Website Update

I just updated the site. I tried to preserve the look as much as possible, but this was a major update. The biggest change for users is that the site should now be “responsive”… automatically adjusting for handheld devices.

Please let me know if there are any glitches that need my attention. As always, suggestions are welcome.

John – Webmaster

Transportation Study Begins on the Chattahoochee National Forest

This affects what we ride in our area.  This means everthing except Carters Lake and the Cartecay Tract.

The study will identify roads needed for safe and efficient travel and for the protection, management, and use of the national forest.  At the same time, it is an opportunity to identify roads that are no longer needed.

To learn more and provide comments on national forest roads before April 13, 2012 by visiting  Chattahoochee National Forest

Bear Creek/Pinhoti Mega Work Day – Huge Success!

Expecting 30 volunteers and a lousy weather forecast a week before the Bear Creek/Pinhoti Mega Workday, Walt Bready and I were pleasantly surprised when 75 volunteers showed up on Saturday, March 10, 2012,  and you couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.  The event was generously hosted by Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Retreat on Conasauga Rd, meeting at the Mule Barn on top of the hill.

Bear Creek and Pinhoti Trails have proven to be very popular as people came from all over Georgia including Larry Thomas and Ed Lang (Forest Service) to perform the laborious work of cleaning drains, deberming the bottom of rolling grade dips (RGD’s) and lopping brush out of the trail corridors.  Bill Hester from Dalton and Ed Lang used the FS mini bulldozer to work on the upper Bear Creek Trail.  And, low and behold Adam Mathes the pastor of Gates Chapel Methodist Church and one of his flock joined us also.    After a thorough briefing on tasks and tool safety by Walt Bready (our trail expert extraordinaire from SORBA) everyone was ready to hit the trails.

Mike Palmeri from the Cartecay River Bicycle Shop in Ellijay led the rolling work party to get to the more inaccessible switchbacks of Pinhoti 1.

Everyone worked up a healthy appetite for lunch after 3 hours of hard work on the trails.  Ginny, Diane and Andrew of Mulberry Gap out did themselves on the food.  They served chili (vegetarian and with meat), a fabulous Tortilla Soup, Jalapeno Cheese Bread, and all the trimmings.  Members of EMBA and the Gates Chapel Methodist Church provided home made desserts.  Not a crumb was left.

But,  that’s not all……  Walt Braedy from SORBA gave out all kinds of great schwagg.  Afterwards it was time to hit the trails.  Mike Palmeri led the intermediate/advanced group and Terry Palmeri headed up the beginner group.  A good number of folks stayed for the dinner and bonfire that night and rode again Sunday morning.  Could this be the beginning of a Festival? And why not, all work and no play makes for a very dull day.

 

Photos courtesy of Colin Smith

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More pics after the jump and a link to the entire gallery.
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Niner Demo Day at Amadahy

Title: Niner Demo Day at Amadahy
Location: Amadahy Trail, Woodring Branch, Carters Lake, GA
Description: Hi All,

Spring has Sprung! Announcing NINER DEMO DAY! Start your season by trying out the latest 29r bikes with NINER! Enjoy food and goodies and hanging out with fellow MTBrs. The trail is clear and fast, thanks to Robert McBride. Check out the new re-routes. See where the new trail is going to be built!

Where? At the Amadahy Trail, Woodring Branch, Carters Lake

When? Saturday, March 24th/2012. 10am – 4pm

Volunteers? Need few to help. Contact: terry@cartecaybikes.com

See you all there!

Terry Palmeri
EMBA – President

Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2012-03-24
End Time: 16:00