Moronacity Cycling Journal » Advocacy
Clinton River Park Fall Trail Day—A Photo Essay
On Sunday, November 18, many brave souls ventured into a wood to repair a bridge that was viciously attacked by a tree in a storm, and to build some berms that would ring true the expression, “Happy trails!” …but more about happy trails later. I decided that I had enough of picking away at the earth carefully crafting super sweet singletrack and decided to head out with the bridge crew. Pete was … Read entire article »
Filed under: Photo Essays, Trail Work
Building a Drop and a Berm at River Bends Park
I kind of wanted to not go to the River Bends Trail Day, but I’m glad I did. It got me out of the house, I got four hours of exercise, my dog got four hours of exercise, and I got to do something new instead of the usual clearing, cutting, raking, and benching. My trusty dog, Corianderus trailbuilderus caninus, and I set out with our tools—a mattock and a rake—in search of great … Read entire article »
Filed under: Trail Work
Letter to Governor Snyder: Importance of Volunteers for Michigan Trail Development
In recent years, mountain bikers in Michigan have taken more of a defensive approach to mountain biking advocacy on the state level. As we prepare to elect legislators, I strongly believe that we need to take a proactive stance on advocacy by informing them about our efforts and our value before we discover any threats to our trails. Also, the State of Michigan is addressing the importance of trails in Michigan, and they … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy
Apply for a 2013 Suburu/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visit
It’s that time of year again when mountain biking clubs from all over the nation apply to host the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Trail Care Crew Visit. I’ve had the privilege of attending three of these visits and found them to be incredibly informative. The first one provided hands-on trail building, so we came in as passionate mountain bikers and left as eager trail builders. The visit was two parts: classroom … Read entire article »
Filed under: IMBA
25th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers: America’s First Mountain Bikers?
Perhaps you were told the same tale of the birth of mountain biking as I. The tale goes something like this: the sport began in the 1970s when Gary Fisher left the road riding scene to outfit beater bikes with more rugged parts—some coming from motorcycles—for riding on the fire roads in California’s famous Marin County. Well, that’s not quite the birth of mountain biking, but it certainly prompted the surge in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy
Creating a Fine Grind at Addison Oaks
If it weren’t for arranging a carpool with Bob Costello for yesterday, I never would have made it to the trail day. Saturdays are my designated sleep-in days, as are Sundays, but I had to drag my butt out of bed at 6:30 a.m. so I could meet Bob at 7:30 a.m. in Sterling Heights. We made a donut run and headed up to Addison Oaks to begin our day of rerouting a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Trail Work
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comments on “Right to Ride” Legislation
“Right to Ride” legislation is a major threat to mountain biking and other multi-use trails throughout Michigan. Currently, there is much state land that is closed to equestrians, and one of those is much of the Pigeon River Country State Forest Area located northeast of Gaylord.This piece of land became a rather large issue for other user groups when both equestrians and mountain bikers were banned from the state forest area due to complaints … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy
Blocked Bike Lanes and Traffic Tickets
The popularity and incidence of bikes lanes is increasing in Michigan, but does that mean that cops will be more absurd? Casey Neistat of New York City created a humorous public service announcement about the harsh reality surrounding bike lanes. My reaction to Neistat’s demonstration was, “What the hell?” followed by, “Oh my Gosh!” and finally: laughter; lots of laughter. This video is hilarious, but it demonstrates a very real problem. Bike … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy
Recreation 101 at the Holly Recreation Area
I made the last-minute decision to head to the Holly Recreation Area on Saturday. I really didn’t think that I could afford to drive there, but I managed to conserve some gas by taking the back roads. I’m glad I went. I showed up to a single MMBA Holly/Flint Chapter trail coordinator setting up the tent and pulling the trail building tools out of the trailer. I jumped right in to help … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy
Michigan House Bill No. 4684 Introduced May 26 Endangers Mountain Bike Trails
The Back Country Horseman, Michigan posted a copy of House Bill No. 4684 on their website. This bill seeks to amend the “Right to Ride” bill that was passed, last year. Under the current legislation, equestrians many not ride on trails in Michigan state parks and recreation areas unless otherwise granted in writing. Conversely, they may ride in state forests unless otherwise prohibited in writing.House Bill No. 4684 updates some of the … Read entire article »
Filed under: MMBA
