Sec. 504. (7) The department shall issue orders necessary to implement rules promulgated under this section. These orders shall be effective upon posting. HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ISSUE OR ENFORCE AN ORDER UNDER THIS SECTION THAT RESTRICTS THE USE OF PACK AND SADDLE ANIMALS ON PACK AND SADDLE TRAILWAYS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 72101.

Sec. 504. (8)(h) “Pack and saddle trailways” means Trailways TRAILS and equine access locations that may be CURRENTLY ARE OR AT ANY TIME PREVIOUSLY WERE used by pack and saddle animals.

(i) “Rail-trail” means a former railroad bed that is in public ownership and used as a trailway AT ANY TIME.

Sec. 72102. (B) IN PROVIDING AND DEVELOPING FACILITIES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION UNDER SECTIONS 503 AND 70301, THE USE OF TRAILS, TRAILWAYS, AND PACK AND SADDLE TRAILWAYS BY PACK AND SADDLE ANIMALS AND OTHER NONMOTORIZED USERS IS AN ALLOWED RECREATIONAL USE AND IS PERMITTED UNDER CHAPTER 21 OF PART 522 OF THE SERVICES MANUAL OF THE FEDERAL FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.

Sec. 72114. (2) After the plan for a statewide trail network is established under subsection (1), if the department is informed that additional trails should be added to the plan or that uses on particular trail segments should be modified, the department may modify the plan to include additional trails or to modify the uses on particular trails. However, any modifications shall be in conformance with section 72115. and determinations made under section 72115.

Sec. 72115 is particularly important because it is the section that protects the mountain bike trails that are built and maintained by mountain bikers. Of particular interest are the following parts of Sec. 72115 that have been struck out:

(a) Access on land of the state forest system is allowed unless restricted by statute, deed restriction, land use order, or other legal mechanism, in effect on the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

(b) Access on land of the state park system or state game area system is prohibited unless authorized by land use order or other legal mechanism in effect on the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

(c) Access on other land managed by the department is allowed according to the specific authorization or restriction applicable to the land.

(2) Access by pack and saddle animals may only be restricted on lands described in subsection (1) after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section if conditions are not suitable for pack and saddle animals because of public safety concerns, necessary maintenance, or for reasons related to the mission of the department. Restrictions related to the mission of the department shall be supported, to the greatest extent practicable, by a written science-based rationale that is supported with documentation that is made available to the public. Prior to determining that access by pack and saddle animals be restricted, the department shall make every effort to resolve any public safety or maintenance concerns.

Sec. 72115. (2) (4) A person shall not use pack and saddle animals on state-owned land except on pack and saddle trailways. that are open for access by pack and saddle animals.

Fortunately, this bill was only introduced on May 26, 2011 to the Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

Nate Phelps and Jason Dew (I believe that’s Jason Dew) showing us how it’s done with the Ditch Witch. I know that’s Nate because he turned to look at the camera as I snapped the photo.

Jason Wells (orange shirt) of Trail Solutions working with volunteers to build the pump track.

Marty Shue, Nick Shue, Jon Rose (I think), and Martin Hall.

Bob is a sensitive man who freely expresses his feelings.

Nick sporting his “old man” look.

This is what Nick looks like when he’s randy for Hopslam.

IMBA’s Executive Director Mike Van Abel was the keynote speaker for this year’s expo. I was mildly intoxicated, the night before, when I whipped out the iPhone and starting showing him pictures from the 2010 Midwest Mountain Bike Summit (see Velocity!). He approved. That was before I realized that he was IMBA’s Executive Director.

Whitey wanted me to document the fact that his MMBA sticker is proudly displayed on his mountain bike. Thanks, Whitey!

Whitey thinks people who wear helmets are hot. I *think* he’s talking about bike helmets.

The Metro South Chapter added a little fun with a game of spin-the-wheel.

Ah, Metro South. They competed with MBRA for the most lively expo vendor. They are definitely a breed of their own.

I tried to steal the Holdridge Lakes trail map (see MMBA Annual Meeting and Expo – A Photo Essay to see the map), but the Holly/Flint people tackled me as I tried to run with it. There was a little blood, but I’ll be okay.

I had to point the camera towards the window during Sunday’s meet and greet at Harper’s in East Lansing. I don’t know why. I just felt compelled to do so.

Do you want a job? Come on, you know you do.

A pretty good chunk of you reading this blog are MMBA members. Yeah, I’m on to you. Some of you even need something to do, and are begging for volunteer opportunities. Well isn’t this your lucky day? I have something for you to do!

Bent Rim Bugle

I am currently looking for people for the following:

• Writers to create or help with articles when needed––this is really not a demanding position, but I don’t have time to do it with all of my other writing projects;
• Editors to catch errors and smooth out articles;
• Graphic artists who can put the BRB together in PDF format––our last graphic artist used Adobe Illustrator; no, as far as I know, we (the MMBA) cannot supply the software;
• Facilitator to coordinate the efforts of the above people and to put out calls for articles and other promotional information from chapter representatives.

Volunteers must be able to commit. My goal is to create a team of many people to lessen the burden. To get this done right, it is a process of several weeks, so it feels like you’ve just published a BRB when you start getting ready for the next one, which is why I want to assemble a team. Ideally, people would work on every other issue.

After I get a list of volunteers, we’ll discuss how to go about getting this publication going, again.

Interested? Send an email to me at communications@mmba.org and I’ll add you to my special Excel spreadsheet.

• Michigan Mountain Biking Examiner: Eastgate Park Pump Track Grand Opening was a great success
• MMBA Midstate: Eastgate Park Pump Track Grand Opening a Success!
• The State News: Bicycle pump track unites community

Six-time Leadville 100 winner Dave Wiens and me.

Dave Wiens talking to the crowd at the 2010 MMBA Annual Meeting and Expo.

Dave spoke about his cycling life as well as his advocacy efforts.

Volunteer of the year, Bob Eckhardt, and Dave Wiens.

Dave spent time with the MMBA members chatting and taking pictures.

This guy has a really cool Toronto Maple Leafs sweater. Hey, bikes aren’t everything.

MMBA Executive Director Marne Smiley giving her annual report.

Computer geek extraordinaire meets disc brake.

The Bike Patrol proudly displayed the contents of their really heavy backpacks, including maps. Thanks, guys!

MMBA Vice President Nick Shue hanging out at the MMBA tent.

Holly/Flint Chapter’s giant foam map of Holdridge Lakes.

It is clear to me than many of you have no idea how the MMBA works. That’s okay. I didn’t know how it worked until I became a board member. The state board works on larger tasks such as:

• Finding recently-introduced legislation that can be harmful to our sport. This can include legislation that allows horses on all trails, legislation that bans us from all public trails, and everything in between.
• Working with IMBA to find and pay for a multi-million dollar insurance policy to cover the court costs for anyone who is part of a lawsuit and to cover any awards that are not in our favor.
• Trying to put on an Annual Meeting & Expo that is much better than the last.
• Providing a mode of communication for the membership.
• Other things as they come up.

Who are the MMBA?

• YOU. It starts with you. If you don’t put something into it, it’s probably not going to work.
• Your chapter. This is the rallying point for people who like to learn about local issues and to develop relationships with local land managers.
• Your chapter board. Those of you who are willing to volunteer to lead your group in your local advocacy efforts.
• Your state board. Those of us who are willing to volunteer to handle larger, daunting issues such as insurance and state issues, such as bills within the House and Senate.
• Your trail coordinators. These are some of the organizations greatest artists. These people put a LOT of time and effort into YOUR trails. They post trail days and some of them even provide food and beer. They do this to get YOU involved, yet many of you never show up.

I am from an area where there is a strong cycling community, but not really an MMBA presence – the Keweenaw. I chose to get involved in an organization at the state level to fight for YOUR trails. My trails really are not threatened by the issues that are championed by the MMBA [not yet]. I’m doing this because I care about the sport and I care about what happens in my state, not just my little area. I’ve also learned that the MMBA is full of extraordinary people who are proud to show off their efforts when someone happens to be “in town.” It’s an awesome network of mountain bikers for those who choose to take advantage of it.

I could spend all of my time writing articles so I can contribute to my personal income, which isn’t that great; but I choose to spend a fair chunk of my time getting involved with making certain decisions that will never be a part of the job for a chapter volunteer (unless they are the chapter president). Over the last year, I’ve worked very hard to inform you guys of legislation that is important to mountain bikers, and to get you guys to contact your representatives. I have recently taken quite a bit of time to inform everyone of recent changes within the organization. I have also tried very hard to get myself out there to meet the membership. I would’ve like to have done more, but money and illness have held me back.

I use my God-given talents for this organization, and while I don’t consider myself a master trail builder, I have still managed to help clear trails for a race in Copper Harbor, show up to a National Trails Day event at Luton Park over by Grand Rapids, and help with other little tasks on the trails. On top of all of that, I am personally liable for anything against the MMBA. I am not unique in the MMBA leadership.

I also happen to think freeriding is immensely cool. I know freeriders who continually build awesome jumps, pump tracks, and stunts. They have rallied freeriders AND cross country riders together to build these things. The new pump track at Michigan Tech is a great example. I even try some of the easier stunts when I ride at Tech and I plan to move onto harder stunts as my confidence builds. I love the challenge.

When you say, “Screw the MMBA. The MMBA sucks. The MMBA never does anything. The MMBA doesn’t care about freeriders…”

When you say these things, you are actually saying, “Screw Di. Di sucks. Di doesn’t do anything for mountain bikers. Di doesn’t care about freeriders. Nate, Nick, Chris, Di, Marty, Martin, Heather, and all of the Chapter Reps, Trail Coordinators, and other volunteers all suck, don’t do anything for mountain bikers, and don’t care about freeriders.”

Thanks, guys. I am glad that putting my heart into this organization is completely worthless to you.

***

What is really sad is that some of you probably don’t even have current MMBA memberships to help pay for that shiny, new insurance policy that allows us to continue building and maintaining trails. Most land owners also require that we have this policy in order to continue mountain biking on their property.

Topics Covered in this Article
• Nominations Are Being Accepted until December 12
• New Electronic Voting
• New Two-Year Terms for State Board At-Large Members
• Annual Meeting and Introduction of the State Board
• Update Your Information with the MMBA

Nominations Are Being Accepted until December 12

Nominations for the State Board At-Large Members are now being accepted. You can request to be placed on the ballot by submitting a “Bio” with the following information to the nomination committee at simse@ntcna.nissan-usa.com.

• Applicant’s history and accomplishments with the MMBA.
• What the applicant would like the MMBA to achieve in the following year and how the applicant will help the MMBA to achieve that goal.
• Other MMBA members who are familiar with the applicant’s work, preferably a chapter officer or trail coordinator.

Any active and respected candidates will then be placed on the ballot and the bios will be placed on the MMBA website. Any questions should be directed to simse@ntcna.nissan-usa.com.

New Electronic Voting

The process for elections has also changed. Members will be able to vote online from December 15 until December 20. Members may vote for candidates using one of three methods:

• The MMBA will send each member an email with a unique link to the voting ballot. This will allow each member to vote only once. Each link will be associated with an email address, so member email addresses must be updated in the system (see the last section of this article, Update Your Information with the MMBA).
• MMBA members who cannot vote online have the option of voting by proxy. Members may fax their ballots to (248)488-3908. When faxing, please send an e-mail to simse@ntcna.nissan-usa.com to indicate that a fax has been sent. Members may also vote by proxy by sending their ballots to Emil Sims, 15563 Merion Ct., Northville, MI 48168.

The ballot must contain the following items:

• Names of up to four (4) candidates
• Your name, printed
• Your name, signed.

New Two-Year Terms for State Board At-Large Members

Four (4) candidates will be appointed as the State Board At-Large Members for 2010. The two candidates with the most votes will be elected for two-year terms. The two candidates with the lowest number of votes will be elected for one-year terms. Starting with the December 2010 election, only two candidates will be elected to fill the expired terms, and all At-Large positions will be for alternating two-year terms.

Annual Meeting and Introduction of the State Board

The earlier election allows the new board directors to take their seat at the January meeting, elect a new executive committee, and to familiarize themselves with the process and current policies. The new voting method will also allow more members to vote for the state board members.

These new changes have been implemented for a couple of important reasons. With the new election process in place, the new MMBA State Board will be introduced at the annual meeting. This meeting will also be an opportunity for the membership to discuss important issues with the board at a scheduled annual meeting with the membership.

Update Your Information with the MMBA

It is important to update your information with the MMBA to ensure that you will receive important communications such as your voting link, the monthly e-newsletter, and the e-BRB that will be unveiled in 2010. Follow these steps to view the information you have on file with us and to make any corrections:

• Go to http://membership.mmba.org/member.php – clicking on this link will open a new window so you can continue to follow these instructions.
• Type in your username and password (should be the same as your forum login) and click “Login.” If you have problems logging in, send an email to membership@mmba.org.
• In the right-hand column, under the heading of “Useful Links,” click on “Change Password/Edit Profile.”
• Verify that the information provided is correct. The email address must be correct in order for you to receive important communications from the MMBA. If any changes are made, click the “Save Profile” button at the bottom of the page.

While you are logged into your account, you can see when your membership is up for renewal, renew that membership, and view previous newsletters.

…I’ve heard it from so many people: “Why would you go down there to mountain bike?” Well, because there is a lot of mountain biking down there. Sure, it’s not like the stuff we have in the Keweenaw or the rest of the Upper Peninsula, but they still have some great trails with their own special characteristics. Many of the trails are just incredibly freakin’ fun!

Today, my guide, John Rose of Knobby Tire Tours, showed me around the Stony Creek Metropark trails. John is also co-director of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association’s Mountain Bike Patrol. It didn’t take long for me to notice that it was an excellent trail system for some serious stress relief. The layout of the trail – windy, yet flowy – was perfect for getting in the zone. Even though it was cold and rainy, I found myself in that happy place.

The trails also included a little technical riding. There were some wide bridges that wound through the trees. There were some fun, rooty drop-offs, sections of small baby-heads, and steep climbs around turns. There were also plenty of opportunities for speed. This trail has a little of the “whee factor” going on. Overall, I would rate this trail intermediate in difficulty.

The reason why John and I went to Stony Creek was to participate in the Michigan Mountain Biking Association Metro North Chapter’s third annual Massive Fallout Ride. After our ride, we drove to Addison Oaks to chat with the riders and have a snack. Afterward, we headed to an MMBA board meeting and brought the day to a close.

As some of you may remember, I accepted a nomination to run for one of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association’s At-Large State Board Member positions. At the end of Sunday’s expo, the new At-Large Board Members were announced:
• Martin Hall
• Heather Kubiak
• Marty Shue
• Diane Ursu

I consider it an honor that so many of the voting members consider me to be one of the right people for the job. Thank you so much for voting for me.

While sitting at my very first state-level board meeting, I felt a little overwhelmed. As we discussed insurance, I found myself wondering what I had gotten myself into. I really am not very useful where financials are concerned. As the meeting moved on, I found us discussing topics where I could be of use. These were the types of things I was brought into this position for.

While I am the board member that lives the furthest away, and by a considerable distance, I am finding that distance is no barrier for board communication. We discuss issues by email and forum and most of our meetings are by teleconference. It seems as though board chatter never ceases.

Of course, I still firmly believe that the organization is only as good as its volunteers. That means that the people at the local level – those not in board positions – are the most important people there are. Those are the people who need to show up to trail days and volunteer for different programs. The more people get involved, the stronger and more productive this organization will be.

I hope you get involved.

The Keweenaw exhibit that was the source of so much excitement during the expo. Look at all those hot guys swarming around our table.

We had a lot of fun meeting various people, placing faces and names with MMBA forum names (sorry, but I really can’t remember everyone, so you’ll just have to reintroduce yourselves), and chatting with the adventure racing guy next to us. I also spent some time gawking at the 2009 Gary Fisher Superfly Singlespeed frame that was sitting on the table next to me.

What was really crazy about this experience is how Amanda and I got totally pumped about mountain biking. We spent a lot of time telling people about our trails, and hearing from some of our visitors about how they visit the Keweenaw every year and they absolutely love the biking up there. So do we. With about three months to go, we have to wait to ride the trails that we love so much.