----- Forwarded by Chris Case/TEPPCO on 03/20/2001 04:08 PM -----

Chris Case
To: GHORBA@egroups.com,
GHORBA-WorkList@egroups.com, "Rigdon,
03/20/2001 Kate" <KRigdon@...>,
callison@...
04:08 PM cc: Chris Case/TEPPCO@TEPPCO
Subject: Meeting Minutes GHORBA
March Meeting




Jacquie Phelan Riding Clinic - GHORBA and various bike shops are planning
on hosting a riding clinic taught by Jacquie Phelan, World Champion and
Hall of Fame mountain bike racer. The clinic will be held at MP on
Saturday, April 28th. The cost of the clinic is yet to be will be
announced at a later date. The clinic is for women riders of all ability
levels. Sunday will include either a group ride at the Ant Hills or
another clinic. Information will be forthcoming.

The Hill at Sims Greenway (proposed Olympic MB park) - The city of Houston
Parks Dept. presented its proposal and TX Parks and Wildlife grant
application before city council three weeks ago for a vote, and the
proposal passed. Therefore, the city will be applying for a $1MM grant for
infrastructure and ecosystem. Phase I of the park includes development of
50 acres rather than the full 300 available acres and approximately 6-7
miles of trails initially. The grant application included multiple letters
of endorsement, including ones from GHORBA, Senator Ken Bentsen,
Representative Rodney Ellis, our friends at the Arboretum (actually the
letter was rather negative purporting that the erosion at MP being caused
by mountain biking will spread to the Arboretum if left unchecked), and
numerous other groups.

The proposed park has also gotten some press lately on KTRH. The report
was fairly positive with the exception of the statement that mountain
biking at MP is causing environmental damage. Please be mindful of not
riding on the trails when they are closed due to rain. Riding on them only
exacerbates the perception that we as MBers disregard the environment and
causes ruts in the trails. Also consider helping maintain our trails all
over Houston - don't just rely on other people to maintain the trails while
you ride.

GHORBA Jersey - Mark Wise has been working diligently on putting together
the design and sponorship. The preliminary design will be on the website.
We are still firming up which bike shops will be sponsoring and advertising
on the jersey. And the final cost has yet to be decided. We will keep you
informed as it develops.

MP Trail Work - GHORBA has continued to encounter road blocks by park
officials concerning its ability to complete necessary trail repairs. We
will be working with Oliver Spellman, Parks Dept. Director, to achieve
steward of the park status in order to complete our repairs.

The April meeting will be Monday, April 9th at 7 pm at Jax Grill. More
info will be posted on the website.