Please consider buying a ticket or two (or 10) to support NEMBA’s annual Land Access Raffle! Sales are lower than expected due to the craptacular economic downturn we are all experiencing these days. The prize list is incredible (Giant Trance XO, Western Spirit MTB trip, VDO computer, Mavic CrossMax SL wheelset, Fox F series or Float fork – your choice, etc..).

While we’re on the topic of supporting NEMBA… please also consider working to convince any holdouts you ride with to join. For RI NEMBA it’s not about the money, it’s about the numbers. While we’ve held steady at ~ 150 members the last few years we need to grow. 150 riders does not represent the true number of MTB riders in RI. I don’t expect to get them all, but we should be doing better than 150. More members equals more representation, and it adds clout to the organization when it comes time to lobby for access and event permits.

I know things seem to operate at a nice status quo in RI with regard to MTB access, and the sheer miles of trails we have available to us all. Many people riding in RI don’t think about NEMBA because they don’t have to (thanks to the work the organization does on their behalf). I’m asking that you think about it, and ask your non member riding pals to think about it a little as well. $25 may not “get” them much in terms of tangible items, and it cuts into the bike part budget, but what it helps us all “get” in terms of visibility, clout and consideration is well worth the annual dues. Most of us spend in excess of $1,000 a year on bike parts, race and event fees, lisences and associated gear. $25 is NOT going to kill you, I promise. That said please work toward getting some riding buddies to join! Everyone riding in RI should be represented as best as possible.

Thanks,
Brendan

Here’s to frozen ground and snow free trails, as long as it lasts anyway…

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a group of OHV riders who fight for trail use simlarly to IMBA. They have recently expanded their misson to include mountain bikers. The best way to help is to contribute money at www.sharetrails.org. I recommend designating your funds to “BRC Access Protection Efforts.”
-JCL

Long term use of the area is still up in the air, but all the signs from the state seem to be pointing toward a well field instead of a future reservoir. They’ve given up some significant chunks to development (the Amgen lot and the Cardi road for example). After all the work I can’t believe the plan is still to flood the place. Maybe having the State Police on the edge of a reservoir would be considered a good thing. Anyway, you can read the story on Channel 10’s site.

UPDATE Thought you’d like to know what nearby residents and towns are saying. Here are a couple of articles run in the Kent County Times and The Coventry Courrier. Gives an interesting light on what may be about to transpire – the best point I’ve heard is “what happens when they set the precedent to build?” There is already a road. How many other 18 acre chunks will go back to be developed, and where will Coventry get their water from?

Upated Update Listening to a state senator – missed his name. Their proposed site to build will be at exit 7. On the other side of 95 from BJ’s and next to the Mobile station. It’s the abandoned gravel pit sitting on the NE corner of Big River.

Anyway, thanks to the fine folks at Mark’s Grill on Rt. 3 in West Greenwich. The hot wings were…hot, the beer was not.

On to the point…. The meeting was attended by teens of people – I didn’t count, but the numbers are clearly growing. It’s a good thing too. I can’t remember how many meetings I attended that were held together by the same handful of people. Not that I don’t like the old familiar faces, but there is strength in numbers. And I left the meeting Tuesday night feeling strong (except for my legs, but that’s for another article).

To all the new faces “welcome”. To those who stuck with it over the last eight years – “thank you”. Your efforts have not been in vain.

Bill was there in the rain, under his self funded tent, with his self made display board, all advertised with his (see a theme here?) self purchased banner. Not to give you the wrong impression, the stuff looks great! I’m now in the process of changing the colors of this site to match the aforementioned banner.

Bill took it upon himself to represent NEMBA at an event where he knew we would be seen. He took time and effort to make everything look the best he could, and sacrificed a miserable Saturday (probably Sunday too, but I’m a slacker and didn’t go back) to hang out on a parking lot in the rain.

Cheers to you Bill! May your efforts be rewarded by the gods of true wheels and air pressure for many seasons to come.