The trip for this weekend (10-23, 24, 25) has been canceled. Brown Co is expecting over and inch of rain tonight and another inch tomorrow with additional rain on Saturday. Highs in the forties.
Maybe next year.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Western trip to Brown Co..possibly canceled?
The weather looks wet and cold for the chapter trip to Brown Co Indiana this weekend (Oct 23rd-25th). I will make the call Thursday afternoon and post on this site if it is a go or canceled. :( Brown Co soil has a high clay content and it would not be cool to ride in wet weather.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Race Across the Sky movie night
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Approval! Stanaback Park-Kentwood
Kentwood ready to create its first mountain bike trail, in Stanaback Park
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press... October 15, 2009, 7:32AM
KENTWOOD — Stanaback Park’s deep ravines, rough terrain and wooded areas could become home to the city’s first mountain bike trails.
Members of the Michigan Mountain Bike Association recently toured the park, north of 44th Street SE and east of Breton Avenue, and met with parks and recreation officials to discuss trail plans.
Director Charlie Ziesemer said the Parks and Recreation Commission gave its early blessing to the proposal, dependent on final contract agreements and liabilities. Harriet Stanaback, who donated the original 33 acres for the park, also agreed to a first phase of the project.
When Stanaback donated the land in 1998, she stipulated it be kept mostly in its natural state and used for passive recreation.
“I think it’s going to be a very good use for the property,” Ziesemer said of the trails. “They’re (MMBA volunteers) going to come in and do all the work and maintain the trail. It’s really a win-win for the city.”
Details still need to be settled, but MMBA volunteers seem eager to get started yet this year, if possible, Ziesemer said.
The park — the 33 acres donated by Stanaback plus 17 adjacent acres bought by the city this fall with state grants — includes some paved walking trails, a basketball court, restrooms, a picnic shelter and playground.
“It’s a beautiful park, and there are some very interesting natural features there,” said Martin Hall, a member of the Western Chapter of the association. “The ravines are tremendous, and it’s just a beautiful property where people can get close to nature.”
Hall said the park got high ratings from the MMBA because of its natural features, its proximity to other bike trails, and the large number of volunteers in the area to help with construction and maintenance.
If approved by the city, the trails will be built in phases. The first phase could have about four miles of mountain biking trails north of the paved trail, Hall said. If that goes well, a second phase might add another mile or two to the south side.
MMBA is a nonprofit organization with more than 2,500 members in nine chapters. Volunteers design, develop and maintain trails.
Other mountain bike trails in the area are in the Allegan State Game Area, Cannonsburg State Game Area and Cannonsburg ski area, Edward Creek and Greenville Shearer Road in Greenville, Grand River in Jenison, Luton Park Trail in Rockford, Riley Trails in Holland, Robinette’s in Grand Rapids, and Yankees Springs in Middleville.
By Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Press... October 15, 2009, 7:32AM
KENTWOOD — Stanaback Park’s deep ravines, rough terrain and wooded areas could become home to the city’s first mountain bike trails.
Members of the Michigan Mountain Bike Association recently toured the park, north of 44th Street SE and east of Breton Avenue, and met with parks and recreation officials to discuss trail plans.
Director Charlie Ziesemer said the Parks and Recreation Commission gave its early blessing to the proposal, dependent on final contract agreements and liabilities. Harriet Stanaback, who donated the original 33 acres for the park, also agreed to a first phase of the project.
When Stanaback donated the land in 1998, she stipulated it be kept mostly in its natural state and used for passive recreation.
“I think it’s going to be a very good use for the property,” Ziesemer said of the trails. “They’re (MMBA volunteers) going to come in and do all the work and maintain the trail. It’s really a win-win for the city.”
Details still need to be settled, but MMBA volunteers seem eager to get started yet this year, if possible, Ziesemer said.
The park — the 33 acres donated by Stanaback plus 17 adjacent acres bought by the city this fall with state grants — includes some paved walking trails, a basketball court, restrooms, a picnic shelter and playground.
“It’s a beautiful park, and there are some very interesting natural features there,” said Martin Hall, a member of the Western Chapter of the association. “The ravines are tremendous, and it’s just a beautiful property where people can get close to nature.”
Hall said the park got high ratings from the MMBA because of its natural features, its proximity to other bike trails, and the large number of volunteers in the area to help with construction and maintenance.
If approved by the city, the trails will be built in phases. The first phase could have about four miles of mountain biking trails north of the paved trail, Hall said. If that goes well, a second phase might add another mile or two to the south side.
MMBA is a nonprofit organization with more than 2,500 members in nine chapters. Volunteers design, develop and maintain trails.
Other mountain bike trails in the area are in the Allegan State Game Area, Cannonsburg State Game Area and Cannonsburg ski area, Edward Creek and Greenville Shearer Road in Greenville, Grand River in Jenison, Luton Park Trail in Rockford, Riley Trails in Holland, Robinette’s in Grand Rapids, and Yankees Springs in Middleville.
Monday, October 12, 2009
NCT Epic pictures are posted!
29 people made the trip down the NCT from Mesick to Freesoil Road(42 miles) or the full on version from Mesick to Baldwin(77 miles). The Pere Marquette Lodge once again served as great hosts for our epic jorney. The weather served up the most diverse conditons only Michigan can produce; from frozen fog to sunny 50's and then some sleet, rain and snow to cap off the ride. The warm lodge, roaring fire, friends, food and Founders beer hit the spot. Check out the trip photos.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Meeting Minutes - October 2009
Western Michigan Mountain Biking Association - Meeting Minutes
Location: Mangiamo Restaurant - 2nd Floor, Lake St. Grand Rapids, MI
Board Members Present: Rick Plite - President, Jason Dew-Vice President, Martin Hall - Treasurer, Jennifer Bechtel-Secretary, Nate Phelps-State Representative, Dennis Murphy-State CPS coordinator.
Members Present: Jason Bechtel
Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
0.0 Meeting called to order at 6:40 p.m. - Rick Plite
1.0 Minutes review w/updates - Rick Plite
1.1. Brown County Indiana camping trip October 23 - 25th.
1.1.1. We have a large Group Camping Spot so anyone who wants to attend can show up and pitch a tent with the group. If you would like to carpool, please contact Rick at: amtnbiker@chartermi.net
1.2. NCT Ride is this coming weekend (October 9th,10th,11th). There are two double-rooms available. Contact Martin Hall at:
1.3. Halloween Party - no party this year
1.4. Meetings - still seeing low attendance. Discussed sending email reminders and reminding Jason S. to update Twitter/Facebook links
1.5. Motion to approve the minutes by Nate Phelps. Motion seconded by Martin Hall. Motion carried.
2.0 Film Festival Update - Nate Phelps
2.1 Planning this for mid-February at Wealthy Theatre.
2.2 Side note: the movie "Race Across the Sky" will play one night only (10/22) at Celebrations theatre in Grandville (Rivertown Crossings)
3.0 State Games Committee Members - Rick Plite
3.1 Scott Chambers, Wade Bagnell, Reid Arnot, Christian Glupker, and Dave Staublin
3.2 State Games scheduled to happen June 25th - 27th, 2010 with an opening ceremony Friday night in downtown Grand Rapids.
4.0 Trail Coordinators/Updates - Rick Plite
4.1 Game Area closed
4.2 Ski area closes November 7th
4.3 Luton Park - it has been noticed cars are parking on Kies street instead of in the parking area and that people are drinking at their cars even though it is posted No Alcohol. We do not know if these are MMBA members, but everyone please remember to keep this trail a safe and family-friendly environment.
4.4 Bass Trailhead - Tom Landry and crew had a trail day this fall and worked on filling low areas.
4.5 Allegan - had a good turnout for the Trail day this past weekend. Still needs some work but thank you to those who helped.
4.6 Ionia - the Trail Coordinator has been sidelined with various events/issues this summer.
5.0 Treasury Report - Martin Hall
6.0 State Rep Update - Nate Phelps
6.1 Pleased to announce that WMMBA member Dennis Murphy is the new CPS Coordinator and Heather Kubiak is also a member of the CPS Committee (also a MMBA board member).
6.2 Annual Meeting
6.2.1 Looking at MSU Pavilian for the last weekend in January
6.2.2 Possible two day event with the first day (30th) being for classes, retailer presentations, trail schools, etc
6.2.3 Separate speaking rooms for presenters
6.3 Insurance review occurring
6.3.1 May cause Trail Day moratorium until insurance is secured. Please check with Nate before scheduling a trail day.
6.4 Strategic Planning Session will be occurring at the State level, led by WMMBA member and board member Martin Hall (note that the WMMBA will resume its Strategic Planning meetings with the winter season).
7.0 CHAPTER ELECTIONS
7.1 We are looking for a Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President for the 2010 year.
7.2 Nomination period will be October 19th - 26th and voting will be via SurveyMonkey from November 1st to the 15th. Winners will be announced at the December 7th meeting.
8.0 Local Government Updates
8.1 Aaron Smith and Nate Phelps will go to the October 6th City Commission meeting for final approval of the bike park. Looks hopeful. If yes, we can schedule the first two weeks in November for Jason Wells to be building trails.
8.2 The Bike Friendly Community (BFC) results are due soon. The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition (GGRBC) were hoping for a bronze level for Grand Rapids.
8.3 On a related note to the BFC, Nate Phelps would like Aaron Smith to be the WMMBA Chapter Representative to the GGRBC. Motion made by Martin Hall, Rick Plite seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting ended: 7:45 p.m.
NEXT MEETING IS: DECEMBER 7th at Mangiamos (upstairs) at 6:30 p.m.
These minutes to be posted at: Western Mmba on Facebook and western@mmba.org (blogger.com).
Previous months' minutes can be requested from: ricejennbud@yahoo.com
If you received these minutes via email, it is because you signed in at a previous general or committee meeting and gave us this information. If you wish to be removed from the list, please reply to this email with the message "Remove me from WMMBA Minutes notification."
Side note: Something not mentioned at the meeting but should have been:
The 2010 Yankee Springs Time Trial Committee is forming now! The first meeting is on October 21st at the Uccellos in Caledonia (8526 Broadmoor Ave SE) at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested please notify Dennis Murphy at 616-394-2218 or email him at dennis.murphy@gmail.com.
Location: Mangiamo Restaurant - 2nd Floor, Lake St. Grand Rapids, MI
Board Members Present: Rick Plite - President, Jason Dew-Vice President, Martin Hall - Treasurer, Jennifer Bechtel-Secretary, Nate Phelps-State Representative, Dennis Murphy-State CPS coordinator.
Members Present: Jason Bechtel
Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
0.0 Meeting called to order at 6:40 p.m. - Rick Plite
1.0 Minutes review w/updates - Rick Plite
1.1. Brown County Indiana camping trip October 23 - 25th.
1.1.1. We have a large Group Camping Spot so anyone who wants to attend can show up and pitch a tent with the group. If you would like to carpool, please contact Rick at: amtnbiker@chartermi.net
1.2. NCT Ride is this coming weekend (October 9th,10th,11th). There are two double-rooms available. Contact Martin Hall at:
1.3. Halloween Party - no party this year
1.4. Meetings - still seeing low attendance. Discussed sending email reminders and reminding Jason S. to update Twitter/Facebook links
1.5. Motion to approve the minutes by Nate Phelps. Motion seconded by Martin Hall. Motion carried.
2.0 Film Festival Update - Nate Phelps
2.1 Planning this for mid-February at Wealthy Theatre.
2.2 Side note: the movie "Race Across the Sky" will play one night only (10/22) at Celebrations theatre in Grandville (Rivertown Crossings)
3.0 State Games Committee Members - Rick Plite
3.1 Scott Chambers, Wade Bagnell, Reid Arnot, Christian Glupker, and Dave Staublin
3.2 State Games scheduled to happen June 25th - 27th, 2010 with an opening ceremony Friday night in downtown Grand Rapids.
4.0 Trail Coordinators/Updates - Rick Plite
4.1 Game Area closed
4.2 Ski area closes November 7th
4.3 Luton Park - it has been noticed cars are parking on Kies street instead of in the parking area and that people are drinking at their cars even though it is posted No Alcohol. We do not know if these are MMBA members, but everyone please remember to keep this trail a safe and family-friendly environment.
4.4 Bass Trailhead - Tom Landry and crew had a trail day this fall and worked on filling low areas.
4.5 Allegan - had a good turnout for the Trail day this past weekend. Still needs some work but thank you to those who helped.
4.6 Ionia - the Trail Coordinator has been sidelined with various events/issues this summer.
5.0 Treasury Report - Martin Hall
6.0 State Rep Update - Nate Phelps
6.1 Pleased to announce that WMMBA member Dennis Murphy is the new CPS Coordinator and Heather Kubiak is also a member of the CPS Committee (also a MMBA board member).
6.2 Annual Meeting
6.2.1 Looking at MSU Pavilian for the last weekend in January
6.2.2 Possible two day event with the first day (30th) being for classes, retailer presentations, trail schools, etc
6.2.3 Separate speaking rooms for presenters
6.3 Insurance review occurring
6.3.1 May cause Trail Day moratorium until insurance is secured. Please check with Nate before scheduling a trail day.
6.4 Strategic Planning Session will be occurring at the State level, led by WMMBA member and board member Martin Hall (note that the WMMBA will resume its Strategic Planning meetings with the winter season).
7.0 CHAPTER ELECTIONS
7.1 We are looking for a Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President for the 2010 year.
7.2 Nomination period will be October 19th - 26th and voting will be via SurveyMonkey from November 1st to the 15th. Winners will be announced at the December 7th meeting.
8.0 Local Government Updates
8.1 Aaron Smith and Nate Phelps will go to the October 6th City Commission meeting for final approval of the bike park. Looks hopeful. If yes, we can schedule the first two weeks in November for Jason Wells to be building trails.
8.2 The Bike Friendly Community (BFC) results are due soon. The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition (GGRBC) were hoping for a bronze level for Grand Rapids.
8.3 On a related note to the BFC, Nate Phelps would like Aaron Smith to be the WMMBA Chapter Representative to the GGRBC. Motion made by Martin Hall, Rick Plite seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting ended: 7:45 p.m.
NEXT MEETING IS: DECEMBER 7th at Mangiamos (upstairs) at 6:30 p.m.
These minutes to be posted at: Western Mmba on Facebook and western@mmba.org (blogger.com).
Previous months' minutes can be requested from: ricejennbud@yahoo.com
If you received these minutes via email, it is because you signed in at a previous general or committee meeting and gave us this information. If you wish to be removed from the list, please reply to this email with the message "Remove me from WMMBA Minutes notification."
Side note: Something not mentioned at the meeting but should have been:
The 2010 Yankee Springs Time Trial Committee is forming now! The first meeting is on October 21st at the Uccellos in Caledonia (8526 Broadmoor Ave SE) at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested please notify Dennis Murphy at 616-394-2218 or email him at dennis.murphy@gmail.com.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Grand Rapids Bike Park
GRAND RAPIDS BIKE PARK
This past Tuesday night the city of Grand Rapids Commission unanimously approved our project.
We have a bike park.
A work schedule is being developed as we hope to finish phase 1 in November.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Brown County State Park, Indiana
Join the Western Chapter for a weekend of camping and riding Oct 23rd-25th and see why Brown County is the best place to ride within a 7 hours drive of GR. While this weekend is a chapter event aimed at getting people together for riding and socializing everyone is on their own for meals and transportation. Carpooling is recommended and if you email us we can try to hook folks up. The chapter has reserved Rally Camp #5 and everyone is welcome to camp on this site (50 max). Cost is approximately $10 per person per night. All other camping accomodations are full already! There may be cabins available for rent as well. Bring the family; there are many non-riding options to choose from including hiking, horseback riding, shopping, wine tasting, swimming and more.
With miles and miles of flowing trail, scenic vistas and amazing terrain Brown County has become a world-class mountain biking destination.
In its March 2009 issue Bike magazine named Brown County State Park one of the best 33 trail systems in North America! It was also named runner-up in the "Best Trail Network" category. The editors said "its...singletrack is among the most varied terrain east of the Mississippi. From berms to steep switchbacks to tight trees to rock gardens, these trails have it all.
Bike magazine also said that Brown County has "flowed-out berms, tight switchbacks and hand-built rock features that will leave you thinking you landed in Tsali [North Carolina] or Canaan [West Virginia]. Ride an out-and-back, and you've got 30-plus miles. Switchbacks? Plenty. Steep climbs? Just like the East Coast. Natural beauty? It's at an all-time high in the fall." Dirt Rag magazine wrote, "Hills, rocks, trees, roots. A place that reminds you why wheels turn.
The Brown County mountain bike trail system is located entirely within Brown County State Park
Links/Info:
http://www.browncountymountainbiking.com/
http://www.browncountymountainbiking.com/camping.html
Reservations:
http://www.indiana.reserveworld.com/
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Last CSGA Ride of the season party!
Monday, Sept. 14th is the last day to ride at Cannonsburg State Game Area for the year. Come on out and do a lap or several. This "group ride" will have no structure, just individuals or small groups out riding at their own pace. When it gets dark, come on out to the after party which will be just up the road at my house. Weather looks like it will be perfect for a bon fire! Of course there will always be records spinning in the bike barn too. Brats and hot dogs will be provided but there is plenty of room on the grill if you have something specific you want to bring to grill (like a veggie burger for example). BYOB and maybe some chips or something if you feel like it. You can even try your hand at scratching records and wear the gold chain if you want-
Cramer
Directions to after party - Drive toward Cannonsburg Ski Area, turn north on Myers Lake road about 1/2 mile, then right (east) on Kreuter another half mile to 7101 Kreuter. Party starts when it gets to dark to ride without lights.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Luton Park....Black Loop
The new Black Loop is open for riding at Luton Park. The 2.7 mile trail is similar to the Red Loop. It is all signed and arrowed and you will find the entrance on your right just after the first bridge (if you are starting at the barn). It will wind and loop all over the northeast corner of the property, cross the Blue Trail once and dump you out right near the same bridge. We have one large log pile option to create and quite a few bench cuts to put in but it is all ride able, enjoy! With all the loops complete, the trail system now totals 9.3 miles. The largest mountain bike trail system in Kent County.
Please remember to let the trails at Luton Park dry for at least two days after it rains. Currently (8-29-09) the Blue Loop and portions of the Yellow and Orange have large muddy sections that are growing by the day as people tend to try riding around them. If you encounter mud puddles it is best to ride straight through them so the trail will not get wider.
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