Passion Spring News #10

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Today's Topics:

1. Memorial Day weekend hours
2. Downieville Trail Daze solstice 6/21 to 6/23
3. Leaf Trail in ECdM is now 2.1 miles of sweet continuous singletrack
4. Wednesday rides & rootbeer on tap




1. Memorial Day weekend hours

We will be open the "usual" shop hours on the weekend of Memorial Day:

Friday 10am to 7pm
Saturday 9am to 6pm
Sunday 12noon to 5pm
Monday Closed

Just a heads up that people are actually planning on leaving at closing time this weekend, so if you want to make use of the lounge be aware we may have to clear the couch and lock up right around closing time. Hopefully this doesn't put too much of a crimp in your weekend plans!

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2. Downieville Trail Daze solstice 6/21 to 6/23

We are psyched about partnering with the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship to sponsor the Big Boulder Trail high above Downieville. To fulfill part of our sponsorship agreement we will be bringing a crew of volunteers up to work on trails in Downieville. Patty is now recruiting volunteers for a Summer Solstice Trail Daze with the Stewardship: June 20 to June 23, 2008. We will head up Friday, hang out and socialize by the river or get a ride in, then Saturday we will either work on clearing winter debris from the trails or possibly to some dirt diggin' on the North Yuba River Trail Extension. Actual project is not yet determined but we shall keep you informed. Saturday night will feature a mess o' BBQ and Beer and boistrous good times in town. On Sunday we will have a couple rides to choose from, Monday (optional) we ride again and return.

This should be an awesome weekend to kick off the high country riding season and pay forward so we have sweet trails all summer long! Working with the SBTS guys brings a whole level of fun and adventure to your life! Our goal is to bring up at least 15 volunteers. Please email Patty at at patty@passiontrailbikes.com if you are able to volunteer and join the fun. She will put you on the list, to get a preferred campsite or bed at the BnB.

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3. Leaf Trail in ECdM is now 2.1 miles of sweet continuous singletrack

Check out our new map of El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve, now with trail ratings and updated to show the new Leaf Trail connector between Methuselah (914) and gate 8.5. This new trail replaces Disneyland (R.I.P.), the steep climb up from the creek crossing.

The trail has gotten great reviews from riders who have had the opportunity to check it out. Word is that it is rolly and challenging and a marvel of trail design, and fun both ways, like the North Leaf Trail. To find this new bit of singletrack, take the North Leaf Trail south from the ECdM trail at gate CM07. Pop out on Methuselah Trail and instead of turning right to climb up to Star Hill Road at gate CM08, turn left. Descend a very short distance then turn right somewhere near where the old Porsche 914 used to be. The new singletrack replaces the descent on Star Hill Road. It climbs from Methuselah up to the top of Disneyland, just below the turn off to the South Leaf Trail at gate 8.5.

Rumor has it that there will be a group of riders up at Skeggs Point on Sunday morning dropping in about 9am to sample this sweet trail. Check out MTBR to see who's on it.

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4. Wednesday rides & rootbeer on tap

Attention all thirsty souls! Devils Canyon has told us they will be delivering a keg of ROOT BEER for our rehydration needs. Come on down and take a taste!

Sunset is at 8:17pm this Wednesday 5/21/08. Come on down and enjoy the twisty narrow singletrack that makes Waterdog famous. All rides start from the shop: Passion Trail Bikes, 415 Old County Road, Belmont, CA 94002 650-620-9798

The EARLY ride group will go out at at 6:15 PM. This ride might consist of people who have been doing a lot of riding this winter and have some juice in their legs. Note this is not a "fast" ride, but our leader is feeling frisky. Regroups will occur, but maybe only at critical intersections. Expect to cover most of the trails in Waterdog, some maybe even twice.

The REGULAR ride group will go out at 6:30 PM. The ride leader will enforce a social pace through trickery or other devious methods. The regular ride is a good group for people who enjoy talking while climbing and perhaps enjoying a moment at the top to take in the views before getting grins on the descents. Expect several loops of the sweet singletrack that defines Waterdog Park. Frequent regroups and maybe even a sweep rider will help keep the pace manageable for all. Extra large groups will split up to reduce the repetition of saying "Howdy, howdy, howdy" when we pass other trail users.

The FBG or Fat Bottomed Girl ride will go out at approximately 6:10 PM. Usually Patty, our resident Fat Bottomed Girl, leads the ride. Sometimes the ride leader is Charles, the Flabby Bellyed Guy. No matter who takes responsibility for this most relaxed outing, you can be assured that we enjoy taking out unfit, unsure, unskilled, or uncompetitive mountain bikers to experience a taste of trail riding. Our mantra is Equal Fun for Everyone! The FBG ride goes about half as far as the regular ride, maybe only doing a single short loop. More than just a pleasant pedal in the woods, the FGB ride usually involves coaching, tips, tricks, and laughter. It may also feature a chance to practice skills playing around the area next to the dirt jumps. The FBG ride will get back either a little early or at the same time as the other rides, so we all get to socialize together once we are off the bikes.

If you are habitually late or can't sneak out of work on time, you can try to form a STRAGGLERS ride group that goes out at 6:45 PM. We don't promise a group or a leader for the stragglers; you're kinda on your own for this.

Please bring a blinky light for the back of your bike, and maybe even a white light for the front. We will be returning on paved roads at dusk and you want to be seen by drivers and Belmont's fine Police officers who look out for our health and welfare. Speaking of which, all Passion Trail Bike rides will obey all traffic laws, stopping at stop signs and red lights; and all park rules, yielding to other trial users and riding as courteously, safely and predictably as possible.

All groups will meet back here at Passion Trail Bikes shortly before dark (about 8:30pm) for the usual story telling & beverage enjoyment. We will have stuff for the BBQ along with some carb laden side dish, chips and fatty snacks and EANABS to pair up with the Devil's Canyon Full Boar Scotch Ale. We will hang out until about 10pm, so come on down, even if you can't make the ride! Passion Parties are better with YOU in the mix!

Visit our website for directions to the shop, etc. www.PassionTrailBikes.com

Reminder: Even if you don't join the ride, the shop is basically open until really late. Like, 10:00pm! So if you want to shop, or drop off or pick up a repair, we will be here LATE on Wednesday nights, although there's a strong possibility there will be a frothy cold pint o' beverage on the counter. Yes, you can have one too. Please bear with us if you have to go into the lounge to find the help. Yes, you can have some chips too.

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Happy Trails, the PTB crew
Charles, Patty, Berry, John, Bret, Sterling, Daryl, Daniel, Peter, Reba and Buster

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