Workers Wanted

Hey Dirtlovers:

I’ve got 22 landscape ties and 25 8′ rough-sawn cedar 2x6s from an Amish sawmill — enough to make 11 minibridges. Anybody who has been to the City Forest this week knows we’ll have no trouble finding uses for them. Meet at my house this Thurs, Apr 30, 6:00 PM to hammer the bridges together. Bring a hammer. Bigger is better — a 20-22 oz hammer is optimal. The spikes are 16p spiral ardox, so you need to hit them hard.

We’ll schedule a weekend afternoon work party to get them and more armoring in place in the next few weeks. Suggestions of a good time for that are welcome.

Work party: 6:00 PM, Thurs, Apr 30, 2887 Oakhaven Ct, Midland, 48642. Bring safety glasses too!

Jim Crissman
MCF Trail Coordinator

Midland City Forest Trail Report

The trail is really wet after the 3″ rain on Saturday, plus the drips and drabs since. I figure it won’t be ready to ride until Friday at the soonest. Also, please note that the trail has been eroded by the flood waters on the south creekside section near the center bridge. I may not get to it this week. Please be cautious.

Jim Crissman
MCF Trail Coordinator

NEW Northeast Chapter Forum

I just discovered that each MMBA chapter now has it’s own discussion forum on the MMBA website.  A link is now available in the side bar (at right), as well as the Forums tab above.  I’m not sure when they added this feature, but I like it.  You can be the first to post (hurry!)

Thanks to all who participated in the chapter meeting last night!  Many great ideas were shared, concerns voiced, stories told and Curt Peterson may even have a few new Facebook friends this morning.  Meeting minutes to be posted soon.

NE Chapter Meeting TONIGHT

We will see you tonight (Wednesday April 22nd) at 6pm.  Meet in the less rowdy section of Oscar’s (closest to the street corner) in beautiful Downtown Midland.  If anyone has any mtbike DVDs, bring them along…we’ll ask about showing them during the meeting.

Call Thad @ (989)430-6265, if you have questions or can’t locate us.

B-Xtreme Cycle & Sport to open in Midland…

Todd Atkinson has announced the grand opening of B-Xtreme Cycle & Sport at 415 E. Main St. in Downtown Midland.  B-Xtreme will offer the American based KHS brand bicycle line.  They will also feature their reputable service and plenty-o-gear and accessories.  Check out Todd’s new website and be there for the grand opening on May 1st.  Good luck Todd!

http://www.b-xtremecycle.com/

MMBA NE Chapter meeting (update)

Hello bikers!

The Northeast Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association will be holding its FIRST meeting for 2009!

WHEN: Wednesday evening, April 22, at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Oscar’s Bar and Grill which is at 140 E Main Street in downtown Midland
The meeting will be held in the smoke-free section, called the “Cobblestone”. It is the farthest section to the south on the corner of the building.
WHY: Beer and Bike Talk.. Nuff Said.
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO TALK ABOUT?

• Introductions – Call to order
• Election of Officers – We currently are needing to fill two roles for the Northeast Chapter. The President and Board Officer roles are currently vacant. We have an individual willing to fill each role, but are accepting candidates – and will “elect” these individuals at this meeting. Please forward your name if you are interested by April 21st.
• There has been a very preliminary list created for some “opportunities” for the NE Chapter of the MMBA to consider. We will review this list, and hopefully get some volunteers to help with some of these opportunities.
• Brainstorming activity to create additional “opportunities” for the NE Chapter.
• Skills Park at City Forest Update (if skills park representation is available).
• Questions/Comments/What is next
• Adjourn 

You DO NOT need to be a registered member of the MMBA to participate in this meeting!!!!

BUT, you SHOULD join the MMBA for the following reasons:
* All the cool kids have joined the MMBA
* You will receive the Bent Rim Bugle Newsletter publications to your home
* Rays Bike Shop http://www.raysbike.com/ will give a 10% discount on all parts and accessories if you show a valid MMBA registration card
* Our current chapter (the Northeast Chapter) has only 28 registered MMBA Members! This number is very meager compared to other locations!
* You could receive other riding information in the mail directly to your house
* The MMBA is non-profit… Therefore, the membership should be TAX DEDUCTABLE!!!!

Please stop in and socialize, talk about bikes, and have a beer!

Thanks,

Troy Gerding

MMBA Webisode #4

A quick way to check out what the MMBA has been up to.  Follow YouTube link.

Here's Marne

Are you a MMBA member?

In the works are several (regional) incentives to help increase MMBA membership.   If you are a business owner and would like to offer special discounts to MMBA members, please contact thadhallberg[at]gmail[dot]com.  In return, we can offer links on our NE Chapter website and Facebook group, as well as muddy shoe tracks on your floors!

To become a MMBA member click here.  Be sure to select Northeast Chapter.

 

click here...I dare ya!

Group Ride @ MCF

 

 

Hilary, Gussie, Gary, Jim, Thad (w/camera)

3/27  Last Friday a small group gathered at Midland City Forest and took to the singletrack.  We enjoyed a relatively dry ride for Spring time in mid-Michigan.  If you haven’t already, dig that bike out of the garage and join us for the next ride (TBA).  

Contact thadhallberg[at]gmail[dot]com to get on the contact list for future rides and other chapter events.