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BTCEB's October Buzz . . .
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| Get to Know Your Candidates by Austin McInerny  Photo courtesy Boulder Mountainbike Alliance
With the election quickly approaching, it’s time to decide how you will vote on a wide variety of issues and leadership roles at various land management agencies. As a non-profit, BTCEB is prevented from endorsing candidates, but we are thrilled to share information that our followers can use to help make their decision as to who to cast their vote for. Sadly, while three director positions are open at both the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), only one incumbent is being challenged for the EBRPD Ward 1 directorship. The uncontested positions will be filled by the incumbents and we will continue to strengthen relationships with these individuals and will be sharing ideas and a “Call to Action” after the election for how best to help advocate for improvements that benefit cyclists.
For those of you who live in EBRPD Ward 1, which represents the communities of Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Kensington, part of Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo, we encourage you to get to know the incumbent, Elizabeth Echols, and her challenger, Norman La Force. Interestingly, Ms. Echols is endorsed by all currently seated EBRPD Board Members as well the Alameda County Democratic Party, East Bay Young Democrats and a number of other organizations while Mr. La Force is endorsed by the Sierra Club as well as a number of other groups (see their respective websites for full list of endorsements).
Click HERE to review their respective responses to questions BTCEB’s questionnaire aimed at identifying their concerns and openness to improving trails and creating more bicycle access.
We cannot stress the importance of the election for the Ward 1 Director enough as many of our most ridden and enjoyed trails in the East Bay are on lands managed by EBRPD and Ward 1, in particular, as this district includes Tilden, Wildcat Canyon, Kennedy Grove, McLaughlin Eastshore, Sobrante Ridge, Miller/Knox, Point Isabel, Brooks Island, and Point Pinole. We are all advocates for more access. Your vote in this election is a key step to make a difference. Act and be counted. Goldfinch Trail at Crockett Hills is Open
by Scott Bartlebaugh 
Photo Credit Scott Bartlebaugh Lower Goldfinch trail at Crockett Hills
Goldfinch trail at Crockett Hills Regional Park is open and the trail crew has been working on it. A first pass has been made at clearing the overgrowth off of the tread and it's ready for wheels to ride it in. We'll keep working on it but it's likely to be a bumpy ride till at least the first rains. Goldfinch trail has been close most years from ~ March through August due to nesting eagles.
It's bi-directional so it's possible to climb it or you can take the Back Ranch Loop ride up the hill and catch Goldfinch to your left just before the gate at the ridge. Keep your eyes open particularly on the upper section and you just might see the eagles as well.
Oakland Pump Track Update
by Morgan Fletcher
After years of gathering the necessary permits, raising funds, purchasing insurance and cultivating a dedicated crew of volunteers we were able to begin moving dirt starting back on Friday 9/26 and Saturday 9/27. 
Using equipment from Herc Rentals, generously provided by Silverado Contractors, we were able to move dirt into position, shape it into berms and rollers, and prepare dirt for continued work.
Unfortunately, fire weather and the red flag warnings have been hindering our progress as we continue to abide by city and county orders pausing work as conditions dictate.
We will begin organizing a work day with volunteers, using our mailing list and social media (Insta @OaklandPumptrack and Facebook) to spread the word. You can also signup here.
Look for an invite to come in the near term as we will be doing additional work days. We've spent down most of our funds, primarily on insurance, materials and tools, and will likely look to raise additional funds.
Thanks to our fiscal sponsor and parent organization, Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your donations are tax-deductible. BTCEB Work Day at Almond Ranch By Yvette Skinner
A new bike-legal singletrack trail is coming soon to the East Bay! In December 2019 the John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) announced that they secured funding for the purchase of Almond Ranch, a 281-acre property situated between their Sky Ranch property to the west (part of JMLT’s “Franklin Ridge” properties), Stonehurst to the south (also a JMLT property), and Mount Wanda to the east (formerly part of JMLT but now belonging to the National Park Service).
 The existing network of dirt ranch roads on Almond Ranch did not allow for connectivity for trail users to pass from Mount Wanda through Almond Ranch to Sky Ranch. This Spring JMLT contracted with a professional trail builder to add a new multi-use singletrack trail to connect the existing fire road in Almond Ranch to the fire roads in Sky Ranch. Despite a dry Spring the cattle did damage to the trail surface and the BTCEB was called on to help repair the trail surface prior to the Grand Opening to the public.
Dedicated trail crew volunteers from BTCEB met with Glen Lewis, JMLT Park Ranger and Trail Steward, to assess the damage and plan for a work day. Three sections of the trail were flagged as needing the most work, pock-marked by the cattle hooves. It was also noted that the entire length of the trail could use cleaning up of the back slope as some dirt had sloughed off onto the trail surface.
 Armed with MacLeods, Maddox’s, and Pulaskis the BTCEB volunteers met Glen Lewis at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, September 22nd at the gates of the Stonehurst development to hike or ride in to the work site. BTCEB trail crew workers adhered to best practices for COVID-19 protocols. The size of the work team was limited, masks and gloves were worn, and social distancing was observed.
Although the trail surface was baked hard by the summer Sun, trail crew workers were able to use the hand tools to improve the trail surface by chipping away at the highest bumps and using loose dirt to pack in holes. Leaves and dirt that had sloughed off onto the trail surface were raked off. One sharp switchback turn which was built with a tight angle was widened to allow for an easier turn.  Glen expressed his gratitude for a job well done and encouraged the workers to spread the word about the Virtual Grand Opening of Almond Ranch which due to COVID-19 will be done online via teleconference on Saturday, October 17th.
Unfortunately, at this time there are no plans to build more trails on Almond Ranch. JMLT’s primary goal is conservation and habitat preservation. Nevertheless, the BTCEB is hopeful that by building a collaborative partnership with JMLT that future trail building opportunities will open up.
On a positive note, Almond Ranch is the first JMLT property with a logo that features a mountain biker. All of their other properties’ logos feature silhouettes of people, animals, and plants. It is gratifying to see that JMLT recognizes that mountain bikers also have a place in Nature.
Tentative Gala Ride Dates and Locations
by Mike Udkow
Here are the expected ride dates and locations for the club gala rides for 2020:
- 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 over 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! BTCEB via on Social Media
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From the Dusty Trail . . .
CAMTB Trail Stewardship: Can You Dig it?
By Scott Bartlebaugh
 CAN YOU DIG IT?! Good for You. Good for the Trails.
How can you help trails throughout California for only $5? Our friends at California Mountain Biking Coalition and Bosch eBike Systems are giving away an amazing Trail Builder eBike, Trailer, and Tool Pack to one lucky trail advocacy organization.
Donate $5 or more to the #CanYouDigIt Trail Stewardship campaign and help us bring this sweet rig home to our trails!
The winning ticket holder (you) will receive a $1,000 individual trail builder prize pack, including a Bosch Power Tool Kit, a Troy Lee Designs Mips Helmet, and Trail Boss Hand Tool. And if that’s not exciting enough, you also get to choose which trail advocacy organization gets to take home the Bosch Trail Builder package.
Each $5 increment counts as one entry and there’s no limit to the number of times a person can enter to win. Donate by 11:59pm on Oct 30. Winner will be drawn on Oct 31, 2020
Thank you for your generous support!
Donate or find out more at CAMTB.
Bay Day Trail Challenge
by Austin McInerny
Join the Bay Day Trail Challenge - walking, cycling or jogging 25 miles of San Francisco Bay Trail during the month of October.
From now through October 31st, you are invited to connect, explore, and discover the San Francisco Bay Trail and help celebrate the 5th Annual Bay Day. You can enjoy the outdoors and #RecreateResponsibly during the pandemic to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
If you haven’t signed up yet, you still may register at Save The Bay. With air quality being so poor up on the ridge trails, this is a good opportunity to explore some other areas.
Bay Ridge Challenge
by Janet McBride
 Photo Credit: Ed Duddles, 2019 RT Challenge Photo Contest WinnerFor the last few months, many have been getting out on the trail more than ever. Maybe you have too, but are looking for an exciting new challenge? Or maybe you want to visit some local trails for the first time? Whatever outdoor experience you’re looking for, the Ridge Trail Challenge is here to motivate you!
How it Works:
· Register for the Challenge
· Complete 5 of 33 listed trails
· Send your Finisher Form before 12/31
· Get entered to win the prize pack!
Know before you go: Check that the trails you are planning to visit are open and safe before leaving home. And of course, wear a mask!
East Bay Dirt Classic Continues thru 10/11
by C510  Thank you all for registering and supporting the Alameda County Community Food Bank. We had a big opening weekend. So far we have raised North of $8,500. These contributions go directly to the ACCFB and help them provide critical assistance to those Alameda county residents who face food insecurity daily.
Our race leaderboard is up and running. Congratulations to Kristen V. and Dan English for setting the fastest female and male times thus far. They currently hold the QOM and KOM spots, respectively. There is just under a week remaining so get out there and give it your best shot. Prizes are rolling in from our sponsors for the top 3 spots in each category. For more information check us out.
Stay healthy and safe and good luck to our riders!
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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 Directoradvocacy@btceb.orgBen Brunetti, Trails Directortrails@btceb.orgJosh Church, Education and Promotion Director
Jamuel Starkey, Communications DirectorTom Gandesbery, Director-at-Large
Scott Bartlebaugh, Director-at-Large |
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