SingleTrackSApri l 1998a publication of the New England Mountain Bike Association

SingleTrackS

Ruseckas and offroad artpage 13

Volume 9,N

umber 2

NEMBA Racer/Advocate of the Yearpage 5

Cell phone singletrackpage 7

39 Trail Maintenance Events!page 28

So many rides, so little time!page 23

Hipdom vs. dorkdom, dudely vs. dudley: it's unfortunate that moun-tain bike racing is seen as cool while groups like NEMBA are some-

times seen as a bunch of "freds" who —since they can't ride— do a lotof trail work instead. This ain't the case!

Far from being a "fred", it was a racer named Heidi Davis who gotNEMBA rolling, albeit under somewhat shady circumstances. Heidiand a bunch of her racerhead buddies went to a particularly heatedmeeting at the Middlesex Fells where the topic, as always, waswhether to kick bikes off the trail. No one was sticking up for the bik-ers, so one of Heidi's friends cajoled her into saying that her group —The New England Mountain Bike Association— was opposed to suchan unfair ban. Of course, there was no such group, and after themeeting was over, the racers probably had a good laugh about it.

That would have been the end of it except some subversive mountainbike journalist named Capt. Dondo put it in a magazine that Davis andher cronies had formed a new group to promote mountain bike access.As you know, if it's in print it'sgot to be true, so Heidi —wholater raced for Fat CityCycles— decided to make a goof it. If it weren't for this racer,a bit of bravado and a wholelot of smoke and mirrors,NEMBA would only have hadits 15 minutes of fame.

Since those dark ages, we'vehas come a long way. BesidesIMBA, we're the largest all-advocacy mountain bike groupin the world. We have 13chapters around New Englandand more than a thousandmembers. Our goal is simple:to provide a way for mountain bikers to give back to the trails weenjoy, and to preserve and promote mountain biking on all our publiclands. This relationship between "giving back" and "preserving accessto bikes" is key: land managers are realizing that the mountain bikecommunity is a resource and a benefit for their parks, and not a bunchof freeloaders. Last season we volunteered over 7000 hours to thiscause, and channeled almost $14,000 cash to New England parks.This coming season, we hope to double this with your help.

We have some amazing projects and partnerships happening. One ofthe most exciting is with the Eastern Fat Tire Association. EFTA's newprogram, Trail Bucks ©, will award trail volunteers who come toNEMBA maintenance events with $5 coupons which can be redeemedat EFTA races or for EFTA merchandise or membership. This programshould offer a fantastic incentive to get racers involved with advocacy.

For our part, NEMBA will be awarding a stainless steel Rhygin framecourtesy of Rhygin Racing Cycles to NEMBA's Racer/Advocate of theYear Award. Guartanteed to create a synergy between racing andadvocacy, all you have to do is a lot of racing with EFTA and a lot oftrail maintenance with us. You don’t even need to place well, just par-ticipate!

I'm stoked about our partnership with EFTA because I've sort of grownup with EFTA. My first race as a rank beginner was at the old Knox 2Day, back when the infamous Mark Jenks got Tomac's agent, CharlieLitsky, to provide hilarious color commentary (basically ridiculing everyracer as they passed through the staging area!). It was a wet, greasycourse and I thought I was going to die a nasty death, but when it wasover and my legs stopped cramping, I was overcome by the enthusi-asm of all the willing victims. I was forever hooked on mountain bik-ing.

My all time favorite race is EFTA’s Second StartEnduro. In an enduro youhave no idea of where youstand, and you have nochoice but to push yourselfthrough out the course. It'sa constant "pass or bepassed" situation, and whenyou combine that with someof New England's mostengaging terrain, it's hardnot to have fun. That is,unless it's raining and freez-ing out… but that's anotherstory and a different year!

It was also at the Bear BrookEFTA race a couple of yearsthat I first decided to pre-

tend that I was fast enough to race with the experts, and I got toadmit, I felt pretty intimidated lining up with the likes of John Funk,Rich Labombard and the other sponsored dudes with less the 5% bodyfat! It was OK though because after the gun, I only saw their skinnybutts for a few seconds as they quickly disappeared into the shadowsof the singletrack! Nevertheless, I think I came in tenth or something,so I was pretty stoked.

What really sets EFTA apart is its dedication to New England riding.Most EFTA events benefit charities, and this year the Bear Brook Racewill benefit NEMBA, so you better mark it on your calenders! EFTA isworthy of your support, and I hope that the race community will sup-port NEMBA as well.

Riding mountain bikes is our passion, our religion. As Scot Nicol says,we're members of the Church of Rotating Mass. But we better watch

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On Our Cover:Matt O’Keefe snaps Jennifer Millerfloating along the NEMBA Loop in theMiddlesex Fells Reservation, MA.Got any good mountain bike shots?Send them to: SingleTracks, 700 MainSt., Acton MA 01720.

NEMBA Hotline1-800-57-NEMBA

Call anytime for info about NEMBA andNEMBA happenings. You can join orrenew by phone using your favorite peiceof plastic, as long as its Visa or MC!

Like our new look?Not bad, eh? Special thanks to MaryTunnicliffe, Krisztina Holly and ScottHancock for putting up with my moaningand groaning, and for bringing a profes-sional sense of design and know-how tomake this possible. —Philip Keyes

Calling all Racers!Philip Keyes, President

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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 bicylists,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.

SingleTracksEditor & Publisher: Philip KeyesSingleTracks Committee: Bill Boles, PaulHafford, Krisztina Holly, Scott Hancock, andMary Tunnicliffe

Letters/Submissions/Pictures:700 Main StreetActon MA 01720

Phone: 800.57.NEMBAEmail newsletter@nemba.org

Board of DirectorsPhilip Keyes, PresidentKrisztina Holly, Vice-PresidentDan Murphy, TreasurerMichael Good, SecretaryBill Boles, SE MABob Croston, Public RelationsBrian Croteau, SeacoastRichard Donoghue, WachusettJohn Dudek, Shay’s NEMBAErik Evensen, Greater BostonJeff Gallo, MetroWestPaul Hafford, SeacoastMark Jenk, White MountainsEd King, Cape Cod & IslandsKen Koellner, WebmasterChristie Lawyer, SE MADeb McCulloch, Cape Cod & IslandsJason Record, SeacoastBob Hicks, North Shore MARob Roy Macgregor, VT NEMBABrian Smith, CT NEMBAMary Tunnicliffe, BerkshireJohn Turchi, CT NEMBARuth Wheeler, Berkshire

We are also dedicated to having fun!

NEMBA, P.O. Box 380557,Cambridge MA 02238

800 57-NEMBA

WWW.NEMBA.ORG

out: if we lose the trails, we might as well hang our bikes up on the wall, kneel in front of themand pray —because that's all they'd be good for. Without mountain trails, we're not mountainbikers. That's why we must join together and become trail advocates. That's why mountain bik-ers must become mountain stewards.

And it's happening. We're one of the fastest growing user groups of conservationists. We'reyoung, we're strong, and we don't mind getting our hands dirty. We cover a lot of miles of trails,we know where the problem areas are, and we know the importance of large trail systems.We've also know the downside: trails getting chopped to pieces by development, choice single-track gutted by logging skidders, and irrational bans pushing us out. Sometimes I feel we are anendangered species trying to survive in a diminishing habitat. This habitat is key and, like amind, a trail is a terrible thing to waste!

If you’re a racer, we need your help. You are the symbolic leaders of the mountain bike commu-nity. You set the pace. You provide the model. With your hard work and training, the trail hashopefully rewarded you with success, and now it's pay back time.

Join NEMBA! It's cheap and painless. Work with us! It's amazing how much fun it really is.Besides, as my buddy Rob Hult says, "doing trailwork gives good mojo, and prevents flats duringraces!" Racers need to be seen as active trail volunteers. Talk NEMBA up! Next time someonecomes up to you asking the ins and outs of your Rapid Rise derailleur, tell him about NEMBA.Next time someone asks where to ride, tell them about NEMBA's rides. Next time someone asksyou for a date, tell them about NEMBA…. Well I guess that's going to far…..

Bottom line: giving back to the trail is hip. The coolest racers that I know —Overend, Weins,DeMattai, Travis Brown, Tomac, Penny Davidson are amazing not only for what they have doneat the races but for what they do for the trail as well All New England riders should join theirranks.

Let’s make it a killer season!

4

TREADLINES

Seven Cycles donates TiFrame

Get ready to drool! The cool guys atSeven Cycles have donated one of their

titanium bicycle frames to our Annual LandAccess Raffle. Valued at $2595, the Solaframe will be built to spec for some luckywinner. Tickets are $10 a peice or 6 for $50and the drawing will be taking place laterthis summer.

Proceeds the raffle are used to fundNEMBA’s Trail Grant Program which providesgrassroots funding for trail projects through-out New England.

Seven Cycles recently moved toWatertown MA and is a high end steel andtitanium frame manufacturer. They offer 14sizes and allow their clientele to customizetheir bike design at no extra charge. Forinformation, call 617-923-7774 or cruise towww.sevencycles.com. —Philip Keyes

NEMBA SpringTrail Grants

The New England Mountain BikeAssociation is proud to announce the

winners of its Spring round of NEMBA TrailGrants. NEMBA’s Trail Grants program isfunded from the proceeds of NEMBA’s annu-al Land Access Raffle. The proceeds fromwhich are divided up into two pots andawarded to individuals, clubs and organiza-tions who submit grant applications. Theapplication deadline for the Fall series ofGrants will be September 1st. Grantrequests can be for any amount between$100 and $500.

NEMBA’s Spring round of trail grantshad a budget of $2000. We had four excel-lent grant applications which came in slight-ly under that limit. So deciding who won

this Spring’s grants was not the mostdifficult job in the world. And the envelopesplease....

Beaver Brook Association in Hollis NH"As part of our continued commitment tothe recreational demands of the generalpublic and stewardship of our naturalresources, we have determined that four ofour current "hiking only" trails can be modi-fied and made suitable for multiple recre-ational activities to include mountain bikingand horseback riding. To this end thereremains a substantial amount of trailimprovements that need to be undertakenbefore officially opening these areas to otherusers."

Beaver Brook expects to spend $2000on this project and asked for $500. BeaverBrook Association is a past recipient of aNEMBA Trail Grant and successfully com-pleted the project for which that grant wasapplied for.

Douglas State Forest in Douglas MABill Anisse, the Forest’s supervisor, wants toconstruct a trailhead parking lot with kioskon route 16 which passes through the cen-ter of the forest. If you rode on the NEMBA’s1996 National Trails Day ride in the forestyou’ll remember the difficulty we had find-ing suitable parking in the forest itself. Thisnew lot will not only benefit mountain bik-ers, but will also be of great utility to eques-trians, hikers, snowmobilers...etc.

In the past NEMBA has funded twolong bike compatible bog bridges that Billconstructed on the Mid State Trail. PeterTaylor, a former NEMBA Board member, hassubmitted a grant request for $300 to par-tially fund this project. Other organizations,including the Bay State Trail Riders (eques-trians) have also committedfunds towards this project.

Blue Hills Trail WatchBlue Hills Trail Watch is entering its sixthyear. At this writing BHTW consists of 18people 16 of whom are NEMBA members.Two BHTW members are hikers and onlypatrol on foot. In 1998 BHTW will beexpanding its membership base and willneed additional t-shirts, windbreakers andriding shirts. The grant requested will fundthe purchase of 12 BHTW t-shirts, 12 wind-breakers and provide a 50% match for 10VO2 Max riding jerseys for those BHTWmembers who are willing to make up the dif-ference. In the past NEMBA has been themajor funder of BHTW’s supplies. Joe Sloanea former NEMBA Board member applied for agrant for BHTW totaling $489.Georgetown Rowley State ForestFootbridge & Charles W. WardFootbridgeAaron Millett a North Shore NEMBA mem-ber dealer submitted a grant request forfunding to build a footbridge over PennBrook in the Northwestern corner of the for-est. The total cost for this very well itemizedproject is $302.74. Forest Supervisor PeterCarlson has approved plans to build thisbridge which links two large areas that arereplete with trails. Bob Hicks a longtimeNEMBA Board member applied for a grant tobuild a footbridge at the Charles W. Wardreservation in Andover. The cost of thematerials for this bridge was initially pricedout at Home Depot at $175. John Kimballthe lifelong caretaker of this property haschosen this project as the one in most needof doing first. The bridge will span adeep rocky stream.

NorthEast NEMBA requested a grant of$500 to fund both of these projects. If theprojects run over budget (likely), NorthEastNEMBA will make up the shortfall in fundsfrom their own money. —Bill Boles

MTB INSTRUCTOR WANTEDWediko Summer Program, Hillsboro, New Hampshire.Wediko, located on a 450 acrea lakeside campus is a residentialpsycho-educational treatment program for youth at risk. Salarynegotiable, plus room/board. Mechanical experience a plus.Excellent supervision. 6/27-8/24. Contact: Bea Cravatta, Wediko,264 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116. Fax: (617) 536-9489.Tel: (617) 536-2749. Email: wediko@wediko.org.

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MTB SUMMER JOB OFFERING!

5

New NEMBA Chapters!NEMBA is pleased to announce the forma-tion of three new chapters: MetroWestNEMBA, Wachusett NEMBA and WhiteMoutains NEMBA!

MetroWest NEMBA will be located inthe Framingham - Worcester area and willfocus on Callahan SF, Ashland SF, Upton SF,Douglas SF, and “Vietnam” in Milford.Contact Jeff Gallo if you wish to help orga-nize this chapter, 508-877-2028

Wachusett NEMBA will include theLeominster - Fitchburg - Gardener area andwill concentrate on Leominster SF and theMid-State Trail. Contact Richard Donoghuefor more info, 978-840-3269.

White Mountain NEMBA will be situat-ed in the northern Whites and will stewardthe more than 800,000 acres of the NationalForest. Contact Mark Jenks atjinxbery@landmarknet.net.

NEMBA Racer/Advocate Awardpresented by Rhygin

Have you ever considered entering amountain bike race? Or have you ever

thought of joining us for one of our many

trail maintenance days? Have you everthought of getting one of Rhygin's top of theline stainless steel Juke frames? If you'veanswered "yes" to any of these, then we'vegot an exciting award series for you. Thanksto our title sponsor, Rhygin Racing Cycles,NEMBA will recognize the individual whoparticipates in the most NEMBA mainte-nance events and EFTA races over the courseof the 1998 season.

The rules are simple: any NEMBA mem-ber who goes to any NEMBA maintenanceevent published in SingleTracks will get apoint and any member who goes to anyEFTA race will get another point, and theperson with the highest combined score willbecome NEMBA's Racer/Advocate of theYear! Rhygin's Christian Jones is excitedabout sponsoring the award since it pro-motes both racing and advocacy. Located inCharlestown MA, Rhygin Racing Cycles hasa natural connection with the two largestNew England mountain bike organizations,EFTA and NEMBA.

In creating the award, NEMBA hopes tobenefit both organizations, and most impor-tantly we wish to bridge the gap betweenracers and trail advocates. The possibility ofwinning a Rhygin Juke will do just that! Theaward will be presented to the lucky winnerat NEMBA's Annual Party next spring.

—Andy Good

Earn EFTA Trail Bucks at$$ NEMBA Workdays $$

EFTA will be presenting EFTA Trail Bucks toany trail maintenance volunteer who

comes to any of our events listed inNEMBA’s Save the Trails Calender. Each trailbuck is valued at $5 and can be redeemed atany EFTA races or fun rides. Trail Bucks canalso be used to by EFTA merchandise ormemberships.

Volunteering at NEMBA trail main-tenance has never paid so well, so get outthere! —Philip Keyes

EFTA Bear Brook Race toSponsor NEMBA

A good chunk of the proceeds of the EFTArace in Bear Brook will be donated toNEMBA! So even if you’ve never racedbefore, this is the one to mark on your cal-ender and check out. Make sure to markyou calender: June 14th! For details call theEFTA hotline at 603-529-3800 or point yourcursor at www.efta.com. —Philip Keyes

EFTA RACE CALENDER

4/26 Spring Boogie Burrillville, RI.5/3 Surf & Dirt Orleans,Ma5/17 Watershed Wahoo Candia,NH6/14 Bear Brook Allenstown,NH6/21 Diamond Hill Cumberland,RI7/5 Covered Bridge Classic Bradford,NH7/26 Wallum Lake Cumberland,RI8/2 Hillsboro Classic Hillsboro,NH 8/16 All Out In Moody Park Claremont,NH8/30 Hoot & Nanny Burrillville,RI9/13 Sunapee Lions Sunapee,NH 9/20 Big Bang Freetown,MA10/4 Vermont 50 Brownsville,VT10/18 Second Start Enduro Weare,NH

Race the Bear at Bear Brook, NH!

June 14th! Proceeds toBenefit NEMBA!One day racelicencesavailable, all levels

603-529-3800 www.efta.com

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Thanks from Upper CharlesThe Directors of Upper Charles Conservation thank you for your gen-erous contribution of $50 to our organization. Your support is mostwelcome. Our resources have been stretched thin in the battle thisyear to preserve some of the vulnerable trails, fields, woodlands, andwetlands for future generations to enjoy in the the upper CharlesRiver valley. When they're gone, they're gone. So much to do!

We appreciate also your including a UCC update and membershipinformation in your next newsletter, and including UCC on your"complementary list."

We are most grateful for your help.

Very truly yours,Burgess P. Standley Treasurer

Editor’s Note: Even more important than money, our newMetroWest chapter is planning of becoming active in the UpperCharles area.

Beaver Brook Association asks NEMBA for help

In my encounters and discussions with mountain bikers over thecourse of this year, there has been concern over trail access and the

need for circuit trails. After many lengthy discussions with theForest, Wildlife and Trails Committee, we have determined that itwould be appropriate to open up four major trails (please refer toenclosed map) in the northern portion of our trail system. Thesetrails will provide riders with some single-track circuit rides, withgood climbs and lots of variety. The multiple use trails at BeaverBrook were originally a by-product of logging operations. Althoughduring these times Beaver Brook Association members had the visionto understand the need for conserving forestland, they probably didnot foresee the expansion and growth of mountain biking as such ahot recreational pursuit. Nevertheless, we believe that there can be aproductive coexistence between all trail users.

Many of these trails traverse wet areas, both seasonal and perma-nent. As both a cautionary approach and practical solution, signifi-cant wet areas will be closed in the spring to all trail users. In addi-tion, much of our trail work slated for 1998 will be focused on trailimprovements in this area. This will include bike accessible trailstructures through wet areas, diversion bars, drainage ditches, andother improvements necessary for the hardening of the trails.Hopefully by the end of next year, these trails will be in good shape,and we can open them to multiple use.

As part of our continued efforts to maintain the trails here at BeaverBrook Association we have had a hard working and vigilant group ofvolunteers who have individually adopted a trail section and main-tained it throughout the year. Recently the two individuals responsi-ble for the Old City Trail have decided to "retire" from their trailduties. This leaves a vacancy in the maintenance of a much-used trail

that provides key access between Rte. 130 and Rocky Pond Road,and to other trails in the northern part of the trail system. As notedabove, it is also a trail that we plan to focus special attention on thisyear.

In keeping with the mission and spirit of your organization, isNEMBA interested in participating in the Adopt-a-Trail program?What we ask of maintainers is to visit their trail section on a regularbasis throughout the year and perhaps after major weather events, inorder to brush back the trail corridor to its requisite height andwidth. Significant clearing of trails or problem areas that need furtherattention are directed to the natural resource manager. BBA will sup-ply tools, necessary signage, and training. This is a great opportunityfor trail users to give back something to the trail. Volunteers maketheir own hours and soon feel a larger responsibility for the environ-ment.

As an added note, we are finalizing a new draft of our trail map. Thistime around, we have had the good fortune to add another color tothe map, now multiple use trails will be in green, and hiking/skiingtrails designated in red. This should help a great deal in reducing anyconfusion as to how the trails are designated.

It sounds like you have had a very successful year, I wish you andyour organization further success in the coming year. Happy riding.

Lee KantarNatural Resourse Manager

Editor’s Note: Seacoast NEMBA is now planning multiple trail main-tenance events at Beaver Brook, and the Beaver Brook Association isthe recipient of a second $500 NEMBA Trail Grant!

CHAIN LETTERS

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Cellular Symbiosis: A primer on cell phones in the great outdoors Anne Sheppard

Ilove NEMBA group rides! It's great to share the singletrack karmawith new people and old riding buddies. But there's another rea-son: Safety! I feel more relaxed and daring on a group ride because

I know there's other folks around to help if something nasty happens.In spite of this, I actually ride by myself quite often. Riding alone canbe great, I love the freedom to go wherever I want and at whateverpace suits my mood. But while I'm out on my own, I always remem-ber to maintain an extra degree of caution. Sometimes when tacklinga sketchy downhill or slimy log crossing, a nagging little voice popsinto my head saying 'Watch out, bad place for a soil sample! It's along limp back to the trailhead. Hmm, haven't seen anyone else for awhile..." I've been lucky not to crash very often, but you neverknow... Lately I've been thinking seriously about getting a cell phonein case of emergencies. Even if my luck holds out (yes, I'm knockingon wood), I might come across someone else who needs help.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm no authority on cellular phones, I'venever even used one yet. I expect that a lot of you are also curiousabout these little beasties, so I thought I'd do some homework andshare my findings with you. Cell phones work on essentially thesame principal as a radio. When you make a call, it gets transmittedon a carrier frequency among a network of towers spread throughoutthe region. However, just like losing your favorite station, when youget too far from the closest tower, your phone will not be able tosend or receive a clear signal. Reception is generally better in openareas or hilltops and tends to get worse in valleys or dense woods.This poses a problem for us mountain bikers, we're constantly goingup, down, and all around hilly terrain, and here in New England,there's usually lots of trees around our favorite trails. For ideal cellphone reception, it'd be better to crash on top of a hill than at thebottom, unfortunately gravity rarely allows us the luxury of choice!

There are 2 basic types of cellular signals, analog and digital. Just asCDs sound clearer than cassettes or LPs (dissenting audiophiles canspeak to me later), digital cell transmissions are less susceptible tonoise and interference than analog, the signal is better protectedfrom eavesdropping and piracy, plus you can get technoweenie stufflike email. This is great but... (there's always a catch) Right now digi-tal cellular technology is still pretty new and the transmission hard-ware is not compatible with existing analog systems, so it will takesome time for digital to catch up with the extensive coverage cur-

rently offered via analog, especially away from urban areas. Don'tdespair though, you can ride the cutting edge and still keep in touchbecause many digital phones have analog circuitry as well, they'llswitch over if they can't get a digital signal. The choice that's best foryou depends on your needs. If I were choosing a phone for emergen-cies only, I'd get a basic inexpensive analog phone, but if you plan touse it more often and want the extra features go digital, just be sureit can revert to analog when needed. Another thing to consider:Digital provider Nextel offers a unique "Walkie-Talkie" function whichlets you program an entire group of numbers to call within your localarea. Push a single button and you’re instantly connected with all ofthem simultaneously! Of course they have to be using Nextel too.Nextel has patented their technology but I believe Bell Atlantic andsome others may offer something similar.

Have I piqued your interest in the latest hi-tech schwag? If you'reready to talk turkey and pony up the dough, there's 4 major decisionsto be made: 1. Service Provider (who gets your hard earned cashevery month) 2. Analog or Digital 3. Calling Plan (are you a chattybig spender or the strong silent frugal type) 4. Choose your weapon.When you sign up you can get a really basic phone for "free" or paymore for a lighter smaller sleeker model.

Picking a service provider is a lot like picking a long distance compa-ny. When you choose a provider, you're buying into their network oftowers and relay stations. There are currently 6 carriers in greaterBoston, the 2 biggest players are Cellular One and Bell Atlantic, thereothers are Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless, Nextel, and newcomerOmnipoint. While I'm generally very much in favor of supportinglocal independent business, this is one area where bigger is probablybetter. Extensive infrastructure is needed for good reception inremote areas. Each provider will show you a map indicating zones inwhich you can make and receive calls and at what rate. As youmove away from your "home zone", the price goes up. Cellular Onehas been at this a long time and they got a big head start buildingtowers and setting up shop years ago. Bell Atlantic is no sloucheither, just like Darth says "the cellular phone is only as good as thenetwork it's on" well he's got a point. Both Cellular One & BellAtlantic’s eastern MA calling zone extends West past Worcester,North up to Manchester NH or so, and South down to Rhode Island.They even have long range coverage up and down the Atlantic

SIDETRACKS

Continued on page8

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seaboard. From my research thus far, they seem pretty comparable interms of price and coverage. The competition is tight so we con-sumers benefit, hoorah! There certainly are other providers too, justbe sure to compare their coverage maps, and the size of their "homezone" (your cheapest clearest call). Shop around and decide for your-self. Virtually all other providers require a minimum 1 year commit-ment and they'll whack you with a very hefty fee if you cancel early.Omnipoint is a notable exception, but you have to pay full price forthe phone. Make sure you’re comfortable with your choice.

Dollars and Sense, choosing a Service plan: Once you've selected acarrier, you'll have to decide how much you plan to use the phone.The least expensive plans usually start at about $20 a month forabout 15 minutes of time. If you exceed your minimum monthly timeyou'll pay for each extra minute you talk, at about $0.50 to as muchas $2.00+ per minute. More expensive plans give you more prepaidtime per month and a cheaper rate for overtime. Buyer beware! Thefriendly salesman will give you lots of nice rate sheets, but read themcarefully. There's enough confusing and intimidating language in thereto make the IRS proud. Unless you know you'll call a lot, my Yankeefrugal advice is start out with the cheapest plan available. If you needmore time, they usually can negotiate an upgrade in your serviceplan, but they won't like going the in other direction. Rest assured,nothing's free or cheap, but that makes it more exciting, right? Justthink of it as a cool new bike widget, the bill may be easier to swal-low.

Now that we’ve covered the touchy subject of money, it's clear thatusing these things ain't cheap. We're paying a lot for convenience,but in a real emergency, cost isn't the issue. Who cares if the callcosts $5 or even $20 so long as help is on the way?* If it's not anemergency and you'd rather save a few bucks, you can always head

out of the woods and find a pay phone. Fortunately if you're thinkingfrugally, you're probably not hurting that bad :-)

I hope you've enjoyed this and learned a little something. If you'reone of those wired people that already knows all about cell phones,then feel free to clarify any mistakes I made. Better yet, tell me aboutyour experiences and I'll put them in a followup article next month.I've never used these things and to make this really beneficial andinformative, I need some feedback , specifically about basic questionslike: Which phones are rugged enough to hold up well in a saddlebagor water pack? Are you satisfied with your provider? Know any gooddeals or lemons to avoid? Which riding spots have reception prob-lems? Which don't? We're counting on you for advice. Please shareyour tips so we can all ride with a little extra peace of mind. Feel freeto email me at Estel42@aol.com.

Thanks to all those helpful membas on mtb-ne who shared theiradvice and comments for this article.

*Postscript: Darth Vader and the Dark Side of Communications. John,our friendly mtn biking UPS driver, tipped me off to an outstandingarticle "The Celling of the Backcountry" by Sandy Stott in the Dec 97issue of the AMC Journal. Check it out athttp://www.outdoors.org/Publications/Journal/feature.html

It’s cautionary evidence of the potential for misuse of cell phones andthe false sense of security they can provide. It’s also sparked a lot ofcontoversy on related email discussion groups. I’ve had secondthoughts about these issues and this article articulates them all bet-ter than I could ever hope to do myself. Read it before you sign up fora plan. If you have a phone, don't assume that EMTs will arriveinstantly and solve all your problems. Don’t let up your guard andride carelessly. Respect the wilderness and be self reliant. "Neverunderestimate the power of the dark side of the force!"

Announcing NEMBA’s Land Access Raffle!……1st Prize Seven Cycles Ti Sola Mountain Frame, valued at $2595

2nd Prize Rock Shox SID Fork. Get the Blues!

3rd Prize Mongoose Cargo Cat Trailer from IMBA

4/5th Prize Trip for two to Backcountry Excursions of Maine (2)

6/7th Park Tool’s Consumer Repair Stand (2)

and more….!!!

All prizes have been graciously donated by the vendors and all money raised will go to NEMBA's Trail Grants Program,funding trail projects throughout New England!

Tickets cost $10 a peice or six for $50. Send your name, address, and phone with a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to:

NEMBA Raffle, PO Box 380557, Cambridge MA 02238

Feeling Lucky?Buy Now!

Cellular Symbiosis from page 7

9

When designing boardwalks, the straight and narrow isn’t always the way to go.

The example above is the NEMBA boardwalk at Great Brook Farm MA (Peter

Taylor)

Rolling grade dips can be more resilient than waterbars.Unskilled riders can skid and create ruts on the back side of

the waterbars because they use too much rear brake on steepdownhills. Other riders swerve around the structure, wideningthe trail. Although education is a good idea, the almost imper-ceptible rolling grade dip prevents these problems from hap-pening in the first place. Here’s how IMBA’s Trail Care Crew"rolls their own" rolling grade dip.

• Start with a properly cut sidehill trail (one that hugs the sideof the hill), with the outslope (outside) edge of the trail lowerthan the backslope edge by about 3 degrees. "The goal is toalways keep water sheeting off the trail rather than runningdown it," explains the Crew. If you have a trail going straightup the fall-line, this technique won’t work.

• Locate your dips, starting with one at the top of the trail. Ifpossible, visit when it’s been raining so you can put the dips imme-diately below water entry points. Avoid rocky and rooty sectionswhere possible.

• Mark the center of each structure with two stakes at either edgeof the trail. The line between the stakes should be not quite per-pendicular to the trail, at about 60 degrees. When you’re laying outthe structure, imagine the dip having a cross-section of a soupspoon. The dip is like the bowl of the spoon, with a small berm ris-ing up below it like a curved spoon handle.

• Use a Hazelhoe or Macleod and begin digging the dip into thetrail surface about 5-6 feet above the stakes, and work your waydown. The deepest point at the outslope edge need only be about

3-4 inches deep. Near the backslope edge, the dipshould become short and shallow so that it blends in with the hill.

• Use the excavated dirt to build a 6-9 inch high berm across thetrail below the stakes. Build a ramp from the top of berm to the trailsurface 8 feet down the trail. (Note: These specifications are appro-priate for a 12% grade trail, meaning 12 feet of elevation gain forevery 100 feet traveled. For steeper trails, make the structuresslightly deeper and much longer.)

• Smooth out the dip with a Macleod or rake so that it’s barelynoticeable. Compact the surface with the end of the Macleod or theback of a shovel. Remove your stakes, and you’re ready to rock nroll.

T R A I L B U I L D I N G T I P S

Bill Boles and the NEMBA crew work the trails at the Blue Hills Reservation

If Henry David Thoreau were alive today, you know he’d be on a mountain bike!

Dips can be better than Bars Krisztina Holly

10

Our Group of Nine was rolling right along (so it seemed to me)over the rolling Cape Cod terrain on Otis AFB, a favored winter

riding area for the cognoscenti. The continuous, almost uninterupt-ed hard-packed, smooth single track just kept on unrolling out infront and we were addicted already on this sunny Sunday Februaryouting. Suddenly up ahead the line stopped and we all telescopeddown into a clump. A trail confrontation, someone was coming theother way.Arms waved inthe air, voiceswere raised.But, not toworry, it wasjust Philip andthe Fast Guys,the rest of ourNEMBA Boardof Directorsenjoying ourfirst Ride SwapDay. After anexchange ofenthusiasticcomments, ourgroup parted toallow Philip and the Fast Guys through, and as they rode throughthey were cheered on with encouraging backslaps. But two of themelected to take advantage of this chance to ride on at a more sedatepace. One comment about legs showing serious signs of giving out"chasing Philip" indicated the reasoning for this switch in allegiance.

Many of us had been meeting indoors over confererence tablesmany times working on NEMBA affairs as its Board of Directors. Thesuggestion that we schedule a "Ride Swap" in which all interestedwould gather at a chosen favored location of a board member for

some riding together was eagerly seized upon, and Bill Boles invitedus all to Cape Cod for mid-winter riding where the trails are alwaysrideable. Bill arranged for the bright blue sunny 40 degree day onFebruary 22nd also, and so it was just a wonderfully congenial sea-son opener for most of us still snow or mud bound. Members fromGreater Boston, SE Mass, North Shore, Berkshire and CT NEMBAturned out along with a few friends. This resulted in 17 riders, too

many to holdtogether for a longride, so we soonsplit up and that'swhen Philip andthe Fast Guyswent their ownway. Chris Ranneyand Bill Boles ledthe rest of us onthrough the mazeof intersectingtrails. In an arearoughly four mileslong by one milewide we easily dida 16 mile ride,with lots more

noticed only as we crossed them. An amazing playground for thesingle track speed addict, and great fun for the more casual rider, noreally big hills, no mud, hardly any rocks, all hard packed sandy trailbed. We all gathered afterwards at the International House ofPancakes at the Bourne Bridge, hard by the Cape Cod Canal whichseparates this country from the rest of us, and overwhelmed thewaiter as we dug into the chow with gustoafter a great ride together. And not a bit of NEMBA business wastransacted.

Woman Stuff is a new column where women can postnotes on things which are of special concern to them.

Women’s Mountain Bike CampTwo Women’s mountain bike camps are coming up that could befun. Jacquie Phelan, 3 times NORBA champ and founder of theWomen’s Mountain Bike & Tea Society, will hold a camp onSeptember 4th - 6th. Jacquie is unique in her ability to entertain,engage and empower women on mountain bikes. A second campwill be offered by Sarah Ballantyne, famous NORBA racer and per-petual top ten finisher, on October 10th - 4th. Both camps aredesigned to provide a supportive environment where women canlearn about mountain biking, practice skills, hang out and have agreat time. Sign up for either camp before Memorial Day and save

lots of bucks. For more information call Cliff Krollick at BackCountry Excursions 207-625-8109 or Christie Lawyer at 508-643-2453.

Come on, let’s ride!We’d like to get a series of women’s rides going. Anyone interest-ed in leading or going on a women’s ride give me a call at 508-643-2453.

Contribute!Woman Stuff will be a standard feature in SingleTracks, so i f youhave anything to contribute, send it to newsletter@nemba.org, ormail it to NEMBA Singletracks, P.O. Box 380557, Cambridge, MA02238.

WOMAN STUFFChristie Lawyer

NEMBA’s Board hits the Trail Bob Hicks

Bob

Hic

ks (p

hoto

)

The Boston based New England Mountain Bike Patrol (NEMBP) isready for its third year. With a spectacular first year and rapid

expansion in the second season, the NEMBP has contributed over1000 on-trail volunteer hours valued at over $12,000 and is poisedfor a triumphant third season. After a momentous 1996 season inthe Middlesex Fells Reservation andchallenging 1997 season in The Fellsand The Lynn Woods Reservation, thePatrol has undergone an evolutionaryreorganization and is prepared for anambitious third year in yet a third park– The Great Brook State Park in Carlisle,MA. The Patrol will complete its annu-al training on the weekend of April 25and 26th of this year.

The Patrol serves a vital function in theNew England Mountain BikeAssociation’s mission of educating trailusers and preserving riding opportuni-ties. In addition, the Patrol assists all trail users in need of medical,mechanical, or directional help; we provide maps, literature, tools,and first-aid supplies to those in need. We also assist land man-agement by performing minor trail maintenance and reporting trou-ble spots. Patrollers travel the trails on bike or on foot carryingbike tools, first aid kits, and cellular phones; they are trained inbasic first aid, adult CPR, and backcountry bicycle repairs. By car-rying a cellular phone, patrollers can contact emergency serviceproviders in situations requiring more advanced assistance; forexample, in case of forest fires or extensive injuries. While theNew England Mountain Bike Patrol supports and communicates allregulations established by land management, it explicitly does notenforce these policies.

Patrollers are trained in policies and procedures developed in coop-eration with land management, emergency service providers, andthe National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP); they are trained accord-ing to principals developed by the National Ski Patrol. The NewEngland Mountain Bike Patrol was one of the first operational unitsof the NMBP and has spawned a successful patrol in Connecticutand provided startup training and guidance for a Western New Yorkbased patrol. Members of the Patrol are also working with theMassachusetts Department of Environmental Management to cre-ate a bicycle mounted Search and Rescue (SAR) team that willserve as a SAR resource for the New England area.

Upon completion of training the Patrol is looking forward to a greatseason of riding and we hope to double our contribution of volun-teer hours. We look forward to meeting many of you on the trailsand hope not to have to, but are ready to, render aid to anyone. Ifyou are interested in starting a Patrol unit or joining an existingone please feel free to contact Erik Evensen by telephone at 617-497-7252 or by e-mail at erik@avalon.harvard.edu. Further infor-mation about the patrol can be found at NEMBA’s web site:www.nemba.org.

The New England Mountain Bike Patrol gratefully acknowledges ourgenerous sponsors without whom the NEMBP would not be possi-

ble. We thank Schwinn and Schwinn Northeast representativeChuck Webster in particular for donating patroller packs, tools, andsupplies; for offering pro-deals to patrollers; and providing muchneeded funds. We are grateful to Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, espe-cially Michelle Maille, for providing first aid and CPR training as

well as medical supplies. We furtherthank Bellwether, Rock Shox, theInternational Mountain Bike Association,the National Off Road BicycleAssociation, the National Ski Patrol, theMetropolitan District Commission, theCity of Lynn, the Friends of Lynn Woods,the Massachusetts Department ofEnvironmental Management, the EasternFat Tire Association, and the MedfordCommunity Schools. We are apprecia-tive of the time and guidance from landmanagers: MDC rangers Rene Moran,Steve Oullette, Kevin Tucker, Karl

Pastore, and Maggi Brown; Lynn Woods Rangers Tom O’Shea andAlan Hanley; and DEM Rangers Ray Faucher and Kurt Rudge.

11

New England Mountain Bike Patrol Gears up for New SeasonErik Evensen, NEMBP Director

ON PATROL

Ifound myself stuck in Atlanta for business, so I called up my buddies Mike and JanRiter - you know, the ones that get paid to do trail maintenance around the country

as the IMBA/Subaru Trail Care Crew? They and their dogs shozwed me a good ride atthe first Olympic mountain bike course in Conyers, GA.

First off - I just want to set the record straight. It's more challenging and technical thanit looked on television. (Can it be that I'm out of shape?) Unfortunately, it's partiallybecause the trails are eroding - the course was not designed for the long term. Get this:one singletrack climb exceeds 40% grade (way above the recommended maximum of15%)! And it can't be rerouted for historical reasons. However, SORBA (the SouthernOff Road Bicyclists Association) have installed four rolling grade dips - a "kinder andgentler" version of the waterbar, to try to prevent the trail from looking like a Californiahillside in El Nino. A year later, there's not even a divot of erosion on this steep trail,even after 18" of rain fell this season!

The course is a fun, 7-mile-long rollercoaster going up and down a hill about 5 timesbefore heading across the road to the famous "slickrock" section. I had looked forwardto that part, but it was a little less "wild" and natural as I had imagined it. Though wedid see a few deer nearby, the slickrock unfortunately overlooks a huge golf course, andthe city of Conyers had taken the liberty to paint thick yellow lines all along the rock todelineate the edges of the trail! If SORBA has their way, the city will remove the paint.(What were they thinking?)

Speaking of the City of Conyers, an access crisis was coming to a head the week I wasthere. SORBA threw up their hands after doing four hundred hours of trail maintenanceand then being snubbed at a recent Conyers awards banquet. (Sound familiar?) Itlooked like the relationship between cyclists and Conyers was over, and mountainbikes would be banned from the horse park indefinitely - until that Monday when theRiters met with the city along with international race promoter, Brian Stickel. Brian isorganizing a World Cup race this summer in Conyers. Suddenly, now that Brian wasasking them about their future mountain bike policy, Conyers changed their tune. So aslong as World Cup races happen at the equestrian park, mountain bikes will be wel-come.

2

Join Us• Individual $20• Family $30• Supporting $50• Sponsoring $100• Benefactor $250• Trail Builder $500• Master Trial Builder $1,000

Visa/MC800-57-NEMBA

Dealer Memberships are now offered inthe following categories

• Basic $100• Supporting $200• Benefactor $500• Lifetime $1,500

Industry Memberships are now offered inthe following categories

• Basic $75• Supporting $100• Benefactor $500

P L E A S E S H O W Y O U R S U P P O R T

B E Y O N D Y O U R B A C K Y A R D

Money talks at the Olympic CourseKrisztina Holly

13

N E M B A M E M B A P R O F I L E

The Ride Magazine has called her a "Beast of the East," and shehas the competitive zeal to make her one of New England's win-

ningest mountain bike women, but you'd never know it from herlaid back persona and her artistic outlook. An accomplished artist,Marilyn Ruseckas' pastels create a unique landscaped blend ofvibrant --almost hallucinogenic-- colors that stylistically weave thetextures of Georgia O'Keeffe with the intense edginess of van Goghand Munch. As a mountain bike racer for Seven Cycles, she's onthe fast track to the top of the New England racing scene, and evencaptured the woman's record at the Mt. Washington Hillclimb, oneof the most grueling anti-gravity races in the northeast. I sat downwith Marilyn over some 40 wt. Java while her partner and fellowSeven Cycles team member, Adam Whitney, played around tryingto extract the teeth from my Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Here’s what she had to say:

“I really didn't do anything athletic before I started biking. I reallydidn't! I ran track in high school in Westboro and showed somepromise there. I held the record at the school for the high jump,and ran the 880 (which is half a mile) and the long jump. But Inever competed in any sport outside of high school, and I didn'tknow I even had it in me until I moved to Vermont. I had seenmountain bikes around and they looked like a comfortable ride Icould use on dirt roads. One day I just got the bug to buy, and Ijust went down to a shop and bought a Diamondback. This wasprobably late 1990 or so and I was definitely over 30 years old.This is something that I think might be of value to anybody whothinks it's too late to start riding and competing. If I can do it, socan a lot of people who think they might be too old.

I had heard about this intimidating "A" ride leaving the Mad RiverBike in Waitsfield (VT), and I pretty much trained all summer to beable to go down and join them. I didn't even have the nerve to doit until the fall when they were on their very last ride, and it surewas an eye-opener! There were some really good riders, like GeoBullock who was riding for either Fat or Ted Wojcik and some reallystrong women. The women told me I should race but I told themthat it wasn't my style, and finally Ginny Scherer insisted that I

race the ThreeStallions race inRandolph andmade me fill outthe form andwrite out acheck. She toldme that Ishould be rac-ing expert, butwhy don't yourace sport sinceit's your firsttime and you'dmight as wellwin one. And Idid! I racedsport and I wonit, so I got psy-ched about rac-ing

The next race was the Wicked Witch which was also right in town.It was a four part stage race and I won the overall. The next racewas at Sunday River and that was the first time that I raced againstAudrey Agustin who was also racing sport. She beat me, and thenwe both moved up to expert after that.

My strongest point is climbing. Just put me on a pure climb and Ican beat most people--men and women. It's just something thatcomes naturally. So when I heard about the Mt. WashingtonHillclimb, I thought to myself, "that's the race for me." I've done itnow for two years, and I broke the record my first year which hadstood for 14 years using my mountain bike, but I broke it by justthree seconds. Next year I decided that I should race it on a roadbike like everybody else, so Seven Cycles gave me a steel roadframe for that event and Wound Up sponsored the carbon fiberfork. I rode straight Shimano Dura-Ace, but with XTR cranks forthe low gearing you need at the last pitch. My time was 1:11 and38 seconds and I came in first for the women and 25th overall outof about 400 racers. I beat my previous record by three minutes!

Last season was great. I was excited to win the New EnglandChampionship Series because it was 3-2-1 for me. I came in thirdin '95, second in '96 and won it this last year! That was my goal soI was pretty happy. It was also a great year for me with the Mt.Washington win, the win in the New England series and a secondin the Trails 66 Series (with Audrey coming in first). This comingyear, I'm a year older and I've moved down to a little flatter terrainhere in Massachusetts, and I'm curious to see what the changesare. I'm still training hard but on different terrain, so think I mightbe better technically than I have been in the past. The Seven han-dles tight stuff really well and I'm learning to ride faster throughtwisty singletrack and take the downhills better. We'll see whathappens and I hope to have good season, but however it turns out,riding the Seven is a lot of fun.”

Seven Cycles' Marilyn Ruseckasand the Art of Racing

Interview by Philip Keyes

Jonathan McElvery (photo)

Light Play www.chasegallery.com

14

Karl Pastore is the North Region Supervisor and theman responsible for The Middlesex Fells Reservation. As any NEMBAmember knows, the Fells is a hot bed for trail advocacy and user con-flict, and one thing is for sure: the MDC is stuck in the in the middle.They've taken a lot of heat and has received little credit for some ofthe many positive things that have happened within the reservation,and few trail users —hikers or bikers— can fully appreciate the bal-ancing act the MDC must do on a daily basis in managing the reser-vation.

NEMBA: Karl, please explain some of the challenges the MDC facesin managing The Fells?

Primarily it is one of overuse. As you know this reservation is min-utes from Boston is easily accessed by the surrounding residentialareas. These and other factors make the Fells a popular, high-usearea. Because of this, the natural resources and visitor experiencesgets impacted. In addition, our staff consists of just two full-timepositions, Rene Morin and Mary Varley. It's just impossible for themto fully deal with the myriad management problems at this park.

NEMBA: How does the MDC balance recreation with conservation?

To be frank it is the attitude that some visitors are convinced thatthey have the right to do what they please in the Fells and otherparks. "I pay my taxes so"... I'm always amazed to see the way visi-tors rationalize away regulations just because it interferes with whatthey want to do. And it's not just some of the mountain bikers thatwe discuss, it includes dog walkers, dirt biker and ATV owners, ille-gal dumping, etc. […] I have been reading the reports of the archi-tects of the Park System such as Charles Eliot to determine theiroriginal goal and intent of the reservations and how those goals fitinto the present park system. I think active recreation is welladdressed by the MDC. The Agency runs dozens of ice skating rinks,swimming pools, playgrounds, bike paths, etc. The question is howmuch and what types of active use are appropriate for the reserva-tions? I feel that there is a place for "active" recreation in the reserva-tions but they need to be looked at on a case by case basis.

NEMBA: What are the MDC's biggest accomplishments in the Fellslast year and what are your upcoming plans?

I think we had a good year. Some of our accomplishments includethe improvement of our parking areas at Crystal Spring, Long Pond,Fellsway East and Bellevue. These improvements included new bul-letin boards, paving, guardrail and landscaping. Rene and Mary alsodid a lot of trail improvements which included 5 new bridges overwater crossings and trail and fire road improvements. We also haveopened the new Fells visitor center at 4 Woodland Road HQ. [In1998] if we get the new Fells staff person promised us, we'll be ableto tackle more projects. The staff wants to look at the overall trailsystem, including redesign, relocation and improvement of trailswhere needed, etc.. We have already started the natural resourceinventory of the Fells. This is a critical step in developing a manage-ment plan for the Park. We also want to tout the new Visitor Centeras a focal point for visitors. Other initiatives include working withthe rangers citation powers to help manage the park, and the place-ment of a new roof on Wright's Tower.

NEMBA: What do you see as NEMBA's role in the Fells?

Obviously, it would be to educate all riders to observe the currentMDC policy and try to explain why we have this policy. The mainte-nance effort is appreciated. I understand that most people have verylittle recreational time and giving up a day for trail work is a commit-ment. Regarding the future of these trail days, I would like to seeNEMBA combine their efforts with other groups, say the AMC andpossibly the Friends of the Fells to work with the MDC to evaluatethe overall trail system. I'd also like to suggest an adopt a trail pro-gram in the Fells.

NEMBA: Do you feel that the mountain bike patrol has been effectiveat The Fells?

Yes, the patrol is another set of eyes and ears for us in the Park. ReneMorin mentioned that he gets calls regarding downed trees and othertrail obstructions. They have also called in some fires to Rene, whichenabled him to get a jump on putting them out.

NEMBA: The current mountain bike policy is over ten years old. Doyou see any chances in this policy in the future and if so how do yousee this policy developing?

I was expecting this question. As I mentioned to you before we haveto first have the resource inventory completed to begin to discussmanagement changes in the park. I'm happy to say that the invento-ry is well under way, finally! One thing I can tell you is that we willbe adopting a the Commonwealth's management zoning use system.In a nutshell this system calls for different zones of use. A preserva-tion zone - little or no visitor use, A Conservation Zone - intermedi-ate visitor use and a High Use Zone open to active recreational uses.Again these zones would be determined after adequate study andpublic input.

NEMBA: Lastly, what can be done to reduce user conflict in theReservation?

I think that conflict does exist at a number of levels. The resolutionof it will take some time and cooperation on both sides will beessential. I think that both groups have their agendas and are proba-bly frustrated with the MDC for what they perceive as a lack ofaction. The Friends want to see the current mountain bike policyenforced and the mountain bike community would like to see moreareas open to riding. We as the land mangers are moving forwardwith our plans ( the inventory, management plan, citations) which Ithink will help the situation.

Interview by Mark Wickersham

L I S T E N T O Y O U R L A N D M A N A G E R

15

Dennis Lewis led an early season chapterride in the Freetown/Fall River State

Forest on 3/15. 23 people showed up. Theride was listed as an advanced intermediateride. But it wasn’t. 23 people is way toomany for a group ride. So we decided toleave the parking lot together, and then tosplit up into groups as we began to stringout. But we never got a chance to do that.1/2 mile out one rider bailed due to a soreback which he hurt in the parking lotremoving his bike from the back of his car.A mile later another was gone as he could-n't control the ghost shifting, caused by a

new chain and an old cogset. 3 miles in, 4more people left when one tore off his rearderailer and his three riding buddies, whowere down from Boston, decided to headhome with him. 2 miles later, we lost threemore. When one rider twisted his kneewalking through a boneyard and he and hisfriends decided to shortcut back. The 14 ofus got another two miles when one ridergot what would be the first of his three flattires. About 10 miles and 2 hours out, anearly season bonk was threatening onerider, and two others had to get back early.So with me as a leader, we split off and

headed back to the start, getting therewith 15 miles on our clocks. Of the other10 riders, 4 rode for another 2 miles andthen quit, while the remaining 6 'finished'the 24 mile ride. The trails were in greatshape. We walked around a few big pud-dles, but mostly we rode mud free onFreetown's excellent singletrack. Call it onbad luck, early season fitness levels, orwhatever, but this had not been a typicalride. Instead, it turned into "The March ofDeath".

Adults Tim Bailey, Jean Prevost, and Iwere attempting to stay ahead of kids

Dan Bailey, Melissa Bailey, Jullie Motte andMichelle Prevost on the trails of theMassassoit State park in Taunton Mass. Itwas in the 40’s, partially sunny, breezyand the trails were surprisingly welldrained after Saturday’s rain and snowshowers. We all started out over-dressed.But after several stops to peel off layers itbecame time to head back to the cars toshed our load. Starting out again, weheaded off on different trails and took abreak near "the beach". There we tookturns riding down a steep hill onto thesandy beach. First everyone tried it usingonly their rear brake. We all found that we

didn’t stop very fast and tended to lock upour rear wheels. Then we tried it again,this time using both brakes. It was mucheasier to stop. We were in control more,and we didn’t skid. The we tried it oncemore, this time while turning our frontwheels a little to one side. This caused thebikes to drift controlably in the directionthat we wanted. All this practice wasgood because later, when we rode throughseveral sandy places on the trails, it wasmuch easier to control our bikes as we’dpracticed stopping and turning in the deepsand of the beach. We met a lot of friendlyfolks and quite a few dogs on our ride. Westopped our bikes at the top of most rises,and walked around the few muddy places

that we found. After about 2 1/2 hours ofeasy trail riding, with about three breaksfor hot chocolate and snacks, we took thepark road out to where the cars wereparked. Everyone had a blast and we’re alllooking forward to the next kids/familyride.

Oh! An amazing thing happens when youride with kids. Tell them to wait at everytrail intersection, and they actually do. Foryears I’ve thought that I had impairedcommunication skills. Because when I ridewith ‘adults’ there’s always someone whofails to stop. And then they get lost. Andthen we have to go looking for them. NowI know better.

March of Death

Bill Boles

The Kids Rule

Christie Lawyer

April 4, 1997: NEMBA Trail Boss TrainingLynn Woods, Lynn, MA 6 hours: Receiveclassroom instruction and field training onerosion and trail maintenance, and tech-niques for construction of erosion controldevices and trail maintenance. Class taughtby NEMBA and Lynn Woods Rangers.

April 22, 1997: Clear fallen trees afterstorm Greenwood, Beverly, MA 3 hours.Directed clearing fallen trees using chainsaw and hand tools in local area managedby Essex County Greenbelt. Crew includedDan Walsh and Steve Martel.

April 29, 1997: Clear fallen trees andconstruct erosion control Greenwood,

Beverly, MA 3 hours. Continued clearingfallen trees and brush using hand tools.Cleared streams of debris. Constructed dipswater bars and a channel to direct wateraway from trails.

May 5, 1997: Construct bridge over landflooded by beaver dam Willowdale SF,Topsfield, MA 6 hours. Assist in con-struction of foot-bridge spanning an areaflooded by a beaver dam. Expand bridgefrom one 8' span to approximately 100feet. Bridge construction approved by DEMand financed by Bay Circuit Trail Alliance.Other organizations participating includedBay Circuit Trail Alliance and Gil's AthleticClub (GAC trail runners). Crew of 10 per-

sons working on project.

May 25, 1997: Clear fallen trees blockingtrails Bradley Palmer SF/Willowdale SF 4hours

Clear fallen trees and brush using handtools.

Various trail maintenance as needed whileriding to remove fallen trees and overgrownbrush, and construction of water bars,channels and dips to prevent erosion.

Lynn Woods - Dogtown - Blue Hills -Greenwood

Total 32+ hour:

Diary of a NEMBA MemberDan Walsh

B I K E S H O R T S

16

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

Febuary 1998. Despite gray skies and a slight drizzle, we had anice turnout for our first Cape Nemba open meeting of 1998.

The first order of business was a RIGHTEOUS ride on the Trail ofTears. A pot luck brunch followed where mowing the featuredfrench toast dowsed in maple syrup accompanied by a couplepounds of crispy coronary clogging bacon, was the bomb! Thanksto everyone who came and brought a tasty morsel or two.

Many great ideas were shared. Our membership is slowly growing,although not fast enough, we decided, to take on any overly ambi-tious projects at this time. Increasing memberships is still a priority,and at this stage in our young life, it was agreed, that we will con-tinue actively recruiting new members through the power of wordand the enthusiasm generated on our fun rides.

Becoming more active in our local politics, we discussed, is animperative!!! The vote to pass the Cape Cod Land Bank failed!!!Make no mistake about it,... this will someday, soon, affect you,...the environmentally sensitive, outdoor recreationalist. To assureaccess to trails on any open space remaining, we must attend townmeetings, and introduce ourselves to our town representatives,managers, and members of the our conservation committees. Wemust find out who our friends in local government are.

A small public relations campaign will be initiated this year. We willbe teaming up with the Boy Scouts on a trail maintenance day this

May, and will invite the smaller local newspapers to cover thisevent. We will also notify them of our 'Adopt a Road' plan, inwhich Cape NEMBA is adopting the section of road in Sandwich,abutting the Trail of Tears, and better known to many who ridethere as, Exit 4. The town will provide the Adopt a Road signs, withThe words, "maintained by New England MT. Bike Association",emblazed across the bottom. In return, we send volunteer crewsout 1-2 times per month to collect the trash that has now becomean unfortunate, but all to common sight along this road. Thanks tomemba, Deborah Hauck, for the idea and the energy to get this upand running. We really need all our memba's to make this work. BeWarned! I'll be hitting you all up soon!

Wouldn't it be great if, while out riding the trails, everything wasn'tjust a gray/ brown/green blurr? Yeah! We thought so too. Do youknow the different trees and plants indigenous to the areas youride? Well it's time to learn. We feel that learning about the envi-ronment we ride in will do a lot for our image as conservationists.So be on the lookout for Professor Charlie Genatossio's future con-tributions to Nemba News, called 'Cape Flora and Fauna 101'. SirCharles, our current chapter president, just happens to be anarborist, and the Tree Warden for the Town of Barnstable.

Finally, we are planning another open meeting for sometime thissummer. Same deal, as above, Ride in the dirt, eat like pigs!

1998 CC & Islands NEMBA/SpecializedTrail Maintenance

Dates for the spring season are: Sunday, April 5- Trail of Tears at 0830. Meet at Exit 4 Parking AreaSunday, May 10- Trail of Tears at 0830. Meet at Exit 4 Parking AreaSunday, May 24- Otis AFB at 0830. Meet at True Wheels.

IMBA 'Share The Trail' signsThanks to Mad About Cycling board member, and NEMBA membaRob Miceli for getting us those great IMBA 'Share The Trail' signs,courtesy of MAC. These will be going up in areas where permission isgranted, throughout the Cape real soon.

Martha’s Vineyard MS RideOn Saturday, May 9th, is Martha's Vineyards annual MultipleSclerosis Ride. You can road ride or participate in the 19 mile moun-tain bike ride that is a mix of single track and fire roads. Look forapplications in any bike shop in New England. -David Whitmon

Congratulations to Ellin Boorus of Scituate, the winner of the 50dollar gift certificate from True Wheel Cycles. Her name was drawnfrom a hat full of everyone's who participated in any of our 1997trail maintenance events.

Announcing the Cape CodNEMBA/Specialized Land Access Raffle

The Cape and Islands chapter of NEMBA will soon be selling raffle tick-ets for the Rockhopper mountain bike that was donated to us by thespecial folks at SPECIALIZED. The proceeds will help us to purchase thetools and materials needed for local trail maintenance. Tickets are onedollar each, and the drawing will beheld at Mad About Cycling's annual'Ride to Eat' on Sunday, September 20. For Tickets, call any of the CapeChapter Officers, or Doug at Cove Cycles in Hyannis, at (508) 771-6155, or Mitch at True Wheel Cycles at 564-4807. Good Luck!

Notes from the CapeDebbie McCulloch

AND THE WINNER IS...

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CT NEMBAPO Box 290956, Wetherfield CT 06129-9956 860-676-9721 Brian Smith, President John Turchi, Vice-PresidentRich Fletcher, Treasurer Dave Dunn, Secretary

Spring rapidly approaches and, as the rest of the NEMBA chapters,CT NEMBA is busy with preparation. Our TM series, generously

sponsored by Cannondale and led by our guru of grunt, SteveClarke, is preparing for another busy season. Cannondale has giventhe TM program a HeadShock © equipped mountain bike to awardat series end, ala the Merlin series in Boston, as well as water bot-tles, tee-shirts, and other miscellaneous incentives. This cherry-redF2000 will make some hard working maintainer very happy. (Lookfor Steve’s schedule of events and contact info elsewhere in ChapterChat). Steve is actively involving CT NEMBA with several areas, asyou’ll see, and in doing so, fostering relationships with the CFPAand DEP.

Another arm of the CT chapter now receiving significantsupport from Cannondale is the newly formed patrol unit at theWest Hartford Reservoir. The formal agreement between CT NEMBAand the MDC should be signed and the patrol running by the timethis issue makes the shops or your door. Both CT NEMBA and theConnecticut Bicycle Coalition worked long and hard, at timesagainst strong opposition, to bring this multi-pronged program tofruition. The MDC has expressed concern over whether or not wewill be able to maintain interest in the long term for the patrolefforts, but we are determined to earn their confidence.

To quote District Manager Anthony Milano in a report toone of his advisory committees: "As you may remember, in present-

ing their proposal, the two organizations cited some model patroloperations…notably, at the Middlesex Fells reservation of theBoston Metropolitan District. The experience at the easternMassachusetts area was confirmed by staff to be generally positivefrom Boston MDC’s perspective." Thanks and kudos to our northernneighbors for paving this path! (That’s you Z, Joe, Eric, Peter, David,et al.!) To date, Cannondale’s generosity has amounted to the realmof $4500.00 in merchandise donations to CT NEMBA; included inthat are fanny packs and IMBA water bottles for the patrol and aBEAUTIFUL FV2000 full suspension rig which will be raffled inspring to benefit the patrol.

On other fronts, I am chairing a committee for theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter,which will assist in the organizing of their first annual mountainbike Ride for the Cure. Although the MS people do a roadie versionof this event yearly, this will be the first mountain bike version.Many CT NEMBA members have stepped forward to help out andI’m very proud of, and thankful for, their involvement. The date willbe June 7th at Conkaponsett State Forest; inquires welcome.

I am also proud to report that IMBA has appointed me asCT State representative; my wife wonders if I’ll ever take the hat offbefore it walks away on its own.

Thanks to the Board and membership of CT NEMBA foryour support; I am looking forward to another fruitful year!

Below is the official CT NEMBA / Cannondale spring trail maintenance events for 1998. Remember that every time you participate in anofficial CT NEMBA-sanctioned trail maintenance event, your name goes into a drawing for a Cannondale F2000 bike (hardtail XTR/XT) gra-

ciously donated by Cannondale. The name of the lucky winner will be randomly drawn on the last trail maintenance day, in the fall (winnerneed not be present). For more information contact the leader of each trail maintenance day, listed below.

Trail maintenance dates, locations and contacts:4/4 West Hartford Reservoir (Trail Boss training), Steve Clarke - 860.529.9970 4/18 West Rock State Park, Alex Sokolow - 203.281.07894/26 Branford Supply Ponds, Alex Sokolow - 203.281.07895/3 Pennwood State Park, John Turchi - 203.630.22306/6 West Hartford Reservoir (with the CFPA), Steve Clarke - 860-529.9970

Note: Call the CFPA at (860) 346-8733 (that's 346-TREE) and askthem when their next trail maintenance event is in your area. When yougo, wear something that says you're a mountain biker to show them thatwe care, too. In addition, check out the Connecticut Bike Coalition'shome page (http://www.ctbikecoal.org) for additional TM events. Theirphone is (860) 527-5200.

Connecticut Chapter Spring Trail Maintenance Schedule - 1998

Brian Smith

Steve Clarke, Director of Trail Maintenance

CT NEMBA on a roll with C’dale

18

It is important that we support those businesses thatprovide support to NEMBA's activities to gain/retainaccess to trails. Their financial support helps providefunds that underwrite these efforts. When you gointo one of these shops (dealer members), be sure tomention that you are a NEMBA member and appreci-ate their efforts to support us. If you buy equipmentthat is made by our "industry sponsors", be sure totell the dealer that you appreciate those efforts aswell. In fact, you can also visit the sponsors' webpage (if they have one) and send them a thank youmessage or write a snail-mail thank you to them.Cannondale is supporting CT-NEMBA by providingtwo bikes and swag. I went to their web page andsent them a thank you and got a reply back almostimmediately thanking me for taking the time to thankthem. Our dealer members, industry sponsors, andadvertisers will more than likely continue to supportour efforts, especially if they get positive feedbackfrom NEMBA members. Please do your part by lettingthem know you appreciate their interest and supportand also support them in return by spending thosehard earned $$ at your local dealer member

DIRECTIONS TO CT NEMBA TRAIL MAINTENANCE EVENTSWest Hartford ReservoirFrom I-84 E or W take exit 43 (Park Road, WH Center). Right at the light at the endof the exit. Quick left (we're talking 30 yards) onto Trout Brook Drive. At the 5thlight (about 2.4 miles), take a left onto RT 44 (landmark: Uconn branch on leftabout a mile before turn). Go through about 5 or 6 lights and start heading up hill.We will enter the "Res" on the left side at the gate under the power lines. Suggestedparking: Down hill about 500 yards is a small dirt parking area (same side as thegate) or down hill another 200 yards is the entrance Water Treatment facility (res#6). Pennwood: >From I-84 E or W take exit 43 (Park Road, WH Center). Right atthe light at the end of the exit. Quick left (we're talking 30 yards) onto Trout BrookDrive. Go 3.5 miles (through 6 lights) or until you reach a stop sign. Turn left ontoTrout Brook Lane. (Note: The stop sign is about 500 yards after the church and theroad should dead end within 100 yards after the stop sign). Turn right onto NorthMain St. Turn left at the first light. This should be RT 185. Go about 3.1 miles(through 3 working lights) and once you peak the second hill at a flashing light,slow down and turn right into the park entrance. If you head down hill for morethen a mile you've gone to far. Suggested parking: Park in the first lot on the right.

Branford Supply Ponds:I-95 to exit 54. From New Haven, turn right onto Cedar St. From Old Saybrook,turn left onto Cedar St. Turn left onto RT 1. After about 1 mile turn left ontoChestnut St. (Tommy O'Sullivan's Bar on Corner). Park at the lot after the bridge

West Rock State Park:Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30. Call Alex for detailed directions.

SOS: Support Our Sponsors!Charlie Beristain

Happy Trails — Sweet Dreams (Philip Keyes)

Here is my recipe for ORZO SALSA SALAD, food tosoothe a mountain bikers hungry soul. I bring it on trailmaintenance days, a sort of post trail work, pre-ridefuel. And it must be good, (or else I work these dudesand dudettes really hard) because it goes fast!One box Orzo pastaOne can black beansOne can whole kernel sweet cornOne small can ripe sliced black olivesOne jar red roasted peppers, chopped, or dicedOne small can diced green chilisAny kind of salsa you like, in any amount your heartdesiresSliced chivesAfter cooking the orzo pasta, cool with cold water, anddrain. Throw it into a bowl, and toss everything else in, stir, and refrig-erate. Yeeeowza!!! —Debbie McCulloch

Wicked Easy, Wicked TastyDebbie McCulloch

Advertise inSingleTracks

Reach thousands of mountain bikersthroughout New England!

Call 800-57-NEMBA for rates.

19

NEMBA/Merlin Trail Maintenance Needs YouPhilip KeyesWe have a great season of maintenance planned this year, and a cash commitment of$28,000 to invest in our trails. Half of this amount is based on our volunteer labor, so wehope that you’ll make every effort to attend as many days and events as possible. Rememberone lucky volunteer will be walking away with a Merlin Tiaga frame donated by the greatfolks at Merlin Metalworks! So you don’t get lost, here’s how to get there:Wompatuck State Park:From Boston head South on Route 3 until you get to exit 14 (Route 228). Head Northtowards Hingham for 3.8 miles. Then turn right on Free Street. After 0.8 mile you will be at the park's entrance. Phone: 617-749-7160Lynn Woods Take 128 North, Exit 44 B (rt. 129/rt. 1), Take Rt. 129 East. Go through 1st set of lights.Approximately two miles, look for Great Woods Road on right hand side. Follow GreatWoods Rd. a few hundred feet, past the stone monuments into the main lot. Phone 617-477-7123. The Middlesex FellsTake 93N to the Rt.28 exit. From there proceed north on Rt.28 until you reach The Sheep'sFold entrance. This entrance is approx. 2 miles on the left accross from the Rt 93 entrance.Phone: 617-662-5214 Great Brook Farm State ParkMass Pike to Rt. 128N. Take exit 31, to Route 225 West 7 miles to Carlisle center. Right ontoLowell St. at State Park sign, park is 1.5 miles on right. Phone: 978-369-6312.Leominster State Forest:Route 2 west to Rte. 31 (exit 28). Take left on 31 South for 2.5 miles to ranger station onthe right. Phone: 978-874-2303.

Greater Boston NEMBAPresident: Philip Keyes Vice President: Krisztina Holly Secretary: George Adams Treasurer: Scott BriereMeetings 3rd Tuesday of the month. Call 800-57-NEMBA for location and time.

Mark your calender!Mark Wickersham

NEMBA/Merlin Spring SeriesApril 25 The FellsApril 26 WompatuckMay 2 Great BrookMay 3 BelmontMay 3 LeominsterMay 9 Lynn WoodsMay 16 The Fells May 17 Wompatuck

NEMBA/Merlin Fall SeriesSept 12 Lynn WoodsSept 13 WompatuckSept 19 Great BrookSept 20 BelmontSept 26 The FellsSept 27 LeominsterOct. 4 WompatuckOct. 17 Lynn WoodsOct 18 LeominsterOct 25 Great Brook

There have never been so many great incentives to join us for ourmaintenance days. Every time you join us:

• your name will be put in a hat to win a Merlin Tiaga mountainbike frame

• you will be eligible to recieve EFTA Trail Bucks, a $5 coupon thatyou can use at any of EFTA’s races or fun rides. You can evenuse Trail Bucks to buy EFTA merchandise or an EFTA member-ship.

• you can also sign up to enter NEMBA’s Racer/Advocate of theYear award presented by Rhygin Racing Cycles. This year’s win-ner will recieve a Rhygin Juke frame!

Giving back to NEMBA Volunteers

Is this really February? El Niño kept us riding all winter! (Bob Hicks)

SHUT UP AND RIDE!SO MANY RIDESSO LITTLE TIME!page 23

20

Shays NEMBAJohn Dudek, President Greg Coccoluto, Secretary Russ Benson, Treasurer17 Pleasant St. Greenfield Ma. 01301 Phone: 413-772-0496

Bear’s Den Trailwork Day, May 10thThe Shay’s Chapter will be continuing the clearing of hte Scenic vistas begun last fall at Bear’s Den Conservation Area in Athol MA. Pleasebring loppers and handsaws. If there’s enough interest and thetrails aren’t too wet, will plan a ride afterwards. Celebrate Mother’s Day onthe Trail by bringing your Mom along! Call Peter Taylor for info, 978-356-6264.

Shay’s NEMBA works with equestrians from the Bay State Trail Riders Associationto retore a trail at Mt. Grace SF last fall. This shot by Pat Gillespie originallyappeared in the Northeast Equine Journal.

We were pleased to announce the creation of a NEMBA/U-Mass liai-son in the person of Kevin Delaney. Kevin is a member of the U-Masscycling team and will work to involve members of the Universitycycling community in NEMBA events. We were also pleased toannounce that along with our projects in Mt Grace SF, Bears DenConservation Area, and two areas in the Greenfield parks system, wewill now be working with the Amherst Conservation Commissionand the Town of Amherst who have been closing trails due to dam-age blamed on Mt. Bikes. This effort is being spearheaded by memba'Mickey Marcus who has received permission from the town to beginforming a trail maintenance effort.

UMASS and NEMBAJohn Dudek

Shays NEMBA held its first annual meeting on March 12 at theGreenfield Library. Elected were, President: John Dudek Treasurer:Russ Benson and Secretary: Greg Coccoluto We were pleased toannounce the creation of a NEMBA/U-Mass liaison in the person ofKevin Delaney. Kevin is a member of the U-Mass cycling team andwill work to involve members of the University cycling communityin NEMBA events.

We were also pleased to announce that along with our projects inMt Grace SF, Bears Den Conservation Area, and two areas in theGreenfield parks system, we will now be working with the AmherstConservation Commission and the Town of Amherst who have beenclosing trails due to damage blamed on Mt. Bikes. This effort isbeing spearheaded by memba' Mickey Marcus who has received per-mission from the town to begin forming a trail maintenance effort.The land managers have stated that they do not have the resourcesto maintain the trails and closing these trails to bicycles is the easi-est way to control damage. We will pass along details as they arefinalized.

Shays NEMBA in conjunction with the Friends of Poets Seat Towerand local civic organizations will be holding the annual Poet's SeatTower Clean Up on Sat. April 25 at eight AM. Last year we had over100 people show up for this event and this year looks to be evenbigger! This is a fun day with park beautifications, trail work, andlots of good munchies including that yummie homemade made rootbeer brewed annually for the event by The Peoples Pint brew pub ofGreenfield. You say you can't spend the whole day, no problem, comeand spend what you can and don't forget to bring your bike. Formore information contact John Dudek at 413-772-0496 or atShaysmba@juno.com. —John Dudek

Shays Annual MeetingJohn Dudek

Poet’s Seat Work Day, April 25th

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Southeast MA NEMBAChristie Lawyer, President Bill Boles, Treasurer Phone: 508-583-0067

Spring arrived early this year in Southeastern Massachusetts. Infact some, basking in the sunshine types, myself included, won-

dered what happened to the Winter. In a normal February or Marchthere’s usually too much snow to ride. So most of us trade bikes forcross-country skis, snowshoes, downhill skiing, or a trip to themovies. This year though, especially down near the Cape, the trailshave mostly been snow free. Which means that a lot of us SE Masstypes have ridden all winter long.

SE Mass NEMBA elected officers at it’s annual meeting. The meetingwas held in the Wompatuck State Park on March 1st. Over 40 SEMASS members attended. That was nearly 40% of our chapter’smembership. After a nice ride, and over Pizza and tonic, ChristieLawyer was elected chapter president. Paul Peasley was elected VicePresident, Bill Boles was elected treasurer and Vickie Goudreau sec-retary. Suggested directions for our chapter will include doing trialmaintenance in our regions most popular riding areas, putting on alot of rides, and trying to involve more of our area’s dealers inNEMBA. In addition to the normal adult focused rides, that we areall familiar with, SE Mass NEMBA will encourage its members toalso lead family and women’s rides. For more information on familyor women’s rides call President Christie Lawyer at 508-643-2453(days). The Blue Hills lies on the border of the SE Mass chapter andMetro Boston NEMBA. As anyone who rides there knows, the BlueHill’s trails are patrolled by a group of volunteers called Blue HillsTrail Watch. This will be the sixth year that Blue Hills Trail Watchwill be out on the trails. BHTW members can always be counted onto hand out maps, give directions, provide neutral technical supportand act as the eyes and ears of the Metropolitan DistrictCommission. If you’d like to join Trail Watch, call Maggi Brown, inthe Blue Hills at 617-727-0571. On 5/2, Blue Hills Cleanup Day,BHTW members will be leading groups of riders on a search and

destroy blowdown removal ride. To take part, just be in theHoughton’s Pond parking lot between 8:30 and 9:00 am. On 3/15Dennis Lewis led a SE Mass NEMBA ride in the Freetown StateForest. This ride will forever after be known as the "March of Death"due to the unusual number of casualties that developed. On thesame day chapter president Christie Lawyer led the chapter’s firstKids & Family ride in the Massassoit State Park in Taunton.Rounding out a busy day the folks from Cycle Lodge also led a greatride.

This is typical in SE Mass. On any given weekend our members areinvited to take part in anywhere from 3-5 different rides. So don’t bebashful, come on out and join us. On 4/11 SE MASS members willbe conducting the 4th Annual Earth Day Blowdown Removal Ride inthe Foxboro State Forest. The work party will leave from forest head-quarters at 9:00 am. Given this year’s lack of big Winter storms, todate at least, I’m expecting far fewer blowdowns than there werefollowing last years April Fool’s Day Blizzard. For more informationon this event call Bill Boles evenings at 508-583-0067. On 4/26Chapter VP Paul Peasley will trailboss the first in a series ofNEMBA/MERLIN Trail Maintenance series dates in the WompatuckState Park starting at 8:30. For more information call Paul at 781-925-2512 (evenings).

This year NEMBA members taking part in scheduled trail work makethemselves eligible for a whole host of great prizes and incentives.For details see the trail maintenance summary elsewhere in thisnewsletter. SE Mass NEMBA holds monthly meetings at theBridgewater Public Library on the third Wednesday of every monthat 6:30 pm. Starting in April, a ride will follow each meeting.For more information on SE Mass NEMBA, call Christie Lawyer, PaulPeasley or Bill Boles.

Southeast Mass NEMBA Chapter News

Travis CycleJoin NEMBA! We did!

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

Bill Boles

YOU KNOW YOU'VE BEEN RIDING TOO MUCH WHEN…… you're driving your car and you twist your foot to click out of the gas pedal to get to the brake.… you pull up on your car's steering wheel in an attempt to bunny hop a pot hole.… you mutter "Track" as you pass another car.… you're taking a walk with the dog and you can’t help but focus on the perfect line.… you find your forefingers draped over the bar of a shopping cart in the supermarket, poised for braking.… you wake up at 4 in the morning, legs cramped, wondering if you should be on your bike.… the chamois of all your bike shorts have taken on that nasty consistency of sandpaper.

22

Seacoast NEMBA Brian Croteau, President Jason Record, Vice-President Phone: 603-332-0979Charles Purwin, Secretary Peter Underwood, Treasurer Website: http://24.1.69.170/snemba/

Things have been happening up north. Seacoast NEMBA, orSNEMBA, has taken off like a rocket. This year looks to beextremely exciting and promising. Our meeting at Ted Wojick'sshop was an unbelievable success (thanks again to Ted and Sue).We had about thirty people show up for the meeting. We actuallyhad more people show up for the meeting than the ride earlier inthe day. Besides being chilling to the bone cold, the ride wasunbelievable. But I forgot the name of the downhill/ trials guy whotook that 4 foot jump off of that bridge on his rear tire. I wish thatI had my camera for that one. At the meeting, we discussed whatsome of our goals for the year would be. The heavy topics werefun rides, trail maintenance and running NEMBA booths at EFTAand NORBA events. All of which are becoming true. The EFTABear Brook Challenge will be donating its proceeds this year toNEMBA. Although some of the finer details are still being workedout, mark June 14th (Sunday) on your calendar. If you have neverbeen to a race, but have always wanted to. This is the perfectopportunity to do so. EFTA puts on the best races in NewEngland. They are low key and fun.

We already have a bunch of rides lining up. Only a few will bementioned because of the due date for the newsletter material. Socall me or Jason Record (742-9462) or stop by a shop for the lat-est ride info. We will be running a 10 day maintenance series thisyear which will be sponsored by Ted Wojick (thanks again Ted andSue). It will start at 10am each day.

The Beaver Brook Association will be providing all of the tools andlumber for our project. So all you have to do is show up. We'restill looking for volunteers who want to put on fun rides this year.The guys at Cabletron will be hosting a few rides this year onWednesday nights. I will also be hosting a ride at Blue Jobe StateForest on April 25th at 10am. Call me at (603) 332-0979 for direc-tions or look around for a flyer when the time gets nearer. Funrides are a great way to get new members and have a fun time.Don't worry about being left behind, we all stick together. If youwould like to show a bunch of people where you ride, call me orJason Record.

Brian Croteau

SNEMBA HAS A KICK #*@ WEB SITE!!In his short time with us, Jason Record (SNEMBA VP) just keepsimpressing me. Along w/ fellow SNEMBA member Jason Blair theyhave created the SNEMBA web site. And you have to see it to believeit!!! He has spent many nights at the monitor until the early hours ofthe morning trying to get this thing off of the ground. And probablyticking off his fiancée in the process. The address for this booty kick-ing site is http://24.1.69.170/snemba, it is also linked off the NEMBAmain page. Although the site is constantly under construction, it'skeeps getting better everyday. When the site is finished we will havean events schedule, current news, pictures from many of our eventsand member galleries, trail maps and a bunch of other goodies for youweb surfers. It will also be used as an information source on all of ourupcoming events. Don't forget, you can e-mail the club at seacoast@nemba.org or Jason at jrrecord@concentric.net.

1998 SNEMBA/TED WOJCIK TRAILMAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

1- 5/9 Beaver Brook, Hollis NH Brian Croteau 332-0979 2- 6/7 Fort Rock, Exeter NH Mark Desrochers 775-00253- 6/27 Bear Brook, Allenstown NH Brian Croteau 332-09794- 7/26 Pawtuckaway, Nottingham NH Glen Westerburg 743-32605- 8/8 Mt. Agamenticus, York ME Jason R Record 742-94626- 8/30 Bear Brook, Allenstown, NH Brian Croteau 332-09797- 9/5 Fort Rock, Exeter NH Mark Desrochers 775-00258- 9/26 Bear Brook, Allenstown NH Brian Croteau 332-09799- 10/10 Mt. Agamenticus, York ME Jason R Record 742-9462

Jason Record and fellow Snembans ride year round!

23

NEMBA rides are led by individual NEMBA members for other mem-bers members. So if you haven’t yet joined NEMBA, please do.

Rides are usually for small numbers of people and vary by locationand the personal style of the host. So it’s important that you callthe ride’s leader and find out if the ride fits your style. If you com-mit to a ride, please go, since space is limited. That way we cankeep the rides manageable and enjoyable for everyone. Remember,helmets are required. Contact the ride leader if the weather looks

questionable.If you would like to lead a ride, call Bill Boles at 508-583-0067 withthe date, location, ride level, and your phone number. Or you canemail Bill at nembabill@aol.com.

(*) Indicates a ride that might turn into a x-country ski or snow-shoe tour, depending upon the conditions.(**) Indicates a Friends of the Blue Hills ride.(***) Indicates a Blue Hills Trail Watch ride.

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

Date Location Ride Level Contact Host Phone

Berkshire Mass.06/28 Lenox Mountain Inter.,Woman & Adv. John Tunnicliffe 413-637-301006/28 Harriman Res. VT Kids/Family Sam Bartlett 413-624-395307/12 Beartown SF Inter.,Woman & Adv. Steve Malin 413-528-593808/16 October Mt. SF Inter.,Woman & Adv. Herm Ogulnick 413-442-7303

Cape Cod & Islands04/19 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490504/26 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/03 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/03 Cape Cod Intermediate Cape NEMBA 508-564-480705/10 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/17 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/24 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490505/31 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-490506/07 Cape Cod Intermediate Cape NEMBA 508-564-480706/07 Vineyard Intermediate David Whitmon 508-693-4905

Central Mass.04/19 Greenfield Intermediate JohnDudek 413-772-0496*05/16 Franklin County Bike Days Intermediate John Dudek 413-772-049606/07 Mt. Toby SF Intermediate Russ Benson 413-774-779008/16 Mt. Grace Bike & Hors John Dudek 413-772-0496

NEM

BA Rides are for N

EMBA

Mem

bas!Call 1-800-57-N

EMBA

to join.North Shore NEMBA Bob Hicks, President Dan Streeter, Treasurer Phone: 978-774-0906

Adozen NEMBA members from the Massachusetts north shorearea met March 5th and formalized the NEMBA North Shore

Chapter, completing the evolution of the former Eastern MassChapter into three new chapters, Metro Boston NEMBA, SoutheastMass NEMBA, and North Shore NEMBA.The North Shore Chapter comprises all Massachusetts towns andcities north and east of the chapter boundary communities (runningeast to west) of Beverly, Danvers, Middleton, North Reading,Andover, Lawrence and Methuen. All NEMBA members residing inthese communities are automatically members of the newly formedchapter unless they indicate a preference otherwise.Within the North Shore Chapter area over 30 significant public andquasi-public areas with many miles of trails are presently open forenjoyable mountain biking. Preserving existing access by establishingongoing personal communication with the managers/owners of theseareas, promoting amicable relations with other users of these trails,and developing trail maintenance programs where the need arises willbe major activities of the chapter. A key device for accomplishing

these objectives is an "adopt your favorite riding area" program inwhich individual members undertake to be NEMBA's presence ontheir favorite trail areas, monitoring conditions, communicating withthe property managers/owners and other trail users, and calling onthe chapter as a whole, and NEMBA regionally if needed, to deal withany situation which may arise affecting continued access. Initially 8key areas already have been "adopted" by chapter members. As the 1998 riding season gets going, an effort will be undertaken toschedule rides for those looking to expand their riding horizonsbeyond their own familiar trails. Dates and locations for these willappear in NEMBA's Ride Series starting in the June issue. President of North Shore NEMBA is Bob Hicks, a NEMBA BoardMember since 1993 and editor of NEMBA News 1994-97. Treasurer isDan Streeter, past mountain bike chairman for MassBike North Shoreand organizer of the Meet the Land Managers meetings in 1996 and1997. Inquiries about, and suggestions for, North Shore NEMBA canbe addressed to: Bob Hicks, 29 Burley St. Wenham, MA 01984-1943,(978) 774-0906, nembabob@aol.com.

North Shore Kick OffBob Hicks

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Connecticut04/25 Brewster Adv. Novice Karyn Young 203-778-926504/26 W. Hartford Res. Women’s Int. Elise-Marie Staley 860-693-389204/28 Penwood SP Novice John Turchi 203-630-223005/05 W. Hartford Res. Adv. Novice Steve Clarke 860-529-997005/09 Trumbull Adv. Novice Karyn Young 203-778-926505/19 W. Hartford Res. Novice John Turchi 203-630-223005/24 W. Hartford Res. Women’s Novice Elise-Marie Staley 860-693-389206/12 Meshomasic SF Intermediate Steve Clarke 860-529-997006/13 Wallingford-Tyler Novice-Int. John Turchi 203-630-223006/14 W. Hartford Res. Women’s Int. Elise-Marie Staley 860-693-389206/21 Penwood SP Intermediate John Turchi 203-630-2230 06/23 W. Hartford Intermediate John Turchi 203-630-223007/15 Meshomasic SF Intermediate Steve Clarke 860-529-997008/11 Meshomasic SF Intermediate Steve Clarke 860-529-997008/22 W. Hartford Res. Novice John Turchi 203-630-223009/01 W. Hartford res. Novice-Int. John Turchi 203-630-2230

Metro Boston04/16 Midlesex Fells Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018504/16 Middlesex Fells Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018504/18 Groton Adv./Int. Harvey Serreze 978-433-256004/18 Blue Hills Novice David Hodgdon 781-326-0079**04/23 Woburn Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018504/23 Woburn Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018505/02 Fells Kids/Family Michael Good 978-657-818105/07 Lynn Woods Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018505/07 Lynn Woods Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018505/09 Blue hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**05/09 Groton area Advanced Int. Harvey Serreze 978-433-256005/14 Bedford Rail Trail Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018505/14 Bedford Rail Trail Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018505/16 Blue Hills Beginner Bill Boles 508-583-0067***05/21 Great Brook Farm Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018505/21 Great Brook Farm Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018505/23 Lynn Woods Intermediate Michael Good 978-657-818105/28 Harold Parker SF Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018505/28 Harold Parker SF Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018505/31 Blue Hills Novice Dave Hodgdon 781-326-0079**06/01 Hingham Intermediate Steve Cobble 617-471-435806/04 Dogtown Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018506/04 Dogtown Intermediater Gordon Redford 781-944-018506/06 Groton area Advanced Int. Harvey Serreze 978-433-256006/06 Blue Hills Novice Alison Paules 617-561-4317** 06/11 Groton Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018506/11 Groton Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018506/18 Newburyport Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018506/18 Newburyport Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018506/25 Callahan Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018506/25 Callahan Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018507/02 Bald Hill - Boxford Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018507/02 Bald Hill - Boxford Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018507/18 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**07/25 Blue Hills Novice Alison Paules 617-561-4317**08/08 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**08/23 Blue Hills Novice Dave Hodgdon 781-326-0079**09/12 Blue Hills Day Novice Bill Boles 508-583-0067**09/19 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**09/27 Blue Hills Novice Alison Paules 617-561-4317**

Metrowest Boston03/15 Framingham Intermediate Jeff Gallo 508-877-2028*03/29 Milford Intermediate Jeff Gallo 508-877-2028

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04/05 Framingham Beginner Jeff Gallo 508-877-202806/25 Callahan Nov/Beginner Bill Redford 781-944-018506/25 Callahan Intermediate Gordon Redford 781-944-018508/30 Franklin Inter, AMC/NEMBA Bill Boles 508-583-0067

NorthShore MA04/07 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556604/12 Burns WMA Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556604/14 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556604/16 Gerogetown Intermediate Dan Streeter 978-462-460504/19 Crane Pond Intermediate Aaron Millett 978-465-556604/21 Maudslay Novice Riverside Cycles 978-465-556604/26 Georgetown/Rowley Intermediate Aaron Millett 978-465-556604/28 Maudslay Novice Riverside Cycles 978-465-556604/30 Bald Hill Intermediate Dan Streeter 978-462-460505/03 Bald Hill Inter. *AMC/NEMBA Bob Hicks 978-774-090605/03 Burns WMA Intermediate Aaron Millett 978-465-556605/05 Maudslay Novice Riverside Cycles 978-465-556605/10 Crane Pond Intermediate Aaron Millett 978-465-556605/12 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556605/14 Crane Pond Intermediate Dan Streeter 978-462-460505/17 Georgetown/Rowley Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556605/19 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556605/24 Burns WMA Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556605/26 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556605/28 Bradley-Willowdale Intermediate Dan Streeter 978-462-460505/31 Crane Pond Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556606/02 Newbury Intermediate Aaron Millett 978-465-556606/07 Georgetown/Rowley Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556606/09 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556606/14 Newbury Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556606/16 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556606/21 Crane Pond Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556606/23 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-556606/28 Georgetown/Rowley Intermediate Riverside Cycles 978-465-556606/30 Maudslay Novice Aaron Millett 978-465-5566

Northwest Metro Boston04/18 Shirley Intermediate Richard Donoghue 978-545-155105/17 Leominster Inter, *AMC/NEMBA Philip Keyes 978-263-0459 06/20 Shirley Intermediate Richard Donoghue 978-545-155107/18 Shirley Intermediate Richard Donoghue 978-545-155108/15 Shirley Intermediate Richard Donoghue 978-545-155109/19 Shirley Intermediate Richard Donoghue 978-545-1551

Seacoast NEMBA04/30 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-797705/17 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-797705/14 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-797705/21 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-797705/28 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-797706/04 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-797706/11 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-797706/18 Berwick ME Kids/Family Paul Hafford 207-698-7977

Southeast Mass.04/19 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446904/21 Hingham Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251204/26 Foxboro Adv. Women Christie Lawyer 508-643-245304/26 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Bicycle Junction 781-826-638504/26 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446904/26 Freetown Advanced Int. Dennis Lewis 508-993-592004/28 Hingham Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-2512

NEM

BA Rides are for N

EMBA

Mem

bers!

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05/03 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/03 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Rick Miller 781-826-638505/05 Hingham Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251205/09 Blue hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**05/10 Foxboro Adv. Women Christie Lawyer 508-643-245305/10 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/10 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Rick Miller 781-826-638505/12 Hingham Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251205/16 Blue Hills Beginner Bill Boles 508-583-0067***05/17 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/17 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Bicycle Junction 781-826-638505/17 Freetown Inter,* AMC/NEMBA Bill Boles 508-583-0067 05/19 Hingham Intermediate Paul Peasley 781-925-251205/24 Taunton Kids/Family Christie Lawyer 508-643-245305/24 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446905/24 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Rick Miller 781-826-638505/31 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Bicycle Junction 781-826-638505/31 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446906/01 Wompatuck Intermediate Steve Cobble 617-471-435806/07 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Rick Miller 781-826-638506/07 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446906/14 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Bicycle Junction 781-826-638506/14 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446906/21 Wompatuck Adv. Beg. & Int. Rick Miller 781-826-638506/21 SE Mass Advanced Int. Bike Barn 781-447-446907/18 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**08/08 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**09/19 Blue Hills Intermediate Bill Boles 508-583-0067**08/30 Franklin Inter. *AMC/NEMBA Bill Boles 508-583-0067

Vermont06/28 Harriman VT Kids/Family Sam Bartlett 413-624-3953Be aware that these ride categories are only general guidelines. You should ask the leader exactly what type of ride he or is planning in termsof distance, pace and technicality. Also, be realistic about your level of riding skills and don’t join a ride that is beyond your present ability orfitness 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 experienceNovice: 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 who probably 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.Ski Tours: Can be any level of difficulty. Call for more information.

Paul AngiolilloBill BolesTim & Hilary BugbeeBrian CaseSteve & Lauren ClarkeSteve CobbleAllan CoffeyLawrence De NorioEd DeanJeffery C. EddySusan EdwardsHans Fernsebner

Daniel A. GinsburgSteve GoldfarbDorothy HeldMario IppolitoMargaret & J. JellyStuart JohnstonePhilip KeyesSharon LambJohn LevyJoyce LockertMark T. LudersDavid Markun

Lisa MonzionePeter NelsonThomas RiihimakiE.C. RobertsonStephen RoweRobert J. SalamyRichard SchatzbergRick SmithJoe StadelmannDan StreeterLeonard A. WeissMaury Wood

Thanks again for supporting NEMBA’s Advocacy Appeal!

Your th

e Best!

Walk your dog. Ride your bike.

27

Dealer Members$1000Belmont Wheel Works, Belmont MA Bikebarn, Whitman MA

$250 - 500Mystic Cycle Center, Mystic CT International Bike Center, Allston MABicycle Junction, Pembroke MA Arcadian Shop, Inc., Lenox MA

$150 - 200Cycle Loft, Burlington MA Gear Works Cyclery, Leominster MA Epicycle, N. Attleboro MA Travis Cycle, Brockton MA Bay Road Bikes, S. Hamilton MA

$100Putney West Hill, Putney VT Riverside Cycles, Newburyport MA Wheel Power, Exeter NH Bicycle Bill, Allston MA Silver City Bicycles, Inc., Raynham MA Yankee Pedaler, Hudson MA Central Wheel, Farmington CT Summit Mountain Bike Supply, Canton CT The Bike Shop, Inc., Manchester CT Pig Iron Bicycle Works, Glastonbury CT Wethersfield Bicycle, Wethersfield CT True Wheels, Pocasset MA

Industry Members$2000 PlusTed Wojcik Custom Bicycles, Hampstead NH Cannondale, Georgetown CT Seven Cycles ,Watertown MA Merlin Metalworks, Cambridge MA Schwinn Cycle & Fitness, Durango CORhygin Racing Cycles, Charlestown MA

$400-1000Specialized, Morgan Hill CAWestern Spirit Cycling ,Moab UT The Ride Magazine, Woburn MA Schwinn Cycling & Fitness, Wakefield MA Rock Shox, San Jose CABack Country Excursions of Maine, Limerick ME

$200-250Mavic, Georgetown MA Mad About Cycling, Falmouth MA Dirt Rag Magazine, Pittsburg PA Pilgrim Ale, Hudson MA

$50-100Bikes-N-Boats, Mashpee MA Park Bicycle Tools, St. Paul MN Pace Sportswear, Huntington Beach CA Peter White Cycles, Acton MA Snow Resorts ,W. Dover VT Paramount Mobile Bike Repair, Somerville MA Bousquet Ski Area ,Pittsfield MA

Benefactors $200-1000Al Farrell Bill Boles Richard Donoghue Krisztina Holly Arthur L. Zerbey Penny Davidson

$100 SupportersScott E. Bedard Tom Doucette Eckstein FamilyDavid Eggleton Family Tim Eliassen Richard Fletcher Bob Girvin Dorothy Held Bob Hicks Stuart Johnstone Peat Krimmin Robert McNeish Carolyn & Scott Menzel Donald O. Morin Dan Murphy David M. Reichman Michael Salerno Allison Salke Don & Kristen Seib Mitchell Steinberg

John Trudeau

$50 SponsorsBob Jordan Jim Amidon Mark T. Anderson Paul Angiolillo Jared Bergeron Jeff Berlin Peter Brandenburg Scott & Laurie Briere Mike Brown Regina Burton Holly Campbell Kerry Combs Jim Creer Joe Cristaldi Victor Evdokimoff Hans Fernsebner Bruce Fina Steven A. Fuchs Clyde Gourley Matt Guffey Kevin Hult David Iwatsuki Eric Johnson Donald Jones Bernard Kirchner David Kleinschmidt

Ken Koellner Eero Kola Robert A. Levinson Bruce Lineman Mark T. Luders Kathy & Geoff Martin Fred Mollica Francis A. Nichols Leo O'Shea Joseph Ortoleva Trish Palmiere John A. Pews Peter & Kim Proctor Gary S. Pulsinelli Marian Reynolds Terry Richardson Thomas Riihimaki Jonathan Sainsbury Jonathan Salinger Harvey Serreze Brian Smith Karl W. Steinbrecher Dan Streeter Andrew Thompson Patty & Paul Travaglino Peter G. von Au Leonard A. Weiss Mark Wickersham Maury Wood

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 your

support to accomplish these goals.

With your membership you will receive a membership handbook and card, a NEMBA sticker for your bikeor car, and six issues of our bi-monthly newsletter, SingleTracks. NEMBA membership will open up to

you hundreds of different places to ride through out New England. You'll also receive the satisfaction of know-ing that you are helping the trails on which you ride!

Name _________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________ State _______ Zip _____________________

Homephone _____________________________ Chapter _______________________________________

At Large Berkshires Cape Cod & Islands Shays NEMBA CT NEMBAGreater Boston MetroWest NEMBA North Shore MA SE MA NEMBASeacoast NEMBA RI NEMBA VT NEMBA Wachusett NEMBA White Mtns

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_____

Mail to: NEMBA, PO Box 380557, Cambridge MA 02338

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JOIN NEMBA’S HEROES

CT NEMBANEMBA/Cannondale SeriesMarch 21 Quarry Park, Rocky Hill 860-529-9970April 4 West Hartford Reservoir 860-529-9970April 18 West Rock State Park 203-281-0789April 26 Branford Supply Ponds 203-281-0789May 5 Penwood 203-630-2230June 6 West Hartford Reservoir 860-529-9970CAPE COD and ISLANDSMay 24 Otis AFB 508- 477-4936GREATER BOSTON CHAPTER 800-57-NEMBANEMBA/Merlin Spring Series Fall SeriesApril 25 The Fells Sept 12 Lynn WoodsApril 26 Wompatuck Sept 13 WompatuckMay 2 Great Brook Sept 19 Great BrookMay 3 Belmont Sept 20 BelmontMay 3 Leominster Sept 26 The FellsMay 9 Lynn Woods Sept 27 LeominsterMay 16 The Fells Oct. 4 WompatuckMay 17 Wompatuck Oct. 17 Lynn Woods

Oct 18 LeominsterOct 25 Great Brook

SEACOAST CHAPTERSNEMBA/Ted Wojcik SeriesMay 9 Beaver Brook; Hollis NH 332-0979 June 7 Fort Rock; Exeter NH 775-0025June 27 Bear Brook; Allenstown NH 332-0979July 26 Pawtuckaway; Nottingham NH 743-3260Aug. 8 Mt. Agamenticus; York ME 742-9462Aug. 30 Bear Brook; Allenstown NH 332-0979Sept. 5 Fort Rock; Exeter NH 775-0025Sept. 26 Bear Brook; Allenstown NH 332-0979Oct.10 Mt. Agamenticus; York ME 742-9462Oct. 25 Pawtuckaway; Nottingham NH 743-3260

SE MA CHAPTERApril 4 Foxboro State Forest 508-583-0067SHAYS NEMBAMay 10 Bear’s Den Trailwork Day 978-365-6242April 12 Mt. Grace SF, Warwick (BSTRA) 413-648-0754April 25 Poet's Seat Tower, Greenfield 413-772-0496

NEMBA’s Save the TrailsMaintenance CALENDER

—Look for details in each Chapter’s News—N

ew England M

ountain Bike Association

PO Box 380557

Cambridge M

A 02238

Non-Profit O

rganizationU

.S. PostagePaid

Permit #

148Plattsburgh, N

Y