www.cambr.org

Chicago Area Mountain Bikers

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NEWS OF THE WEEK
C'mon out this Saturday 5/12 to build another new trail in Palos. The FPD has given approval for CAMBr to build the connection between the staging area creek crossing and maple lake south where we will connect with the trail we built last fall. This morning we timber axed the corridor. The FPD was very accommodating in that agreed to cross over the top of a ridge a few times to optimize the total distance. We diverted off of the proposed route a few times to avoid certain stands of trees. At this time of year a lot of wildflowers are coming up so
we'll need to stay in the corridor. We will not do any habitat restoration on this trail until later in the year when the more sensitive species have gone dormant for the winter. So on Saturday we'll cut the tread as we've don before. A number of locations will need to be bench cut and that will take some time. We'll also have to armor a few runoffs. Plan on a long day followed by some food and, weather permitting, a ride on the new trail. And them maybe some refreshments. So remember to bring your bike and your cooler. It's great feeling to build a new trail and them go ride it. Meet at the staging area at 8:45.Sunday 5/13 CAMBr West Ride and Groom at Saw Wek Kee Park in Oswego. Russell has the tools. Just bring your bike and cooler and meet at 9AM.Hats off to the Peoria Area Mountain Bike Association (PAMBA) for hosting the Midwest Mountain Bike festival this
past weekend. A bunch of CAMBr members made the trek to Farmdale to take part in the festivities. There were group rides, CAMBr rides, a night time poker ride, and contests of all sorts. The festivities kicked off on Friday morning with an IMBA presentation by Kristin and Ryan of the TCC and Scott Linnenberger of IMBA Trail Solutions, that was attended by about 40 people. In total about 330 people attended from 7 states. There were lots of crazy mountain bikers around lots of bonfires with good music. PPAMBA will host the event again next year and I know that a bunch of CAMBr riders will be going back.Wednesday 5/9 - MTB 101 Free Skills Class - 6PM at the Palos Staging Area - this is a chance to learn some trail skills and take part in a no one gets left behind ride. The cost is free.
You just need to bring a working bike and your helmet. Yo must be 18 years old to participate or be accompanied by a legal guardian. Social activities to follow.

Thank you,

.. working and protecting the trails and preserves .. educating the trail users ...

Ed Bartunek

Chicago Area Mountain
Bikers [CAMBr] Executive Director www.cambr.org
International Mountain Bicycling Association [IMBA] State Representative-Chicagoland Area www.imba.com
Forest Preserve District of Cook County - Master Steward-Trails www.fpdcc.com
DesPlaines River Valley / Palos Restoration
Projects
Stickney Parks and Recreation Commission
Cook County Transition Team

Office - 708-749-8488
Mobile - 708-209-6511