SAMBA GENERAL MEETING MAY 4

Yes, we are still here. Lot's going on behind the scenes, but all the T's are crossed and the i's are dotted. SAMBA is now an official IMBA Chapter group, encompassing the awesome Rattling Creek Trails. Below is the general meeting info, hope you can attend and see what we are up too.

SAMBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY MAY 4th:    4:00pm - 6:00pm

At the new Al’s of Hampden

2240 Millenium Way

Enola, PA 17025

·        Tour the new Pizza Boy Brewery facility

    

     ·        Meet SAMBA representatives for all riding areas supported by SAMBA

·        Socialize with other mountain biking enthusiasts

·       Hear about upcoming organized riding opportunities

·       PLEASE RSVP TO SAMBABIKER2013@GMAIL.COM

SAMBA is Central PA’s newest IMBA chapter club and has been  newly reorganized to assist in expanding riding opportunities. THE GOALS OF SAMBA ARE: ·         To protect and encourage mountain  bike trail access ·         To create positive working relationships  with area land management agencies ·         To provide information, education and support to  Central Pennsylvania mountain bike riders

FOLLOW SAMBA:

SAMBABIKER.COM  / TWITTER: @ridewithSAMBA

FACEBOOK: SUSQUEHANNA AREA MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION

Trail Work Success!!!

Thanks to all who helped with the trail work this past Sunday, 8 workers for a total of 27 man hours. We had enough people and resources to split up into 2 groups, trail cleanup and bridge restoration.  

Everyone helped get the new treads carried down to the bridge, we then split up to get it done. Crew 1 worked on replacing the bridge treads on the large bridge on Rattling Creek trail, as well as adding braces that were missing since the bridge was recovered and reassembled after last years hurricane flooding.

New treads and braces, looks great and solid!!!

Crew 2 went out with chainsaws to clear Sandy's damage. Doc Smith and Rugged Trail had the most damage, over 12+ trees down.

Two trees, 1 picture!!!

We were done by mid day, so everyone got out to ride and enjoy the brisk and beautiful day. There are 2 trees down that require dismounts (one on Preserve Line after you turn left and up from Fawn Kill, and another on Shale Run getting closer towards Minnich Hit), hoping to get them addressed soon. There are a few others down, but they can be ridden!! Overall, trails are good, come and get em!!

Remember hunting season is in, Bear is in through Saturday, and Deer starts next Monday for 2 weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Trail Work Day Sun Nov 18

I know I mentioned an upcoming trail work day in my last post, and it looks like there is some interest in trying to put a last minute one together for this Sunday Nov 18.

The main focus is to install the new bridge treads on the large bridge on Rattling Creek Trail. The treads are already pre cut, we will need help getting the new treads down to the bridge, tearing the old treads off, installing the new ones, and getting the old ones back up to the road. It also sounds like most of the downed trees are on Doc Smith, so we would like to get that trail cleared up. It won't take too many people to get this all done in a short period of time, the goal would be to meet around 8AM and be done by Noon. A few people for the deck project, and maybe 2 small crews for log cutting. Bring your bike to ride afterwards.

If we get lots of people coming to help, there are also a few spots that could really use some brush cutting, we could send a group with at least 1 brush cutter and maybe 2. 

If you would like to help, please let us know in the comment section below.

Thanks!!!!

  

Nov 11 - Perfect day in the woods

A beautiful Nov day brought many riders to Rattling Creek Sunday. When we got back to Minnich Hit there were at least a dozen cars in the lot, and I am sure some at the East lot too.

Post Sandy, trails are in pretty good shape. Our group had enough man power to move some decent size deadfalls. We needed the handsaws for a few others, and moved lots of large sticks. Trails were easy to follow, leaves down but not thick and heavy like other places I have been lately.

Unfortunately I didn't get out to check out Doc Smith (heard there were a few trees down there), Hopback, or the East Loop. The rest are not too bad, a tree down on Fawn Kill right by the 3 log rollover we took care of last time, and a few others but they are mostly rideable. There was definitely some water flowing and a lot more erosion out on Fawn Kill through the technical rock gardens.

Thinking of getting a trail day together sometime in the near future. Would like to do clean up any lingering downed trees and maybe do some brush cutting. There is also new decking cut and ready to replace on the large bridge on Rattling Creek Trail from last years storm damage. Will work on a date and post it up soon.

If you were out and have any other trail updates, trees down, etc please feel free to comment below.

FRIENDS OF WEISER OPEN HOUSE OCT 21 / RATTLING CREEK TRAILS

There will be an open house on Oct 21 hosted by the Friends of Weiser. They are a multi use group supporting hikers, bikers, hunters, horses, and hang gliders in the Weiser Forest, home of the IMBA Epic Rattling Creek Trails. They have done some great work in the past and have some new projects lined up. SAMBA will be in attendance with a booth too, as well as other user groups. The open house will take place from 11AM-2PM in the main parking lot of Haldeman Tract on White Oak Road by the Forestry Office (and by Camp Muckleratz). 2834 White Oak Road, Halifax, PA 17032

They will be offering a Chicken Barbecue as a fundraiser, please preregister at: http://www.bikereg.com/17547  There may be a few extra dinners available day of, but purchasing them in advance will guarantee you get one and help with the planning. The Bike Reg deadline for ordering is Monday Oct 15 at 5PM, so please order now!! We want to show how much the MTB community appreciates these trails and the hard work that is done to keep Weiser such an awesome place to ride. If you preregister for a meal and don't make it, we will donate them to the Bethesda Mission. If you can't make the event but want to make a donation anyhow, you can enter that amount and do it. Please consider becoming a member of the Friends group, they will keep you abreast of their happenings, work days, etc in Weiser.

So, sign up, come out and ride your bikes in the AM, and finish at the Open House to eat and socialize. 

Here is the link to the Friends group: friendsofweiser.org 

Please preregister and see you on Oct 21

RATTLING CREEK, SAMBA, and IMBA

Okay, this may be the first time you have seen all three of these groups combined together, but there are positive changes on the way. Over the last couple of months there have been meetings with a renewed group of individuals to take mountain bike riding in the Central PA area to the next level. Shortly Samba will be an IMBA chapter club and Rattling Creek will be part of the territory!!

SAMBA has done an incredible job of building both relationships and trails at Swatara State Park, Camp Mack, and Governor Dick over the years. Their successes and track record will be an asset to the future of mountain bike riding at Rattling Creek, and beyond!! There will be an organized plan and agenda for both current and future opportunities in the south central area.

Rattling Creek recently received IMBA epic status. This area is a testament to the vision of Keith, Rick and Jill who made it a reality many years ago. After tons of hard work, 10 years of Bash's, etc, they have minimized their involvement. We were able to get their blessing to include this area under the Samba/IMBA plan to continue the legacy they created. We have been in contact with many locals who have taken trail work into their own hands, and they are excited to be involved with SAMBA to continue its Epic status.

We are already working on some potential opportunities to increase riding areas in central PA. The goal is to have fun, ride our bikes, and offer multiple local areas to enjoy for riders novice through expert.

More info coming soon. Don't hesitate to comment with your thoughts or ideas.

Sept 23 update

The trail gnomes were out this morning. Emory, Joe and myself got all the trees cleared off of Fawn Kill. We made a log ramp out of the triple downed tree section, rode it later and it was nice and smooth!! Also did some trimming since we we walked the entire trail, no more face slappers on Fawn Kill for now.

After trail work got out and did a loop of all the singletrack, trails are riding great and good to go. Any trees down are easily rideable. Enjoy, and remember hunting season is quickly approaching. Lot's of hunters in the woods and on the dirt roads, so keep your eyes open.

Trail Update Sept 9

Got out on the trails Sunday, a beautiful day, and a good many riders out (and hunters out prepping). Trails are mostly in good shape and riding well. The storms over the last couple of weeks have brought down a few trees that will need a chainsaw, one on Doc Smith closer to the East Lot end, and I think four on Fawn Kill. There were other smaller 6" or so ones down too, but all easily rideable. All the sun and humidity has a few area's growing in and needing a little trimming, A few of the rocky technical area's on Fawn Kill have seen some erosion and at some point would be well served with a little bit of rock armoring and love.

Unfortunately other obligations have me unable to get up there again for a few weeks, but maybe a future trail work day can get on the calendar and happen. If anyone gets out and cuts any of the trees, etc, please post in the comments so we know what is done and what still needs work. It is also getting closer to hunting season, so please be smart out there, here is a link to the upcoming hunting dates:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=576240&mode=2

Thanks for the comments on the last post, looks like some people miss the bash!! There looks to be some changes coming, and maybe even some form of a Bash could return (but please don't hold your breath).

Let's get the lights turned back on here!!!

Ok, it's been a while since there has been an update here. As most of you know, the awesome crew who built these trails have taken a step back, but the trails definitely live on. I know many people have been putting their own time into chainsawing, trimming, etc, and keeping the trails in great shape, so a huge Thank You for your work.

The recent IMBA newsletter had a copy of the trail map included celebrating it's Epic status, so all you members should have a copy now. I will also get a copy of this posted as a link here soon.

That's all I got now, look for more regular posts, updated pics, trail reports, etc. Feel free to comment with any updates, info, thoughts, etc.

A Shout-out to the Person Who Cleared Fawn Kill Trail

A huge THANKS to the person who chain-sawed the trees off Fawn Kill trail.  You are the best -- from all of us!

An Incredible Feat Accomplished - And Then Some! The Bridges are Back

First, we can't thank the 27 folks ENOUGH who came out and made this project happen.  They include: Doug Bailey (he's the main guy that made this happen - thanks Doug!), Erik Bolig, George Harman, Emory Ehrenfeld, Joe Ketrick, Dale Shomper, Alan Murak, Rick Begley, Matt Hollenbach, Mike Kuhn, Keith Whitcomb, Chris Jones, Saysana Inthauungsa, Joe Daversa, Clayton Bouchard, Jason Petroff, John Haines, Fred Bellis, Brian Despot, Martha Ruff, Joe Lauver, Steve Miller, Kory Jones, Ed Hidden, Shawn Withers, Rick Brown and Jill Wiest.   A special thanks to Ed Hidden for the below YouTube Video.  It's heartwarming to see the teamwork and hardwork that went into dismantling, moving, and reassembling the bridges.  Here's the You Tube Vid, courtesy Ed Hidden.

And here are Rick's Pictures.  Definitely worth a look along with the You Tube Vid by Ed.  In both these cases, a picture is worth a thousand words, fer shure!

Update on Bridge Retrieval for Dec 4

The December 4 workday is ON.  Doug and his "crew" (Nathan and Jack) were doing some rock work on Sunday and helped cut in the trail for the bridge beam carrying.  The footer for the bridge beams will be reinforced this weekend and that should put everything in place for December 4.  Clayton and his friends put the small bridge back over Rattling Creek downstream a ways where it landed.  This will serve as a perfect temporary detour until the big bridge is completed.  We're not sure if we'll finish on December 4.  The detour is off of Doc Smith trail -- look for the orange ribbons.  Rick and Jill cleared a path from Doc Smith to the bridge, and Clayton cut a path from the bridge almost to Rattling Creek.  Rick and Jill finished the connection.  It's a good temporary go-around. Thanks Clayton for doing this.  The trail is mostly rideable.  We're concerned though if there's a downpour some of it will be underwater.   For December 4, we're not quite at twenty folks on the list of folks helping that have confirmed with Rick/Jill, but feel confident we'll have enough because many have said they'd help.  Please, if you plan on coming, let us know.  rebjsw@epix.net  

Rattling Creek Named IMBA Epic - Now Let's Retrieve a Bridge

Little ole' Rattling Creek has its 10 minutes of fame - an IMBA Epic.  Heck, even Keith is mentioned in the article - so that means he's famous too!   IMBA talks about the trails being a labor of love, and they truly were for many years.  You can read the entire press release here. 

NOW:

Since everyone loves these trails so much, please help us bring the bridges back.  

DECEMBER 4 - 10:00 am - meeting at the Rattling Creek end of Doc Smith Trail.  BRIDGE RETRIEVAL DAY.  

Thanks to a couple locals (Doug, Clayton) and a fellow SAMBA rider (Kory), the effort to retrieve the bridges is alive and well and planned for December 4.  We need manpower to make this happen.   Below is what was discussed to get the beams back in place.    Be prepared to get wet feet -- bring a change of clothes.  And of course bring your bike to ride the "Epic" trail system afterwards. Please let us know if you can make it: rebjsw@epix.net We need a head count to make sure this can happen.

We discussed a possible method using sets of straps as hand holds allowing one person on each side of a strap to lift or drag the beams out of the creek and back up to a location on the far side of the creek along the original trail. We are looking into how to fashion sets of straps or ropes with hand holds to allow many people lift or drag a beam.

 Doug had also mentioned how they use small diameter logs under the ferry boats when they move them out of the water and onto the shore for winter. We thought that we may be able to work something like that out to help us drag the beams back up the makeshift trail I cut some weeks ago. If nothing else, placing short sections of logs under the beam while trying to move it will allow it to slide over the ground and not get hung up on everything. The distance the beams need to be moved is short enough that we feel this method of lifting or dragging with straps or ropes may be able to be used.

 

Downstream Bridge Pictures

Rick got out to get some pictures of the washed out bridges to assess the situation and share what he found with someone that might be able to organize a community group project to retrieve them.  We'll keep you posted.   Here are the links to the bridges. 

Small Bridge

Big Bridge

Oct 8 Bridge Retrieval CANCELLED

Due to lack of response, the bridge retrieval trail work day for this Saturday, October 8 is CANCELLED.  Looks like we'll be bridgeless for a while.  

Bridge Retrieval Work Day - October 8 at 9:30 am.

Please try to make the bridge retrieval work day on October 8 at 9:30, meeting at the Rattling Creek end of Doc Smith Trail.  Kory would greatly appreciate your responding to him to let him know if you can make it.  As mentioned before, he needs at least 10 people for this project and only 4 responded last week.  The weather certainly played a big factor last week, so maybe the 8th will see lower water levels for a change with more folks available to help.  Please contact Kory at  kjmt001@comcast.net .  Thanks!

Trail Bridges Across Rattling Creek still Downstream - Beware

Please be careful crossing the creeks where the bridges used to be.  There was to be a work session last week, but I haven't heard the results other than seeing they aren't back in place. 

Saturday Work Session -- Putting the Bridges Back

9:30 Saturday , 9-24, at the trail head for Doc Smith Trail, Rattling Creek End.  Many thanks to Kory Jones for coordinating the bridge retrieval.  He'd really like someone there that participated in the last retrieval - Rick nor I are able to be there on Saturday.  I'm sharing this e-mail with folks that attended the BASH because some expressed an interest in helping out.   Rick wanted to share basic tools you'll need to bring: hammer, crow bar, a saw, rope.   These beams are quite a bit heavier than the smaller bridge we moved back last time.  A come along or some other mechanical advantage could be helpful if available.  A group of at least 8-10 would be the best.  Rick can't recall how many fit on the 22 foot beam, but he's thinking somewhere between 10-12 for the 30 foot beams would work.  Please let Kory know if you can make it and what tools you might be able to bring.   You can contact him at KJMT001@comcast.net  Thanks to all.  Sorry we will be missing this important session. 

Another Happy BASH - the LAST BASH

Lots of happy campers once again at the LAST BASH.  Ricks pictures are here that show the evidence of happiness in many ways.     Thanks to all of you for making all 12 years memorable.  (11 years technically for me... 10 for Rick.... 12 for Keith).  We enjoy having you as much as you enjoy coming -- even if some of you don't like heavy metal.      Yes, it was the Last Bash for RCST, but possibly not the last Bash - VMB may take it over.   Did you really think it would die??    Ride on...

Bridges Downstream -- Anyone Care to Retrieve?

Several fellow-mountainbikers have spotted the bridges downstream.  The largest is about 100 yards downstream and smaller is about 1/4 mile own dnot far from Doc-Smith trail.  One of the spotters is at the BASH and he commented how there's certainly enough of manpower at the BASH, maybe a bridge-retrieval possy should be organized and go get them.  And I said, "would you like to do that??"  He didn't (that I know of).  The club and those that ride the trails would be very grateful if someone would step forward, take leadership, and organize this effort.  As mentioned before, I'd be glad to get the word out via this BLOG and maybe to those who are attending the BASH this year and I'm sure you'd get enough helping hands to retrieve.