support for the Scott's Drop Re-Route

BONC submitted the following letter of support for the Scott's Drop trail re-route. This project will convert the existing trail into a sustainable route beginning at Pioneer Trail near the 5 Mile House and ending at Scott's Flat:

Genice Froehlilch

Yuba River Ranger District

Tahoe National Forest

15924 Highway 49

Camptonville CA 95922

Dear Genice,

Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) supports re-routing the Scott's Drop Trail in the Highway 20 Corridor as a non-motorized multiple-use trail. The Tahoe National Forest and Nevada Irrigation District (NID) has begun planning a new version of this trail that is less steep and more sustainable. We applaud this effort.

BONC believes that this trail should be established as a permanent amenity for the public to enjoy. Thus, we support the creation of a recorded trail easement across NID lands to protect such access for future generations. We hope that the Nevada County Land Trust can be involved to establish and hold such an easement.

At the appropriate time, BONC can offer volunteers to help plan and build the trail. We will participate under the guidance of the Tahoe National Forest and NID who own and manage the project.

BONC is committed to responsible mountain bicycling, preservation and improvement of riding opportunities, cooperation with other interest groups and the education of cyclists and non-cyclists alike. We regularly hold group rides and trail building and improvement events.

Yours truly,

John Gardiner

Chair, Bicyclists of Nevada County

IMBA TCC Visit in Pictures

The IMBA Trail Care Crew visited our area over the weekend. Here are some images of the event:

Round Mountain Ride and Trailwork, 12/11

You are invited to join BONC on Saturday, December 11 for trailwork and a BONC Gala Ride. Meet at 10AM at the corner of Merrimas Way and Rock Creek Road (map).

We will install culverts, improve drainage at muddy spots and hang some flagging for a re-route of the Up-and-Over Trail. Please bring long pants, long-sleeved shirt, boots, water and a snack. BONC will provide New Belgium beer for participants.

After the trailwork (around noon or 1PM) we'll do a group ride on area trails.

UPDATE 12/1 - Provided we have enough volunteers, we will also repair the section of the South Yuba Trail damaged by a fallen oak, just east of the Round Mountain Trail intersection.

Trail Building School

Join us for the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Trail Building School on Saturday, November 6 at 9AM. Everyone is welcome and it is FREE. Register today:

http://tinyurl.com/imba-tcc-2010

Full schedule:

http://gctrails.blogspot.com/2010/09/imba-trail-care-crew-schedule-115-117.html

More about the event:

http://gctrails.blogspot.com/2010/10/about-imba-trail-building-school.html

Why Trail Maintenance?

Trail maintenance is certainly not as sexy as building new singletrack. But it is just as important. Improving an existing trail can make all the difference in the quality of our local rides. It can convert a muddy, tree-blocked, brush-covered, rutted mess into trail that is sustainable and fun to ride.

Less tangible is the reputation factor. Volunteer trail maintenance gives local users groups credibility when it comes to requesting new trails. The land management agency knows that your club will be able to deliver volunteer man hours and resources that these projects need.

In this spirit, I met with NID staff at Scott's Flat Lake on Monday to walk, discuss and flag BONC and YBONC trailwork on 11/13. This lakeside trail is rather popular with local mountain bikers who ride Scott's Drop from the Pioneer Trail. It offers some very nice vistas and swimming opportunities in the summer. BONC has worked on it before, but there are some sections that collect water, are rutted or need brushing.

Please consider joining us on 11/13 to make this trail even better.

About the IMBA Trail Building School

The IMBA Trail Care Crew will be in town soon to teach us the latest ideas and techniques for designing and building sustainable trails. All area staff and trail enthusiasts are invited and enrollment is free. BONC and YBONC be hosting the program at and near Twin Cities Church starting at 9AM on Saturday 11/6.

This program is for all volunteers, staff, teams and trail users: 1/2 day classroom; 1/2 field work. Everyone who likes trails and wants to help maintain and improve them is welcome. The day begins with a morning of class time where we will learn the latest techniques in trail design and improvement. YBONC will provide lunch for a $5 donation. In the afternoon, we will apply what we learned on singletrack at Kenney Ranch property adjacent to Twin Cities.

If you have not attended an IMBA TCC trail building class, be prepared to be inspired and excited. You'll learn what it takes to create great trails that include outstanding switchbacks, drainage and flow. The crew will also talk about what it takes to get permission to build a trail (which is ALWAYS the hardest part). Hope you can join us.

Register today

Map

Scott's Lake Trail Day - 11/13

Join BONC and YBONC as we improve the lakeside trail at Scott's Lake on Saturday, November 13 @ 10AM. Meet at the boat launch (inside Gate #2) at Scott's Flat Rec area (see map below).

On this lakeside trail, volunteers will improve drainage at muddy spots, trim back brush that crosses the trail and install a culvert where the trail has washed out. Please bring long pants, gloves, shoes and a long sleeved shirt. If you have loppers, bring those too. Thank you to NID for letting us improve this important local trail for everyone.

Map.

Diamond Arrow Trail Update

The revised Diamond Arrow Trail project is moving along just as planned. This trail will extend ~2.3 miles west from the Round Mountain trailhead to the Diamond Arrow conference center on BLM land, resulting in a six mile loop along the ridge and many other riding possibilities.

We have poured over maps and done some field reconnaissance to identify a corridor that avoids crazy steep terrain and private property. This map shows the latest version of a possible trail route.

Next up: we will flag a trail route in the field, but are waiting for the poison oak leaves to die out so this will be a bit more pleasant. Once we have accomplished this and doubled check our work with some pros, we will gain BLM approval and apply for grant money in 2011 to fund construction. The BLM will administer this grant money, not BONC. We will ask them to consider using appropriate equipment for the terrain so the end product is optimal.

This is only part of what we hope to accomplish on Round Mountain. We are also considering a re-route of the Up-and-Over Trail as it descends steeply to the RM trailhead, create a connector trail and more. Please let me know if you want to join us in the field once the PO settles down; it is always an adventure.

Thanks.

Tribute and Hirschman's Pond

I spoke with Bill Haire this morning. As usual, he is quietly very busy making new local trails happen for all of us to enjoy. As many of you know, much of Hirschman's Pond trail off Cement Hill Road is now complete. Word is that it is super fun to ride and the contractor did a terrific job constructing it. One additional section is needed (handicapped accessible) and this portion will go out to bid within the month.

As for the Tribute Trail (aka Deer Creek Trail), after many complications, the project is moving along now briskly. Once complete, the trail will connect Nevada City and Grass Valley. Many of you helped work on this trail as part of the IMBA Trail Care Crew visit in 2008. Grant money is now available to complete much the project. Randy Martin of Trailscape will soon build the section of trail from where we worked in 2008 down to the creekside road. Randy is a great local trail builder, advocate and mountain biker. He will also help us flag the recently changed Diamond Arrow trail.

Once again, thank you Bill! I hope everyone will consider supporting these great projects by volunteering or donating to the Nevada County Land Trust. They continue to be by far the preeminent local trail building organization.

RECAP: Unified Trail Day 2010

~60 equestrians, mountain bikers and motocycle riders put in a stellar effort at this year's Unified Trail Days to improve Burlington Ridge trails. In many ways, this was the most productive, impressive event yet. Pictures.

Volunteers focused on the following:

HALLELUJAH TRAIL: This team cut 100 yards of brand new singletrack right out of Skillman campground. It looked great and will allow riders to avoid Burlington Ridge Road altogether.

EXCELSIOR TRAIL (aka Ghost Train): This group rebuilt several of the steep rutted switchbacks, re-routed a section, built rock walls and and built a completely new switchback. This was fascinating project to work on, as I learned firsthand what it takes to make a switchback work for both motos and mountain bikes. Burlington has plenty of shared use trails that could use work like this, and Excelsior in particular has many sub-ideal switchbacks. My hope is that we can continue to improve these switchbacks so they work for everyone. The Nevada County Woods Riders were FANTASTIC to work with and were very responsive to our input.

SIGNAGE: A third team installed signs at various trailhead in the area. Burlington can be confusing for new users and this effort went a long way in helping solve this problem.

FOOD: The food was unreal this year! Like a catered BBQ but only better. Tri tip (buffalo and beef), several kinds of sausages, salad, macroni, potato sala, drinks, desert, you name it. A big thank you to the NCWR who staged this part of the event.

Mountain bikers represented 11-13 of the volunteers yesterday, so we were underrepresented. My hope is that in future years, different local mtb groups will choose to contribute to this important event that builds our reputation with equestrians and moto users. If you want better trails, action is a lot more effective than talk.

Next up: IMBA Trail Care Crew - November 5-7.

Story of the South Fork American River Trail

After decades of effort, the 25 mile South Fork American River Trail has opened. Capitol Public Radio produced a story on the creation of this trail and acquisition of private lands the trail crosses. You can listen to the story here.

Thank you to all parties who worked so hard to make this happen, including the American River Conservancy and the BLM Mother Lode office.

Pioneer Reroute

Today, I borrowed my friend's 29er hard tail and rode and out-and-back on Pioneer from Omega Rest Area to Lang's Crossing. It was exciting to see the Pioneer re-route project more or less complete. There are some terrific parts of this re-route. The view over Bear Valley is about as nice a view you'll see from any trail in Nevada County.

Some portions need a winter and some usage (compaction) to settle in. I do wish some certain sections on steeper side slopes saw a fuller bench cut. Regardless, I am very thankful to the many volunteers who worked so hard to make this happen. Very few regions enjoy the kind of cooperation between different user groups that we do. The result of these combined efforts is more trails for everyone.

Please consider joining us for the Unified Trail Day on October 9th:

Unified Trail Day, Saturday 10/9

BONC will once again work in cooperation with the Gold Country Trails Council (GCTC) an Equestrian Trails Group, The Nevada County Woods Riders (NCWR) an Off Road Motor Cycle Group and the the U.S. Forest Service (U.S.F.S) on our area trails.

On Saturday, 10/9, meet at 8:30AM at Chalk Bluff Road and Highway 20.

This year's projects include resigning the trails in the Skillman area, building a new 100 yard section of trail near Skillman Camp ground, as well as other needed maintenance on sections of the Halleluja Trail and nearby areas.

This years lunch will be provided by the Woods Riders (NCWR.) BONC will be responsible for trash collection and cleanup at the end of the day.

This event is a great opportunity to get out and do our part as alongside (70+) members of other user groups with which we share and enjoy our recreational trail system. Such past cooperative efforts have in my own opinion resulted in reduced user conflict and a spirit of comradery that is rarely seen in other areas.

Mountain bikers: please show up in numbers that reflect our interest in the use of these trails.

Wear the usual disguise:

Long sleeved shirt

Long pants

Hat

Gloves

Closed toed shoes, work boots, or hiking boots.

Eye protection

Water

Bug / sun protection

Loppers- if you have them

Folding pruning saw-if you have one.

A folding canvas chair for lunch.

GCTC Clears the Pioneer Trail

It seems that this year is all about clearing brush. South Yuba, Lang's Xing, Big Boulder, etc. But this is good because even the best trail in the world is no fun to hike or ride if it is overgrown.

The Gold Country Trails Council kept up the good work on 9/18 by clearing back some pointy shrubs on the Pioneer Trail near Omega overlook on Highway 20. Thank you GCTC!

I plan to make the trip out to Hallelujah to trim the nice downhill section with the BONC hedgetrimmers. Wanna join me?

Act Now: Save County Trails Plan!

BONC has learned that a vocal minority has lobbied to make significant, 11th hour changes to the Western Nevada County Non-Motorized Recreational Trails Master Plan. As you may know, the board of supervisors will hold a hearing on this plan tomorrow (Tuesday) 9/21. These changes would undermine the intent and impact of the plan. As trail advocates and users, we need to speak out NOW to preserve the integrity of the plan and all the work the community has put into developing it.

Please do so by submitting the following sample letter or fashion your own. Send it to the following addresses ASAP (again, the meeting is tomorrow). Snail mail is best, but of course time is short. If you want to attend the meeting and speak out, even better:

WHEN: TUES SEPT 21 1:30 PM
WHERE: Board Chambers at the Eric Rood Administrative Center
Eric Rood Administrative Center
950 Maidu Avenue
Nevada City, CA 95959


SAMPLE LETTER
---------------------------------------------

Larkyn Feiler
Advance Planning Division
Nevada County CDA
950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 170
Nevada City, CA 95959
Fax: 530.265.9851
Email: Larkyn.Feiler@co.nevada.ca.us


SUBJECT: Conditional Support for Plan Draft September 8, 2010
RE: Western Nevada County Non-Motorized Recreational Trails Master Plan
REQUEST: This letter be entered into public record of this matter

I support (with important exceptions, detailed below) the Western Nevada County Non-Motorized Recreational Trails Master Plan Draft of September 8, 2010. I applaud the effort to create such a plan and believe the county has done sufficient due diligence in soliciting community input for this plan.

The aforementioned exceptions to my support include:

PLAN NOW, IMPLEMENT NEXT - I do not support inserting language into a planning document that seeks to specify, or restrict implementation of this plan. There is adequate process for public input available if and when a specific segment of trail becomes available for dedication to purposes specified in the plan.

TRAILS NEAR ROADS - Users prefer to use trails which are separated from roads and vehicle traffic by a margin sufficient for such users to be comfortable for their safety, and to derive enjoyment while using such trails. Trails are a desirable amenity, even when they are separated from roads by mere scores of feet, and even if the routes are roughly parallel. Thus, I do not support a proposed restriction on developing public trails on private property next to private roads.

PUBLIC USAGE - I do not support language in Western Nevada County Non-Motorized Recreational Trails Master Plan that seeks to discourage use of public easements, whether or not users are completely informed of their legal rights. Specifically, I do not support the placement of signs that attempt to scare lawful public users away from public easements. Thus I specifically oppose this language (or similar language) in the plan: "Public misuse of these easements constitutes trespassing and property-owners will be within their rights to take legal action against trespassers."

TEMPORARY CLOSURE - I do not support inserting language into a planning document that seeks to specify, or restrict implementation of the plan. Any request seeking to declare temporary closure of any public easements is not consistent with Nevada County's responsibility to facilitate the health and welfares of its residents, and to provide for public use of publically-held easements.

SIGNAGE - I do not support proposals for signs that attempt to discourage residents from lawful use of lawfully-permitted public easements, whatever the condition of such easements may be. Thus I oppose any signage similar to: "No Public Access. Resolution No. 10-XXX".

MANAGEMENT - I oppose any proposal similar to: "Public trails shall not be available for public use until land entitlement, funding, a responsible entity, and a trail-specific operations and management plan are established and improvements are made for public safety and enjoyment."

MAPS- I oppose the recommendation made by Agricultural Advisory Commission (AAC) that " Any line depicting a trail (any line on a map) on private land that is not supported by an easement should be removed".

AGRICULTURE - I oppose the assertion by the Agricultural Advisory Commission (AAC) that "The public benefit of agricultural lands supersedes the public benefit of recreational trails on agricultural land"

SUBDIVISIONS - I oppose the assertion by the Agricultural Advisory Commission (AAC) " The dedication of trail easements must be proportionate to the subdivision or proposed discretionary use".

Thank you for your consideration of these views

------------------------------------------

Lotsa Trail Volunteer Opportunties Coming Up

BONC has a number of trail volunteer opportunities in the coming months. Please mark you calendar for any of these outstanding events:

UNIFIED TRAIL DAY, 10/9 - Work with us, the Gold Country Trails Council, Nevada County Woods Riders and the Forest Service. BONC will cut 100 yards of new singletrack on the Hallelujah Trail near Skillman. Meet at 8:30AM at Chalk Bluff Road and Highway 20.

IMBA TRAIL CARE CREW, 11/6 - On our trailwork part of this weekend event, we will build new singletrack at Kenney Ranch near Twin Cities Church.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE, 11/13 - Join BONC and area youth as we improve the lakeside trail. We'll brush back overgrowth, repair a badly eroded section and create drainage where this trail becomes muddy seasonally. Location/time TBD.

ROUND MOUNTAIN, 12/11 - We will install culverts, improve drainage and perhaps flag new sections for this popular trail system. Location/time TBD.

As if this was not enough, BONC will also organize a few more volunteer treks to finish flagging and surveying of the South Yuba Ridge Trail before winter settles in. Stay tuned.

Want to support local trail construction and improvement? Support our efforts by becoming a member today.

IMBA Trail Care Crew Schedule - 11/5-11/7

I am happy to announce the schedule for the upcoming IMBA Trail Care Crew visit to our area on November 5-7, 2010. Please join us! All events are FREE.

The weekend will focus on great rides, great trails and great local bike clubs. To participate in the event, please sign up today.

SCHEDULE:

Friday 11/5


2PM: Group ride, meet at Tour of Nevada City

5PM: BONC club meeting, 175 Joerschke Drive, Suite R, Grass Valley


7PM: Club Care workshop - Focus on building a better bike club. Meet at the Nevada County Land Trust office, 175 Joerschke Drive, Suite R, Grass Valley

Saturday 11/6
9PM - Noon: Trailbuilding School classroom session. Twin Cities Church


Noon - Lunch at Twin Cities Church provided by YBONC ($5)


1PM - 4:00 PM: Trailbuilding School field session. Help us build Kenney Ranch singletrack (adjacent to Twin Cities).


6PM - BBQ/Potluck in Grass Valley. Location and details TBA

Sunday 11/7
10AM: South Yuba group ride, meet at trailhead parking near South Yuba Campground


10AM: Youth group ride, meet at Penn Gate, Empire Mine State Historic Park

Map of event locations

RECAP: South Yuba Ridge Trailwork - 9/12

BONC has truly incredible volunteers.

Yesterday, nine of us made the trek to work on the South Yuba Ridge Trail. We finished clearing the bottom section of the existing trail, then went to re-establish the trail route that was obscured by years of growth. The terrain was challenging, the manzanita and deer brush was intensely think at times, but we persisted and prevailed.

This trail has the potential to be amazing. The ingredients are certainly there: gorgeous scenery, good terrain and connectivity. BONC will try to work with the USFS to emphasize desirable trail characteristics, such as wide radius bermed turns, grade changes and more.

Some pictures of our day in the field.

Success so far:
~2.5 miles of completely brushed trail, previously overgrown
~1+ miles of re-flagged trail, partially brushed
~1/4 mile of new trail flagging

What remains:
~3/4 mile of flagging and brushing
~2 miles of minimal brushing and surveying

Want to support our efforts? Make a donation to BONC or become a member today.

Country Trail Plan Hearing - 9/21

Larkyn Feiler passes this along:

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to reconsider the Western Nevada County Non-Motorized Recreational Trails Master Plan on September 21, 2010 at 1:30 pm in the Board Chambers at the Eric Rood Administrative Center. The following link will take you to our website where you can connect to our DocuShare collection and download the staff report packet:

http://www.mynevadacounty.com/planning/index.cfm?ccs=780&cs=592

Fundraiser Ride - Saturday, 9/18, 10 AM

Join BONC, Sierra Express Bicycle Club (SEBC) and KNCO on Saturday, September 18 for a fundraiser ride to benefit the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Cancer Center. This is the perfect low key, social venue for a beginner rider who is interested in trying out mountain biking. We'll ride a relatively flat, non-technical route through the park trail system. KNCO's Mary West & Chuck Whitten will join the ride. SEBC members will offer a couple of road cycling options for those that are interested as well

Meet at Western Gateway Park at 10AM with your bike and helmet (mandatory.) Your $5 donation will get you a great bicycle ride, a KNCO water bottle and lunch catered by Emily's Catering & Cakes. BONC membership forms will be available for those that wish to join our clubs. Tour of Nevada City will be on hand to support riders with flats or minor mechanical issues. Sierra Nevada Hospital will be doing free blood pressure checks as well.

IMPORTANT: Please register on the KNCO website or call 530-477-KNCO and mention 5 mile bike ride. Your must be registered to recieve the catered lunch, as they need to know how many are attending to plan on having enough food available.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital's cancer center. Hope you can join us!

BONC BoD Meeting - 9/12

Please join us for the next BONC BoD meeting at the Nevada County Land Trust office at 175 Joerschke Drive, Suite R, Grass Valley. We discuss important local trail projects and riding opportunities, including the upcoming IMBA Trail Care Crew visit, South Yuba Ridge, new trails for Round Mountain, group rides and more. See you there!

S. Yuba Ridge Trail Work - 9/12

On Sunday, 9/12, BONC will volunteer again on the South Yuba Ridge Trail.

We will focus on brushing work with three power hedgetrimmers and some loppers. This will allow the Tahoe National Forest to re-establish a trail route which is necessary for our grant application to fund professional trail construction.

It is beautiful on this ridge and we will provide quality beer after the work. Please join us by signing up:

http://tinyurl.com/southyubaridge

Sunday, September 12, 8AM - Meet at the USFS office in Nevada City

Grouse Ridge Trails

Some changes are coming to trails in the Grouse Ridge area. The USFS has planned re-routes of the Lindsey Lakes and Crooked Lakes trails. Additionally, the Tahoe National Forest and Gold Country Trails Council have created a new trail from Loney Meadows to Bowman Mountain. See the map here (PDF).

On paper, the re-routes make a lot of sense. The Crooked Lakes re-route eliminates the obnoxiously steep climb heading north from Penner Lake, while the Lindsey Lakes re-route replaces the fall line trail that leads down to the Grouse Ridge Trail. The existing LL descent is fun for advanced riders who like a technical challenge, but it is a hike-a-bike for others and a hike-a-bike for everyone heading up. The USFS just received word that they have received additional funding to work on these projects.

I do wish the USFS would cut the large fallen trees that have blocked many Grouse Ridge trails for years now.

Recap: South Yuba Ridge Trailwork, 8/29

Eleven of us made the trek up beyond Washington to work on the South Yuba Ridge Trail yesterday. With three hedgetrimmers, a quad, a chainsaw and many loppers, we cleared brush and downed trees off the newer trailbed that the USFS built some seven years ago. As this section has remained unused, it needed a serious effort to clear. Regardless, we worked our way much further up the trail than we expected. There were cold beers waiting for us at the end of the day. See pictures.

This trail provides an important connection between the South Yuba Trail and the Grouse Ridge Trail system. It will be a spectacular descent from Camp 19 (Bowman Lake Road) down to Washington. Thank you to our outstanding volunteers yesterday, including Robert Joynt, who was kind enough to bring his quad which we used to transport tools yesterday.

Next up - We have a small section remaining of the newer section to clear and then the flagging can begin on top of the ridge. Joe Chavez estimates that this will require about 2 more days of volunteering. Please consider joining us on September 12 @ 8AM at the USFS station in Nevada City for our next volunteer trail day.

Tahoe Trail Event 2010 - Recap

In the middle of August, twelve of us BONCers joined over 100 Northern California mountain bikers at the 2010 Tahoe Trail Event.

We ate great food, rode *fantastic* Tahoe trails, drank donated New Belgium beer, raffled off swag, built a great new section of singletrack near Daggett Pass and a lot more. This year's event was the best yet! For me, my favorite times were laughing and hanging with other BONCers at our campsite, building trail rock features on the Tahoe Rim Trail and riding the improved Armstrong/Corral trails (much better descent than Mr. Toad's).

See the pictures. Thanks you to our great volunteers and our sponsors (New Belgium, Specialized, Passion Trail Bikes and CLIF Bar). And of course, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

Hope you can join us for next year's even

South Yuba Ridge Trail - Volunteers Needed!

In cooperation with the USFS, BONC is targeting an early October deadline for a grant to build the South Yuba Ridge Trail (see map). We need your help to make this happen. The USFS has asked us to round up as many volunteers as possible to help clear the trail corridor of brush so that final trail flagging can occur. Please consider joining us for one of the following dates:

Sunday, August 29, 8AM - Meet at the USFS office in Nevada City
Sunday, September 12, 8AM - Meet at the USFS office in Nevada City

If we can meet this deadline and our grant application is successful, trail construction could begin next year! Please let us know if you plan to join us by signing up today.

ABOUT THIS TRAIL
The trail will start off Bowman Lake Road near Grouse Ridge and extend down to just east the town of Washington. When it is done, you will be able to ride between Grouse Ridge and Purdon Xing on ~30 miles of singletrack above and near the South Yuba River.

RECAP: August BONC Gala Ride

We had a great time on Saturday's BONC Gala Ride. Four new members joined our ranks and the weather was great. Pictures.

We'll see a bunch of you this weekend at the Tahoe Trail Event. Watch for an announcement soon for our September Gala Ride.

Land Trust Trail Work - 8/7

If you are not attending the BONC Gala ride this weekend, please consider helping the Land Trust with the following project. From Bill Haire:

"We will be doing some trail maintenance work at Alta Sierra on Saturday, August 7, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. (at the very latest).

Work will consist of cutting the tall grass along the grassy areas the Alan Thiesen Trail passes through, trimming back blackberries, Scotch broom and other brush, and any other vegetation that is protruding into the trails. If you have a weedeater or gas powered hedge trimmer, we can put it to good use. Otherwise, bring loppers, brush clippers, or brush shears to assist with the trail work (if you have them).

Meet at the corner of Dog Bar Rd. and Alta Sierra Drive at 8:00 a.m., to start work and be sure to wear appropriate clothing to work in the brush and grass (long sleeve shirt, trousers, boots or shoes, a hat or cap, and work gloves. Bring water, sun screen, and insect repellant for protection from the elements.

ASPOA (Alta Sierra Property Owners Association) will be providing a snack, and I will have water for those who forget to bring water."