Thanks to Marcus Berggren who set up this on-line tool.
http://funkbus5.com/bouldermountainbikepatrol/month.php
You can still email me your preferred dates, but this website will let you know which dates are already
taken.
If a date has two names already listed, it is taken. If a date has a header "+2" we still need two
patrollers to sign up for that date. If a date has one person's name followed by a "+1" then we still
need one patroller to sign up for that date.
If you prefer, you can click on the "+" in the upper right hand corner of any day and simply add your name
to the main subject line of a new entry instead of emailing me the dates you want. Your name *WILL NOT* appear on the calendar automatically. I'll still have to approve all entries to make sure we don't have any double bookings, but I'll confirm with you when the date is approved.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Public perception problems
Hey all,
I've gotten several indications that local Nederland riders have a mistaken perception of what the Boulder Mountain Bike Patrol is out at West Mag for. These misperceptions include thinking that we are there for enforcement, that we're trying to turn West Mag into a tourist attraction, that we're out there spying on local riders, and generally a bunch of, in my opinion, paranoid stuff. Nevertheless, we've got to allay these suspicions if we want the patrol to be successful. We need local riders to understand that we're out there to solve problems. First off, we're just helping people out like we always did. Flat tire, out of food, lost, etc - we're there to help. But were also there because private property issues have started heating up. By organizing as a patrol we're putting a positive mountain biking presence on the ground. Without that, the few riders that antagonize local land owners could turn land managers against bikes. We're there to form a solid relationship with the Forest Service by providing a real assest to a resource-starved land management agency.
Local riders need to understand that what we're doing actually benefits them most of all. Instead of taking the paranoid and unconstructive position of lambasting the patrol, we've got to break through that misperception and get the local riders on our side. I spoken with Randy Ruhle, the owner of Happy Trails, and Mike Barrow has spoken with Grant and Mary of latitude 40 fame. This was an attempt to get some info in the hands of people who matter up there. It's obvious to me now that isn't enough. Several folks have made suggestions about how to nip this issue in the bud. While I agree that needs to be done, I do not have the time to make it happen - I'm finishing my doctoral dissertation over the next month, so my life is hell. One or more of you can make a huge difference here by taking the initiative to get more info into local's hands. This might include getting Randy to post info about the patrol at his shop, contacting the Mountain Ear (the local paper) to get something in print, posting more detailed info on the West Mag kiosks (Although many locals seem to hate the kiosks), or anything else that might occur to you. If you are interested in doing this, take the initiative and do it, or email me and we can talk in more detail.
Check out the hate: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=189441
I've gotten several indications that local Nederland riders have a mistaken perception of what the Boulder Mountain Bike Patrol is out at West Mag for. These misperceptions include thinking that we are there for enforcement, that we're trying to turn West Mag into a tourist attraction, that we're out there spying on local riders, and generally a bunch of, in my opinion, paranoid stuff. Nevertheless, we've got to allay these suspicions if we want the patrol to be successful. We need local riders to understand that we're out there to solve problems. First off, we're just helping people out like we always did. Flat tire, out of food, lost, etc - we're there to help. But were also there because private property issues have started heating up. By organizing as a patrol we're putting a positive mountain biking presence on the ground. Without that, the few riders that antagonize local land owners could turn land managers against bikes. We're there to form a solid relationship with the Forest Service by providing a real assest to a resource-starved land management agency.
Local riders need to understand that what we're doing actually benefits them most of all. Instead of taking the paranoid and unconstructive position of lambasting the patrol, we've got to break through that misperception and get the local riders on our side. I spoken with Randy Ruhle, the owner of Happy Trails, and Mike Barrow has spoken with Grant and Mary of latitude 40 fame. This was an attempt to get some info in the hands of people who matter up there. It's obvious to me now that isn't enough. Several folks have made suggestions about how to nip this issue in the bud. While I agree that needs to be done, I do not have the time to make it happen - I'm finishing my doctoral dissertation over the next month, so my life is hell. One or more of you can make a huge difference here by taking the initiative to get more info into local's hands. This might include getting Randy to post info about the patrol at his shop, contacting the Mountain Ear (the local paper) to get something in print, posting more detailed info on the West Mag kiosks (Although many locals seem to hate the kiosks), or anything else that might occur to you. If you are interested in doing this, take the initiative and do it, or email me and we can talk in more detail.
Check out the hate: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=189441
Features & stunts at West Mag
Last weekend (5/13) was a good training day, but as I looked at John's pics of the poorly constructed ramp I rode two things occurred to me.
1 - I may not be the best role model in the world. Kids, don't try this at home - it's stupid to ride features and/or stunts that haven't been constructed well. As soon as I got over the hump of the log and I put my weight fully on the back side, the entire ramp gave way and I had to bail.
2 - West Mag has great potential for developing some features in the future. If you look at that pic, the feature is made of completely natural, unobtrusive materials. Hopefully we can develop a good relationship with the FS that allows us to build in a few features to the trails over time. If we can help maintain the safety of such features, wrecks like the one pictured here will be less frequent. People like me are going to keep riding stuff like that whether it's safe or not - we might as well manage it and improve the quality and safety of those features.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Lovely evening at West Mag - Bullwinkle!
Rode up the School bus yesterday evening. The place was empty. The Trail was clear, save for one drift on the Champion Mine property, all the way to the top of the climb. Two pieces of deadfall above the Champion.
Once I got to the top, I dropped down to the doubletrack and made my way to the singletrack that takes you to the toilet bowl. I was stopped by a 5'+ drift right where the trail dives back into the trees. It was time to turn around....
On my way back, I stopped at the very top of the School Bus for a break. I noticed two red and white striped survey flags that were just off the top toward the doubletrack. I don't know what their purpose was.... could this be where the public land stops and the private property starts? I'll be following up with the BRD about finding out exactly where the private property is up there.
So I enjoy the bomber downhill and I'm back into the loops. I take the route that runs by the pond and over to the Lookout Trail for a sunset moment. While finishing the loop, I'm riding by the pond again and there's a phucking moose having dinner in the pond! No rack, but a very healthy critter! I'm not sure if it was male or female, but it was watching me with great interest, so I just kept riding as to not give the impression of a challenge.
Once I got to the top, I dropped down to the doubletrack and made my way to the singletrack that takes you to the toilet bowl. I was stopped by a 5'+ drift right where the trail dives back into the trees. It was time to turn around....
On my way back, I stopped at the very top of the School Bus for a break. I noticed two red and white striped survey flags that were just off the top toward the doubletrack. I don't know what their purpose was.... could this be where the public land stops and the private property starts? I'll be following up with the BRD about finding out exactly where the private property is up there.
So I enjoy the bomber downhill and I'm back into the loops. I take the route that runs by the pond and over to the Lookout Trail for a sunset moment. While finishing the loop, I'm riding by the pond again and there's a phucking moose having dinner in the pond! No rack, but a very healthy critter! I'm not sure if it was male or female, but it was watching me with great interest, so I just kept riding as to not give the impression of a challenge.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Training Day
No Denzel or Ethan, our day last weekend was a nice ride. We met at Happy Trails bright and early. See Chuck and his Alan cross bike.
Jason made sure we knew where we were.
Nicole coming down the trail.
Adam's turn.
A rest stop with a view.
These kids are all right.
The log ride is missing a flume but still had some excitement.
Jason made sure we knew where we were.
Nicole coming down the trail.
Adam's turn.
A rest stop with a view.
These kids are all right.
The log ride is missing a flume but still had some excitement.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Rule #1- Being safe starts on the way to the trailhead! The Magnolia - Peak to Peak intersection, all of East & West Magnolia Rd., riding thru Nederland and at the Ned HS Trailhead are all potential danger areas from cars & trucks so take caution and turn your 'radar' on as soon as you hop on the bike.
Monday, May 01, 2006
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