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#RecreateResponsibly During this unprecedented era of riding during a pandemic, a friendly reminder to #recreateresponsibly by following these recommendations: - Know before you go
- Practice Physical Distancing
- Plan Ahead
- Play It Safe
- Explore Locally
- Leave No Trace
- Build An Inclusive Outdoors
And if you are out on a ride recreating responsibly be sure to take a photo and tag it #btceb and #recreateresponsibly and share the stoke!
BTCEB via Facebook
Finally, if you want to hear about other last-minute news, such as demo rides, and volunteering opportunities, "like" and follow BTCEB's Facebook Notification Page, and also request to join BTCEB's Facebook Discussion Group.
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REPORTS
Advocacy Matters!
By Austin McInerny
 Photo courtesy IMBA
The BTCEB Board is developing a strategy for focusing our collective efforts to advocate for appropriate off-road riding access and to promote community among all trail users. To help with this, we are planning to share survey very soon and ask that everyone begin thinking about what specifically will make your trail riding experience more enjoyable and safer.
PLEASE be on the lookout for an announcement of the availability of this survey and contribute as we need everyone’s input. In the meantime, if you have an issue or come across a situation on the trails within the East Bay that you would like BTCEB to address, please provide details in an email to advocacy@btceb.org
Crockett Hills Update
by Scott Bartlebaugh
The trails have remained open throughout the SIP and are getting used heavily. Please use good social distancing when you ride to help keep these trails open. The park district has noted some bike conflict issues with other users at Point Pinole and is looking to follow up with the cycling community.
The trails are as crowded as ever particularly on weekends so slow down and say Hi when encountering other users. Don't be surprised to find hikers in places you don't normally see them such as on Tree Frog trail. Keep an eye out for the eagles south of Tree Frog.
 
Left - Warep Trail after flail mowing
Right - Same trail after additional BTCEB volunteer brushing
The park crew has come through with some additional mowing on Warep and Tree Frog trails. The cattle are back but the good news is through our advocacy we've made it through another wet season and avoided cattle damage to the trails. BTCEB volunteers working solo continue to clear debris on the trails and cut back encroaching vegetation.
We'll get back to growing the trailwork opportunities when the health order social distancing is relaxed. Keep an eye on the BTCEB Meetup page for the latest trailwork events. Oakland Pump Track Status Update
by Morgan Fletcher
 Aerial View of the Oakland Pump Track
We are working with the City of Oakland to clear the way for work to begin, potentially in July. At issue is insurance coverage for our designer and chief builder, Kevin Smallman to use powered equipment on-site as a contractor. We have submitted a policy proposal to the city, and if it meets their approval we will purchase the insurance policy, and schedule work to begin in July.
Photo March 2020/Pre Covid-19 :)
As of March we have four hundred cubic yards of dirt on the site, thanks to Sean Holifield of Silverado Contractors. The dirt is covered with tarps anchored with sand-bags, to keep it from the elements and prevent vegetation growth. We have city permits in place. Tools and equipment have been purchased or otherwise secured. We will invite volunteers to help once the initial shaping is done. The most up to date information on the pump track is available on the Oakland Pump Track Facebook page. Time to Resume Trailwork!
by Ben Brunetti With the loosening of our stay-at-home restrictions, BTCEB is getting back to work on our local trails. We feel comfortable organizing small work groups as long as we follow proper precautions to keep volunteers and the public safe. This means we are going to have upcoming volunteer opportunities for people to work on our trails in groups of 6 people or less.
We will be following the practices recommended by the Professional Trailbuilders Association (PTBA) to keep a hygienic and safe work site to minimize the potential exposure to COVID-19 for volunteers and the general public.
The practices we will be following on the trail will be:
When the epidemic is winding down and the government allows large groups to congregate, we will resume our larger work parties. But in general, trail building and maintenance is a low risk activity with our small trail crews (1 - 6 workers) and outside work environments. Since the current COVID epidemic has occurred, there have been a number of trails that could use some clean up. So we’re looking forward to getting out there to help out.
If you would like to add your name to our volunteer list for trail maintenance and building, please send an email trails@btceb.org
Hope to see you on the trail!
Tentative Gala Ride Dates and Locations
by Mike Udkow
Here are the expected ride dates and locations for the club gala rides for 2020:
- Aug 8 - Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)
- Sep 26 - Fernandez Ranch (JMLT)
- Oct 11 - Crockett Hills EBRP
- Nov 14 - Rockville
- Dec 12 - Deer Park
As always look for them to appear on the BTCEB Meetup Events page and here in The Buzz as the dates approach and the ride details firm up.
BTCEB Membership Drive
by Mike Udkow While membership on our Meetup site continues to grow to nearly 4,000 followers, membership in the BTCEB, your mountain biking organization, has been lagging comparatively.
To grow, to survive, and to represent the mountain biking community, we need your support. Your membership dues support our Gala rides and our RLaG program, pays for our insurance, helps to support NorCal High School MTBing and supports trail work at China Camp, Rockville, Fernandez and Crockett. We are hard at work developing the JMP Pump Track. Our Board of Directors meets bi-monthly to discuss all topics relevant to local mountain biking.
Membership levels start at $30, with a $15 student/hardship level. Lifetime membership is $500.
Aside from the dues, we truly need and value your membership.
Please join or renew today at www.btceb.orgSee you on the trails!
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From the Dusty Trail . . .
Love Your Trails: Take Care of the Trails You Love
By Yvette Skinner
.jpg?ts=637296526443144532) The COVID-19 crisis has without a doubt caused an increase in trail usage across the Bay Area. More people than ever before are hitting the trails for recreation with so many other traditional summer time venues like beaches and amusement parks still largely closed or highly restricted. Unfortunately, some of these folks who have discovered the joys of trail use are not used to actually being in parks. They may not be used to sharing trails with other trail users and may not have a “Leave No Trace” mentality.
Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Map
Now more than ever is a great time to invest some sweat equity to help take care of the trails we love. As a resident of the North Bay, Rockville Hills Regional Park is my “home trail” and this trail system is wildly popular with mountain bikers. I have enjoyed both rides and hikes on its trails which wind through majestic sandstone outcroppings. The trails offer jaw-dropping views of the Solano hills and Mount Diablo.
Speaking of views, however, the sight lines down the trails are nowadays often obstructed by overgrowth, either from the trees with branches from above that hang down at head level or by the shrubs reaching out to grab you as you ride by. Maintaining sight lines is critical for trail user safety. Riders need to see ahead, not only to plan their next line, but also to be aware of oncoming riders, hikers, or dog walkers.  Lower Tilley's Trail Before Brushing I thought to myself, “Somebody has got to do something about this,” and it turned out that somebody is *me*. Rockville has no local MTB club to adopt the care of the trails. BTCEB is focused on East Bay Trails and REMBA (Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance) covers Napa, Sonoma, and Lake Counties. Nevertheless, Rockville is a popular destination with East Bay mountain bikers, especially during the wet season as the rock-foundation trails hold up better to rain than the slick clay of the East Bay.
With the higher use by trail users this summer, especially considering many new trail users are hitting the trails who don’t know to watch out for riders, I thought trimming the overgrowth to open up sight lines was a priority task. I approached the Park Ranger, Teri Luchini one day while she was on patrol and asked about becoming an official park volunteer. The process was easy: she emailed me the necessary paperwork and I arranged to meet her for my first work day for training and orientation.
Afterwards I hit the trails with loppers and a small hand saw and a Camelbak full of water to sustain me during the summer heat. On my first day out I ran into some groups of riders and asked them which trails they thought needed the most work. They all agreed that the “Tilley trails” in the southeast corner of the property could use some love. Off I went!  After Brushing - see how far down the trail you can see now.
When I do trail work I always think from a mountain biker’s perspective. For example, I have to trim higher up than just the top of my head. I’m 5’8” but while seated on a bike my helmet will be even taller so I need to reach as far up as I can to trim the overhanging branches. After all, a 6’ rider should have a clear view as well. I look at the trail from several yards back and consider what lines riders might take and trim to allow side clearance and a good look ahead without going crazy and cutting a wide tunnel.
Rockville Trail is a bit easier to navigate without getting closelined by low hanging branches.
Pioneers of a New Riding Era
by John Roberts
At first the COVID-19 crisis seemed like a bad thing. We had to social distance. This put the BTCEB’s organized rides on hold. The silver lining is that bike sales are going through the roof. Rides are still happening, even more so now. Less car traffic has meant it is safer to ride from home too. With riding groups generally limited to housemates there is more individual riding going on. Trail work efforts are also being conducted on a standalone basis.
Pictured above is JMP’s Sunset Trail at sunset. It seems surreal that in June its cold and overcast. In the picture maybe there is no sun, but another way to look at it is that the overcast sky provided free air conditioning! Pioneers are always looking to new possibilities. BTCEB is also going through a structural change.
How Has Your Biking Been Affected by COVID?
by PeopleForBikes
As we all adapt to a changing world, bicycling has taken on an increasingly important role in maintaining our mental and physical health, as well as providing a safe mode of recreation and transportation.
We want to hear how your biking has been affected by COVID-19.
PeopleForBikes has created a short survey to ask about your recent bicycling experiences. By completing the survey, you will become eligible to win a PeopleForBikes prize pack (valued at $25).
Take our short 2-4 minute survey TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY.
Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns about the survey to PeopleForBikes Bicycle Industry Research Manager Patrick Hogan.
Together, we can make biking better for everyone.
Riding on the Wild Side
by Austin McInerny
Picturesque El Sobrante Ridge With more time made available from neither commuting nor going out to socialize, I have been venturing out on longer mixed-terrain rides and exploring some of the trails and areas I have only previously seen on maps. In this new BUZZ monthly column, I will build on my past explorations detailed in a 2015 Bay Nature Magazine article and hope to inspire readers to do the same as there are some amazing views and sites to explore for those who are willing to get creative with their outings. To start this series off, I am sharing a recent tour encompassing four East Bay Regional Parks (Tilden, Wildcat, Kennedy Grove, Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve) and a new find, Pinole Valley Park.
While my entire ride was 30 miles with nearly 3,700 climbing and required nearly 4 hours, it could be shortened and undertaken in smaller pieces. My recommendation is that everyone purchase an EBMUD Trail Permit to allow LEGAL riding on the Eagles Nest Trail from the Nimitz Trail down to San Pablo Dam Road and follow the Bay Area Ridge Trail over into Kennedy Grove for a tour around this small, but lovely park.
Be sure to check-out the sign detailing the San Pablo Dam’s history. You can flip it back and return back-up the Eagle’s Nest Trail is a grunt, but the views are amazing and allows a descent on the Havey Canyon Trail, which is one of my favorite local downhills.
For those wanting more, you can continue as I did and take a short, but steep road ride climb through the neighborhood over to Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve to see the endangered Alameda Manzanita, which only grows on Sobrante Ridge and near Huckleberry Preserve (where riding is illegal).
Alameda Manzanita
Finally, for those who have made it this far, the reward is the opportunity to ride down the Morningside Trail to the Downer Trail into Pinole Valley Park. This is a great and LEGAL downhill, but be careful as it is narrow and poison oak is thick! Sadly, you will have to either turn-around and climb back to return or take the road for a few miles to return back to either climb Eagle’s Nest or take my route back up into Wildcat and back to Tilden and home.
View of the winding Nimitz Trail
Be safe, respect trail closures and all other trail users and be sure to bring extra water and food as the water fountains are all turned off in the parks due to COVID.
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Trail Sighting
by John Roberts
Sandal-wearing Erik Jensen was spotted on his exit off Joaquin Miller Park’s Sunset Trail at sunset on Monday 6/23/20. His moustache handlebars aesthetically scribe that the worst day riding is better than the best day at work. While his style is not quite cyclocross, or hipster, his route was extreme: Jack London Square--Eastridge--Westridge--JMP--Jack London Square.
In these days of Covid, his regular exercise via LuckyDuck group rides is being replaced by solo rides. When I asked Erik about being in an article for the Buzz, he responded with enthusiasm, and immediately offered praise for the advocacy and trail work BTCEB puts in. I am now passing that praise on to all BTCEB members. Thank you for your efforts and happy trails! Free the Rock
by Mike Udkow  Access4Bikes is promoting Free the Rock a petition on Change.org. created by Redwood High School Student and NICA racer Ian Tilley. While I'm not necessarily a big on petitions, this one is relevant to the Marin Mountain Biking Community in regards to trying to re-open the Split Rock trail (Fairfax) or at least get MMWD to get to the table.
What Could Be . . .
By Scott Bartlebaugh
Check out this video from Bentonville, AR for an example of what can happen. Dream for a moment. No really. Stop. Take a moment and reflect on the possibilities . . . Maybe our area middle high school riders of today will see something like this in their lifetimes here in the Bay Area if WE and then they work towards it. What do you think?
Freshly Minted Discount for BTCEB Members
by Morgan Fletcher
Mint is a locally-owned, woman-owned brand of high-end, stylish cycling socks. Mint's owner Suzette has freshly minted a 25% off discount offer for BTCEB members. Use discount code: MINTBTCEB25 to receive your discount on Mint merchandise. Featuring a variety of sock colors and styles that always stay up, never sag you're sure to find the perfect Mint socks to match your bike, your kit, your helmet, your gloves, your . . .
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Reminder: As a BTCEB member, you can receive a 10 percent or higher discount for parts at many of the bike shops in the East Bay. You just have to ask. Thank you to the many bike shop sponsors for your support!
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ABOUT BTCEB
BTCEB is a one-stop shop. We defend access rights. We lead volunteers to build sustainable trails and repair historic trails. We host social rides. We teach underprivileged kids to ride. We fund youth mountain bike race teams. The list goes on because as riders we can do more together than individually. If you have not already, please consider joining us as a member. Many bike shops in the East Bay grant a 10% discount on bike parts to BTCEB Membership Card holders. It is just another benefit of joining BTCEB. Thank you to all the East Bay bike shops that support our efforts both on and off the trails!
CONTACT US
Do you have a good ride story, trailwork report, or other bike trail news? Tell us about it. Please send a paragraph with 150 words or less with a pic (under 10MB please) and/or link telling us about trailwork, rides, events, or any good mountain bike effort to bring our community together, etc. Please send via email to our editor Jamuel Starkey (with pictures if possible) at: buzz@btceb.org
BTCEB BOARD MEMBERS Jerott King, Presidentinfo@btceb.orgJon Running, Membership Directormembership@btceb.orgYvette Skinner, Vice President
Tom Holub, Secretary
Alan Enrici, Treasurer
Austin McInerny, Advocacy Director
Ben Brunetti, Trails Director
Josh Church, Education and Promotion Director
Jamuel Starkey, Communications DirectorTom Gandesbery, Director-at-Large
Scott Bartlebaugh, Director-at-Large |
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