Volunteers Needed to Put On a Rattling 50 Marathon

Kuhndog of www.highspeedcycling.com is planning to run the Rattling 50 Marathon again this year. The 50-mile marathon was run in 2007 with about 100 attendees and is part of the MASS. Last year it wasn't held, and this year its back on. It will be August 22. Please e-mail me if you can help run the race and I'll forward your name to Kuhn. The help Rick and I will be doing is trying to keep the trails open this summer so people can ride. Please e-mail me if you can help Kuhn with the race rebjsw@epix.net I'll pass your name onto him. Many thanks, Jill

The 2009 RCST Mountain Bike BASH Update

The BASH - to be held September 10, 11, 12, and 13 this year -- has been and always will be capped at 150 attendees. It keeps it manageable for the organizers and also maintains that close-knit, family-like bonding feeling you've all grown to love so much. You know, the mountain biker camaraderie at its best. The past two years we sold out as the word spread about the family reunion we hold each fall. In 2007, we just hit the limit and last year, we went over by about 20 with late arrivals. And this year? Its February, and we're already at 25 paid, registered comrades. We're planning the best yet -- complete with 10th anniversary t-shirts, a VEGAN meal rather than vegetarian (you meat eaters wouldn't understand), GONDER'S is confirmed (he giggled when I called to reserve the date -- one year Keith "forgot" to call Gonder and we almost didn't get him -- ever since that Gonder laughs when I call, and not Keith.), and the prize table will have QUALITY items this year, not quantity. Griz is firing up the oven for 8 custom RCST mugs. We plan to have maybe 20, really nice swag items this year (think bike stand, maybe a fork, maybe a set of pedals - items to be determined - ideas welcome). Oh, and the design is done for the t-shirt, subject to the club president's approval. But we think he'll like it. So the BASH planning is coming along nicely. If you were late with registration last year - I'd recommend you NOT be late this year! Do you want turned away???

Trail Update - Feb 21-22

We had a light dusting of snow last weekend, and some slushy garbage yesterday, but certainly nothing that would make me say the trails are not rideable --I believe you'll be ok -- especially with today's temps hitting 40. Whatever snow/slush is there should be gone by the weekend. Rick and I may even try to get out for a change. We've been talking about doing some trailwork for months, and on Saturday we are going to try to get in on Hop Back and start cutting it back big time. Not sure yet on that. Have fun riding!

President's Day Weekend - No Snow

All it took was 2-3 days between 40 and 60 degrees and the snow is gone. The trails are clear. Well, except for some treefall that I'm sure happened with the high winds we just had. Enjoy the weekend! Ride safe.

Watching the Snow Melt -- Soon!

I know some of you pay no attention to snow/ice and ride anyway (you freaks!)... but us fair weather maidens are watching for the snow to melt and will keep you posted when its gone. The last couple warm days really melted the majority of it, but we still see snow at the tops of the mountains. I'll keep a watch and let you know at the end of the week.

Still Snow Covered - February 7 and 8, 2009

Yup -- the trails are still covered with snow and ice. Rick doesn't think it will melt this weekend, but I'm thinking maybe by next we'll be seeing dirt again. So we'll keep you posted on the trail conditions. Definitely not good for this weekend.

BASH and 2009 MASS Finals Conflict

As an FYI, there's a conflict this year with the BASH and the Mid-Atlantic Super series finals. We're sorry that this may cause aconflict for some of you, but we've been holding the BASH that same 2ndweekend in September for the past 10 years, so we will not be changingthe date. See you the weekend of September 10-13!