Iceman Prep Ride…

This is the final week of preparations before Saturday’s 2009 Iceman Cometh Challenge. A group Rail Trail ride is planned for Wednesday Nov. 4th at 5:15 pm sharp.  Meet at the Sanford main trail head (where the bathrooms are).   Bring a light if you have one.

Good luck to all of the “Iceman” participants! The weather forecast looks promising.  I hope that their calculations are accurate.  Stay safe, have fun!

If you are planning to be in the 2009 Iceman, click on the comments button below and post your name and any tips that you may have for first time Iceman riders (like myself).  It would be interesting to see which of our chapter members (and/or followers of this site) will be competing. See you in the beer tent at the finish!

Here is the “Iceman” Schedule of Events

Or see link: http://www.iceman.com/raceinfo/schedule/schedule.php

Friday, Nov 6, 2009

12:00n – 11:00pm  Packet Pick-up (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)

12:00n – 11:00pm  Concessions Open (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)

12:00n – 9:00pm  Ice Cycle Expo (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)

Saturday, Nov 7, 2009

7:30am – 11:30am  Late Iceman Packet Pick-up (Downtown Kalkaska)

7:30am – 11:30am  Late Slush Cup Packet Pick-up (Timber Ridge)

9:00am  ICEMAN START (Downtown Kalkaska)

9:00am  SLUSH CUP START (Timber Ridge)

10:00am  Food Tent opens (Timber Ridge)

10:00am  First Slushie finishes (Timber Ridge)

10:30am  First Iceman finishes (Timber Ridge)

11:00am  First Bus to Kalkaska leaves Timber Ridge

2:30pm  ICEMAN START – PROs (Downtown Kalkaska)

3:15pm  SNO-CONE RACE (Timber Ridge)

4:00pm  Pro’s Arrive  Last Bus to Kalkaska leaves (Timber Ridge)

6:00pm  Ice Capades Awards Party (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day!

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

This Saturday, October 3rd, is our first (hopefully annual) Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at Midland City Forest.  The free event will be an introduction to mountain biking and is open to kids ages 6 – 16 years.  All that is required is a bike (capable of riding in dirt), a helmet and probably some warm clothes.  I hope that the weather will cooperate for us!

More information, including the waiver form, a printable flyer and possible notice of cancellation (due to weather), can be found here… http://mmbane.wordpress.com/special-events/

We welcome all of the young riders, experienced mountain biker chaperones, bike shops, bike mechanics (for simple tune-ups and air filling) and anyone willing to provide a post-ride snack.  Please contact: thadhallberg@gmail.com (or 989.430.6265),  if you are interested.

Don’t worry…we will wrap it up in time for you to watch football.  Join us!

UPDATE: We will be there, no matter the weather conditions.  The Chalet will be open for shelter and we will have some snacks and hot chocolate.  Rain go away!

Wednesday MMCC Ride…

This Wednesday Aug. 26th at Mid Michigan Community College – ride leaves at 6pm sharp! For those interested in an early lap – some plan to be there at 4:45pm.

Note: School is back in session at MMCC. If the front parking lot is full, continue on to the back parking area. This area is open during the week for overflow parking. DO NOT PARK ON GRASS!

Wednesday Ride…

Group ride!  Wednesday Aug 12th, Mid Michigan Community College trail – 6pm sharp!  Trail is in GREAT shape (we rode it Sunday and it was outstanding)

Please note that the main parking lot will be closed for resurfacing, so we’ll meet at the parking lot where our trail crosses the asphalt road.   Directions:   Continue on Mannsiding Rd past Old Clare Ave (where we normally turn left).   Take 1st drive on left  (approx 100 yards past stop sign) and continue to the 2nd parking lot on left (just before the yellow gates).

It looks like there will be a carpool group leaving (at 5pm) from the parking lot of the “old” Holiday Inn (near conference center) on Wackerly Rd, in Midland.

Wednesday Group Ride…

See our “Rides” tab or http://mmbane.wordpress.com/rides/ for updated “Wednesday Ride” information.  This is a well established group ride, with deep roots and dedicated participants.  You won’t regret hooking up with these dirt lovers!

Tonight happens to be at Burns Rd (5:30pm sharp).  For future e-mail notifications on the Wednesday night group ride details, contact Steve Hoffman at shoffman813[at]sbcglobal[dot]net.  This will save me from having to post details every week…thanks.

Also…Thanks to those who participated in last night’s group ride and meeting with MMBA Director, Marne Smiley.  A little dirt, some beer, lively conversation…good times!  Sorry, I forgot to snap some pics.

NE Chapter Meeting (and ride)

Hello bikers!

The Northeast Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association will be holding its next meeting July 28th, 2009!

Check US out at: http://mmbane.wordpress.com/

WHEN: Tuesday evening, July 28th

WHERE: Group Ride at City Forest starting at 5:30 PM (for about one hour)

Followed by a Meeting to be held at the new Midland HOLIDAY INN Restaurant Called Big E’s Bar and Grill (this is a brand new place near the cinema/mall area)

Address: 810 CINEMA DR. MIDLAND at 7:00 PM!

WHY Should You Go?: The Executive Director of the MMBA, Marne Smiley will be in town to meet the group.

We can drink some beer and talk about Biking!

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO TALK ABOUT?

-Introductions – Call to order 7PM

-MMBA Northeast Chapter Updates (Trail Updates, Skills Park, Financials, etc)

-Marne Smiley will be available for questions, along with commenting on State Level MMBA actions.

-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 E-Newsletter publications.

* Chicky Cycle and The Stable Outdoor Outfitters (of Saginaw);

Bicycle HQ, B-Xtreme Cycle & Sport and Ray’s Bike Shop (of Midland);

and Jack’s Bicycle Shop (of Bay City)  …will give a 15% discount on all parts and accessories if you show a valid MMBA registration card.

* 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