An undefended breath sails on the wind

The above line (if I remembered it correctly) is from a poem I heard recited at the Ned PnR after patrolling last Monday (I visited the new brewpub rather than ride home). With the aspen in leaf, blue skies, moderate temperatures, just enough climbing and such great flow on the trail, indeed my breath did sail away with ease and carry with it all concerns.

To patrol specifics: without confirmations on my patrol dates, I don't know if I was actually supposed to patrol, but I did anyways. It was a quiet day despite the 20+ group ride that came up on the bus with me (few cars in the lots). I gave out a map and discussed the trails with another person who already had a map. I managed to maintain my happy demeanor when presented with a snide tone from the equestrian sweep (twice) and tried to assure a hiker that mountain bikers are not "wild and untamed". Lost a wrench but found a spoon. The trails are in great shape except for some running water on Clear Cut (342). Fort Kiva has collapsed. Finally, patrollers should consider starting the day at Happy Trails, the coffee/bike shop in town. I talked to
two people about the patrol there while replacing a skewer (luckily someone was actually working in the shop).

1st Patrol in the bag

Richard M chases down our favorite Daily Camera shutterbug/author on the first bike patrol of the 2007 season. Trails look great, crowds weren't too crazy for the holiday weekend and the thunder storms stayed at bay. Thanks also to Mike B and Chuck G for getting out on patrols #2 and #3. Great work everyone!

Snow today, gone tomorrow!

8200' at 7am this morning in Coal Creek Canyon. Returning patrollers who did not attend one of our training sessions will still need to sign the volunteer agreement with the FS before patrolling. Elaine will have the sign up forms at the front desk of the FS HQ at 2140 Yarmouth Ave. so please stop by and get signed up. She also has some more maps of West Magnolia for handing out. The West Magnolia map is also available to print off from the BMA website. Keep those dates coming! Thanks to Richard M., Mike B and Chuck G for patrolling this first weekend of the season!

Dont forget the DEET!

I got eaten up when I climbed the School Bus Trail last week. Good thing West Nile hasn't happened above 7000'..... yet.

Be sure to bring repellent!

mtbmike

Aspen Alley

West Magnolia is looking great and we are ready to start patrolling this weekend! If anyone is available for Sunday 5/27 or Monday 5/28 patrols please let me know ASAP and if you have not yet submitted your desired patrol dates please do so soon. I will get a community calendar of some sort up and running so you guys can see what dates are still available. Thanks to all who came out for training with the FS last week, returning patrollers, and all who have volunteered there time and energy to representing mountain bikers in Boulder County. We're looking forward to a great season in the high country!