Author: Matt Jones
FUNDED!!!! IMBA Dig In Project
CAMBC has been approved by IMBA for their Dig-In project funding program. Our proposal for the project was the phase 3 development of the new Heyward Community Forest/Song Mountain Trail system, adjacent to Ragged Mountain. The Dig In project gives is access to matching funds to accelerate this project. The first $2000 will be matched by IMBA through a grant provided by Shimano. Our goal is to raise $7000 through this program.
This project represents the third phase of the Song Mountain Loop trail system in the newly acquired Heyward Community Forest. This new bike-optimized, shared use trail, named Voodoo Child, is an arterial trail that will connect Heyward Community Forest with Ragged Mountain Recreation Area, completing 2.5 miles and expanding day-riding experiences in the Charlottesville area.
The Voodoo Child Trail will be built with features appropriate to an intermediate skill level, including larger berms, small jumps and technical sections.
Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club (CAMBC) has received a proposal from AMPPL Trails, LLC (a Professional Trail Builders Association member company), for trail planning, design, and construction. AMPPL has been integral in the design, planning, and construction of the first 2 phases of this project, which have been primarily funded by CAMBC.
This phase of the project combines professionally contracted trail builders with volunteers to further connect our volunteers, and provide a level of ownership of the process, to the trail system. This ensures a long-term volunteer commitment to this new riding area.
[birdsmeter]
Our Goal is $7000. The first $2000 will be matched by IMBA and Shimano.
Deadline is April 1st, 2021
For more info on Dig In click here
Trailwork Techniques
Benching
Shaping Berms
Finish Work
Share the Trails
The County is receiving an uptick in complaints about some cyclists at Ragged Mtn not yielding to hikers, or passing without slowing down, or otherwise not being considerate of other trail users. They’ve asked us to send out a reminder and help spread the word. So please remember these rules of etiquette:
* Cyclists yield to all other trail users. This means slow down and come to a stop as you approach others, and step to the side of the trail w your bike. In practice I notice hikers will often wave you on while they step to the side. In these cases, pass by slowly, thank them profusely, and wish them a wonderful hike/run.
* There are no horses at Ragged but, if you’re riding Preddy there may be. Always stop and get off the trail when approaching horses. A full stop is needed. Getting off the trail is needed. Talk to the rider and the horse. Take cues from the rider. This is a serious safety concern as some horses can spook at bikes and throw the rider resulting in injury or death.
* Don’t race. Get your PRs on trails where there are no other users. Sure, go fast when you can see the trail is empty. But slow for blind corners, slow when approaching other users, always be prepared to stop.
* Don’t skid tires. If you’re skidding you’re not braking properly and likely to be damaging trails and could scare hikers.
* Don’t cut corners, shorten turns, or create braided trails. Ride the beaten line.
* Don’t ride muddy trails. If you’re on a ride and discover you’re leaving tracks and making ruts turn around, go ride a gravel road or roads around your neighborhood.
* Get a bell and use it when approaching other trail users.
Please remember, there is still a lawsuit between the County and the City over a dispute whether biking should be allowed at Ragged. Complaints about inconsiderate cyclists can negatively influence the outcome should this come to court. Cyclists have an opportunity to be good ambassadors every time they ride. Let’s win friends and influence people positively. Please spread the word. There are a lot of new riders, everyone isn’t on this mailing list. If you see other riders not demonstrating good etiquette please say something. Remind them we are all in this together and every cyclist can and does make a difference.
-Dave Stackhouseon behalf of CAMBC Board of Directors
RTF still wet
Rtf, Barracks <–> Ivy. Mostly dry with a few very wet spots. Avoid for a bit longer if you can. But, rain in the forecast for the next 2 days anyhow…
Preddy
Preddy Creek has just a couple of the usual puddles left over from the recent rain, but is otherwise in great shape #conditions
Imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, ‘This is an interesting world I find myself in, an interesting hole I find myself in, fits me rather neatly, doesn’t it? In fact, it fits me staggeringly well, must have been made to have me in it!’ This is such a powerful idea that as the sun rises in the sky and the air heats up and as, gradually, the puddle gets smaller and smaller, it’s still frantically hanging on to the notion that everything’s going to be all right, because this World was meant to have him in it, was built to have him in it; so the moment he disappears catches him rather by surprise. Douglas Adams.
RTF
I rolled RTF from Barracks to Fontaine and O’Hill this morning. Ground was frozen with few/no bike tracks (good job on being respectful during the recently wet conditions, everyone!) and some footprints (not as good, foot traffic!)
Most (85%) of the trail looked like it would be completely dry when it thawed. There were a few spots that were still damp, and a few standing puddles. Hit the high trails (top of OHill) anytime, and check out the new re-route that went in today. Give the lower trails another day or two.
2017 CAMBC Jerseys!!!!
You might know that the City of Charlottesville has a new Safe Routes to School program, coordinated by our own Kyle Rodland. The city actually owns about 50-60 bikes that Kyle intends to repair and utilize for bike riding safety programming at local schools. How cool is that?
Here’s where we come in. Those bikes need repair. So, we’re planning a huge party at Champion Brewery on February 24 to fix those bikes and have a beer to celebrate.
Mark your calendar and come contribute to a great program that gets more kids out of cars and onto bicycles!!! Here are the specifics:
Where: Champion (the tent outside)
When: Friday Febuary 24th 5-9pm
What: repairing about 50-60 kids bike for the city elementary schools. Bikes are 20″ single speed with coaster brake and hand brake. Most just need air in the tires and a safety check.
How: Tools and work stands are needed! Please bring your basic tool kit and work stand if you have one. Spare parts, tubes, etc will be there.
CAMBC is hosting another Take a Kid Mountain Biking event this Saturday before the Paranormal Race! There will be various stations set up for the Kids to practice and learn on and a ton of fun stuff to do while they ride! Appropriate forkids under the age of 12, including a strider course! It all kicks off at 1pm on Saturday at the Paranormal field and will culminate in an optionalKids race at 3pm! You can register for the Kid‘s race at the event on Saturday from 1-2:45pm and get more information about all the events HERE.
If there is anyone else available to volunteer from 12pm – 3:30pm to help with the Kid‘s portion of the day, let us know!