Alright lots of IMBA thoughts dancing in our heads, newfound thirst for excitement, and lots of energy push up the stress level.  Two great opportunities the next couple of weekends to unclutter your mind.

May 2nd - The Mayor Speaks

“We will endeavor to build some more sweet singletrack at Cam-Rock this weekend. We will try to input all of the good comments from the last few days forum’s into the trail to make a fun place to play for everyone. We can’t make everyone happy because as great democracy works not everyone agrees, but we will hopefully make something for everyone at our playground If things go well and we have a good turnout we should be able to complete the new loop. This will leave us free to add the fun features that we have been talking about. Meet at the Cam-Rock III parking lot at 8a with gloves, water and a snack if you need it. Don’t forget about the after work time for a meal and a beverage at Heather’s, and possibly a ride if the weather works in our favor.”

May 9th - Blue Mound Trail Celebration

What = Trail Day Blue Mound State Park

When = May 9th, 2009 8:00am-Noon

Why = Pokerville!

The 411:  It’s time to lengthen the next loop at Blue Mound.  Last year ground was broken on Pokerville.  For the uninformed this loop lies on the South side of the mound between the campground and the Military Ridge trail.  It’s about 0.6 miles right now and is flagged for 4+ miles.  How much will we get done this year?  That all depends on how many people show up….

So why should you come.  Well, there are a few incentives coming your way for the May 9th extravaganza.  First I don’t recommend eating a large breakfast before the drive to Blue Mound.  I’m whipping up a double batch of Bear’s famous cinnamon rolls….18 of them total….I’d love to see one attendee per roll but that’s aiming high for attendance.  These ain’t your Pillsbury out of a can rolls but completely from scratch ooey goooey goodness…..yes, they are that good.  Let’s make this a big one and finish a large chunk of trail.

“But I’ll be hungry and parched after building all that trail”.  I’m not failing to meet your needs today….nope not happening.  The grill will be blazing and Johnsonville’s finest will be beer soaked and ready for the fire as you stroll out of the woods.  Not sure what I’ll do to quench your thirst but a little carbonation and fermentation are safe bets…..come on…..have I failed in this regard ever before?

“But Bear what’s going to keep us entertained while were downing the sausages”?  Hmmm….as if me after a few barley pops isn’t entertaining enough!  The L’alpe Blue Huez time trial is happening the same day as our fine trail builiding effort at Blue Mound and I’m sure the roadies would love some liquid fueled encouragement from our peanut gallery.

If they aren’t still riding I’ll be sure the throw in the Bean Bag toss for an impromtu tourney…..maybe I can even arrange a prize or two….

Some call it trail work…….I call it a trail celebration!

It’s gavel time.  April meeting at 7pm on Thursday night at the Badger Prairie shelter (on top of the hill).

We need to discuss our response to IMBA regarding Elver Park, the proposed Middleton Bike Park, Weekday work/fun nights for summer trail progress, progress report for 2009, and upcoming events.

It’s a lot to cover so I’ll try to keep things brief.  Figure a timed ten minutes per topic with a little time for discussion of each.  I will keep comments brief (less than two minutes).

CORP will provide refreshments for attendees.

No attempt at humor and no pictures today.  This one is all business.

I just received an e-mail from the Executive Director of IMBA (Mike Van Abel) and it looks like things are progressing in Madison’s bid to host the 2010 IMBA World Summit.  Mike has been conversing with the Mayors office about the possibility of mountain bike trails at Elver Park.  One of the things that IMBA looks for at each host city is a leave behind project that will help grow and promote the sport for years after the summit.  During the IMBA visit two weeks ago we met in the Mayors office and Mayor Dave asked if we were interested in Elver Park.  I can say for certain that the meeting was a turning point in the IMBA visit to Madison.

The question being posed to CORP is whether or not we are willing to put forth a volunteer stewardship effort to make an Elver Park project a success.  Myself and IMBA have discussed that this can not be project which sacrifices other projects CORP already has it’s hand in.

Mike Van Abel’s text is as follows:  

Hey Scott - things are moving forward with the possibility of trails at Elver Park. I expect I will be able to converse with Madison          Parks Director Kevin Briski. I will only do so if you and CORP are supportive of the idea and willing to enter into a partnership with Madison parks and contribute some volunteer stewardship. I would be willing to contribute some IMBA pro trail consulting for the design phase of new trails if you think CORP can rally to organize some volunteer trailwork. I am also going to ask the City to pony up some funding for professional construction to get some new trail built this year if possible. 

I know the Middleton bike park is also a priority and I am sensitive to that getting done this year as well.

Let me know if you and CORP are supportive of trails in Elver park.

In a nutshell we have a big question to answer which will have a large ripple effect in what happens as far as mountain biking in the Madison area during the years to follow.

My question to you is the same as Mikes.  Will CORP step up and be supportive of trails in Elver park?

I have started a thread in the forum: http://madcitydirt.org/forum/index.php?topic=555.0    I encourage EVERYBODY to leave a comment as a reply to the forum post or directly to this post to give your feelings about this potential project.

Time is of the essence in gathering opinions.  I will be speaking to Mike Van Abel at IMBA later this week to let him know where CORP stands on this issue. 

Thank you,

Scott Baryenbruch

CORP - President

All signs point to Blue Mound for this weekends trail day.  Meet by the garage/shop at 8am to help reroute Holy Schist away from the mud and muck.  With a good turnout the reroute just might be able to be wrapped up this weekend.  What happens if the reroute gets finished?  More great trail in the new Pokerville development!  Nothing like a chance to add more miles of trail to an already great park!

Bring some boots, gloves, pants, water and maybe a snack.  Heck bring a friend two and get twice as much done.

See you there! 

These guys are coming to town on 4/7 and 4/8 to scope out the Madison area.  If all goes well Madison has a shot at hosting the 2010 IMBA World Summit.

Big deal?  Oh yeah it’s a big deal!  About six months ago this a was nothing more than a pipe dream that I wasn’t sure was possible.  Not only do I think Madison can

pull off hosting the summit I think we can show attendees a pretty good time in our fine city. 

Not much in the way of official business next Tuesday but I encourage everybody to attend…..and please bring some friends.  Stop by and say hi to our IMBA visitors

and let them know what hosting the World Summit in Madison would mean to you.

I’ll have jerseys with me so if you haven’t picked yours up now is your chance!

Come out and have a beer.  This isn’t a meeting CORP wants you to attend this is a meeting we need you to attend.

Any questions?  Shoot me an e-mail at scott@madcitydirt.org

Scott Baryenbruch

CORP - President