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SingleTrackSMarch 1999

SingleTrackSN

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The Magazine of the New England Mountain Bike Associat ion

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FestivalsJune 27 NEMBAFest on the CapeTBA Wompatuck FestivalOctober 3 Blue Hills Mountain Bike Day

TripsJuly 29 -Aug. 1 Wachusett NEMBA VT Trip, 800-576-3622Sept. 12-19 NEMBA Durango Trip, 508-583-0067

Trail Maintenance/Patrol TrainingApril 17 Trail Boss Training (Rain date, April 18), 508-651-7075April 24 CT NEMBA Trail Boss Training, 860-653-5038May 14-16 Advanced Trail Boss Training, 800-576-3622

MTB Skill ClinicsMay 1 NEBC/Cycle Loft/NEMBA Beginner Skills Clinic, 978-251-3176May 22 NEBC/Cycle Loft/NEMBA Beginner Skills Clinic, 978-251-3176

1999 NEMBA Events Calender

NEMBA’s Save the Trails Maintenance Series

Blackstone Valley NEMBAApril 18 Callahan SF, 508-877-2028May 22 Noanet Woodlands, 508-651-7075May 23 Upton SF, 508-529-9339June 12 Douglas State Forest, 508-529-9339 Sept. 12 Callahan SF, 508-877-2028Nov. 6 Noanet Woodlands (w/ TTOR), 508-651-7075

Cape Cod & Islands NEMBAFeb. 28 Trail of Tears, 508-457-4821March 20 Otis, 508-457-4821April 11 Trail of Tears, 508-457-4821May 16 Mary Dunn, 508-457-4821

Greater Boston NEMBAApril 17 Fells AMC Trail Assessment, 781-657-0557April 24 Fells, 781-657-0557May 1 Belmont, 617-924-4539May 8 Lynn Woods, 617-231-1497May 22 Great Brook Farm SP, 978-369-5597June 5 Fells —National Trails Day, 781-657-0557June 19 Great Brook Farm SP, 978-369-5597June 26 Lynn Woods, 617-231-1497Sept. 11 Lynn Woods, 617-231-1497Sept. 18 Fells, 781-657-0557Sept. 25 Great Brook Farm SP, 978-369-5597Sept. 25 Belmont, 617-924-4539 October 9 Lynn Woods, 617-231-1497October 16 Fells, 781-657-0557October 23 Great Brook Farm SP, 978-369-5597

Merrimack Valley NEMBAApril 17 Lowell-Dracut SF, 978-453-9212June 13 Lowell-Dracut SF, 978-453-9212Sept. 18 Lowell-Dracut SF, 978-453-9212October 17 Lowell-Dracut SF, 978-453-9212

SE MA NEMBAApril 4 Wompatuck SP, 508-583-0067April 23 Foxboro SF, 508-583-0067May 2 Wompatuck SP, 508-583-0067Sept. 12 Wompatuck SP, 508-583-0067October 24 Wompatuck SP, 508-583-0067

Pioneer Valley NEMBA (formerly Shays NEMBA)April 24 Greenfield Parks, 413-772-0496

Wachusett NEMBAMay 2 Leominster SF, 800-576-3622May 23 Leominster SF, 800-576-3622Sept. 12 Leominster SF, 800-576-3622Oct 17 Leominster SF, 800-576-3622

CT-NEMBA / Cannondale Trail Maintenance SeriesCome to any CT NEMBA work day and your name will be enteredinto a hat to win a 1999 Cannondale SuperV!April 17 West Rock State Park, Hamden, 203-789-7498April 25 Wintergreen Park, Wethersfield, 860-529-9970May 1 Gay City State Park, Hebron, 860-870-8748May 8 MDC Reservoirs, West Hartford, 860-529-9970May 22 Westwoods, Guilford, 203-458-3465June 19 Nashehegan SF or Nepaug S.F., 860-653-5038Sept 19-21 IMBA Trail Care Crew, TBAOctober 23 Gay City State Park, Hebron, 860-870-8748November 6 Penwood State Park, Bloomfield, 860-653-5038

RI NEMBA SeriesMarch 28Blowdown day in Arcadia, 401-782-0162April 25 Fun Ride in Arcadia, 401-364-0786May 8 A joint trail maintenance day with AMC inArcadia, 401-397-8127June 5 Arcadia bridge project on "Pauly's Trail", 401-782-0162

Seacoast NH NEMBA April 25 Exeter Town Forests, 603-775-0025May 16 Bear Brook, 603-895-6633June 5 TBA - National Trails Day, 603-742-9462June 13 Pawtuckaway, 603-463-9811

NEMBA-Merlin Trail Maintenance SeriesMerlin and the Massachusetts Chapters of NEMBA are joining forces to save the trails! Come work the trails and get entered to win aMerlin Mountain frame! Come to three or more events and you''ll be entered to win Merlin's new Fat Beat full suspension frame! You cancheck these bikes out at http://www.merlinbike.com. The Merlin Series encompasses all of Massachusetts NEMBA chapters!

Check out WWW.NEMBA.ORGfor more information

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NEMBA, the New England Mountain BikeAssociation, is a not-for-profit 501 c 3 organi-zation dedicated to promoting trail access andmaintaining trails open for mountain bicyclists,and to educating mountain bicyclists usingthese trails to ride sensitively and responsibly.

SingleTracks is published six times a year bythe New England Mountain Bike Associationfor the trail community, and is made possibleby a commitment from member volunteers.

©SingleTracks Editor & Publisher: Philip Keyes

Singletracks Committee: Bill Boles, KristenBjork, Ed Clausen, Scott Hancock, KrisztinaHolly, Nanyee Keyes and Mary Tunnicliffe

Executive Director: Philip KeyesLetters/Submissions:

SingleTracksPO Box 2221

Acton MA 01720

Phone: 800.57.NEMBAEmail: singletracks@nemba.org

Board of DirectorsKrisztina Holly, PresidentMary Tunnicliffe, Vice-PresidentDan Murphy, TreasurerMichael Good, SecretaryMark Bialas, Merrimack NEMBANorman Blanchette, Merrimack NEMBABill Boles, SE MA NEMBABob Croston, Public RelationsBrian Croteau, Seacoast NEMBARichard Donoghue, Wachusett NEMBAJohn Dudek, Pioneer Valley NEMBAErik Evensen, Greater Boston NEMBAJeff Gallo, Blackstone Valley NEMBATina Hopkins, Rhode Island NEMBAMark Jenks, White Mountains NEMBAEd King, Cape Cod & Islands NEMBAKen Koellner, WebmasterRich LaBombard, Pioneer Valley NEMBAChristie Lawyer, SE MA NEMBARob Roy Macgregor, VT NEMBADeb McCulloch, Cape Cod & Islands NEMBAJon Pratt, Wachusett NEMBAJason Record, Seacoast NEMBABrian Smith, CT NEMBADan Streeter, North Shore NEMBAAndy Thompson, Blackstone Valley NEMBAJohn Turchi, CT NEMBARuth Wheeler, Berkshire NEMBA

We are also dedicated to having fun!NEMBA, P.O. Box 2221,

Acton MA 01720800 57-NEMBA

WWW.NEMBA.ORG

SingleTrackSSingleTrackSApril/May 1998, Number 43

Take it to the Road!It’s all cycling, and mountain bikers who take it tothe road are fitter, faster and have more fun. ByDavid Leedberg

California AdventuresRiding California’s costal ranges is peaceful foray intothe land of earthquakes and floods. By Clint Chase Jr.

Ididasport ExtremeFollow John Stamstad through his harrowing trav-els on the most extreme mountain bike race onthe planet. By John Stamstad

DepartmentsChain Letters -6Events Calendar -3Treadlines -7SideTracksHow To -21Skills -23Dr. Chainsnap -24NEMBA Interview -25Trail Issues -26Off the Trail -28Chapter News -30NEMBA Rides -34Members Page -38

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Having only ten months, the early Roman calendarwas all messed up, but at least they got one thingright--it began in March. I like this because

NEMBA's calendar also begins in March, soon after thespring equinox. Naturally, we mark our reverence to springby worshipping the chili pepper and the frijol --doesn'teverybody?-- and we hope you joined us for our most awe-

some ChiliCook Offparty.

NEMBA'scalendarreallybegins inspringbecausethis is whenwe are thebusiest. Allwinter

we've been setting the stage, organizing our events, andpreparing the invitations. And with this issue ofSingleTracks in hand, consider yourself cordially invited to anew season of great NEMBA happenings.

This issue is your ticket to help the trails and nourish themountain bike spirit within each of us. For starters, go fora ride. We've put together a cajillion of them in our

Mother-of-all-New-England Ride Series, so be adventurousand go someplace new. When you get back (and don't for-get to lube your chain), go help out the trails by going to aNEMBA maintenance day. These are actually just "mainte-nance mornings" because they usually end at lunch, andyou'll probably be treated to some free pizza. Bring yourbike too, since we'll probably go for another ride. For thosewho have never been to one of our trail events, trust me,they really are a good time. Plus, you get to see whatmountain bikers look like without their helmets on.

After the ride, you'll probably be ready for a party. Whatbetter party than a full blown mountain bike festival?That's right, back by popular demand, we're throwing a sec-ond NEMBAfest bash. This time it's going to be on CapeCod, just ten minutes from the canal, and it's going to be arocking good time. Music, biking, swimming, BBQ pits,biking, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and tons of games, thisfestival will be fun for even the non-bikers in your life.This will be the event of the season, so be there!

After the festival, consider a vacation. How about a camp-ing trip up to Vermont? Or a trip to Durango? Or you canstay home and take one of our mountain bike skill classesand hone your techniques. Whatever you do, make it apoint to join us on the trail, and feel free to bring a guest

—Philip Keyes, Executive Director

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Free NEMBA T-Shirtfor a Cover Shot!Send in your pictures and if weuse one for the cover, we’ll sendyou our spanking new NEMBA t-shirt!

On this cover, Krisztina Hollyrides, Peter Brandenburg clicks.

Send your pictures to:Singletracks, PO Box 2221, ActonMA 01720.

Bumps?. . . What Bumps?

The Number OneSuspension Post

603-431-3023

www.use1.com

O F F T H E F R O N T

**CHALLENGE YOURSELF ONTHE RUGGED TRAILS OF WESTVIRGINIA OR NEW ENGLAND***BEGINNER THRU ADVANCED*

AGES 13-17MANY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

CALL FOR A FREE COLOR CATALOG

GREENBRIER RIVEROUTDOOR ADVENTURES

1-800-600-4752 www.groa.com

Dust off the bike, and put on your finest: it’s showtime!

Brian Smith, CT NEMBA

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C H A I N L E T T E R S

Arcadia RI needs helpGreetings! I've lived in New England for a little over oneyear now and have only one season of riding here. My rid-ing roots are in north-west North Carolina, and while thelong busting up hills don't exist in Rhode Island, the techni-cal aspects are superb.

My concern (and major reason for joining) is that I work(and ride) in Arcadia Management Area. The trail networkis awesome, but in bad disrepair, and in some spots, quicklydeteriorating. Since I can't ride for the next couple ofmonths (knee surgery), I'm interested in putting my trailbuilding skills to work. Ive done quite a lot of maintenanceand even built a five mile loop.

Any info on how to get some bodies out here to buildwould be great.

Jon Wellington, Wakefield RI

Keyes made me do it!I have signed up for membership for two reasons...ego andPhilip Keyes. The ego part comes into play because I submitteda "Why I Ride" piece for the next issue of SingleTracks and wantto see my name in print. The Philip Keyes part because he isruthless in pursuing prospective members. If the organizationis as good as he professes I am glad to be a member.

I'm also glad that I can ride guilt free on the trails of theNortheast. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know the next step is trail main-tenance. Send me the dates for Wompatuck and I'll get you afew more bodies including mine.

Jeff Cutler, Hingham MA

Loved the Skiing Stuff!I was happy to see the articles on Skate Skiing & Telemark Skiingin the February Singletracks. I have enjoyed both for several years.The skate skiing in particular is great for keeping in shape.

I would like to point out that most of the larger cross country skiareas rent skate skiis & give lessons. The women have a realadvantage in that most places offer women's clinics.

I agree that you can skate on any wide, packed snow, but the $10to $12 fee to skate on groomed trails is well worth the money.Besides, the ego boost you get from flying past those skiers whotrudge along is a nice bonus.

Keep up the good work

Ted Capron, Meredith NH

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T R E A D L I N E S

Penny Davidson comes toNEMBAfest on the Cape!On June 27th, NEMBA will be celebrating mountain bikingwith a rocking festival on Cape Cod, ten minutes from theCape Cod Canal. Together with the rock station, WZLX,The Ride Magazine and Tracy Volkswagon, NEMBAFest willfeature tons of great stuff for everyone.

· Led mountain bike rides for all ages and all levels· Ride with Penny Davidson, Two time Downhill Champion· Self-guided rides· Bicycle - Industry Expo and Demo· MTB fun activities: Bike limbo, bike frisbee, bike polo, slow

races· Mountain bike trials demonstration (bikes hopping over

rocks, picnic tables, etc.)· Swimming, canoeing, BBQ pits available, playgrounds· Raffles, prizes and more.· Music by WZLX

The event will only cost $15 per person. Check out the adon the inside cover!

MTB Pros give the Shirtsoff their BacksThroughout December to February NEMBA held a series ofinternet auctions of the autographed personal race jerseysdonated byb Juli Furtado, Tinker Juarez, Susan DeMattei,John Tomac, Ruthie Matthes, Ned Overend, Missy Giove andTeam Specialized. We auctioned the jerseys off separately,and brought in nearly $2500.

Thousands of people visited NEMBA's auction sites, and thebidding was sometimes fast and furious. The top bidderscame not only from New England but from as far away asAlberta Canada, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, and theDetroit. Ned Overend's jersey sold for the most ($450), withJuli Furtado's coming in a close second! By taking the shirtsoff their back, all the pros showed how much they careabout mountain biking and land access.

1998 was an amazing season! We donated more than $20,000 inmaterials and tools to New England trails and volunteered morethan 11,500 hours to trail work, education and keeping mountainbiking part of the New England scene. Over 500 NEMBA membersparticipated in more than 40 trail maintenance days in 21 differentparks in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut andRhode Island. Our bicycle patrols logged over 2000 hours ofactive patrolling in the Middlesex Fells, the Lynn Woods, GreatBrook Farm SP and the Blue Hills in Massachusetts as well as atthe West Hartford Reservoir in Connecticut.

The key to this success is dedication and fun. Not only do wehave a dedicated core of hearty volunteers who give of themselves

selflessly, but we also have hundreds of new volunteers whocouldn't believe how much fun it was to hang out with othermountain bikers and do something positive for the trails!

If we had to put a dollar value on NEMBA's total volunteer dona-tion, it would come to about $135,000. Thanks to everyone whoparticipated: you're the best, the proud, the NEMBAN!

This year NEMBA is more than doubling it's number of trail main-tenance days —85 in 36 different parks!— so check out the calen-dar and come on down! We’re also expanding our bike patrol intoRhode Island, and are increasing the number of patrollers in all theexisting parks. Get ready to rock, roll, and have fun!

MTB Skill ClinicsGreater Boston NEMBA will be holding a half dozen beginner/intermedi-ate mountain bike skills clinics in conjunction with the NortheastBicycle Club and the Cycle Loft. The clinics will teach riders how to cor-ner, go up and down hills, and go over obstacles. The clinics take placein the Burlington MA area and will be free of charge. However, you mustpre-register since space is limited. The first two clinics will be on May1st and 22nd. To register, call Dave Leedberg, 978-251-3176 or dleed-berg@bcop.com.

Support NEMBA and Get DirtRag Magazine freeFrom now until April 2000, Maurice and Elaine Tierney (very cool folks)have graciously offered to give complementary subscriptions of their all-the-dirt-you-can-eat magazine to new and renewing members who joinNEMBA for $100 or more. Those familiar with the Rag know that thismagazine is different from anything out there. No hype, no gloss: it’sremained true to the unaldulterated passion of mountain bikers every-where. NEMBA appeciates your support, and we thank Dirt Rag fortheirs. Call 800-576-3622 to upgrade your membership today.

NEMBA’s most successful season of volunteerism ever!

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Independent Fabrication,Spinergy, BikeTree, USE spon-sor Land Access RaffleThe way cool guyz at Independent Fabrication have donated the pre-mier prize for this year's Land Access Raffle. The grand prize is a$2600, fully decked out Deluxe Mountain Bike with a Rock Shox JudySL and Shimano XT components or IF's Crown Jewel road bike gar-nished with Shimano Ultregra components! Second place is a set ofSpinergy Spox wheels, valued at $699. Third place is a luxuriousBikeTree Weekend for two to the White Mountains, a $565 value.USE Shokpost is rounding out the awesome prize list with five oftheir SX suspension seatposts, valued at $99 a peice.

All money raised --every dime-- goes into NEMBA grant program fortrail projects around New England. Raffle tickets cost $10 a peice orsix for $50. The drawing will take place later this summer. Get yourtickets by sending a check to NEMBA, PO Box 2221, Acton MA01720 or calling 800-576-3622.

Cannondale to Sponsor CTNEMBA TM SeriesCT-NEMBA is proud to announce the 1999 CT-NEMBA /Cannondale Trail Maintenance Series schedule. Cannondaleonce again returns as the series sponsor. Cannondale has com-mitted another bicycle to the series which will be awarded bydrawing to series participants. See the CT-NEMBA website<members.aol.com/joeorto/> for details.

Plans are still underway in the western part of the state as wellas other new initiatives that should allow CT-NEMBA toexpand the scope of this years series. We will post updatesaccordingly on our website, our Email listserv, SingleTracks, andjust about anywhere else that we can think of. You of courseare welcome to publicize this series, too. --John Turchi, TrailMaintenance Coordinator, turch@snet.net (860)653-5038

Merlin donates Ti Bikes to MATrail Maintenance SeriesMerlin Metalworks is offering a titanium mountain frame and a Fat Beatfull suspension bike to some lucky volunteers in the NEMBA-MerlinTrail Maintenance Series. The NEMBA-Merlin Series has events through-out Massachusetts, so check out the calendar and come help the trailsto win.

NEBC, NCC and TeamDouglas Support NEMBANEMBA is proud and grateful that a few of top-notch clubshave joined us as organizational members. The NortheastBicycle Club is primarily a road racing club, but does have asmall but dedicated team of mtb racers. The NorthamptonCycling Club and Team Douglas are a couple of serious raceteams out of the Pioneer Valley. Thanks for the support!

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T R E A D L I N E S

Slopeside ShenanigansWow, talk about winter fun! Imagine careening down the snowy slopes of Wachusett Ski Area on a beer kegmounted on a single ski! Or if you're normal, imagine racing dual slalom with studded tires down a snow-bound race track. Thus was the 2nd Annual Slopeside Shenanigans, sponsored by the good folks atGearworks Cyclery and the Wachusett Brewing Company.

There were plenty of fine Wachusett ales and thundering reggae spun by WBCN's DJ Love. Therewere six man snowboard races, volleyball, an outdoor grill, a

ski pass, and a drawing for a trip to Jamaica (ya,mon!). There is nothing like riding your bike down

a snowy hill, but my favorite part was racingthe guys from Gearworks and Wachusett

Brew on kegs —yes kegs— at warp speeddown from the top of the mountain.Zooming down the mountain at light speed,all I can say is YEEEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!.These kegs had aski attached to there bottoms and a rope at thefront to hold on to.I think we may have a newsport

With 140 racers on every type of down-hill rig imaginable, the whole day was a

great success, and there were some seri-ous riders on hand. The event finished

into the night (as I did) with a DJ anddancing in the lodge. For next year I chal-

lenge all other NEMBA maniacs to come ondown and try to unseat Ned LaFortune and me

from our self-proclaimed titles of Keg Champions of theWorld. Don't miss it! --Rich Donoghue, Wachusett

Steep and Deep!Seventeen Greater Boston

mountain bikers switchedgears for a weekend and

experienced the WhiteMountains backcoun-try on snowboardsand skis.

Saturday, most ofus practiced our

turns at WildcatMountain and

watched the cloudsdumping snow on Mt. Washington across the notch.After a big spaghetti dinner, Kurt Bianculli gave aninspiring slide show on his unique sailing trip toAntarctica. (We still have a couple questions for him

about leopardseals, though…)While we sat in thehot tub and as weslept that night, allthe snow that fellduring the day wasbeing blown fromthe summit into theravine!

Sunday, bright and

early, our huge environmentally unfriendly caravan made it toPinkham Notch without a hitch. Amazing! The weather wasabsolutely brilliant as we started up the Tuckerman Ravine trail. Acouple of people had brief bouts of gear trouble, but within a cou-ple of hours, we had all made it up to the Hermit Lake shelter stillsmiling and ready to ski.

About ten adventurous soulshiked further. The debris

pile from an earlier dou-ble-crown avalanche

stood 30 feet highat the bottom ofthe ravine!Avalanche dangerwas obviouslyextreme, so we

didn't tempt fateon the big headwall.

But we did partake inthe tons of new snow

that had blown onto thelittle headwall below. The condi-

tions were fantastic — reminiscent ofthe steeps and deep out West!

After our powder quest, we continued back to Pinkham, tele-ski-ing and boarding down the Sherburne Trail. This was the first timein the backcountry for many people on the trip. Everyone was allsmiles, insisting we do it again soon! —Krisztina Holly, GreaterBoston

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T R E A D L I N E S

The New England Mountain Bike Association is proud toannounce the winners of the Spring round of 1999’sNEMBA Trail Grants. These grants fund trail projects on a

local level and are financed from the proceeds of NEMBA’sAnnual Raffle. This Spring NEMBA received eight applicationsfor NEMBA Trail Grants, all from NEMBA chapters. After duedeliberation, NEMBA’s Trail Grant Committee has awarded$2620 in trail grants for the Spring season. Applications forthe Fall round of Trail Grants are due no later than 8/1/99, andthe grants will be awarded by 9/1/99. To apply for a NEMBATrail Grant send a detailed description of your project and itsprojected costs to NEMBA.

Merrimack Valley NEMBA

Merrimack Valley NEMBA requested $250 to rebuild a 32’long, 32" wide bridge in the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro StateForest. The forest’s supervisor supports this project. Adetailed cost estimate for the lumber was included with thegrant request, as well as an architectural drawing of thebridge.

Pioneer Valley NEMBA

Pioneer Valley NEMBA requested a grant of $480 to rebuild 4bridges on the Long Trail in the Daughters of the AmericanRevolution State Forest in Goshen Massachusetts. The existingbridges consist of two parallel logs. A detailed list of neededmaterials was included with the application, and the estimat-ed cost for each bridge section is $120.

Greater Boston NEMBA

Greater Boston NEMBA’s unit of the New England MountainBike Patrol has a major recurring expense, cellular phone ser-vice. The patrol maintains at least one phone at each of theparks where they serve for those patrollers who don’t havecellular phones of their own. The phones are used to initiatean emergency response. Patrollers frequently call for medicalassistance, report fires, vandalism and criminal activities. Thepatrol needs five phones which will have an annual cost of$500.

Rhode Island NEMBA - 1

The Rhode Island chapter of NEMBA applied for a $500 toolsgrant. The chapter will have 4 - 6 maintenance days this year.After working with the Appalachian Mountain Club last yearRI NEMBA realized that they needed, "the right tools to getthe job done right".

Rhode Island NEMBA - 2

RI NEMBA plans to build a 20 foot bridge across a fast flowingstream in the Arcadia Management Area. The bridge will bebuilt at the start of the Rock Trail, (A.K.A. Pauley Trail), whichis an alternative to the more popular and overused BreakheartTrail. This bridge will be designed for multi use, IE: It will beused for mountain bikers, hikers, horses and motorcycles. Soit will be designed to accommodate heavy loads. The RIDepartment of Environmental Management, Planning &Development, has approved a materials-only type grant.Which means that the chapter will be reimbursed fifty percentof the bridge’s cost up to a maximum of $380. RI NEMBAsought a grant of $190 to pay for this project.

SE MASS NEMBA

Southeast Massachusetts NEMBA requested a NEMBA TrailGrant of $300 to do trail maintenance at Carolina HillReservation in Marshfield. The objective is to build twobridges spanning water crossings on the "Brook Trail", (refer-ence pg. 197 in Stuart Johnstone’s "Mountain Biking NearBoston"), and to clean up an eroded climb between route 3Aand the power line. Palmstron Woodworking has volunteeredto build the bridges which will be 12’ X 2’ and 10’ X 2"respectively. The bridges will be made of pressure treated lum-ber. The town of Marshfield has approved this project.

Cape Cod & Islands NEMBA

CC&I NEMBA requested a grant of $500 to purchase tools tobe used for the creation and maintenance of multi use trailsthroughout Cape Cod. CC&I NEMBA will be sponsoring the1999 NEMBA Fest at Camp Lyndon in Sandwich, MA on6/27/99. Camp Lyndon abuts the West BarnstableConservation Area known as the Trail of Tears. As part of theNEMBA fest, CC&I NEMBA has agreed to create a system oftrails linking Camp Lyndon to the Trail of Tears.

Additionally, Lawrence Junior High School’s after schoolmountain biking program teaches responsible mountain bikingand trail maintenance. The tools will also be used to build andrebuild trails as part of this program. CC&I NEMBA has sub-mitted a detailed, itemized list of tools and their costs whichexceeds $500. CC&I NEMBA will pay for everything over the$500 requested. Also enclosed was a letter from theBarnstable Land Management Committee authorizing CC&INEMBA to maintain trails at the West BarnstableConservation Area. —Bill Boles, Grant Committee Chair

1999 NEMBA Trail Grants

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F E A T U R E

Spring is here. The snow is starting togo away. And you can’t wait to getout on your bike. But we all

know what’s waiting for us outthere…..MUD! Every spring bringsbottomless mud holes and stand-ing water to many of our favoriteriding areas. Yeah, we all know weshouldn’t ride on really muddytrails, but we’ve all done it. Wejust couldn’t wait to get out there,and we spent the day wrecking ourbikes and the trail. And once thetrail dried up, there was those bigugly ruts that fossilized in thehard New England clay for all tosee…including those folks whodon’t like the idea of bikes using"their" trails.

So what’s a person to do? It’s get-ting warm and it’s time to ride.One word my friend….ROAD! I’msure some of you might havemoved on to another article at thesight of that "r" word. Others mayhave thrown down this issue of"SingleTracks" screaming blasphe-my! I’ve listened to the endlessarguments…you’ve heard ‘em too.Roadies are this…mountain bikersare that. I listened to the samething for twenty five years when Iraced motorcycles….motocrossersdidn’t like road racers who didn’tlike flat trackers who didn’t like off roaderswho didn’t like speedway who didn’t like

blah-blah-blah. And you know what…it’sall just a bunch of crap! It’s just an excuse

to not try something new and different.We’re cyclists….two wheelsand one sport…we ride becausewe love riding,and it really does-n’t matter what surface we rideon, as long as we ride.

The benefits of road riding aremany. First of all , you can do itwhile your local trails are underwater. The aerobic and anaerobicwork out can’t be beat. Yourbody doesn’t take a beating, soyou can ride more often, and getfitter. Road bikes require muchless maintenance …leaving youmore time to ride. You can donice easy recovery rides. You canfind new trail heads as youcruise along…I’ve found someof my favorite trails this way.

Need more convincing?

Well…did you know that many legendarymountain bikers are …dare I say

it….roadies?!?!. John Tomac…yeah,you know..Johny T., the Tomes,multi time National and Worldchamp…is a roadie. One of hisbest mountain bike seasons waswhile he also road raced forMotorola in Europe. NedOverend…roadie. And JulieFurtado….National road champ!Why…he’s probably going to killme for letting this news out…buteven NEMBA Grand Pooh-BahPhilip Keyes has a skinny tirebike!!!!

I know you’re going to tell me youtried riding your mtb on the roadand it was no fun. That’s becauseof those fat tires. So, what can youdo? Well , the best thing is tobreak the bank and go out and buythe trickest road bike you can getyour hands on. But I know veryfew of us have the last name ofTrump or Gates, so I’ll go fromcheapest on up. The cheapest setup is to put some skinny slicks onyour mtb. See your dealer…there’splenty to chose from like continen-tal, Specialized, and Ritchey toname a few. Go with a 1 to 1.25inch size. You will not believe howfast your bike will roll with these

skinny tires. You may even find you’ll needhigher gearing as you get in bettershape…and you will get in better shape!

Have a little extra cash? Get a real roadbike…it’s the way to go. You can get intoa decent road bike for as little as $500.And you can spend your kids college fundif your willing…and don’t mind having adumb kid! Go to a good dealer. It’s impor-tant to get a bike that fits you …remem-ber, you may be on a road bike longer ,soyou want it to be comfortable. And a roadbike will last a long time…they just don’tget hammered like off road bikes do…sobuy something you’ll want for a while.

One other equipment alternative is acyclocross bike. Yeah..cyclocross! Youknow…that crazy sport where people runaround in the mud with a bike on theirshoulder! A cross bike is basically a beefedup road bike with mtb brakes and skinny

Take it to the Road!by David Leedberg, Wachusett. Photos of the Fitchburg Longo Classic by Mark McMaster, Northeast Bicycle Club

Continued on page 12

The Fitchburg Longo Classis is the oldest and most distinguished road races in thecountry. It also makes for great spectative, so check it out this July!

12

little knobbies. You wouldn’t want to ride a cross bike on verytechnical trails, but if you have local smooth trails or dirt roadsaround you…a cross bike is a blast. Throw some slicks on it, andyou have a very capable road bike. I put more miles on my crossbike than my mtb or road bike every year.

OK, now what? No..you don’t have to shave your legs first!!( butguys..9 out of 10 girls say that guys look great with shaved legs…and ladies, the ratio is the same…..and everyone will look betterin a dress on Friday nite!) You got some skinny tires under you andyou’re ready to ride. But where? Chances are there’s a road at theend of your driveway, so that’s a start. This is anotherbenefit…you don’t have to drive to a place to ride…you just ride!Go ahead..get out there! Work on a nice smooth pedal stroke. Get

a nice high rpm spin going. Commute to the store, to work, towhere ever. Find some hills to work on. And keep an eye out fornew trails…you’ll never see them from a car…but you’re in aprime spotters seat now. And hey, look! You’re getting fitter!

You want more? OK…check out a local club ride! Talk to your deal-er or check the web. In the Boston area alone, there’s NortheastBicycle Club, Charles River Wheelmen and Boston Road Club toname a few. Northeast Bicycle Club also puts on a road racingclinic, as do several other clubs. And when you find a ride in yourarea, approach it like you would a mountain bike ride…that is,find out what ability level ,speed and length it is. You don’t wantto go to a hammer fest or death march on your first ride! And ifyou’re nice and ask the right questions, you will learn to ride in a

paceline and how to draft. You will be amazed how fast a pack cango when it works together. And as you get used to it, you will findyour endurance has improved and there’s new found speed in yourlegs. You will find yourself riding in a gear higher on your mtb!

So get out there and try it! What have you got to lose? Nothing!What have you got to gain? Fitness, health, strength and fun…sohow can you lose? Sure, it’s not for everyone, but you’ll neverknow until you try!

Knik, Alaska Feb 27th, 3pm:

The Iditasport Extreme starts with a 30 mileprologue out to Flathorn Lake for themandatory "winter preparedness" camp-outin the snow. Riders have to carry the gearthey will sleep in for the entire race. Someracers choosing extremely minimal gearwere found sheltered in a wood shed on astack of wood—seemingly in violation ofrules. But then, rules in this race are vagueand almost non-existent so one can't nit-pick—the conditions ahead will take theirtoll on those not prepared. I slept in myNorth Face Inferno DL and was more com-fortable than I am at home on my futon.That first leg lasted 3.5 hours with RockyReifenstuhl finish-ing 2 minutesahead of a groupcontaining the restof the favorites.Tim Decker, a run-ner in the raceneeded 12.5 hoursto finish this sec-tion of less than 30 miles when he hadproblems with his gear. Gear that he wasusing for the first time. Day one of this raceis not a good time to realize that you areunprepared—or maybe it is, that way yoursuffering ends quickly. He dropped out thenext day despite having planned to go allthe way to Nome.

Day 2:

8am start saw sun, 0 degrees and a fiercehead wind. Riefenstuhl, myself, Pat Norwil,Greg Blackwell, Mike Madden formed a paceline and took turns at the front absorbingthe cold wind. The group separated whenwe hit the Big Susitna river and it was everyman for himself for the next 80 miles upriver. After Skwentna, the trail deterioratedinto snowdrifts up to 3 feet high and thebike race became a bike push. Wind chillsreached -45. Heading into Finger Lake at4:30 am, the trail was almost impossible todecipher, my Achilles tendon was scream-ing, my hip was aching, I was ready to quit,and we had just covered the easiest 1/3 ofthe race. I got inside, took a gigantic dose ofIbuprofen, and waited to see if my Achilleswould tighten up beyond hope. Norwilcame in 45 minutes later with Blackwellright behind him, and Reifenstuhl a coupleof hours back. I decided to wait until dawnwhen I would be better able to see the trailinstead of wasting energy wandering in the

night. Amazingly the Achilles healed itselfand I was fine.

Still sleepless for 24 hours, we headed outwith 2 race officials on snowmachines infront of us, who were going to help estab-lish a trail for all the racers to follow. Norwiland I headed out together but were sooncaught by Balckwell when the race officialscouldn't locate the trail. The course up toPuntilla lake is hilly and rigorous to ride butthankfully most of it is wooded, which pro-tected it from the blowing snow. 10.5 hourslater we arrived at the most critical point ofthe the race—Rainy Pass. Get over this andone is home free for the rest of the race—not that the rest is easy but just that this is

the biggest obstacle to conquer, and oftenin bad weather it is impossible to cross. In1997, I arrived at Rainy Pass Lodge only tobe informed that no one had been over thepass that winter and therefore there was notrail whatsoever. I was stuck there as therest of the field caught up to me. I waitedfor a day and a half until the race trail break-ers came on snowmachines to open thepass.

Pat and I headed up the pass in the darkhoping to make it up and over by daybreak.The first physical hurdle is a seriously steephill—the first in a series of steps to the passproper. It is so steep that I remember lastyear thinking I might not be able to make itup—and it is a long slide to the bottom. Iput my 43 pound(with survival gear andfood) Airborne Ti bike on my back and head-ed up behind Pat. Near the top the severewinds had blown a rounded cornice on thehill—making it even steeper at the top. Patgot to it and stopped when he felt the slope"settle". Having significant avalanche experi-ence from backcountry skiing, he didn't goany further and looked for an alternateroute. He traversed over and found a lesssteep and more stable incline. I have noexperience in avalanche danger but I didn'tthink it looked that wicked, and I was verynear the top so even if it did slide, Ithought, I would be above most of it. I care-

fully kicked in my steps without lookingdown and made it without incident. Each"step" we went over met us with a strongerand colder headwind. On top of a plateau,way above treeline we lost the trail.Actually, we didn't lose the trail, the traildisappeared. No, it didn't just disappear, itturned into 3 foot drifts and wind drivensnow sculptures. We turned around toretrace our footprints back to where we lastsaw the trail. Looking behind us, there wasnothing—our tracks were blown in as fastas we made them. This is when I remem-bered the First Rule of Holes: "As soon asyou know you are in one, stop digging".

The race support trailbreakers arrived soonafter. When weleft the lodge ear-lier that evening,they were goingto sleep for acouple hours andthen head outand break trail foreveryone, in case

it had been obliterated by the wind. Theonly problem was that they couldn't findthe trail either. At this point the weatherconditions were dangerous. On the way upwe could barely stop to eat or drink. A stopmeant an instant body temperature droponto the dark edge of hypothermia.Stopping also created fogged glasses, whichwouldn't have been a problem except that atthose temperatures, the fog turns instantlyto ice, which had to be chipped off in orderto see. Every seam had to be sealed to thewind. If there was even a millimeter ofexposed skin, you could feel it burn withimpending frostbite. Wind chills were in therange of 70-90 degrees below zero. By thispoint I couldn't eat or drink, because mybalaclava was a chunk of ice and I couldn'tmove it to access my mouth.

Both Pat and I wanted to continue over thepass. Actually it was more Pat—I was justfollowing. I thought it would be impossibleto make it without serious permanent dam-age, and hypothermia and death were a dis-tinct possibility. But I wasn't going to turnaround on first place. And there was noguarantee that the weather was going to bebetter tomorrow. Fortunately the race mar-shals made the decision for us. He instruct-ed us to leave our bikes, and they wouldsnowmachine us back to the lodge, and

13

The Iditasport Extremeby John Stamstad

F E A T U R E

I have no experience in avalanchedanger but I didn't think it lookedthat wicked, and I was very nearthe top so even if it did slide, I

Continued on page 14

return us to this point the next morning.His thought being that we had already cov-ered this ground and shouldn't have to do itagain. I objected mildly at first—it soundedtoo convenient. But I thought about otherraces and precedents. In the Race AcrossAmerica, if a competitor gets lost, he/she isallowed to return to the course in a vehicleas long as there is no advancement andevery inch of the route iscovered under human power.In the Eco Challenge, notonly were competitors pulledoff a mountain by helicopterduring a storm but they weresubsequently advanced onthe course. Any use of avehicle by racers is hard to rationalize but Ithink it may have a place when it is used tosave lives. The one tenant that cannot bebroken however, is to gain forward progress.We left our bikes, and hopped on the snow-machines. The tailwind on the way downfrostnipped the heels of my feet. Wedescended to the steep hill and as we wentover the almost -past- vertical top mysnowmachine pilot Craig Medred yelled,"hold on!!" We were airborne for longer thanwas comfortable but landed softly and kept

going. Richard Larson and Pat, who wereright behind us hit the brakes andstopped—-ski tips just feet from the edge ofthe avalanche that we just triggered. Theygingerly stepped off their machine andpulled it backwards to safety.

When we got back to the checkpoint,Blackwell was getting ready to head upthe

pass. When we left him earlier that night hewas having severe breathing trouble. Andnow he wanted to head into the abyss. Iflatly told him it was impossible. We sleptfor the first time in 40 hours. We resumedthe next morning, with less wind althoughit was still windy by any human standard.We pushed up and over the pass withoutincident and descended the pristine DallzellGorge at -20 degrees. That -20 actually feltwarm to the skin because there was nowind. At the bottom, along the Tatina river Isaw a set of wolf tracks so large I had to

stop to look to make sure they were notmade by a bear. Big, nice wolf.

I pedaled into the Rohn checkpoint a fewminutes ahead of Norwil. Our next chal-lenge? Overflow at 20 degrees below zero.Overflow happens when the ice cracks on alake or river and the water seeps up and sitson top. So you can have a foot of open

water on top of ice forhundred yard stretches at atime. At more reasonabletemps, I would just walkthrough it and be fine. Butat 20 below, as soon asthat foot comes out of thewater, it is a block of ice.

Pat headed out first and came back minuteslater with soaked and iced shoes. I tried sec-ond with garbage bags over my shoes. Ofcourse it was pitch dark, and that added tothe nervousness. After 10 steps I felt myfeet get cold and wet and looked down tosee that the bags are no longer on my feet—breaking through the thin top layer of icehad sucked them off. I returned to the cabinto de-ice. Now I was more scared than ner-vous. I knew that if it was -20 at Rohn thenit was -40 out in the next section—the

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I wasn't confident that Icould keep my feet warm at-40 even if they were drymuch less if they got wet. I

Continued on page 29

15

F E A T U R E

Southern California climate and geolo-gy are as beautiful as the mountainbiking is and wonderfully integral to

the mountain biking experience there. Fewplaces on the East coast can match thescenic backdrop of the Left Coast’s coastalranges, especially that the Santa Monicamountain.

The Santa Monica’s form a linear range ofmountains which were formed by move-ment along the San Andreas Fault. TheSan Andreas Fault is actually a system offaults, a plethora of major and minorfaults running on either side of what geol-ogists consider the main fault trace. Afteran agonizing but joyful climb to the crestof the range one can look east and west attwo very different worlds: to the west isthe big, blue Pacific and the mass ofCatalina island looming above the waterand to the east is the San Fernando Valleythrough which a segment of the SanAndreas fault lies. For all the destructionin California this beastly fault has caused,we have it to thank for the exhilaratingmountain biking it has given to SouthernCalifornia!

Like Atlantic ocean waves crashing againstthe rocky Maine coastline, the L.A. wavesof urban sprawl lap against the south andeast edges of the Santa Monicas. The SanGabriel Mountains, higher than the SantaMonicas, lie to the northeast and togethertheir topography starkly contrasts withthe pancake-flat LA Basin. The weird mixof urbanscape and natural landscape irksme in an indescribable way — the feelingis just plain eerie. On a bad morning, thepanoramic-view of L.A. is ugly but on agood morning it is strikingly gorgeous.

Going into the mountains after the rav-ages of El Niño is like walking through thewake of a tornado. Segments of favoritetrails are swept off the mountain slopes

rendering them impassable. Some trailsdisappear altogether, like the popularSullivan Canyon Trail outside movie-starrich Pacific Palisades. A local websitewarns of the changingtrail conditions causedby this evil child:"Sullivan Canyon trailhas been destroyed byEl Niño. Unless youare an expert this trailshouldn’t be attempt-ed. Some slopesremain unstable soriding can be verydangerous...be care-ful!". These trailreports are updatedweekly, sometimesdaily, because in thisclimate and geologicalenvironment, trail conditions can changeovernight and typically change over thecourse of days. Landslides eradicate vastsections of trail in a matter of minutes.

Before one ride up Mesa Peak, I decide toexplore a popular single track trail andarrive at an alarming sign: "Welcome tothe Backbone Trail. El-Niño rains have ledto many landslides in the area. Portionsof the trail have disappeared. The arearemains unstable. You are urged not tocontinue due to imminent danger."

The sign is fascinating to me. Out East I’veonly seen such a sign in the steep, geolog-ically unstable ravines of the WhiteMountains. As the curious geologist, Ipeek ahead a few more hundred feet,round a corner and see the evidence: ablack scar marks a steep slope where tonsof rock, soil, and plant debris had plum-meted to the valley far below. The signlied; the trail didn’t disappear, I can see itjust fine...1000 feet

down in the bottom of the valley!

Back at the parking lot, I talk a mountainbiker out of riding towards the landslidesand he asks if I’d like to ride with him. He

looked like Shaun Palmer, but a lot nicer Ithink; I was a bit intimidated. "Mesa PeakMotorway is damn technical so get ready"he says. As I ride on I admire the sceneryand wonder where the technical sectionbegins. With a squeeze of my brake levershe zooms by and exclaims, "Is this stuffcrazy or what!?!" "What..." I stare at thepool table-flat trail under my feet and themoderately steep trail ahead then look athim riding away. I cannot help my big grin— he really thinks this is technical — as Ilaugh about feeling intimidated.

I discover manifestations of El Niño’swrath on every ride. One ride, calledPaseo Miramar loop is vivid in my memorybecause I got stuck in some sand. On aparticularly washed out descent of theloop, my fiancee, Ellie, and I had some dif-ficulties navigating through wide, deepgullies in the fireroad. In fact, the gullytakes up the entire width of the fireroad,

Adventures in Southern California MountainBiking by Clint Chase Jr., Greater Boston

Continued on page 16

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swallowing the trail. Some gullies leave a5-inch land-bridge of earth which we dareto cross. I gaze into the 5 to 10-foot moaton both sides of me. We are fascinated bythe gully, a canyon in miniature caused byfantastic erosion, probably over the courseof only one or two storms. Where did allthis sediment go? I find out the hard wayas I accelerate down the hill, wooping andhollering. Then my skin freezes over. Yousee, sediment eroded from one place mustbe deposited in another place — the stuffdoesn’t just disappear. The eroded sedi-ment usually deposits as a deep, sandydelta — like the Mississippi Delta butsmaller — exactly where a slope suddenly

flattens out. Well, the slope suddenly flat-tens out. My front wheel disappears intothe sand.

Santa Barbara is a crazy town. Ellie and Ineeded to escape LA for a few days andwe thought S.B. would be a fine choicewith some of the best riding in SouthernCalifornia. Our first view of S.B., and thesight that resolved our stereotype of thisarea, was of a shirtless dude pulling awheelie down the entire length of mainstreet, at least a quarter mile in length!

The local shop guy opened a map andpointed out a few rides for us in the SantaYnez Mountains. "Would you like gnarlydownhills where some of the professionalson the downhill circuits practice, orpeaceful, fireroad cruises?", our guideasked. We scan the map, looking like littlekids in the ice cream shop trying to pickout their favorite flavor. "One of eachplease."

The drive to the top of the Santa YnezRange is not one for people with vertical-relief phobias. Starting at sea level, we

arrive at almost 3,000 feet in less than 8miles! Our ride for the day will be ridingdown the other side of the range and backup again. The view of the Sierra MadreRange during the ride is unforgettable. Butthe day two’s ride is more unforgettable.

We drive the Subaru back up the ocean-side of the range again, but only half wayup this time. The road slabs along a steepslope, and I stick my head out the windowto gain a better view of all the great land-slides. We arrive at the trailhead. The signis buried under a rockfall. Cars line the dri-veway- width road, every nook and crannyfilled. I find a spot underneath a nice land-slide.

After gearing up, Elliestrolls by a nice gen-tleman with a yellowlab. "Hi! Have a nicehike", she greets himwith a smile. He wasclearly a hiker, dressedin boots and hauling abackpack. "How’d youknow we were goingfor a hike", heresponds sarcastically.Recognizing the voice,Ellie does a double-take as she walkstoward me and saysshe just had a chatwith Steve Martin. We

pass Steve and his friends on the trail andtwo coincidentally well-timed mechanicalsgive us the opportunity to talk with himand his lab, Roger, before we’re finally onour way.

The view of the ocean explodes in ourfaces as we climb out of the clouds andthrough another landslide — mudslide tobe technically correct — and I wonderwhat caused them to happen. Was it El-Niño, like slides in LA, or are they earth-quake related? This question haunts geol-ogists on the west coast who are studyingthese landslides in the mountains, datingthem using what is called C-14 radiocar-bon dating, and trying to understandwhat triggered them, earthquakes or theclimate. This distinction is vital to theirobjective: to calculate the frequency ofcatastrophic quakes and climatic events(e.g., El-Nino) and predict when their nextoccurrence might be. Will the big one bein 10 years? One hundred years? Is the cli-mate going to pull another El-Niño act likeit did last winter — in 10 years or 100years from now? Landslides happen during

earthquakes when the slopes are shakenand the structural integrity of the slope islost. Down come rocks, mud, trees, andmountain bikers if we’re not careful.Landslides also happen during heavy, pro-longed rains like the El-Nino produces.The rainwater seeps into the microscopicpores of the already unstable soil and rockslopes. The water exerts a tiny amount offorce outward on the sides of the individ-ual pore — imagine being stuck inside abubble and pushing outward with yourarms and legs. Add up this force in everytiny pore of the entire hillside and theresult is a BIG force pushing the rock andsoil off the slope. Eventually, just the rightamount of force is reached andwoooooosh...a landslide.

I learned years ago, to look way aheadwhen riding. Don’t look at the frontwheel; look where you want to go! But Ican’t help looking down the seeminglyvertical slope dropping hundreds of feetdown, beginning roughly 2.56 inches tothe left of my front tire. Ellie is in front ofme. "Look ahead. Don’t look down.", I sayto her as I nervously watch my own tireroll along the edge. Finally, we clear thescary section and arrive at the trail junc-tion. We have our long-awaited rest inthe shade, eating treats, drinking water,and sitting in the local flora — PoisonOak! — while I get up and try not tofreak. Time to go. "Hey look, Ellie single-track going down."

When you’re in Southern California bringyour bike and try to see some of the greatgeology and El Nino effects, watch out forpoison oak, look around at the landscapeand wonder, ask questions, and most ofall, explore your own connection withNature. The Californian landscape may bemore dramatic in physical character thanhere in New England, but we have land-scapes here that can teach us aboutNature in more subtle ways. Next timeyou are in the Blue Hills, wonder what thegeology and ecology there is all about andwhat makes it such a different riding expe-rience from Noanet Woodlands. Or takeLynn Woods and the Fells for example:what is it about their geology and ecologythat makes each of them unique experi-ences? Better yet, during the trail mainte-nance season observe the rocks, vegeta-tion and soil and see what you can dis-cover for yourself. We can learn a lot fromthe saddle of our bicycles if we lookaround and never stop wondering.

17

S I D E T R A C K S

Almost seven years ago, on myforty-eighth birthday, when theaverage American male suddenly

panics to realize he will be eligible tojoin AARP in only two years, my wife,Judy, gave me my first mountain bike. Ihad recently seen an article inConsumer Reports describing mountainbikes (at that time, it was the onlybicycling magazine I read). Prior tothat critical event, I didn’t even knowthat mountain bikes existed.

The concept of bicycling through thewoods intrigued me. I had bicycled on

roads, although not very seriously, formany years. Each summer I looked for-ward to my annual hiking and back-packing trip with my two sons to thenearby White Mountains orAdirondacks. Mountain biking seem-ingly combined these two activities,

sounded like a good match for me, andone that might even keep me mildlyoccupied for a few months, perhaps asmuch as a year. Boy, was I wrong!

That original Mongoose Rockadile hassince been replaced by two Kleins andan Ibis. My basement resembles a bikeshop more than the woodworking shopit had once been. The pool table iscovered with new and old inner tubes,boxes of bike parts, assorted helmets,and my Camelbak. My car perpetuallyhas a bike rack on the roof. Instead ofthe rear window emblazoned withdecals advertising the colleges myhard-earned money has supportedthrough children’s tuition, it hasNORBA and NEMBA stickers on it.After I tried to drive into my garagewith a bike on the roof, I was moreconcerned about damage to the bikethan to the car. My wallet lacks anAARP membership card, but containsa NORBA license, and IMBA andNEMBA membership cards instead.What does all this mean? Am I notacting my age? Am I doing somethingwrong?

One thing is for sure — I am reallyhaving fun. I ride as much as I canduring weekday lunchtimes and findthat a good, hard ride with a few bud-dies at work allows me to do a muchbetter job in the afternoons managinga group of Ph.D. scientists and engi-neers in a small, high-tech company.On weekends, I’ll ride at least once,and often both days. Judy has notedalthough I might come back muddy,bloody, or both, that I am in a muchbetter mood than if I had stayed homeand either watched TV or balanced thecheckbook. Frequently these weekendexcursions will be impromptu rideswith friends or organized rides that Imay have volunteered to lead.

In spite of my enjoyment, one aspect ofmountain biking has bothered me.With rare exception, nearly everyone Iride with or see on a mountain bike is

younger. This makes me think thatmaybe I’m too old for this sport; per-haps I should be doing something elselike playing golf, collecting stamps, orlearning to play shuffleboard. As Iglance through various mountain bikingmagazines, all the pictures show youngkids. Even Ned Overend, whom every-one seems to call "old", is thirteenyears my junior! Since I’m now oldenough to join AARP, then maybe Ishould pay my dues and learn to actmy age. But I can’t.

I can’t because I’m having too good atime. Even though my birth certificatesays I’m 54, I don’t feel it. I feel sorryfor people my age who think they haveno choice but to slow down, drinkEnsure, take Centrum Silver vitamins,or read Modern Maturity. I’m not readyto trade in my Flite saddle for a rockingchair. Although I might feel badly forthose 30-year olds who ask me to waitso they can catch up on some of mygroup rides, it actually makes me feelgood to know that I not only can keepup with these younger folks, but canactually outride many of them.

So what am I to do as I continue to getolder? I have decided that as long as Iam able, I’m going to keep riding mymountain bike. I might have to go a bitslower on the downhills because mycataracts will impair my vision. I mightnot be able to climb as fast because mypacemaker will reach its upper limit. Imight inadvertently leave some ofthose 30-year olds behind because Iwill have neglected to turn on my hear-ing aid. I might even ride that sectionof technical singletrack rather thanwalk it because I will have forgotten mycane. I’ll probably continue to throwaway those AARP membership applica-tions, and renew my affiliations withNORBA, IMBA, and NEMBA instead. Ithink I’ll just have a good time by notacting my age.

Confessions of a Mountain Biker by Harvey Serreze, Wachusett

18

978.468.1301Supporting Trail Advocacy on the North

ShoreInfo on Some of the Greatest Riding

The year: 1988. The place: Jerry'sLove Ranch, Bellinghan, MA. Theevent: the year end harescrambleride/party. I had received a flyer inthe mail which consisted of a map ofVietnam with a large star markingSaigon. Printed on the map were thedetails of the FAHQ Racing yearendbash. There would be live musicfrom the Gypsy Stretchmark

Orchestra, food,and (of course)an epic ride. Theride would beon a closedcourse so streetlegal registrationwould not benecessary. Thiswas a goodthing because itmeant all thejuniors couldride. Therewould havebeen big prob-lems otherwiseseeing as howthey were animportant part

of the team. Plus, two of them hadjust won New England champi-onships. We loaded up the motorcy-cles and food on Sat. night so as toget an early start. It's always so nicegoing through all the motions of arace day and know that we are rid-ing just for fun. (The we I speak of ismy son Derek and myself, as he wasmy motorcycle and bicycle ridingpartner for many years.) Upon ourarrival we are greeted by our hostThe Dinge Master alias Tim Dinge.He pulled me aside knowing mything for tight single track and said,

" you remember that cart road weuse to pedal to the quarry?" I say,"yeah…" "Well, I cut a really nastysingle track loop in there just for theride today." We were all on motorcy-cles that day and the trail was brandnew; tight and nasty just like Timsaid. We had a ball. The ride wasgreat as was the food. And themusic? Well, it was strange butgood….

I asked Tim about thename Vietnam and howhe had figured out theloop. He had been outscouting on his x-c skisand thought that the areawould make a great singletrack. In the spring hebegan pruning and build-ing the trail. Over thenext few years he keptadding bits and pieces tomake what is knowntoday in the bicyclingcommunity as the Nam.Without the powerline there isabout 15 miles of trail. The namewas thought up by a couple of Tim'smotorcycle riding buddies; Pete andJack of the Milford gang. They werethe ones that put up the sign,Welcome to Vietnam. It wasn't untilthe 1989 yearend ride party thatCathy and I rode the Nam on ourMountain Bikes. That year thetheme was a dual sport ride, mean-ing both bicycles and motorcycles.The group was pretty evenly splitwith about 10 to 12 of each. TheMt. Bike loop was long, since it waslaid out on a motorcycle. The hillsaren't so big and the distance isn't aslong on a motorcycle. Well, afterabout 4-5 hours one of our riding

pals bonked so hard that he justwanted to lay down in the forestand take a nap. He told us not toworry about him. After ridingthrough the maze pulling him along,we found a road. I called the ranchand talked to Tim. Of course I hadno idea where we were but wantedhim to come pick us up with a largevan since some of the riders could

ride nofurther. That is how I rememberNam; a long nasty ride with peoplebonking. I haven't been back therefor about 10 years. When I saw inSingleTracks last year that there wasa NEMBA ride in the Nam I was sur-prised that any one knew of thatplace and asked Philip Keyes wherethey were talking about. What asmall world. This is another goodexample of user groups workingtogether to create a great trail and agreat trail riding experience. By theway, the Dinge Master rides hismountain bike on it now as well.

S I D E T R A C K S

Why in the heck is it called “Vietnam”? by Mark Jenks, White Mountains

Travis CycleJoin NEMBA! We did!

722 N. Main St. 508-586-6394Brockton MA

(Nathan Brown)

(Nathan Brown)

19

I ride for a mix of reasons: fitness; techni-cal challenge; the beauty of the woods;the meditative state which the quietinduces; and, on rare occasions, the plea-sure of the company of others.—DavidKaiser (age 51.)

Once you've done it, how can you not doit again ... and again ... and again? It's likeLay's potato chips. You can't have just onerocky, rooty singletrack — in the cool, ordark or muddy or buggy or icy woods.—Dave Stockwell

Riding your bike is a lot like a box ofchocolates, you never know what you aregonna get.—Brian Croteau

I ride to relax and forget about life's littlespeed bumps. I ride for the exercise, andthe challenge of cleaning a climb I couldn'tdo the day before. For the friendship of

the people I have met, for learning a newskill, for teaching someone else a newskill, and most important (and a bit self-ish) I ride for me. —Steven A. Fuchs

I ride because I have to. My body and mysoul tell me I must. I can't help myself. I’maddicted. Why? Because of that magicalfeeling, that indescribable high, thateuphoric state-of-mind and body whenI’m on my bike exploring new singletrack,cleaning that obstacle I couldn’t do lasttime, making it all the way to the top on along uphill climb without dabbing, orwhizzing downhill through a field of rockshoping I don’t crash. When I finish, I can’twait until the next time. If I don’t ride fora few days, I suffer severe withdrawalsymptoms — I become irritable, I getheadaches, I become impatient, I kick thedog. When I get back on my bike, all these

symptoms suddenly dis-appear. Is this addictionharmful? No; this one islegal, it’s good for myhealth, and best of all,it’s free! —HarveySerreze

I ride because I'maddicted to adrenalineand the peaceful, bodilywarmth after a fewhours of strenuousphysical activity. I livedin the Rockies as a skierfor most of my life andmanaged to get a regu-lar adrenaline rush, atleast between themonths of Novemberand April every year. In1996, I moved toConnecticut and wastold by many that Iwouldn't like the skiingon this side of theMississippi. It wasimmediately obvious tome that mountain bik-ing would be an excel-lent replacement, espe-cially when I learnedthat people actuallyrode all year around. Totop it off, I had triedmountain biking whileliving in Utah but all thetrails seemed toinvolved 3,000 footaccents, over amazingly

short distances. I just felt like such awhimp! In Connecticut, I don't feel like awhimp and I've had a chance to developthe biggest thighs of my life. But what'sbest is my adrenaline addiction is well fed.When I make my annual trip to Utah toski, I am continually amazed at howmountain biking has improved thestrength of my legs and thereby, my abilityto absolutely tear down the ski slopes. —Karyn Young, Danbury, Connecticut

Last fall, a group of about 12 or 13 riderswere on the Wapack. It is a very technicaland demanding trail. You don't wannascrew up on this one. It surely wouldmean broken bones or worse yet a brokenbike. We were finishing up the ride andcoming down the back and steep side ofMt Watatic. no wimping out here, youeither ride at the top of your ability orwalk. We were coming down one of themost dangerous sections, I couldn'tbelieve we were riding this and fast. I wasup near the front of the pack, seeing whatlay ahead yelled to the riders behind "ohbaby don't fall here" trying to give themtime to dismount or gather up the courageto fly through. As we came around aswitch back almost out of control wespotted a mother and father grab there 9or 10 year old from the trail and standway off to the side letting us pass by.Naturally we slowed to be considerate ofother trail users and I looked into thereeyes as we passed by saying hello andthank you. While the parents had the lookof disbelief in there eyes, the son had thelook of excitement. Wide eyes and smil-ing, he loved it. We made a lastingimpression on him. When I think of thatday I can't help but to think that somedayhe is going to be out there riding, proba-bly passing us by. He will no doubt be amountain biker. It was a good day. Onethat makes it into my memories toremember. That is why I ride.—JimAmidon, Baldwinville MA

Friends are the reason I ride. I like ridingsomeplace new with friends, getting lost,razzing each other about our lives. Friendsforget how bad you did on that last steeptechnical climb, and cheer you when youmake the next one. You look forwardtowards eating that post ride meal, asthey like the same food and beer. It does-n't matter what kind of bikes your friendshave or their individual abilities, becauseriding with them is still better than ridingwith a group of 'experts' hammering

Why do YOU Mountain Bike?Internet Responses to this SingleTrack Question

S I D E T R A C K S

Drawn to the Dirt by Jeff Culter

A for the Altitude I can climb on my bike.B for the Bumps and Bouncing I like.

C for the Camaraderie, we're all friends out there.D for the Danger and how it elicits my fear.

E means Exhilaration as I fly down a hill.F is Feeling Fantastic as I learn a new skill.

G is Gu packets shared with my pals.H is Hearing nature and Hidden animals.

I is for Individual, my mistakes are my own.J if for Jumps, like the one that broke my collarbone.

K is for Kissing the dirt trail with my wheel.L for Lactic acid and how it makes my legs feel.

M is for Mountains, both real and imagined.N is for NEMBA and its mountain biking passion.

O means Outdoors where a bike's a great way to stay fit.P for the Park system and the rangers who run it.

Q for the Quartz lamps that make night riding so grand.R for the Rides that go just as planned.

S for the Spinning class to keep you in shape.T for the Trail maintenance that helps trails stay great.

U is the Uphill that makes you scream uncle.V is a Vertical drop that makes your knees buckle.

W for our Water packs, no need for a cup.X for a summer day that's Xerothermic, look it up.

Y is for Yellow and other bright components.Z is for Zymurgy and post-ride enjoyments.

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SILENTLY around the trails all day. --Robert Salamy

Mountain biking is the antidote for middleage. —Nancy Martin, CT NEMBA

As sweat and dirt accumulate on the out-side, the inside gets cleaner and cleaner.Riding gives me the satisfaction of physi-cal exhaustion. At times it forces me tofocus on the present. Other times I can letmy mind wander into places it doesn'totherwise go. Riding is holistic medicinefor body and soul. —Robert Farrell

I ride for the challenge: The challenge ofcleaning that section. The challenge offinally getting over that 22" high log without hitting my chainring. The challenge offinding new places to ride/discover. Thechallenge of educating other trail usersthat we, as a user group, are not all.Mountain Dew yahoos. (I am part of theNEMBP on the MDC property in WestHartford, etc.). The challenge to come upwith new challenges to extend our ridingabilities. The challenge to share these newfound skills with other mountain bikerswith the instruction/help of the "infa-mous" Charlie B. aka Poppa Hoppa, andJon aka "Downhill Guy", Tom aka "Spike",and Brian S. aka haven't settled on onename yet. The challenge(s), that is why Iride!

—Mark Flynn, aka 911

STOMP-STOMP-STOMP upshift STOMP-STOMP brake hard!/downshift *sharp rightturn* STOMP-STOMP-STOMP upshiftSTOMP-STOMP *dropoff* "wheeee" thudSTOMP-STOMP-STOMP brakehard!/downshift/downshift *sharp leftturn* STOMP wheelie over root *steepclimb* downshift STOMP-STOMP-STOMP-STOMP-STOMP-STOMP "pantpant tough rocks here" STOMP-STOMP-GRUNT-STOMP "phew, first time I've evermade that climb!" STOMP-STOMP upshiftSTOMP-STOMP.... That's why I love riding.—Tom Mahoney

I started mountain biking only 6 monthsago, and I love it more than I had everimagined I would. I ride because I love theexhilaration I feel when flying down agreat singletrack trail or cleaning a techni-cal section for the first time. I enjoy beingdeep in the woods and taking in thescenery while getting exercise. Mountainbiking is so much fun, and I feel great afteran awesome ride. I love the thrill of ridingon the edge - there's nothing like ridingseemingly effortlessly down a hill, skirtingbetween trees that pass your ear withonly about an inch to spare. Best of all, Ilove riding because I've met so many greatpeople while doing it. I look forward to

seeing my riding buddies at each ride andmeeting new ones. To me, mountain bik-ing is a great sport and a great adventure!—Harley Erickson

As a twenty-five + year veteran of PublicSchool teaching I strive to stay in shape asI work with teenagers. Early in my career, Imostly ran. Running in the morning Iwould use the time to plan out my day.Running after school, I would rehash thedecisions that I made with kids during theday. I try hard to do things that are goodfor kids. Fit-yes but reduce stress -no.Now, when I ride my MTB I concentrateon the trail and keeping the bike on thetrail. If I lapse into reflection on school.Pow! There is a tree waiting to wake meup. After a ride, I'm totally exercised andmy mind is clear. I'm ready for another dayon the educational frontiers. —Ted Rowan

Because it's there. The challenge. It's achance to get away from the wife andkids. It keeps me in the woods and on mybike. Able to travel great distances in thewoods in a short amount of time. It's agreat way to keep in shape. Solitude. The"after" beer. —Steve Clarke

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Have you ever wondered if your sus-pension is working as well as itcould? Ever been tempted to fiddle

around with the adjustments on yourforks or rear shock, then decided not tobecause you haven’t the faintest ideawhat they do? Are you dumbfounded bydamping? Perplexed by preload? I’ll try tosort it all out for you so you can get yoursuspension working like it’s supposed to.

RTFMRead The Fork Manual (or something likethat). The first thing you should do

before tuning your suspension is read theowner’s manuals for your fork or shock,and for the bike itself. These should giveyou the weight range that the fork orshock is set up for from the factory, or itwill tell you how much air to put in if youhave an air sprung fork or shock. Themanuals should also tell you where thedifferent adjusters are for tuning your sus-pension. If you have internet access checkthe manufacturers web site too. Somemanufacturers have extensive tuninginstructions on their web sites that aremuch more thorough and accurate thantheir owner’s manuals.

SPRING RATEIf your springs are too stiff or too soft youaren’t getting the ride that you paid forand your bike isn’t handling as well as itcould. Most bicycle forks and shocks thataren’t air sprung come set up for someonearound 150 lbs. If you are 20 lbs or moreon either side of that weight you probablyneed new springs. If your fork or bike isnew you should negotiate with your deal-er for the correct springs for your weight.Some dealers (and manufacturers) willswap your stock springs for the correct

ones at no charge, others won’t.

Some people fall right between two differ-ent spring rates. If you are in this catego-ry you need to consider what type of rid-ing you do and what kind of ride you like.If you ride bike paths and fairly smoothtrails and like a plush ride you shouldprobably opt for the lighter springs. If youaggressively ride the gnarly stuff you maybe better off with the firmer springs.

If your suspension uses air springs youneed to put the proper amount of air intothe fork or shock for your body weight.

Again, RTFM.

SAGOnce you have theright springs youneed to set your sag.What’s sag? It’show much your sus-pension settleswhen you are sittingstationary on thebike with your feeton the pedals. Notenough sag willmake the suspensionharsh on smallerbumps and can con-tribute to your tireslosing contact with

the ground over stutter bumps. Too muchsag can make your suspension feel mushyand soak up energy when pedaling. Yourowners manual should specify how muchsag you should have. If you don’t have amanual you can use 20% of the fork orshock travel as a starting point, whichworks out to about ½" on 2 ½" to 3" trav-el forks.

Suspension sag is set using the preloadadjusters, which preload or compress thesuspension springs, raising or loweringyour sag height. The preload adjustersshould be set all the way out for zero pre-load (giving you maximum sag) to startwith, then gradually turned in to get theproper sag height. If your fork has twopreload adjusters they should always beset the same. Preload will only effect thebeginning of the fork or shock travel, itwon’t make up for springs that are toosoft.

Air forks and shocks don't typically havepreload adjusters, but some have a "nega-tive air spring" that can be used to adjustsag on air sprung suspension. Read themanual.

To set suspension sag you must have away to measure it. One way to measurefork sag is to pump the fork a few timesthen put a zip tie around the fork stan-chion (upper tube) where it goes into theslider (lower tube). Slowly sit on the bike,grab the handlebars and put your feet onthe pedals. Now that you’ve fallen over,get off the floor and yell for someone tocome and help you. Sit on the bike againand assume your regular riding positionwith someone holding you or the bike ver-tical (not by the handlebars), then slowlyget off the bike. The distance between thezip tie and the top of the slider is yourfork sag. Increase the preload and repeatuntil you get the proper measurement. Ifyou have the preload adjusters turned allthe way in for maximum preload and thesag measurement is still greater than rec-ommended you probably need firmersprings.

The same technique applies to rearshocks, but it can be tough to get a zip tieon a coil spring shock without removingthe spring. Coil-over shocks usually havesome sort of bottom out bumper at theend of the shock shaft, this can be pushedup against the shock body so it will slideback down the shock shaft when you siton the bike. Another method is to mea-sure the spring from end to end before sit-ting on the bike, then have a helper mea-sure it while you’re on the bike. The dif-ference in length is your sag measure-ment.

DAMPINGMany mid range and higher end forks andshocks have external rebound and com-pression damping adjusters. Compressiondamping controls how fast a fork or shockcompresses, rebound damping controlshow quickly they extend. Too much com-pression damping will give you a harshride and may not allow full use of the sus-pension travel, too little can give a mushyride and contribute to suspension bot-toming. Too much rebound damping willcause suspension packing, which meansthe fork or shock won't extend betweenbumps, too little will cause the wheel tokick or spring up after hitting a bump.

To start your damping adjustments onyour fork, first set your compressiondamping to full minimum. Next set yourrebound adjuster in the middle of it'srange, meaning if the adjuster turns eighttimes from minimum to maximum youwant to start at four turns. Ride the bikeover a rough section of trail and see how

Getting the Most out of your Suspension By Tom Mahoney, Wachusett

H O W T O

22

the suspension feels. If the fork feels like it's gettingprogressively harsher over stutter bumps it may bepacking up, try backing off on the rebound damping. Ifthe wheel feels like it's hopping off the ground after hit-ting bumps try increasing the rebound damping. If youhave rebound dampers in both fork legs always adjustthem the same.

The same technique applies to a rear shock, minimumcompression damping and middle rebound damping tostart, then adjust rebound up (more) if the rear endkicks over small bumps or down (less) if it packs upover stutter bumps.

Once rebound is set you can move on to compression.Start with the compression adjuster all the way out,giving you the minimum amount of compression damp-ing. If you find that your suspension bottoms out fre-quently you should slowly increase the compressiondamping until the bottoming stops. If the ride getsharsh over small bumps you should back off on thecompression damping adjuster. As with the otheradjusters, if you have compression damping adjusterson both fork legs they should always be set the same.

Oil weight and volume are other variables that can beadjusted on certain forks and shocks to effect dampingand spring rate. Heavier oil will increase damping,lighter oil will lessen damping. Increasing the amountof oil in some forks will make the fork firm up at the endof its stroke, less oil may allow the fork to use more ofit’s travel. You must refer to manufacturers spec’s

before messing with oil heights and weights.

You may want to record the preload and damping set-tings you arrive at for future reference, especially if youhave little brothers or kids who might play around withyour bike, or if you ever leave it unattended at a schoolor other public place.

MAINTENANCEYour suspension can’t work correctly if it isn’t main-tained correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommen-dations to keep things working smoothly. Also, if yourfork came with fork boots LEAVE THEM ON! They willgreatly extend the life of your fork. Fork and shockboots can be purchased or fabricated for suspensionthat didn’t originally come with them too. They’re agood investment if you want to keep your suspensionworking reliably.

These tuning instructions are only meant to get yoursuspension adjustments in the ballpark, they aren’tgoing to give you optimal suspension performanceregardless of who you are or what kind of riding you do.If you think your suspension feels harsh on smallbumps even though the springs are right for your bodyweight and the sag is correctly set, go ahead and backoff on the preload anyway. The same applies to all theother adjustments, set them using these instructionsthen keep tweaking until the bike rides the way youthink it should.

PO Box 226Fryeburg ME 04037

Supplying bicycle shops and supporting trail advocacy since 1982

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Descendingby Jennifer Miller, Seven Cycles

S K I L L S

Anyone who has been part of the NewEngland mountain bike racing scenefor more than a couple years almost

certainly knows the name Carol Waters.Though essentially retired from racing now,she dominated the women’s pro/expertranks in New England through the early andmid-nineties with style and finesse, and theraw power of a wild animal. She inspiredboth men and women, and in the fashion ofthe legendary World Cup Champion JuliFurtado, Carol raised the level of competi-tion to heights previously unknown.

Carol and I were teammates for much of thenineties, and one fond memory I have ofthose exciting times was from the 1995Mount Snow cross country race, which fea-tured a grueling climb and a long, wet, rooty,rocky, singletrack descent. We were hangingout right after the race, and Carol, who hadjust won, said to me, "Damn that downhillscared me. I wish this race was a relay, and Icould just do the climb and you could do thedescent. No one could touch us." I thoughtof replying, ‘No one can touch you anyway,Carol’, but I decided instead to indulge inher compliment.

I tell that story not to brag about my inex-plicable fondness for gnarly descents, butrather to show that no matter how talenteda rider you are, technical descents can bevery intimidating. Many of the women inthat race - all of them experts - carried theirbikes down the mountain. It takes more

than a well trained body to negotiate thistype of terrain; it takes a well trained mind.Developing the skills and confidence to con-quer technical downhills is rewarding andwill significantly heighten your enjoyment ofthe sport. And for those of youthat race, it can give you a distinctadvantage over your competition.

Rule number one: don’t look whereyou don’t want to go. As you windyour way down a rocky descent,keep your eyes focused on pickingthe clearest path that lies beforeyou. If you want to avoid runninginto obstacles, don’t focus yourattention on them. Think of your-self as flowing water, seeking thepath of least resistance.

Rule number two: speed is yourfriend. Controlled speed will giveyou the momentum to carry youover obstacles and through looseor muddy terrain, which wouldotherwise stop you dead or launchyou off your bike. Don’t be afraid ofspeed, as it is often your bestchance of staying upright.

Rule number three: relax! The best advise Ican give is to stay light and loose on yourbike. Stand up, get out of the saddle, andremaining relaxed, yet responsive. Think ofyourself as a cat, shifting your weight andposition as the terrain dictates. When facedwith a steep drop off, get low and backbehind the saddle. (You want to lower yourcenter of gravity and keep weight off thefront end, so you don’t go over the handle-bars.) When approaching wet roots andlogs, be ready to lift the front wheel slightly.Once you’re got the front wheel over, shiftyour weight a bit forward to avoid havingthe rear wheel slide out from under you.

Our worst downhilling nightmare is to gohead over heals on a gnarly descent.Momentum and good positioning on thebike will help reduce that risk, but it’s alsoimportant to remember to lay off the frontbrake. Although it’s the more powerful brakeof the two, using it alone or in greater pro-portion to the rear brake can increase yourrisk of being catapulted over the handlebars.Use your rear brake as much as possible, oruse a carefully balanced combination of thetwo.

Mastering these few techniques is easy.Once you’ve had a chance to apply them,you can continue to practice them in yourhead through visualization. It’s very effective

and virtually painless.

Training the mind is much more difficult. Inmy own riding, I seek to create a state ofmind that is fully confident that I can ride

anything I set my target on. Doubt willdestroy your ability to negociate a steepdrop off: hesistate and die!

One way to develop this type of confidenceis to ride with and watch riders that are bet-ter than you. Really good technical ridersintroduced me to mountain biking, and whatI learned most from them was what is possi-ble. That knowledge was key for me, becauseI knew if they could do it, then one day, socould I.

Stay focused in the moment. Take a deepbreath, relax, and quiet your mind. Try notto let your thoughts drift into areas that willdistract you from the task at hand. Think ofyou and your bike as one. This will allow forquicker translation of your thoughts into themotion of your bike.

Confidence leads to success, and successbuilds confidence. That may sound like the-chicken-and-the-egg problem, but with justthe confidence to start trying, you will soonexperience successes that will start the ballrolling. In no time, you’ll be seeking outdownhills that once left you petrified. You’llknow the joy, the rush, and the sense ofaccomplishment that comes from challeng-ing yourself on them. And don’t be surprisedif you find yourself laughing all the waydown.

Ruthie Matthes descends Mt. Snow (Keyes)

Tim Bugbee descends Dogtown

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D R . C H A I N S N A P

The Old Dog is back (another tall tale)"Hey, you stud muffin…" An oddly familiar voice from the past came from behind me as Iwas tidying up the basement one day last week. Frantically knock-ing over old boxes that used to hold a baby seat, a stroller, a highchair, and a crib, I saw her again. The old dog was back.

She was sold to me by a young ne’er-do-well in Philadelphia sev-eral years ago. He wasn’t much of a con man. He didn’t have to be.I really did think "Alivio" was the name of a hot new European bikecomponent company. He said it was his own bike that he’s beenriding for only "a week." And the serial number got scratched offwhen he went over a huge rock. He wanted $300. I guess I shouldhave been a bit suspicious when my bank called me the next dayto verify whether I had really written the check out to this guy –as he and an accomplice were holding up the place with an AK-40-something-or-rather.

Well, I didn’t care. I was young and just starting out in life. Andfor that time being, she was my dream ride. She was a blueCannondale hardtail with a Headshok fork. Now, a wedding, ababy, a move to another state, a fully, and a custom steel framelater, she had been forsaken in the deep Graco / Fisher Price abyssthat is my basement.

Like a spurned old flame she sneered, "saaay, that’s a sexy frameyou got for your little missus…" She was referring to theIndependent Fabrication hardtail I got my wife as a present aftershe gave birth to our son (note: guys, don’t do that – she wants atleast jewels for pushing that little brat, with a pumpkin for a head,through her uterus).

"Remember this cute little scar you gave me on my top tube?" Shewas, of course, referring to the ugly indentation on the right side,smack in the middle. "You did that soon after you got thosecheapo clipless from the stupid catalog, and you were trying toshow off in front of those college girlies in tank tops working offtheir freshman fifteen. You tried to look so cool by taking a longdrink from your bottle with no hands cruising down the fire road.A real nice superman biff into dirt! They were so nice to twist youout of those damn death traps."

"How about the time you and your dumb buddies decided to gonight riding on a trail that you heard about from a mental patient,but never ridden before? Never believe the words from anyone inleather restraints sedated by phenothiazines, I told you. Therewere no trails, but you took me through some thorny bushes, upsteep hills any way. At one point, you lost your light and slippedoff a ledge. You hugged a tree growing off the ledge for your dearlife while I was left dangling off of your shoe, still clicked in by oneof your (new) pedals. Remember that? You had to choose betweenyour spinal cord and me. So you let me fall 40 feet into thoserocks. I was there when you tearfully begged your wife for a newwheelset to replace those tacos you brought home that night. Sheshould have dropped you then."

"Sweetheart, put those fancy schmancy boutique bikes of yoursaway and hop on me. I’ll make you fall in love with my unpre-dictably sluggish handling and phantom shifting again. Rememberhow you used the spare bedroom in the cramped apartment asyour bike shop? Remember the time you got grease on your wife’sfavorite kasmir cardigan sweater? Does she still believe it wasstolen by those crackheads who sort of lived upstairs from you? Iguess you haven’t gotten that deposit money back from the Nazilandlady, huh? She never did approve of you riding me on thetrainer indoor, directly above that nice Vietnam veteran gentleman

with a ‘nervous condition,’and needing dialysis. Youshould have at leasttaken the knobbyVelociraptor off my rearwheel…"

I just tried my best to lether talk her self out. Thenshe got crazy. She startedto sing and wail: "set me freewhy doncha babe…you just keepme hanging on…" She demanded that Igive her away to some crazy ultra-left wing charities like "Bikes forWorld Peace," or "Bikes for Starving and Diseased Poor HeightChallenged Children Born Out of Wedlock (BFSADPHCCBOOW)."No way. Who do I look like, the Pope? Do you see me wearing avery very very tall hat? Then she really went overboard by sayingshe wanted to be donated to the local police force. After recover-ing a violent laugh-seizure, I gently reminded the bike that thissleepy "ruburban" Massachusetts town’s "force" consists of aporcine, feathered-cowboy-hat-and-boots-wearing boor for achief, and his equally sedentary gun club cronies who huff-and-puff shimmy in and out of their Chevy cruisers. "Pacific Blue" theyain’t. More like Poo Poo Platter Blue. "Your CAAD aluminum could-n’t withstand their FAAT rumps," I told her.

"Go ahead and belittle me, you big man. Denigrate me if youwant," she finally broke down. "But you’ll never get me out of yourmind! I’m your first true love. I won’t let you throw me away likev-brake pads! There were days you couldn’t wait to come home tome. All those nights your wife was on-call at the hospital, I wasyour concubine! I was the only thing that kept you sane duringyour miserable residency training. You were nothing without me!Who do you think you used to learn all the tricks from? Look at allthe scars you’ve left on me! Now you’re wounding my heart…"

Before I fully realized what I was doing, I found myself caressingthe poor beater bicycle. I gently stroked her disfigured seat stay,ignoring the cobwebs that were now all over me. I shared my tearswith hers, reminiscing the days of endless carefree miles in thepark with her. It was such a thrill to be doing everything for thefirst time, like the time I first went down a tricky set of steep stepswithout dabbing. Or, the time I finally landed from a four-footdrop off evenly without an endo (actually, I never did get that oneright - just some wistful fantasizing here). Yes old girl, we sure didhave some great days together, but we all eventually grow andmove on. I’ve moved on. And my gut’s grown. Your stiff aluminumframe was a torture on my lower back!

As I got ready to let her go, back to the abyss, I caught a sight ofmy wife standing by the door from the corner of my eyes. Shelooked shocked, like she had been standing there for a long time,watching her lesser half mumbling to himself and hugging his oldbike. Quick! I needed a diversion…

It was time to come clean with the long truth about her kasmirsweater and the crackheads.

Dr. Chainsnap, aka Shorta Yuasa, spends his days and nightswatching Jerry Springer, riding his steel babe, and treating hisWachusett buddies in the local ER.

Don

na D

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hue

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N E M B A M E M B A I N T E R V I E W

SingleTracks had thechance to catch up withMark Jenks, NEMBA andIMBA club founder ofNorthern NH, former pro-moter of races and ridesin WesternMassachusetts, one ofthe founders of EFTA,former bike shop ownerand two wheel junky. Weliterally had to catch up,as following him downthe ski slopes on thosefunky telemark skis is noeasy feat. And yes, heskis in the trees, whereelse? We wanted to dig

in and get the dirt on this guy who is both revered and reviled forthe singletrack he builds. Tight, twisty, turny; they feel like theywere designed by a rabid squirrel on a caffeine jag.

ST – Is it true that your first time off road on twowheels was on a modified scooter?

MJ –My first time on the trail was on friend’smini bike that I crashed. That was around 7thgrade. I owned the scooter, souped it up andcrashed it too.

ST – So, when did you build your first trail?

MJ – Well, we built this great steep sled trail that wentthrough the trees and ended in a swamp. However, after akid wrapped himself around a tree and got hurt, the copscame and closed it. That was around 4th grade.

ST – Then it was motorcycle and then bike trails. Whatwas the favorite race course you built?

MJ – That would be the Knox 2-day at Sunnyside farm inSouthwick. We had 500 hilly acres to play with and nolandowners permissions to deal with. It was a fun sickcourse with what seemed like a 1000 corners. Peoplecomplained about all the turns, you could never getup to speed on that course.

ST – So, what is your philosophy on trail building?

MJ – Avoid straight lines! First, spend time looking at the contourof the land, stay high when possible to avoid wet spots and ero-sion. Second, go over the big rocks, go around the big trees. Third,keep the lines tight enough that someone could hit their shoulderson the trees. We’re not building superhighways here. A good trailshould look like it started as a game trail. However, do not use wellused animal areas. Avoid the obvious like the fringes of woodswith lots of berries – bear/bike encounters don’t need to happen.Your trail should blend in with the surroundings. Put the trailheadsout of the way.

ST – What are your favorite trail making/maintenance tools?

MJ – Large groups of eager people. Realistically, a folding saw andhand pruner. You can keep them in your camel back, fanny pack,jersey pocket, whatever is on you or your body. The Macloud isgreat tool but a good rake will also work when you are packing forheavy work. If you are going to do chainsaw work, make sure that

you are doing it legally and safely. Look into chainsaw coursesgiven by the Forest Service.

ST – How about some trail clearing tips?

MJ – Get friends to help by hosting cool rides that involve trailwork. Seriously, when pruning back in the spring always pruneback further than you think because it will grow back in by sum-mer. When cutting branches, cut flush with the trunk. The treeheals best that way and you don’t create pungee sticks for riders toimpale themselves on. One thing that people don’t think of; whentossing pruned branches off the trail make sure they are green sideup. That way it doesn’t look like there has been a lot of pruning.And try not to cut down trees, especially trees in their prime.Always try to go around them, ‘cuz you know corners rule!

ST – What should be avoided while pruning?

MJ – Your fingers. And, don’t cut down small conifers –just prune the side facing the trail.

ST – How do you come up with the weird trailnames?

MJ – Well, trail names are like nicknames, theysort of happen. They inspire their names. Such

as the rib trail, the swedish girl scout camptrail, the voodoo forest trail, willeys suckstrail, the fried egg trail, etc. You don’t want

the stories behind the names, it would take toolong.

ST – How do you create and maintain relationshipswith other trail user groups?

MJ – Promote multi-use, multi-group trail days.Offer to help with their events if they will helpwith yours. No group ever has enough volun-teers so pool your resources. Recreational trailadvisory boards are great ways to work togetherfor access and grant monies. You can’t work outyour differences unless you actually talk face toface. If relations are really bad, IMBA might beable to help.

ST – What is in the future for you now?

MJ – We’re working with a new off roadguided mountain bike touring company out

of Boston, there are some trail access issues here in the WhiteMountains that need to be worked on, and we hope to start on anew trail project with the Forest Service.

The Inimitable Mark Jenks by Cathy Steers, White Mountains

Mark and Cathy tied the know on at a black tietandem wedding.

Jenks at the ‘93 World Championships in France.

T R A I L I S S U E S

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Tuscon AZ. Despite all the cold, rain,dark, ice, snow, mud and seasonal clo-sures common around here in the winter, Imanaged to find some great riding back inlate November. Yes, in the hills aroundTucson, Arizona. I’d love to launch rightinto the tales of epic rides, but I was thereon business, attending the 1998 NationalTrails Symposium, presented by AmericanTrails, a national trails-advocacy organiza-tion which represents the full spectrum oftrail users, professionals, and volunteers.

The every-two-years Trails Symposiumwas booked solid, with over 600 trail peo-ple of every stripe. Dusty, western-wear-ing horse packers from Nevada were at thesame table with bureaucrats from DC andguys with shaved legs and $150 shadesthat never leave their heads. Needless tosay, the theme of the conference was"Multi-Use." Well actually, the officialtheme was "Trails and the AmericanSpirit," but there was definitely an overrid-ing sense of, "Here we are, this diversegroup, let’s try to accommodate everyone,and work together toward common goals."

In this environment, it felt good to be amountain biker. IMBA was there in force,as they had a board meeting scheduledSaturday in the Boojum Room. IMBA

Board member and Pima County (AZ)Parks guy Steve Anderson was actuallyco-chair of the Symposium. Time andagain, programs developed by mountainbike clubs were touted: Volunteer patrolsand creative maintenance programs (likeNEMBA’s) on heavily used "urban fringe"areas, truly multi-use trail organizationslike Durango’s Trails 2000 and Trails4All inOrange County, California, or GarySprung’s proposal for an alternative, tieredapproach to federal Wilderness designa-tion.

The star of the whole show had to be theIMBA/Subaru Trail Care Crew program.Anyone who heard the story behind theOutback filled with hand tools and bikes(parked in the expo area of course), justthought it was SO cool! The TCC2, RicBalfour and Holly Hill, did a great work-shop on organizing a volunteer workday,and were constantly offering advice ontricky trail maintenance problems oranswering questions about their travels allover North America. I asked them toleave out the part where their bikes werestolen off the roof of the Subaru whilethey were visiting us in Boston.

So this was a good conference. It surebeat the one two years ago in March at

the dreary HolidayInn, Bethesda. Butsitting inside mostof the day, catchingglimpses of the sur-rounding moun-tains through thedaily 75 degreesunshine, manyconferees started toget a little anxious.Especially themountain bikers.Don’t tell my boss,but one night weblew off a banquetspeech to followlocal Mark Flint ona wicked sunset-night ride on the 50Year Trail, justnorth of the city inthe foothills of theSanta CatalinaMountains. This isa smooth, rollercoaster singletrackweb, like Otis, but

with cactus instead of trees. The nextafternoon, I think it said "optional" on theprogram, so we followed Mark south oftown to an area being considered foracquisition as a county "mountain park."Not much of a trail system here yet, butthe two-hour climb up to an abandonedmine shaft gave us views into Mexico, thedesert turning shades of red and purple asthe sun went down. The 30 minutedescent featured lots of loose sand, rocks,switchbacks, and the big ring.

The 1998 National Trails Symposium wasover, and everyone had gone home, but Istill had my bike, a rental car, a hotelroom, and two days to kill before catchingmy flight back to the land of rain/snowshowers, highs in the low 40s. I armedmyself with the Arizona OffroadAdventures map, which, in full color,shows hundreds of trails in the mountainsaround Tucson, all rated for difficulty, andgrouped into 40 or so well-describedloops. This map costs $12 and is actuallyworth it.

Then it was time for an assault on Mt.Lemmon, at 9157’, the highest point inthe Santa Catalinas. Starting in the desertjust outside Oracle AZ, I soon foundmyself climbing. About 3000 vertical feetof rugged jeep roads later, I saw snow andski lifts up above, and came to the realiza-tion that I did not want to climb anymore. That was OK because here was anintersection with the Arizona Trail, whichruns continuously from Mexico to Utah.The section from here to my car was 14miles of singletrack downhill, following along shoulder of the mountain from densepine woods down to forest of saguaro cac-tus.

Next day, it was south to the Santa RitaMountains outside the town of Sonoita.The Volvo-Cannondale team does theirwinter training here, and you can’t blamethem. The high-desert landscape looksmore like northern California than Arizona- rolling grasslands and scattered oaktrees. With less brute vertical than theday before, I still managed 40+ epic milesthrough this old mining district in theshadow of 9453’ Mt. Wrightson.Including, of course, an obligatory 9 milesingletrack downhill on the Arizona Trailto finish the day and the trip.

The 1998 National Trails Symposium by Peter Brandenburg,MA DEM Trails Coordinator

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Riding Upside down in NZby Shelly Saunders, Greater Boston

S I D E T R A C K S

When an opportunity came up totravel to New Zealand for mywork, I jumped at it. I arrived

early in the morning on January 9 afterabout 20 hours of flying and spent the firstday in Auckland in a summer inducedtrance like state walking around marvelingat flowers in January and wild looking treesthat I had never seen before, but remindedme of giant versions of house plants.

Experiencing summer in January is wonder-ful.

The next day, I took a 4 hour bus ride (Idecided not to try driving on the left withjet lag) to the Central Plateau region southof Auckland - a volcanically active areawith signs of the molten core everywhere:boiling mud, steaming ground, geysers,volcanos and of course hot springs!

I spent the first two days in Taupo, nearMt. Ruapehu which erupted in 1995.Taupo is a smaller town, so I was only ableto rent a non suspension bike - I've neverbeen so thankful for toe clips in my entirelife. I headed up to an area called Craters of

the Moon where 100-200 degree C thermalsteam comes out of the ground.

Mountain biking here is a Surround Soundexperience. Overhead in the pine treecanopy are cicadas which create a veryloud shrill noise, deafening at times. Thecrickets in the undergrowth make a crunch-ing noise, unlike the ones at home. Thenthere are random bird calls, all of which

combined is likeone of thosesoundtracksthey play inBioDomes andother artificialjungles. Theworst thing towatch out forare the blackber-ry brambles -unlike Australia,there is nothingto "get" youhere.

Having not rid-den for a fewmonths, I stuckto the "easy"trails - tight-cor-

nered hard packed single track with only afew roots and no rocks. The challenge hereis to see how fast you can ride withouthitting the 8 foot tall tree ferns.

I spent the remaining 5 days of my vaca-tion in Rotorua which is famous for itsmineral springs. The whole town reeks ofsulphur, but it has some of the NorthIsland's best mountain biking. I managedto rent a nice Diamondback hardtail withSPDs so I was a happy camper.

I also connected with a local mountainbike patrol which is just starting up, and itlooks like they have copied our charter and

localized it, with a focus on education andsafety. Their forest is calledWhakarewarewa (Whaka for short) andhas wonderful "purpose built" mtb trails(more tight, bermed single track). The parkalso has 80 year old California redwoods,but they're not the "baby" Sequoias you'dexpect - trees grow three times as fasthere, so they're already magnificent!

Whaka is quite a large park and to addressuser conflict, the walkers have a separatesection of the park from the bikers. Thereare also shared and dedicated trails for bik-ers, walkers, and equestrians. Sounds like amodel we could use - especially in theFells!

I rode three days out of four in Whaka,resting on the third day because it waspouring rain and I was a little sore fromauguring in the day before. An hours' soakin the "poly(nesian) pools" got me "sorted"and I was back on the bike the next day.On my last ride in Whaka, I met up withsome riders from the Auckland area whotook me out to ride the following weekendafter returning to Auckland for work.

The terrain of this last ride was quite dif-ferent from the other rides - it was newlycut single track through fragrant tea treeson slippery off-camber clay. It came out ofthe jungle and through a cow pasture com-plete with cows, bulls, and big cow pat-ties. I also had trouble with the yaks, butthat was mainly between me and mystomach (I was having one of "those" rides)After the ride, I found out that this trackwill form the course for this year's nationalchampionships (now they tell me).

So if you have the chance to visit NewZealand for business or pleasure, make sureyou hit the trails for some unforgettableriding!

Shelly at Craters of the Moon

28

O F F T H E T R A I L

Wachusett Quinn’s Irish Red is the alefor the Saint paddies season rich robustmalty Ale with a bite of fresh hops,slight smokiness and nice balance to it.A nice choice for the chilly wintermonths. This ale is

Rich and heavy but it goes down reallysmoothly. I really can’t say that I havehad Irish ale or even red ale that canmatch this one. The boys from thebrewery have done a superb job onceagain. Quinn’s is seasonal ale so don’twait too long cause I don’t think it willlast. So get out your Shallalie go downto your local pub and a Quinn’s it is. I’llguarantee after a few of these will beyukin it up and versin some Irish tunes.Available on draft, growler and bottle. --Rich Donoghue, Beermeister

TITANICby Joe Sloane

Rusty crusty bicyclesSchwinns and Columbiasresting in the silence and shelterof her Florida carport

Their once sparkling electric bluesand lemon yellowssun bleached and sandblastedinto muted and diffuse chiffons andazures

Prehistoric derailleurs that haven'tshiftedsince the Vietnam War ragedand Elvis shook hands with Nixon

The two have become onebolt and nut, tire and rimcable and housing, stem and barman and machine

air and oil squeezed outfrozen into positionlike gaping corpses in a metallicPompeii

New Vaccine forLyme DiseaseLymerix is the first vaccine to be approved bythe U.S. Food and Drug Administration to aid inthe prevention of Lyme disease. It is for use inpeople 15 to 70 years of age who live or work ingrassy or wooded areas where the ticks infectedwith Lyme disease are present. It has not beentested during pregnancy nor for people withchronic joint or neurological illnes related to thedisease. The most common side effects of thevaccine are local injection site reactions, includ-ing redness, soreness, and swelling. Flu-likesymtoms and muscle and joint pain may alsooccur. The vaccine is not 100% effective.

In order to achieve the maximum prevention,three shots of Lymerix are given over the periodof a year, at 0, 1, and 12 months. The timing ofvaccination may be important since for the vac-cine trial, the shots were given between Januaryand April, and the duration of protectionagainst Lyme disease is not known. The set ofthree shots can cost anywhere from $175 to$400, so shop around, and check with yourinsurance company for coverage. Prescriptionfrom a doctor is necessary in order to obtain thevaccine. Though Lymerix may aid in the pre-vention of Lyme disease, vaccinated people wholive or work in, or travel to areas where Lymedisease is prevalent should continue to take pre-cautions, especially checking for and removingthe ticks.

29

Farewell burn. I wasn't confident that I could keep my feetwarm at -40 even if they were dry much less if they got wet. Ishould have been prepared for these temps but I simply wasnot—a failure in race preparation on my part. I decided to waituntil dawn, I could cross the water and at least be able to seeit, and I would ride through the Burn at the warmest time ofthe day. I pulled out my sleeping bag and crashed.

Pat and Greg saw the opportunity and left at 1:30 am. As soonas I left the next morning I knew one of them was having ahard time. Footprints on a very rideable section of trail indicat-ed that someone couldn't keep their feet warm. Then furtherdown the trail, the remnants of a campfire. After 4 hours ofriding I caught up to Blackwell, who had left 7 hours beforeme. He was laying on the trail in his bivy sack. He stoppedbecause he was unable to stay warm. I grilled him to makesure that he was healthy, and then continued. 2 hours later Imet up with Pat who was coming back toward me havingtaken a wrong turn on the trail and got lost. Actually we wereboth lost at the moment. But after consulting my maps(hewasn’t carrying any) we turned around and got on the righttrail just as Blackwell caught up to us. Norwil lost a couple ofhours wandering and was obviously disappointed when every-one caught up to him. We all left the Farewell lake region tiedfor first. I pulled away and continued riding hard all the way tothe next checkpoint of Nikolai—an Athabaskan Indian village. Ipulled into town under a sky turned into a green lava lamp bythe Northern Lights and minus 25 temps. I was almost 3 hoursahead of Norwil, now in second.

Now comes the coldest part of the trail—Nikolai to McGrath. Icruised for the first 4 hours, after having left just before mid-night. But then life itself started to become a challenge. If Irode slowly I got chilled and pushed toward the edge ofhypothermia, if I rode hard I would build up sweat whichwould turn to ice on the inside of my jacket—which wouldthen lead to chills. When my feet would start to freeze, Iwould run—actually just my right foot. My left foot was happyand warm the entire race, but my right foot has been frostbit-ten so many times over the years that it is now always on theedge of freezing. After a while, my tights were frozen to mywindpants and my legs were very cold. The only thought goingthrough my head was to survive until dawn. This was nolonger a bike race—it was a survival test. I decided to stop andbuild a fire to dry out some of my clothes. The hot flames weredream come true, a much needed break from the cold—there is

something so nurturing about fire. But as soon as it went out,I was returned to -35 degree reality. I made it until almostdawn when I started freezing up, and again I had to stop tobuild a fire and dry out my clothes. When I put out the fire,the sun was just coming up and I was motivated to hammer tothe finish line. I jumped on my bike only to discover that I hada rear flat tire. My spirits went right down my throat like apacket of GU. The valve stem on the tube was encrusted withice from the previous days overflow crossing. I got out myknife and started chipping it away. But the threaded lockringwas still frozen. I had used up all of my alcohol stove fuelstarting my fires but I opened the bottle hoping for a fewremaining drops. Knowing that my entire 5 day race camedown to getting those 3 drops precisely on the valve threadsmade my hand shake. I took a deep breath. Success. I got thetube out and replaced it. Who says there is no adrenaline inUltra races? But then because of the -35 (or who knows, thetemp could have been anything—my thermometer only goesdown to -30), the o-ring on my pump wouldn't seal and Icouldn't get any air in it. So I put the pump under my shirt androde the flat for a while. After warming, I put it on but itcooled so quickly that after 5 pumps, the seal broke and the aircame back out. I spent an hour enduring this and finally got afew pounds of air in it, to ride the rest of the way to McGrath.All the while looking over my shoulder for Norwil, because Iknew this delay meant he could be right behind me. I arrived inMcGrath at noon in first place and Norwil followed just anhour later. That a 5 day race came down to a margin of just anhour is comparable to winning or losing by the width of a tirein a photo finish of a short race. Greg Blackwell, RockyReifenstuhl and Mike Madden finished tied for third 4 hoursbehind Norwil. Only 6 of the 29 starters made it to the finishline in the original time limit of 7 days. However, this yearsevent was lengthened to a 10 day limit to encouragerunners/walkers to try it. As of Tuesday, 3/9 13 people had fin-ished.

Stamstad's Equipment:Airborne Lucky Strike Ti Frame, NiteRider Digital 6 Lighting,Lake Shoes, GU energy gel, White Brothers Pro Forx, NorthFace Clothing, North Face Inferno Sleeping bag, Hydra Carecleaning products, Shimano Drivetrain, Time Pedals, AirborneSaddle, Airborne Stem, Easton Bars

Ididasport Extreme...continued from page 14

30

Berkshire NEMBAMary Tunnicliffe, President, 413-298-0073 Herm Olgunick, Vice President, 413-442-7303Rex Channell, Treasurer, RexDDog@aol.com Jan Marcotte, Secretary, bjmarco@banet.net

Ahh, the beautiful Berkshires — singletrack galore, open trails,miles of climbing, night ride adventures, no need for patrols,enough riding buddies to make a team in any sport, and little com-munication among NEMBA membas?? Yes, it's true.

The group of riders who saw the value in aligning the mountainbikers in the Berkshires with the organized advocacy groupNEMBA have gotten a little lazy. No, we still keep active in ourlarge backyard which extends from Williamstown to Sheffield andbeyond. I’m talking about keeping in touch with each other. Ourbeloved trails get attention when they need it, but only whenindividuals decide to take it upon themselves. I have heardthrough the grapevine that "the Airplane Trail needs blowdownscleared, and there’s nobody but me to do it." That’s not true!! Weare here!!

This article is an invitation to all Berkshire members to call me, oranyone of our officers, (Herm Ogulnick, Rex Channell, and JanMarcotte) with requests to get a trail maintenance group together.This spring, let’s get it together and schedule some work parties,with a ride to follow of course, and clean up our favorite places toride. Don’t feel that the whole day has to be taken up, choose aneedy area/trail that has been neglected and in need of someattention.

If you would like to build new trails, and have permission of thelandowner, that can be done, too. And it would expose thebuilders to new territory and make it better. Keep your eyes open

for the Trail Builder clinics that NEMBA is holding in the spring.What better way to build a trail than with the knowledge that willhelp keep the trail useful for a long time, make it easier to main-tain, and have the least impact on the environment?!

This message also applies for organizing a group ride (and riding iswhat we all like to do most). Or if you want to join a regularlyscheduled ride. There are several rides that happen every week,give or take, and if there are enough people, they can be split up toform two groups. I’ll let you know right now, one of those regularrides happens Saturdays at 9am; my "Women Who Wahoo" Ride.Any woman is invited, and if men show up, they can join us, atour pace, or they may go off on their own. We meet at theArcadian Shop (Lenox) parking lot and go off into Kennedy Park orLenox Mountain, and we always have a great time.

Please let everyone know of other rides, in Williamstown orAdams, in Great Barrington or Alford... It's always great to findnew places to ride. And it's also a really good way to get peopleinterested in keeping those trails in good shape for a long time tocome.

See all those rides listed in the back of this issue? Ever wonderwhy there are no Berkshire/Western MA rides? WE'VE got to listthem!! Rides will be posted in SingleTracks, so send in your sched-ule. --Mery Tunnicliffe

Beartown State Forest Trail Clean-Up DayOn Sunday, May 2nd, there will be a trail maintenance day. Please

meet at the CCC parking area, on the Lee side, at 9am with yourrakes, shovels, and healthy self. Bring a riding friend to introduce toBeartown. If it’s a good day to ride, we’ll go out after the tough stuffis done. All interested people, please call me at 298-0073 to confirm.Bring snacks and water for between work and play! Let’s build ourvolunteer hours for the record with NEMBA! Thank you.

If the weather is really miserable, we will reschedule for the followingSunday. Please call if you have questions. Thanks again! --MaryTunnicliffe

Women MTB Rides!With spring here or just around the corner depending on whereyou live, we in the Berkshires are looking forward to another yearof Womens Learn to Mountain Bike Rides. This is how they work:Get a bunch of women together, any ability, go to your favorite rid-ing area, take along a couple of big burly guys who can be spottersand go from one section of your area to another practicing differentkey skills. I always start with going as slowly as you can in a bigcircle and then making smaller and smaller circles. It's amazinghow difficult this is for most people! Then we do lots of work onlifting the front wheel, techniques for conquering steep hills, logs,rocky sections, switchbacks etc. By riding from one spot to anotherwe keep it interesting and can stop anywhere something lookshard or scary. We try things as many times as anyone in the groupwants to, no hurry unless the bugs are driving us crazy! Spotterscan help a lot because many of the women will try a section thatthey wouldn't ordinarily try knowing someone can catch them.Most of the time the spotters don't even help, its just psychologi-cal help! Many women come to my Monday night rides eventhough they are sport or expert riders, they say "Oh I'm always justtrying to keep up with my boyfriend/hubbie/other male riders andjust jump off and run thru hard sections". This is a good chance forthem to practice technique . It must be successful cause I have alot of male riders wishing they could come! Maybe we will start acoed learn to Mtb ride night!! --Ruth Wheeler ,Mean Wheels BikeShop, Lenox, Ma

Berkshire Chapter Checks In!

31

Blackstone Valley NEMBAPresident: Jeff Gallo galloj@yahoo.com 508-877-2028 VPs: Andy Thompson and Gary WhittemoreSecretary: Anne Shepard Treasurer: Mitch Steinberg

Come to our Chapter MeetingThe general chapter meeting of all Blackstone Valley members willbe on 6/19 (raindate 6/20) at Callahan S.P. The rides will start at10:00am with a meeting, pizza and raffles to follow. Thanks toLandry's Framingham and Westboro for their support. Please markyour calenders.

Building BridgesBlackstone Valley received a NEMBA trail grant for a much neededbridge in Callahan S.P. The project is planned for the 4/18th workday. We are also planning to put in a new section of trail so thereis plenty for everyone to do. We will be meeting at 10:00am at theMilwood St. parking lot. Questions please call Jeff 508-877-2028.

Upton S.P. Trail Work DayThe Baystate Trail Riders and Blackstone Valley NEMBA will be co-sponsoring a trailwork day at Upton state forest. The DEM will be pro-viding tools however you may bring your own bowsaws, rakes, shovels. BSTRA will be providing lunch. Blackstone Valley NEMBA will pro-vide trail nutrients and water with the support of Cliff Bars and Aqua Cool. Please meet at the forest headquarters, Westboro Rd., Upton.A ride will follow so bring your bike. Questions please call Becky Kalagher 508-476-3960 or Peter Taylor 978-365-6242 Directions: fromwestboro center rotary (rt30 and 135) take 135 south approx. 1 mile. bear right on to Upton-Westboro Rd. After approx. 1 mile, you willcross over the masspike and the headquarters are 1 mile down on the left. --Peter Taylor

Cape Cod and Islands NEMBACharlie Genatossio, President, (508) 477-4936 Mitch McCulloch, Vice President, (508) 564-4807Margaret Moore, Treasurer Debbie McCulloch, Secretary, (508) 888-3861

We've got the sun, the surf, and some of the most sexy sand onthe planet. Cape Cod living in the summertime. What more couldyou ask for?... Why, kick ass mountain bike trails, of course!!!...And you know what? We got 'em folks. And we want to share.

On Sunday, June 27th, the Cape Cod Chapter of the New EnglandMountain Bike Association, invites you to come play, for a day, onsome of the most fun, fast, winding, roller coaster, singletrack onthe planet, located right here on lil' Cape Cod, at NEMBAFEST1999.

The Chapter has been busy pulling together an event to remember.We've planned routes for all levels of riders, including a few guidedrides for the directionally impaired. And who could forget theMudpuppies? Bring the midgets too! We guarantee they'll have agreat time! We are currently grooming the trails to your pleasing.

This year, the event will be held on the impressive grounds of theYMCA's Camp Lyndon, located in the historic town of Sandwich,Mass. With easy access to the legendary, Trail of Tears. The campover looks the peaceful waters of Lawrence Pond, where after a

day full of trail riding you will be able to jump in and refresh. Youmay even decide to demo a kayak. By the way...BATHING SUITSARE REQUIRED!!!

At base camp, the pond won't be the only place swimming inactivity. The Bike Expo will be kickin' with excitement. We got thetunes being piped in by the wild guys of WZLX. We've got insanetrials demonstrations. We've got a mini food court. Or bring yourown food, there are barbecues available. We've got a bike raffleand SWAG!!! And much, much, more! I'm tellin' ya'folks...This isgonna be big! You don't want to miss this!

In fact, plan your summer vacation around our festival. Thinkabout camping at perhaps, Bourne Scenic Park(508)759-7873,Shawme-Crowell State Park(508)888-0351, or, Nickerson StateForest, (508)896-4615. Bring the camper and head out to SandyNeck, first come, first serve, or Scusset Beach, inSagamore,(508)888-0859...Or just call some friends or family,who still like you, and arrange a visit. These days, everybodyknows somebody on Cape Cod. Do whatever it takes! Just bethere! You won't be sorry. --Debbie McCulloch

NEMBAFest on the Cape! Whoo Hooooo!

Advertise inSingleTracks

Reach thousands of mountain bikersthroughout New England!

Call 800-57-NEMBA for rates.

50 Terminal StreetCharlestown MA 02129

617-241-5050

North Shore NEMBAPresident: Dan Streeter, 978/462-4605 dwstr@shore.netVice President: Joe Dizazzo Treasurer : Ron Corporan

32

Merrimack Valley NEMBAPresident: Mark Bialas Vice President: Norman Blanchette Phone: 978-453-9212Treasurer: Hugh Folsom

The deep snow pack that was deposited on the South Shore sentmountain bikers looking north to get in their ATB fix. With only afew inches of snow on the ground, the Dracut State Forest waslooking pretty good. Bill Boles headed up on a Saturday morningwith a few friends in tow. The traction overall was very good withjust a few slick spots. A great ride on a mild winter day.

We just got word that the NEMBA grant we applied for has beenapproved. This is an historic first for our young chapter and ourlocal forest. The grant will be used for the repair / replacement of a32 foot boardwalk in the Dracut State Forest. (see photo) If every-thing proceeds as planned, we may be tearing down the old struc-ture as early as April. The supervisor of the park, Richard Scott,has stated that he will make available to us a truck from the DEMto carry out the old material.

It's too early to tell right now if the new structure will get built inApril or June because of the weather and other considerations.Hopefully we won't have to deal with a huge snow pack or ankledeep mud. And speaking of mud, the spring ride schedule willhave to take into account the conditions of the trails on a week toweek evaluation. So again, its important to call first if your think-ing of participating in an organize ride. Some of these rides couldend up on the road if conditions warrant it. (See the ride schedule

for Merrimack Valley NEMBA in the back of this issue ofSingletracks.)

If the condition of the spring trails sends us out of the forest, wemay have an urban ride to fall back on. This could take in the his-toric sights of the Lowell Heritage State Park, Jack Kerouac Park,The river walk trails, etc. etc. We may also like to plan somethingaround the Lowell Folk Festival that will happen later this summer.

Trail Maintenance dates to remember: - April 17, June 13, Sept 18,Oct 17.

We have received several phone calls from local NEMBA residentswho have volunteered to make themselves available for thecleanup / construction. To those who called or e-mailed, thanksagain. We still would like to hear from other members in the areawho may have the tools or experience that will help get the pro-ject done. Any input from members who have been there anddone that would be welcomed. We'll be putting together a springnewsletter for Merrimack Valley members to keep you up to datewith any last minutes events or schedule changes.

Contact Norman Blanchette (978 453-9212), Mark Bialas (978452-1590), Hugh Folsom (978 244-0633) for further information.

Merrimack Valley to focus on the Dracut State Forest

With a snow storm in the forecast and given the infrequent natureof such gatherings in the past, the eight members attending ourannual meeting was a fair turnout. Many thanks go to PeterCarlson, superintendent of Bradley Palmer State Park, for providingthe meeting space. New officers were selected and a number ofpossible chapter activities were discussed. Many members provid-ed their comments by returning a survey which we sent out(thanks!). With the input available, a general plan for the chapteris becoming clearer.

There were very few access issues or trail problems reported. Thisis no surprise and is largely responsible for the low chapter activitylevel. The North Shore is very fortunate to have extensive ridingopportunities. This, coupled with good relationships with publicland managers, many private land trusts, and with area trail orga-nizations and committees, the need for large trail maintenanceevents is infrequent. Most issues can be dealt with by area repsand members who have expressed an interest in helping out attheir favorite trails. While most areas have coverage, members areencouraged to contact me if they wish to "adopt" an area.

There are several locations where work is planned or under con-sideration. Details will be provided when available in chapter mail-ings.

1. On May 16 at 9AM, a small bridge will be installed at CharlesWard Reservation (TTOR) in North Andover. Meet at main park-ing lot. This was requested by the caretaker and materials will

come from a NEMBA trail grant approved last year.2. Gordon Woods - a trail clean-up is tentatively scheduled forNational Trails Day Sat. June 5, 10AM. Other volunteer opportuni-ties are likely here in the future. Contact: Dan Tieger 978/774-23703. As a part of the NEMBA NRTA grant application, a bog bridgeon the Bay Circuit Trail in the Harold Parker SF is planned. The sta-tus of the grant is still in question, so the project is on hold. If thisfunding does not come through, it is likely that some chapterfunds will be used in this area later in the year.4. There are some spots on the Bay Circuit Trail in Georgetown-Rowley SF and in Boxford SF that need some attention and severalmembers are working on the details at this time.This season there will be a chapter ride/meeting on the firstSunday of each month at 9AM at different locations. Scheduled atthis time:

April 4, Harold Parker SF, meet at headquartersMay 2, Gordon Woods, meet at trailhead on ChebaccoRd. across from Beck Pond

A wonderful ride followed our meeting in an ever-increasing snow-fall. Willowdale SF can be confusing enough in good weather.With the snow, there were a few fearful moments about the returntrack, but in the end, mostly though good luck, civilization reap-peared out of the storm. --Dan Streeter

NS NEMBA Meeting /Ride Report 3/6/99

Pioneer Valley NEMBAPresident: John Dudek, 413-772-0496 Vice-President: Rich LaBombard, 413-527-7427Secretary: Greg Coccoluto Treasurer: Russ Benson17 Pleasant St. Greenfield Ma. 01301 Email: shaysmba@juno.com

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Rhode Island NEMBA President: Jim Grimley Vice-President: Tina Hopkins Phone: 401-322-6005 or 401-397-8127Secretary:: Mary Ann Martinez Treasurer: Sara McEntee email: vcycles@efortress.com

The Season is upon us and the trail daze continue to mount up forthe Pioneer Valley chapter. We are pleased to add several newareas to our spring agenda.

We received a $480 NEMBA trail grant to construct a sectionalbridge on the "Long Trail" in the D.A.R. State Forest in Goshen,MA. This bridge will greatly improve a very wet section of thiswidely used trail. We are planning a work weekend for May 1stand 2nd to build this bridge. Depending on the turnout, we alsoplan to clear trails that haven't been cleared in years. Call RichLaBombard at 413-527-7427

On May First we will also be having our anual trail daze on theGreenfield Parks System. This work day has had over a hundredpeople in the past with a whole lot of fun and great food from our

generouse sponsors. Interested peoples should contact JohnDudek at (413) 772-0496

Nonotuck Park in Easthampton, MA: This municipally run park ishome to a popular weekly mountain bike race series. Work tocomplete a small bridge building project in this park is planned forSaturday, May 22nd at 10:00 a.m. Call Rich LaBombard at 413-527-7427 for more info. on this work day. For those intersested,the races in this park should begin in June and have been heldThursday nights starting at 6 p.m. for the past three years. It's afun race for all abilities and is a bargain at around $6.00 per racer(great prizes too!). Call Rich LaBombard at 413-527-7427 or theEasthampton Parks and Recreation Dept. (413-529-1440) fordetails. --John Dudek

Trail Work, Trail Work

RI NEMBA is looking for volunteers to hangout at a "NEMBA table"and help spread the word about NEMBA at the 7 EFTA races thatwill be held in RI this coming season. The dates are: April 4th,April 25th, May 23rd-25th, June 27th, July18th, Aug 29th andSept12th. So if you come to the races to race, cheer for yourfriends...whatever...we could really use your help. Call or send e-mail to MaryAnn (401) 464-4167 or TaskArts@classic.msn.com

Scheduled Trail Maintance Days in Arcadia are as follows: SundayMarch 28th ( come work off that Chili!), May 8th ( join the hikers)and June 5th. Call Jim Grimley at H(401) 782-0162 or W (401)732-6390) to sign up, get info on time etc.

Fun Ride - Sunday, April 25th, from 8-11 Browning Mill Pond.There will be 8 mile and 18 mile rides. Call or e-mail Mike Morrisfor more info (401) 364-0786 or nembamike@aol.com

RI NEMBA Mountain Bike Patrol - The Rhode Island Chapter of theNew England Mt. Bike Association is actively seeking volunteersto become part of a mountain bike patrol unit for ArcadiaManagement Area, located in Exeter RI. Patrollers woll be respon-sible for education, communication and providing assistance andfirst aid. This is a serious commitment. Anyone interested is urgedto call Mike Morris. --Mary Ann Martinez

Volunteers needed for Arcadia Patrol, Education Tables, TrailMaintenance and Fun Rides

Southeast MA NEMBAPresident: Christie Lawyer Bill Boles, Treasurer Phone: 508-583-0067 Secretary: Eero KolaV.P Freetown, Dennis Lewis V.P Wompatuck, Paul Peasley V.P Foxboro, Dan Ibbitson V.P. Wrentham, Kevin DelaneyMeetings/Rides: Every third Wednesday of each month at Bridgewater Public Library, call for directions.

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As you read this Southeast Mass NEMBA will be celebrating it’sfirst birthday. In the last year we accomplished a lot, and had a lotof fun doing it. Our chapter’s members did important trail work inthe Freetown, Foxboro and Wompatuck State Forests. In addition,chapter members started a mountain bike patrol at theFreetown/Fall River State Forest. And speaking of patrols, ourchapter’s members also make up the majority of patrollers in theBlue Hills. Blue Hills Trail Watch co-sponsored, with the MDC, avery successful mountain bike day in October that had over 500participants. Other SE MASS chapter members held the best raceyet in the Wompatuck State Park. All profits of which were thendonated to the forest for trail work. Our members attendeddozens of advisory meetings with land managers and agencies. Butprobably most importantly our chapter’s members enjoyed them-selves for many tens of thousands of hours out on our region’strails.

For 1999 SEMASS NEMBA is already planning to build upon themomentum of last year by doing much more of the same kinds ofthings. We have already scheduled five trail maintenance days,

with more to come. And this year all of them will be part of theNEMBA Merlin Trail Maintenance Series. Our members will beinvolved in a number of regional, and even out of region events.We’ll be leading hundreds of rides. And I’m sure that we all planto expand upon those many thousands of hours spent out ridingthe trails. And we’ll still be going to all those environmental meet-ings. As a member of SEMASS NEMBA you are welcome to be partof as many of our chapter’s activities as you like. Or, if you prefer,to not be involved. The choice is yours. But I can promise you thatfor every hour that you put into SEMASS NEMBA or it’s activities,you’ll get back two hours of enjoyment. Guaranteed!

Our next two monthly chapter meetings will be on the thirdWednesday of each month, (4/21 & 5/19), at 7:00 pm at theBridgewater Public Library. A ride will follow each meeting. Formore info and, or directions call Christie Lawyer at 508-643-3453,days. In June we will start having our meetings outdoors, at alocal state forest to be decided upon. Again, call Christie for moreinfo.

N E M B A R I D E S E R I E SBill Boles

NEMBA rides are led by individual NEMBA members for other members and prospective members. So if you haven’t yet joined NEMBA,please do. Rides are usually for small numbers of people and vary with the location and the personal style of the host. Rides have beenknown to change location or time at the last moment. So be sure to call the ride’s leader, both to sign up, and to find out more about theride. If you commit to a ride, go, since space is limited. That way the rides will stay manageable and be enjoyable for everyone. Helmets arerequired on all NEMBA rides. Contact the ride leader if the weather looks questionable.

HEY! - Why not lead a NEMBA ride yourself? Contact Bill Boles at 508-583-0067 or nembabill@yahoo.com for more information.(d) Indicates a weekday daytime ride.(*) Indicates a Freinds of the Blue Hills Ride.

These ride categories are only general guidelines. You should ask the leader exactly what type of ride he or she is planning in terms of dis-tance, pace and technicality. Also, be realistic about your level of riding skills and don’t join a ride that is beyond your present ability orfitnes level.

Kids/Family: 2-10 miles, usually easy pace & terrain. These rides are aimed at parents with young children.Beginner: 2-7 miles, easy terrain, easy pace. These rides are aimed at riders with little or no riding experience.Novice: 4-8 miles, mellow pace, easy terrain, frequent stops.Advanced Novice: 6-10 miles, mellow pace, either mostly easy terrain, or could be technical terrain done slowly,

frequent stops.Intermediate: 12-20 miles, moderately technical, somewhat faster pace, occasional stops and bail out points.

Intermediate rides are designed for people who ride frequently, and have some skills, but whoprobably don't enter races.

Advanced Intermediate: The same as intermediate except faster and harder terrain.Advanced: 20-30 miles, high technical difficulty, fast pace, few stops or chances to bail out. These rides are intended for

advanced riders or racers who would like to go for a challenging ride at less than an all out race pace.Women’s rides: Can be any level of difficulty. Call for more information.

Cape Cod & Islands04/18 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490504/18 Cape Cod Int. & Adv. Int. Cape NEMBA 508-564-480704/25 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/02 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/09 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/16 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905

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05/16 Cape Cod Int. & Adv. Int. Cape NEMBA 508-564-480705/23 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/30 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490506/06 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490506/13 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490506/13 Cape Cod Int. & Adv. Int. Cape NEMBA 508-564-480706/20 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490506/27 Cape Cod NEMBAFest Cape NEMBA 508-564-4807

Central, Wachusett & Western Mass 04/10 Shriley/Arlington Intermediate Rich Donahue 978-425-206704/11 Baldwinville Intermediate Jim Amidon 978-939-859404/18 Littleton/ayer/groton Adv.Intermediate Tom Mahoney 978-779-837304/24 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007304/25 Baldwinville Intermediate Jim Amidon 978-939-859405/01 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007305/08 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007305/09 Barre Falls Dam Intermediate Jim Amidon 978-939-859405/15 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007305/20 Great Brook Farm, Carlisle Nov.-Int. Bill Redford 781-944-018505/22 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007305/27 Harold Parker SF Nov.-Int. Bill Redford 781-944-018505/29 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007305/30 Beartown SF Int.-Advanced Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007306/05 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007306/10 Groton Town Forest Nov.-Int. Bill Redford 781-944-018506/12 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007306/19 D.A.R. SF, Goshen Adv. Intermediate Rich LaBombard 413-527-742706/19 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007306/24 Bradley Palmer SF Nov.-Int. Bill Redford 781-944-018506/26 Lenox Women-all Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007306/27 October Mtn. SF Int.-Advanced Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007307/10 Westhampton Adv. Intermediate Rich LaBombard 413-527-742707/18 Lenox Mtn Int.-Advanced Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-007307/25 Dalton Nov.-Advanced Mary Tunnicliffe drtdinger@aol.com 413-298-0073

Connecticut & Rhode Island04/12 Brooksvale/Naugatuck Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078904/14 W. Hartford Res. Beginner Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)04/17 Big River RI Beg. - Novice WomenMaryAnn Martinez TaskArts@msn.com 401-464-416704/20 Penwood S.P.-Bloomfield Novice John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503804/21 W. Hartford Res. Intermediate Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)04/25 Browning Mill Pond RI All Mike Morris nembamike@aol.com 401-364-078604/26 West Rock Rdige S.P.-Hamden Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078904/28 W. Hartford Res. Advanced. Int. Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)05/01 Big River RI Beg. - Novice WomenMaryAnn Martinez TaskArts@msn.com 401-464-416705/03 Branford Supply Ponds Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078905/05 W. Hartford Res. Beginner Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)05/10 Brooksvale/Naugatuck Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078905/12 W. Hartford Res. Intermediate Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)05/12 Wethersfield/Meadows Novice Steve Clarke steven.clark@snet.net 860-529-997005/15 Big River RI Beg. - Novice WomenMaryAnn Martinez TaskArts@msn.com 401-464-416705/17 West Rock Rdige S.P.-Hamden Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078905/18 MDC Reservoirs W. HartfordBeginner John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503805/19 W. Hartford Res. Advanced. Int. Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)05/24 Meshomasic S.F. Intermediate Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078905/26 W. Hartford Res. Beginner Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)06/01 Branford Supply Ponds Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078906/02 W. Hartford Res. Intermediate Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)06/05 W. Hartford. Res. All Steve Clarke steven.clark@snet.net 860-529-997006/05 Big River RI Beg. - Novice WomenMaryAnn Martinez TaskArts@msn.com 401-464-416706/07 Brooksvale/Naugatuck Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078906/09 W. Hartford Res. Advanced. Int. Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)06/14 West Rock Rdige S.P.-Hamden Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078906/15 Penwood S.P.-Bloomfield Intermediate John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503806/16 W. Hartford Res. Beginner Charlie Beristain charlieb@home.com 860-521-7188(d-1:00 pm)06/19 Big River RI Beg. - Novice WomenMaryAnn Martinez TaskArts@msn.com 401-464-4167

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06/21 Meshomasic S.F. Intermediate Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078906/26 Case Mtn.-Manchester Intermediate John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503806/28 Shenipset S.F. -Somers Intermediate Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078907/06 Branford Supply Ponds Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078907/12 Meshomasic S.F. Intermediate Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078907/16 Glastonbury/Meshomasic Intermediate Steve Clarke steven.clark@snet.net 860-529-997007/19 Shenipset S.F. -Somers Intermediate Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078907/20 Tyler Mill-Wallingford Beginner John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503807/26 Brooksvale/Naugatuck Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078907/31 Penwood S.P.-Bloomfield Novice John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503808/02 Meshomasic S.F. Intermediate Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078908/09 West Rock Rdige S.P.-Hamden Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078908/11 Glastonbury/Meshomasic Intermediate Steve Clarke steven.clark@snet.net 860-529-997008/15 Meshomasic S.F. Intermediate Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078908/17 MDC Reservoirs W. Hartford Intermediate John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503808/23 Branford Supply Ponds Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078908/30 Brooksvale/Naugatuck Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078909/07 West Rock Rdige S.P.-Hamden Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078909/13 Branford Supply Ponds Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078909/14 Penwood S.P.-Bloomfield Intermediate John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503809/20 Brooksvale/Naugatuck Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078909/27 West Rock Rdige S.P.-Hamden Adv. Nov-Int. Alex Sokolow asokolow@snet.net 203-281-078910/19 Penwood S.P.-Bloomfield Novice John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503810/31 MDC Reservoirs W. HartfordBeginner John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503811/26 MDC Reservoirs W. Hartford- Turkey Burner Beg&Int John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-503812/18 Penwood S.P.-Bloomfield Intermediate John Turchi turch@snet.net 860-653-5038

Metro Boston, Merrimac & North Shore04/15 Blue Hills intermediate Hank Kells nesi2000@msn.com 617-965-489004/15 Middlesex Fells Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018504/17 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)04/22 Lynn Woods Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018504/25 Dracut SF Intermediate Norman Blanchette 978-453-921204/29 Middlesex Fells Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018505/02 Dracut SF Intermediate Mark Bialas 978-452-159005/02 Gordon Woods All Dan Streeter dwstr@shore.net 978-462-460505/02 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)05/02 Blue Hills Beginner Mike Grant 617-364-601005/06 Lynn Woods Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018505/08 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles nembabill@yahoo.com 508-583-0067(*)05/09 Groton TF Intermediate Norman Blanchette 978-453-921205/13 Bedford Rail Trail Beg.-Adv. Novice Bill Redford 781-944-018505/15 Dracut SF Intermediate Mark Bialas 978-452-15905/20 Great Brook Farm, Carlisle Nov.-Int. Bill Redford 781-944-018505/22 Weston Intermediate Hank Kells nesi2000@msn.com 617-965-489005/22 Blue Hills Beginner Mike Grant 617-364-601005/23 Townsend SFx Dracut SF Intermediate Mark Bialas 978-452-159005/27 Harold Parker SF Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018505/30 Dracut SF Intermediate Mark Bialas 978-452-159005/30 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-007906/03 Dogtown Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018506/06 Carlisle SF Intermediate Norman Blanchette 978-453-921206/06 undecided All Dan Streeter dwstr@shore.net 978-462-460506/10 Groton Town Forest Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018506/17 Maudsley SP Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018506/19 Dracut SF Intermediate Norman Blanchette 978-453-921206/20 Groton TF Intermediate Norman Blanchette 978-453-921206/24 Bradley Palmer SP Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018506/27 Dracut SF Intermediate Mark Bialas 978-452-159007/01 Bald Hill, Boxford Nov.-Int Bill Redford 781-944-018507/17 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles nembabill@yahoo.com 508-583-0067(*)07/25 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)08/07 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles nembabill@yahoo.com 508-583-0067(*)08/22 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)09/11 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)09/26 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)

South Shore & Metrowest Boston04/10 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245304/11 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446904/11 Wrentham SF Intermediate Kevin Delaney KMDMAC@aol.com 508-226-3467

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04/13 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251204/14 Bridgewater All Bill Boles NEMBAbill@yahoo.com 508-583-006704/15 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)04/15 Blue Hills intermediate Hank Kells nesi2000@msn.com 617-965-489004/17 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245304/17 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)04/18 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446904/20 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251204/21 Wrentham SF intermediate Kevin Delaney kmdmac@aol.com 508-226-346704/22 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)04/24 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245304/25 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446904/27 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251204/29 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)05/01 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245305/02 Blue Hills Beginner Mike Grant 617-364-601005/02 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/02 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)05/04 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251205/06 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)05/08 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles nembabill@yahoo.com 508-583-0067(*)05/08 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245305/09 Wrentham SF Intermediate Kevin Delaney KMDMAC@aol.com 508-226-346705/09 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/11 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251205/13 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)05/15 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245305/16 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/18 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251205/19 Bridgewater All Bill Boles NEMBAbill@yahoo.com 508-583-006705/20 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)05/22 Weston Intermediate Hank Kells nesi2000@msn.com 617-965-489005/22 Blue Hills Beginner Mike Grant 617-364-601005/22 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245305/23 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446005/25 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251205/27 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)05/30 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)05/30 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/29 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245306/01 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251206/03 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)06/05 Foxboro SF Women’s Adv. Novice & Intermediate -NEMBA/WOMBATS 508-643-245306/06 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446906/08 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251206/10 Callaghan SF Intermediate Jeff Gallo gallojp@yahoo.com 508-877-2028(d)06/12 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446906/13 Wrentham SF Intermediate Kevin Delaney KMDMAC@aol.com 508-226-346706/15 Wompatuck SF Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251206/16 Bridgewater All Bill Boles NEMBAbill@yahoo.com 508-583-006707/17 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles nembabill@yahoo.com 508-583-0067(*)07/21 Bridgewater All Bill Boles NEMBAbill@yahoo.com 508-583-006707/25 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)08/07 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles nembabill@yahoo.com 508-583-006708/18 Bridgewater All Bill Boles NEMBAbill@yahoo.com 508-583-006708/22 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)09/11 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)09/15 Bridgewater All Christie Lawyer mtbher@aol.com 508-643-245309/26 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079(*)

NEMBA Rides are for NEMBAMembas!

Call 1-800-57-NEMBA to join.

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JOIN NEMBA MEMBA HEROESNEMBA is fortunate to have a membership which cares deeply about mountain biking, the environment and our organization. These folksare NEMBA’s Heroes, and we hope that you’ll join their ranks. Your donations and membership are fully tax-deductible to the full extent ofthe law, and we urge you to contribute what you can. We thank all our members and supporters in keeping NEMBA financially strong, sothat we may better serve New England’s trails.

$1000+Bill BolesKrisztina HollyRick Smith

$500+Michael & Winnie GnazzoStuart JohnstoneAllison Salke

$250+Susan EdwardsJeffrey GalloPeat KrimminAndrew Thompson

$100+Jim AmidonSusan Oliver & Alexis ArapoffDavid BelknapStephen P. BoninTim & Hilary BugbeeAndrew & Carolyn CoffinRoxanne K. CunninghamRichard DonoghueDavid & Tammie DunnPeter DureyTim EliassenRichard FletcherSteven FuchsDaniel A. GinsburgBob GirvinMark & Pamela GunsalusDorothy HeldBob HicksJohn R. HoffmanMargaret & Jefferson JellyEric JohnsonPhilip & Nanyee KeyesRobert & Domenica LevinsonJohn LevyEric Lorentzen

Marla MarkowskiCarolyn & Scott MenzelDan MurphyChris & Diane RanneyDavid M. ReichmanThomas RiihimakiE.C. RobertsonRichard SchatzbergErik & Liz SchoepkeJoe SloaneBrian SmithMitchell SteinbergDan StreeterMichael TonryRichard WarnerCarl WeymouthFrank WojtasD. Froehlich & K. Young

$50+John AldersonMark AndersonPaul AngiolilloJohn AppersonRobert BartlettRon & Diane BeliveauJared BergeronJeff BerlinScott BerryMark BialasNorman BlanchetteScott BosleyCharles BrackettPeter BrandenburgSteven BransonScott & Laurie BriereGeorge BussmannHolly CampbellThomas CannonTed CapronBrian & Isabel CaseSteve Cobble

Daniel ConsoleRoss CromartyTom DeakinsJacqueline DecourceyMark DenningJoe DiZazzoTom DoucetteMichael & Jason DubeVictor EvdokimoffBill FanningRobert FerrellDave & Victoria GaudreauJerry GeriboDan GlassSteven R. GrahamKenneth HanChris HarrisJoseph HaywardRichard HicksAllison HurleyDavid IwatsukiJohn JenkinsWes JewettKevin JohnsonBob JordanBernard KirchnerDavid KleinschmidtEero KolaRichard LaBombardScott LewisJohn LockwoodMark T. LudersBob LudwigRonald G. MacDonaldChris McGrathR. Pfetsch and B. McKellerMyles McPartlandDeborah & Ken MentalChris & Kelly MeuserSteve MillerSusan & Christopher MitchellTom Moore

Mike MoraitesDon MorinR. Badura & Egbert MostMichael MulhernA. Goodwin & M. MulliganJon MurphyDonald MyersAnne MyersonPeter NelsonPhil O'DonnellMatt O'KeefeJoseph OrtolevaTrish PalmiereJohn A. PewsJay & Mary Beth ProsnitzCharles PulaskiCharles RatcliffeRuss RecordMarian ReynoldsStephen RoweJill RynkowskiJonathan SainsburyRobert J. SalamyMichael SalernoJonathan SalingerDaniel J. Salmon Jr.Don & Kristen SeibHarvey SerrezeAnne ShepardGary SmithKeith St. DenisJoe StadelmannDoug StotzJohn TurchiConrado VellveGlenn VernesLeonard A. WeissGary T. WhittemoreScott WilsonD. Chin & Sue Zimmermann

Volunteering with NEMBA is the key to our success.

Give back to the trails. Meet new friends. Ride newsingletrack. Have fun knowing that you are part of

the solution. A trail is a terrible thing to waste!

39

SOS: Support Our Sponsors. They Support Us!

Membership ApplicationJoining NEMBA is one of the most important things you can do to help preserve New England trails and keepmountain biking part of the New England outdoor experience. We are a non-profit 501 c 3 organization dedi-cated to maintaining trails and educating mountain bicyclists to ride sensibly and responsibly. We need yoursupport to accomplish these goals.

With your membership you will receive a membership handbook and card, a NEMBA sticker for your bike orcar, and six issues of our bi-monthly newsletter, SingleTracks. NEMBA membership will open up to you hun-dreds of different places to ride through out New England. You'll also receive the satisfaction of knowing thatyou are helping the trails on which you ride!

Name _________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________ State _______ Zip _____________________

Homephone _____________________________ Chapter _______________________________________

At Large Berkshires Blackstone Valley MA Cape Cod & Islands CT NEMBAGreater Boston Merrimack MA North Shore MA Seacoast ME/NH Pioneer Valley MASoutheast MA Rhode Island Vermont Wachusett MA White Mtns NH

New:____ Renewal: ____ Visa/MC# _________________________________________ exp__________

Individual $20 ______ Family $30 ______ Supporting $50 _____ Sponsoring $100_____

Benefactor $250_____ Trail Builder $500 ______ Master Trail Builder $1000 ______

Dealer Memberships:Basic $100 _____ Supporting $200_____ Benefactor $500_____ Lifetime $1500_____

Industry Memberships:Basic $75_____ Supporting $100 _____ Benefactor $500_____

Should we call you about volunteering? _______

Mail to: NEMBA, PO Box 2221, Acton MA 0172004/99

$1000+Belmont Wheel Works, Belmont MABikebarn, Whitman MACannondale, Georgetown CTEastern Mountain Sports, Peterborough NHIMBA, Boulder COIndependent Fabrication, Somerville MAMerlin Metalworks, Cambridge MASchwinn Cycling & Fitness, Wakefield MATed Wojcik Custom Bicycles, Hampstead NH

$500+BikeTree, Somerville MACycle Loft, Burlington MARhygin Racing Cycles, Charlestown MASpinergy, CT

$250+Bicycling, Emmaus PADirt Rag Magazine, Pittsburgh PADowneast Bicycle Specialists, Fryeburg MELowrider Promotions, Cavendish VTMountain Bike, Emmaus PA

Patagonia, Ventura CASpecialized, Sandwich MASpinergy, Wilton CTUSE, Portsmouth NH

$150-200Central Wheel Farmington CTGear Works Cyclery Leominster MAInternational Bike Center Allston MAMean Wheels Bike Shop Lenox MAMorning Dew Espresso North Conway NHPilgrim Ale Hudson MARedbones Somerville MARock Shox San Jose CATravis Cycle Brockton MAVictory Cycles Wyoming RIWachusett Brewing Co. Westminster MAWakefield Cyclery Wakefield MA

$100Benidorm Bikes & Snowboards, Canton CTBicycle Alley, Worcester MABicycle World Inc., Greenfield MA

Bike Express, Randolph MACycles Etc., Salem NHFrank's Spoke 'N Wheel, Sudbury MAKiron Group, W. Newton MAPig Iron Bicycle Works, Glastonbury CTRiverside Cycles, Newburyport MASouthington Bicycle & Repair, SouthingtonCTThe Bike Shop, Inc., Manchester CTTony's Cyclery, Dover NHTrue Wheels, Pocasset MAVillage Cycles, Buzzards Bay MAWheel Power, Exeter NHZigmont Group, Danville NH

$50American Bicyclist, Northbrook ILCranmore Mountain Lodge, N. Conway NHNortheast Bicycle Club, Burlington MAParamount Mobile Bicycle Repair, SomervilleMATeam Douglas, Northampton MA

Join NEMBA for$100 or more andthe good folks at

will thank you with acomplementary

subscription!(good thru April 2000)

New England Mountain Bike AssociationPO Box 2221Acton MA 01720

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PaidPermit #148

Plattsburgh, NY

A NEMBA MEMBER

We’re Mountain Bike Central!

Here’s an invitation to all Mountain Bikers tovisit the spectacular White Mountains. We’renestled in the National Forest, and you can

ride endless miles of awesome downhill, singletrack, and wide open trailsright from our door. When you return, relax in our outdoor heated jacuzzi,laze in our cool mountain stream, or take a refreshing dip in our 40’ pool!

•Secure indoor bike storage •Rentals & Parts Available•Hose-down area with workstand •Guided Rides•Discounts available at local bikeshops with NEMBA membership

•Non-smoking •Three diamond AAA •All Rooms with private bath and phones •10% Discount to NEMBA Members!

Also ask about our independent hostel • Rates start at $17 including breakfast

Call us! 1-800-356-3596 603-356-2044www.cml1.com Email: mtnbike@cml1.com