Mountain Cyclist –
March-April 2002
Lead Stories
It's Coming!!!
The biggest and best Bike Swap Meet of all time!!!!
The 2002 ROMP Swap Meet!!!
The location: behind Cupertino Bike Shop, 10493 De Anza Blvd. in Cupertino.
The date: April 28, 2002.
The time: 10 AM to 4 PM.
The bargains: EVERYWHERE!!!
See ya there!
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...by Henry Pastorelli
ROMP President
Thanks to Romp speakers Paul Nam, Jim Owen, Ross Finlayson, Patty Ciesla, Charles Jalgunas, and Dave Wade. Also thanks to the various members of Stewards of Soquel, MBOSC and the many other un-named individuals speaking on behalf of cycling access.
Option B was presented as the preferred option for the Draft General Plan. About 150 meeting attendees were present with an equal number of folks speaking (2 hours worth) for and against cycling access. There was very little discussion about the specifics of Option B, although it was generally agreed that bikes should be moved away from the close-in, congested areas to more remote areas.
Reoccurring concerns expressed by hikers were; illegal riding, illegal trail building, erosion and cycling interrupting the "tranquil nature experience. Closure of MROSD lands was also cited as an example of cycling not working.
Pro bike statements were; irresponsible and illegal riding should be prosecuted. If trails are well designed impacts (by all users) are minimized. Some mentioned bikes should not be allowed everywhere especially in sensitive eco and creek areas. Trails belong to everyone and our taxes are paying for access to this land. There are examples of parks where cycling is working.
A lawyer (retained by Friends of Nisene Marks ) spoke regarding the upper section of the Deeded property and the "implied intent" to maintain the land as a "nature preserve". A letter was also read from a surviving relative of the Deeded family stating they never intended to provide access to cyclists. A brief discussion with the Park Superintendent after the meeting revealed the State does not believe there is any merit regarding the Deeded property legalities.
Option B will set aside large areas of land as "nature preserve" effectively excluding bikes. ROMP asked to provide corridors within the nature preserve (paralleling the main fire roads) so the possibility exists to open some single track and link trails in the future. These trails could then be evaluated for opening by future (data driven) CEQA and EIR evaluations.
Next step; Prepare Draft EIR. Hopefully our comments will be considered and modifications made to option "B".
In conclusion, the meeting was pretty redundant with what I've seen at other meetings. Many pro/con biking opinions were expressed. Also, another reoccuring theme is that a few irresponsible riders continue to instill a bad image. The Park Supervisor pulled me aside and asked if there's something we could do to help "bridge the gap" and form a closer bond or alliance with other user groups, particularly the hikers. I mentioned previous Romp and Stomp's. She thought maybe something along those lines could be done with hikers. Other ideas are involving our Patrol and conducting education stations. I'm hoping Romp can take action on some of these ideas as we move forward.
Henry Pastorelli
President, ROMP
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Friday, January 25, 2002.
I arrive at the San Jose, California International airport in the afternoon. ROMP's Patrol Director Karen Morgan and her husband John (also a ROMP patroller) are there to pick me up as I walk through the door. After countless hours of phone conversation, I'm anxious to meet some of IMBA's most energized and dedicated volunteers in person. After a quick lunch we're off to the Morgan's house to...build a teeter totter. That's right. We built a teeter totter for the bicycle skills portion of the clinic to follow the next day. Do you suppose that many kids come home to find their folks building teeter totters in the front yard? Pretty cool.
Saturday, January 26, 2002.
The day started early as we set up for the clinic at a local middle school. One of the ROMP patrollers also happens to teach there, so the space was donated. By 8:45am there were over 22 people in attendance, three of which were land managers. John Heenan, of the Santa Clara County Parks Department, gave a presentation as did Edward Orr of the California Department of Forestry and Lori Raymaker from the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority. It was both encouraging to see land managers participating in the clinic and beneficial for patrollers to better understand their duties and responsibilities. After a brief IMBA presentation given by myself, Karen spent the rest of the afternoon expertly guiding the group through the patrol curriculum. After a group lunch at the local burrito joint, everyone suited up and grabbed their bikes for a little bicycle skills practice. Due to rainy weather and muddy trails we were confined to the school ! gymnasium and the stairs outside. A few cones and the aforementioned teeter totter made riding indoors relatively exciting. This was followed by the graduation ceremony. Karen had certificates printed up and ready to go. Each participant had their picture taken while receiving their certificate. Karen will email each of them with their graduation photo. How cool is that?
Sunday, January 27, 2002.
Karen and John pick me up at the hotel at 8am. It's time to get back on the plane and that time has come too soon. It was refreshing to get out of the office and connect with a whole group of passionate mountain bikers like myself. I feel optimistic about the future of the National Mountain Bike Patrol program, as more and more land managers around the country look to us for assistance and support. And best of all, I feel like I'll be leaving San Jose having made a few new friends.
-Kevin Stein
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For one spectacular weekend this spring, Henry W. Coe State Park will open the gate at Bell Station on Highway 152 east of Gilroy. The annual Coe Backcountry Weekend, held in the little- traveled east side of the 83,600 acre park is scheduled for April 27-28, 2002. This event, sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association and the Department of Parks and Recreation, allows visitors vehicle access to a remote and beautiful area. Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians have a unique opportunity to see and enjoy an area isolated from the park's Morgan Hill entrance by long distances and rugged terrain.
This area of the park puts on a spring extravaganza of colorful wildflowers in the oak woodland. Fishing for bass and sunfish is excellent in secluded ponds and reservoirs. The trails provide panoramic views of the Diablo Range. Visitors may come into the park for the day, camp overnight at Orestimba Corral or Pacheco Creek Crossing, or backpack to one of the seldom visited areas of the park. They may explore on their own, join a guided ride or hike, or participate in interpretive activities. Brochures, maps, information, activities, and volunteer assistance will be available.
Participants will travel 8.5 miles on an unpaved road from Bell Station to Pacheco Creek Crossing or an additional 3.8 miles to the Orestimba Corral. The road is in good condition and passable by two-wheel drive vehicles, although there are some narrow and steep sections requiring high clearance. Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended for towing horse trailers. Because of space limitations, steep hills, and creek crossings with sharp embankments, the road is not suitable for camp trailers or motor homes.
Entry for the weekend is by reservation only. Flyers announcing the event and providing an application form are available at the Coe Park web site (http://www.coepark.org); the REI stores in Berkeley, San Carlos, and Cupertino; Silacci's Feed Barn in Gilroy; Gunther's Feed Store in Morgan Hill; FISCO Farm and Home Store in Modesto; and at the Coe ParkVisitor Center. Written requests for applications (self-addressed stamped business envelopes included) should be addressed to Application Forms, Coe Sector Office, 5750 Obata Way, Suite A., Gilroy, CA 95020.
Applications and entry fees, $10.00 per vehicle for day use, $20.00 per vehicle for overnight, must be postmarked by SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2002. One vehicle per application, please. We strongly encourage car pooling. A random drawing will be held to meet the 350 vehicles per day space limitation. All unsuccessful application forms will be returned with their checks to the applicants. No dogs will be allowed. Camp stoves will be permitted, but no open fires, barbecues, or hibachis. A group campfire will be held on Saturday night.
Join us for an unforgettable experience. The backcountry of Henry W. Coe State Park on a spring weekend is not to be missed.
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... by Rod Brown
Local cyclists showed up in strength last month at a meeting of the Cupertino committee for the Stevens Creek Trail, and their persuasive speeches helped pass a motion to open this trail to bikes. Although there are several more steps this motion must go through before it is approved, this is a great first step toward bike access on this trail.
For the first time in any of the trail meetings to date, more people spoke in favor of shared-use access than against it. After public input was taken, the committee members had a chance to speak, and a few spoke of bikes disrupting a natural experience and expected user conflicts. However, a couple other members of the committee spoke clearly about the need for areas like this to be accessible to youth and families who might like to bike, scooter, or skate; these members also spoke of Cupertino's history of inclusion, and how excluding bikes would go against that history. Comments of several of our speakers were cited in support of shared use. In the end, it paid off: the committee voted to make the trail shared use along the entire stretch from Stevens Creek Blvd. to Linda Vista Park.
This process has been going on for a year, and it is not quite over yet. The committee will eventually forward their recommendation on to the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission. That commission will vote on it and then pass it on to the Cupertino City Council, who will have final say. Trail opponents will undoubtedly show up to try to get last night's vote overturned, so more meeting attendance will be needed. The City Council will first discuss this on March 18th, but other details are to be determined, so please watch the newsletter, website, and email list for additional information.
Thanks to those who made some very intelligent and well-received comments: Patty Ciesla, Lloyd Davies, Paul Koski, Paul Metz, Anne Ng, John Shalamskas, Bob Slee, Linda Wegner, and Cornelia Woodworth (my apologies to a couple others who spoke but whose names I did not record). This meeting was a great demonstration that, when we show up and speak up, we _can_ make a positive difference. Please come out to the next meeting to help assure this victory!
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Moffett Park Breakthrough
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and NASA have signed an agreement allowing the San Francisco Bay Trail to run through Moffett Field and connect Sunnyvale and Mountain View.
The Bay Trail is a multi-year project that when completed will provide a continuous 400-mile network of bicycling and hiking trails around the perimeters of San Francisco and San Pablo bays. More than 130 parks and open spaces will be connected by the Bay Trail.
Moffett Field portion of the trail will run approximately two miles along the perimeter of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Ames Research Center.
"We are pleased to be working with Association of Bay Area Governments to help plan for the completion of the Bay Trail," center director Dr. Henry McDonald said in announcing the agreement this wee. "The connection of the trail between Mountain View and Sunnyvale will benefit not only our local communities, but also the entire region."
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Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park Update
By Alicia Borowski
Task Force Member
Three proposed design alternatives for the Park were presented at the February 7 meeting. The park is divided into various regions: (1) West Flat Area (2) Slopes and Ridge Area (3) Lakeside Area and (4) Mendoza Ranch Area and assorted components of the park are outlined for each design. For example: Trails, Camping, Boating, Agricultural Education, Picnic Sites, Ranger Station, Maintenance Facility, Visitor Center, etc.
There is some very good news for cyclists at this point. 1) Multi-use trails are mentioned for all 4 regions of the 3 designs. However, in the Slopes and Ridge Area, they are suggesting that not all trails may be multi-use due to topography, safety and/or environmental concerns. Some trails may be seasonal due to soil moisture conditions in winter.
In addition, regional trail connections to Bay Area Ridge Trail, Anza Historical Trail, and to other park areas (Henry Coe State Park) are also included in every design.
One design does include an 18 or 27 hole golf course in the West Flat area and the potential revenue generation for the Park is what keeps this as a viable option.
What remains to be seen is how the Parks Department will be able to fund the construction of this Park. But there are capital monies available for new projects and we hope a significant portion would be directed to Phase I implementation of the park.
To hear all about the 3 designs and the evaluation criteria, there will be a Community Meeting on Thursday, Feb 28 at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna Street, Gilroy from 6:30-8:30 PM. This is the opportunity for the public to comment on the designs and give input. The input received at the meeting will help set the direction for the development of a single preferred design. After this meeting, the Task Force and Parks staff will begin working on a design that may combine features from any or all three of the alternatives.
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A late January rain left the ground moist and slippery for the final workday on Braille for the season. We made great progress on some of the most difficult sections of the trail, making them safe for ATV passage for search and rescue. We marched up the trail admiring the work from earlier this winter and got to work. Joe Fabris rode in and helped with some finishing touches on the lower sections.
Our attention was next focused on the middle and upper sections of the trail, particularly those nearest Sue's Creek. The "Knife Edge" was dulled slightly with the prep work done the week before by Jessica from CDF and a crew of wards out on work-release. They had installed a crib-wall to make room around a redwood tree on the edge, but it needed finish work to make it safe for all trail users. Ed Orre helped direct the crew to haul a log up along the top of the crib-wall, using a rope and lots of horsepower from Ford Young, and assistance from Charles Jalgunas from the Stewards, Charles Lai and Darius Contractor from Stanford Cycling Team, and the Internationally Famous Greg Lydon.
After this project, Patty Ciesla led the crew further up the hill, to the top of the reroute, where drainage was clearly needed in an area built into very loamy soil. The compacted earth had formed a depressed trailbed in a few areas and the waterbars installed by Darius and Charles Lai will surely help this area avoid becoming deeply troughed.
The last project of the day was on the drainage where the Bay Laurel Tree came down in the snow last year. Ellen Carter from Summit Riders helped Ed, Charles, Ford and Ron Laflin re-establish the bench under the root ball and ensure the stream would not be impacted by silt from the trail.
A great day in the woods once again. Many thanks to all who have worked on this epic trail!
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The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), is committed to helping kids experience the wonders and benefits of bicycling. They have become a partner and a supporter of the Sprockids program, created by Doug Detwiller in British Columbia, Canada.
The program is an ideal way for our youths to channel their energy into a positive lifestyle by promoting an awareness of health, nutrition, and physical fitness- a message that has lifelong benefits. Through mountain biking, the Sprockids Program provides a positive venue for young people to develop their self-image and personal values.
ROMP is proud to be piloting this program on the west coast of the United States. Three Junior High Schools in the Oak Grove Elementary School District, Herman Intermediate School, Bernal Intermediate School and Davis Intermediate School will be participating. Responses from the students, staff and parents have been extremely positive. The program will begin on March 1, 2002, and run as an after-school sports program for one hour a week.
We are in need of volunteers from ROMP, and from the community at large, to help us make this program a success. If you are interested in helping teach bike maintenance, riding skills, leading a ride, donating bike parts, or just lending a hand, please contact Karen Morgan at nmpb@romp.org or call her at (408) 224-6879.
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Our April Social Event will feature legendary mountain biker, Jacquie Phelan. Look for a separate mailing with date and details to follow!
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…by Rod Brown
IMBA Executive Director Tim Blumenthal and the IMBA board and staff met with local advocates and donors at a ride and dinner sponsored by Clif Bar in Berkeley in January. ROMP members Patty Ciesla and Charles Jalgunas, Karen and John Morgan, and Cornelia Woodworth and Rod Brown discussed the status of local biking and traded ideas with other advocates and renewed contacts with local sponsors and racers.
Blumenthal made a presentation and discussed the status of mountain biking nationally, and noted that the Bay Area was a national hot spot due to its strong demand for trails and ongoing access problems. Blumenthal also noted how cyclists were getting involved in land management as high ranking staff or as appointed or elected officials, indicative of how cycling has entered the mainstream.
ROMP members came away from the event with several ideas and initiatives that you will be hearing more about in the future. One of these, a membership drive in conjunction with IMBA, is already being planned.
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All you ROMPsters who haven't turned in your survey yet, you still have a chance. Because the newsletter was so delayed in delivery, we're extending the survey deadline until April 1st (and that's no April fools joke!) If you don't have a copy, you can't find it on the web at: http://www.romp.org/club/survey.pdf
ROMP needs your input! Please fill out and return this survey and have your voice heard.
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