First I want to thank all of you who made the trip to Double Lake to race this
weekend. I really appreciate all of the racers and your family and friends who
came to spectate.

Secondly, to those of you who volunteered, huge hugs and thanks!  Events like
this can't happen without lots of great help.  I have heard nothing but positive
comments about how helpful and cheerful the volunteers were.  That's what keeps
people coming back.

Special thanks to Gary Strouz for handling parking and traffic control- great
job.
Kelly Strader - for helping with course marshalls, clean up, and anything that
we needed to have done.
Amy Vanzant-Hodge - you are awesome!  She worked all day long doing trash pick
up,  picking up water bottles and anything else that needed to be done!  THanks!
Bob Macknight, thanks for putting in all of the long hours all weekend too! 
Great job!
Rob Brown made our cool wood medallions for the top ten awards.  Very unique and
appreciated!

The GHORBA board members really pulled together, pitched in and made it happen.
Thank you all for putting in long hours to make the race a success! They deserve
much credit! Clay Fenton, Scott King, Blaine Grove, Keith Porter, Kevin
Highfield, Larry Pruitt and Mike Lutomski all great guys!  We are lucky to have
their leadership and dedication.

And, lastly, thanks to Christina Case for making the trip back to Houston to
help us with the race.  Her dedication to GHORBA is awesome!

I have to thank our sponsors too! Without sponsorship the races wouldn't happen!
Cyclone Cycles
Bikesport
Bicycle World and Fitness
Webster Bicycle
West End Bicycles
BikeBarn
Bay Area Schwinn
Mad Duck Adventure Sports
Team Solar Eclipse
Lazar Family
Evil Eye
Clif Bars
Kenda Tires
New Belgium Brewery

I hope I didn't leave anyone out! Thanks again for coming to race and
volunteer!!!!

Cynthia Stewart
Race Director

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The Houston Big Ring Challenge....It's this weekend!  We in Houston are so lucky
to have so many great shops that support cycling and GHORBA!  Many thanks to our
local shops who've helped with this race.  Check out the website for complete
list of sponsors.

Don't forget that on Saturday the course at Double Lake is open for pre-riding
all day.   The Kids Kup starts at Noon with great activities for kids 10 and
under.

Also on Saturday at 1:00pm is the Pedalmasher Beginner Racer's Clinic.  It's
free and open to everyone!  They cover everything from registration to race
etiquette and also go on a pre-ride of the course.

GHORBA will have the K2 Razorback 3.0 Bike Raffle tickets for sale all weekend. 
$3 each or 4 tickets for $10 - great deal!  thanks to Cyclone Cycles for this
generous donation.  The drawing will be on Sunday during the beginner awards. 
You need not be present to win.

There will be food vendors and a Sports Massage Therapist, bike shops will have
demo bikes for you to try all weekend.

Race Day is on Sunday with the Sport class starting at 9:00 am, Experts at 11:00
am and Beginner at 1:30pm.

Come out to Double Lake in the Sam Houston National Forest.  It's going to be a
fun weekend!

If you would like to volunteer, let me know, I'm sure we could always use more
help!

Thanks all, I hope to see you this weekend!

Cynthia Stewart
Race Director, GHORBA Houston Big Ring Challenge

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A work party is scheduled for the Memorial Park bike trails on Saturday, April
23rd from 9 AM to 2 PM.  Your help at this work party would be greatly
appreciated.  We will be meeting at the rugby field parking lot.  GHORBA will
provide the tools, snacks, and drinks.  You are encouraged to bring gloves, a
full camelback, and mosquito repellent.  This work party qualifies for TMBRA
Paydirt points.

If the work party is jeopardy of being canceled due to wet conditions, please
call Clay at (713) 826 - 5307 or Brian at (713) 569 - 2994 no sooner than 8 AM
on the day of the work party.

On Sunday, April 24, a small group will be out at Double Lake Recreation area to
do a bit of work.  If you'd like to help (paydirt points), meet at the lodge
area at 9:00 am.  Bring your bike to ride afterwards.

Race Information:  May 1st is GHORBA's TMBRA race at Double Lake.  There are
still volunteer positions that need to be filled.  Most importantly, show your
support for GHORBA and come out to race, volunteer and buy a raffle ticket for
the K2 Razorback Full Suspension bike that was donated by Cyclone Cycles!

On Saturday, April 30, I need a volunteer that has some basic First Aid skills
that would be willing to be in charge of Medical.  We will provide the first aid
kit.  Sunday an ambulance will be on site.  Please respond to this email if you
can help or know someone who can.  THanks!

more info at www.ghorba.org



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GHORBA is mentioned in the IMBA News!




> IMBA Singletrack Update - April 2005
>
> In this update:
>
> -- EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE NEXT IMBA TRAIL NEWS
> -- ADVOCACY SUCCESS IN HOUSTON
> -- MORE SUCCESS IN NEW JERSEY
> -- MOUNTAIN BIKERS PUSH CONGRESS AT IMBA'S 24 HOURS OF D.C.
> -- HELP SAVE FANTASY ISLAND IN TUCSON, ARIZONA
> -- WORLD MOUNTAIN BIKE CONFERENCE
> -- MOUNTAIN BIKING TO CONTINUE AT NISENE MARKS
> -- IMBA TRAIL GRANTS AVAILABLE
> -- SAVE THE DATES
> -- SEATTLE'S BACKCOUNTRY BICYCLE TRAILS CLUB IS HIRING
> -- SUPPORT IMBA'S LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
> -- IMBA JERSEY NOW AVAILABLE
>
> -----
>
> EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE NEXT IMBA TRAIL NEWS
>
> The Spring 2005 IMBA Trail News will be in your mailbox soon. We have a
> big
> announcement in this issue that you won't want to miss. To make sure you
> are
> a member and receive IMBA Trail News email us at membership@... or
> call
> 888-442-4622
>
> ADVOCACY SUCCESS IN HOUSTON
>
> Houston, Texas has long been a battle ground for mountain bike access. In
> 2001 IMBA rated Houston the worst city for trail access in the country.
> Things have changed dramatically in the past four years. Thanks to
> outstanding work from local advocates and the IMBA-affiliated club Greater
> Houston Off-Road Biking Association (GHORBA), mountain bikers have become
> valuable partners for city land managers, and have gained access to miles
> of
> new trail. Check out a recent story about the Houston mountain biking
> success from the Houston Chronicle at
> http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/3125617
>
> MORE SUCCESS IN NEW JERSEY
>
> Similar to Houston, New Jersey has been an area of contention for mountain
> bikers for more than a decade. A 2000 article in Outside Magazine
> presented
> a scene where cyclists and anti-mountain bikers were one step short of
> fisticuffs. While there is still a lot of work to be done, things are
> much,
> much better just a few years later. For the full scoop check out this
> recent
> article in a prominent New Jersey newspaper:
> http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1111905582189710.xm
> l
>
> MOUNTAIN BIKERS PUSH CONGRESS AT IMBA'S 24 HOURS OF D.C.
>
> Mountain bikers converged in the U.S. capital April 7 for the newest
> 24-hour
> event: IMBA's 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. Attendees spent the entire day
> on
> Capitol Hill, meeting with their U.S. representatives, senators and staff
> to
> introduce IMBA and key mountain biking issues.
>
> The group's highest priority was to encourage lawmakers to support the
> Recreational Trails Program - a small but important program in the massive
> six-year transportation bill now working its way through Congress.
>
> The House has already approved a transportation bill that funds the
> Recreational Trails Program at $503 million over six years, however the
> Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's version of the bill
> slashes
> the program to $270 million over five years. More at:
> http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/04_05/04_07_mtb_lobby.html
>
> HELP SAVE FANTASY ISLAND
>
> The amazing trail system in Tucson, Arizona, known as Fantasy Island is
> threatened by development. Mountain bikers are urged to support the
> Fantasy Island Conservation Alliance and the Sonoran Desert Mountain
> Bicyclists who are leading the critical effort to save these trails.
> http://www.savefantasyisland.org
>
> WORLD MOUNTAIN BIKE CONFERENCE
>
> The North Shore Credit Union World Mountain Bike Conference on
> Sustainability will take place June 1 - 3, 2005, in North Vancouver, BC,
> Canada. Join IMBA and other mountain biking leaders for three days of
> education, networking and discussion covering the environmental, social
> and
> economic issues surrounding mountain biking. IMBA Canada is a sponsor.
> http://www.nsmbfc.com/conference
>
> MOUNTAIN BIKING TO CONTINUE AT NISENE MARKS
>
> A legal settlement has been reached between California State Parks and a
> group of citizens who sued to ban mountain biking in Nisene Marks State
> Park
> near Santa Cruz, California.
> http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/04_05/04_11_nisene_open.html
>
> IMBA TRAIL GRANTS AVAILABLE
>
> In 2005, a variety of IMBA cash grants are available to groups seeking to
> jump-start their trail improvement projects (listed below). Visit
> http://www.imba.com/resources/grants for details.
>
> Kona/IMBA Freeriding Grants: IMBA-affiliated groups in North America can
> apply for seven $1,000 awards to support the development of freeriding,
> downhilling, and dirt jumping projects. The application deadline is May 1,
> 2005.
>
> NORBA/IMBA Trail Tune-Up Grants: Now in its seventh year, NORBA/IMBA Trail
> Tune-Up Grants fund projects that create or improve trails used for
> mountain
> bike racing. The $500 grants can also be used to improve trails for race
> training and recreational riding, but race courses receive the highest
> consideration. Applications are due by June 1, 2005.
>
> IMBA/CLIF Bar Trail Preservation Grants: IMBA-affiliated clubs are invited
> to apply for $500 cash grants to support trail restoration and
> preservation
> work. Projects must promote environmental education and inspire
> conservation
> in the mountain biking community. Forty grants totaling $20,000 have been
> distributed since the IMBA/CLIF Bar Trail Preservation Grants program was
> established in 2001. The application deadline is July 1, 2005.
>
> SAVE THE DATES
>
> June 4: National Trails Day
> September 24: National Public Lands Day
> October 1: Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day
>
> SEATTLE'S BACKCOUNTRY BICYCLE TRAILS CLUB IS HIRING
>
> Do you dream of a day when the Pacific Northwest has as many mountain bike
> trails as hiking trails? Join a team who can make it happen. Seattle's
> Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club is hiring a paid, part-time Volunteer
> Director. They are also seeking volunteers to help with advocacy and
> marketing. Details: http://www.bbtc.org
>
> SUPPORT IMBA'S LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
>
> Sadly, those who oppose mountain biking still pressure public agencies to
> restrict our sport. Sometimes the precise, powerful voice of top-notch
> attorneys is the only way to effectively counter unwarranted accusations
> that "mountain bikers are killing the forest!" But this work is also
> expensive, and we need your help. Stay tuned to your mailbox for IMBA's
> Legal Defense Fund campaign. When you receive our letter, please return
> your
> donation as soon as possible. Contributors of $30 or more will receive a
> limited edition "Free the Trail" t-shirt.
>
> NEW IMBA FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP REPORT
>
> IMBA staff just completed a 24-page, full color newsletter highlighting
> the
> work we did with federal land agencies in 2004. A must have for land
> managers or any advocate who works with these agencies. More info:
> http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/02_05/02_13_fed_report.html
>
> IMBA JERSEY NOW AVAILABLE - $50
> http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/immer.html
>
> IMBA ENEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
> http://www.imba.com/news/enewsletters/index.html
>
> -----
>
> Like this IMBA eNewsletter? If so, forward it to a friend. Not a
> member? Join IMBA today at http://www.imba.com
>
> If you'd like to be removed from this list send an email to
> membership@... with the subject REMOVE.

It has come to my attention that 2 people were out at Double Lake this week
doing trail work.  This work was not authorized by the Forest Service or GHORBA.
These workers asked the Park Hosts at the guard station sign a form (Paydirt, I
believe) for their work.

Doing work that is unapproved is not eligible for paydirt points.  Unauthorized
trailwork is not good for the mountain biker's relationship with the land
management agency (Forest Service).

  If you feel the need to do trail work, please watch for our organized work
parties.  GHORBA is welcomed at Double Lake and we have a good relationship with
the Forest Service.  I know you didn't know, but now you do and thanks for
helping us keep up our good standing with the Forest Service
thanks!

Cynthia Stewart
President, GHORBA

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Ride the Triangle - Wednesday, meet in the Memorial Park soccer field parking
lot to ride at 6:30.



Memorial Park Work Party, Saturday April 23.  Meet at 9:00 am.  More details to
follow.



GHORBA needs your help!  Buy a ticket or help sell tickets!!!



K2 Razorback 3.0 Bike Raffle



Thanks to a generous donation from Cyclone Cycles, GHORBA will be raffling off a
K2 Razorback 3.0 at the Houston Big Ring Challenge at Double Lake Recreation
Area, on May 1, 2005.



The Razorback boasts 80mm of travel front and rear via an Answer Manitou Skareb
Comp fork and a McPherson strut style rear suspension which supplies great
lateral rigidity and pedaling efficiency. The component package is a sensible
mix of Shimano LX and Race Face parts. Add in the Ritchey wheel set and you can
be sure to enjoy tons of fun miles on the trails.  Retail value is $1,600!!



To get a chance to win this great bike, see any GHORBA member or stop by at the
race for tickets. Tickets cost $3 each or 4 for $10. The drawing will be held
during the Beginner awards ceremony. Good Luck!



Volunteers are still needed for the Houston Big Ring Challenge at Double Lake. 
GHORBA is hosting the 7th Race in the Spring TMBRA Championship Series.  If
you've ever wanted to give racing a shot, this is your chance!  Double Lake is
one of the best courses for beginners/first time racers and still challenging
for the more experienced riders (see how fast you can corner!).  We need
volunteers to help with course marshalling the race, parking and various other
duties.  Free T-shirts and lunch for the volunteers.  Email cynbiker at
hotmail.com to sign up or for more info!



www.ghorba.org




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Last week, IMBA hosted a lobby day in Washington in an attempt to get more trail
access across the US. 5 representatives from Texas went, all TBC members. Hill
Abel, Casey Seebooth, Bryan Jenkins (Waco), Susan Stormer and Ryan Spates. They
held meeting with staffers from 3 representatives offices and one senator and
met with Rep. Chet Edwards from Waco.
The focus of the meetings was to ask for more funding for the ARmy Corps of
Engineering to have recreation and that the funding the parks take in stays in
the park. This will greatly help parks like Georgetown and Cayon Lake.
We also asked for more funding for the National Parks Service Rivers and Trails
Conservation office. This group goes into small communities and helps them put
trail projects into action. UValde is one town in texas that is benifitting from
this.
Also, we requested that the tax which goes to trail grants be given and
increased percentage. This will mean more bikeways, and less car-ways. Also,
that $ funds the Biketexas Trail Doctors and has helped with money for
Georgetown and the Hill at Simms Bayou in Houston.
Our last meeting was with Rep. Edwards. He and Bryan talked about some Waco
specific points and then he offered to get a meeting set up with ACOE brass in
Dallas to figure out how to open more Corps property in TExas to mountainbiking,
specifically in East Texas.
Look for more info at www.imba.com or www.biketexas.org


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The Houston Chronicle ran a very positive story in Saturday's paper regarding
riders in Memorial Park.  Here's the link!

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/3125617

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Come to the April 11 meeting at Otto's BBQ to find out how to enter the drawing.
Monday, 4/11 at 7pm in the back room.   Otto's is on Memorial Drive just east of
Westcott.


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Come to the April 11 meeting 7pm at Otto's BBQ to find out how to enter the
drawing.   Come and have a cool beverage on GHORBA!

Don't forget the Double Lake Work Party on Saturday April 9!

See the website for more details.

www.ghorba.org




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If you have not made reservations through Reserve America for Double Lake on the
weekend of the race, the campground is nearly full. There are a limited number
of water & electric sites available.

Since the reservable sites in the campground are now nearly full, the National
Forest Service has released the online non-reservable sites to GHORBA for our
race. Reservations for these sites will be taken on a first come/first served
basis.

If you need a site, there is a 2 night minimum.

Fees:

Full Hook-Up: $25/night
Water/Electric: $20/night
Tent camping: $15/night.

Send your requests for a site to Cynthia Stewart cynbiker at hotmail.com

Double Lake Recreation area is a great place to camp (and race!) in the piney
woods! Hope to see you there!!


Also,  Cyclone Cycles has generously donated a Mountain Bike (FS) K2 Razorback
3.0 ($1,600 retail value) to GHORBA to raffle!!!   Tickets will be available at
the meeting on Monday, April 11 at Otto's  $3 each or  4 for $10 - come get
some!

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REMINDER: THE MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY WILL HOST A PUBLIC EVENT ON THE PARK AND
TRAFFIC SAFETY, THURSDAY, APRIL 7th AT 7:OOPM.
Community Advisory Meeting: Improving Traffic Safety in Memorial Park

When: Thursday, April 7th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Where: St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell Street, Houston (located just
norththeast of the park)

Are you a visitor to Memorial Park or live in a nearby neighborhood? Are you a
recreational user (e.g. jogger, bicyclist, tennis player, golfer, etc) or lover
of Memorial Park's natural landscape? This is your opportunity to learn about
some of the traffic and transportation issues facing the park Houston's largest
and most popular park. This is also an opportunity to present and discuss your
ideas.

Come with your questions, concerns, and ideas on how to make Memorial Park an
even better place. The evening will include presentations by traffic safety
experts and participation by representatives of City of Houston agencies.

Sponsored by the Memorial Park Conservancy.

For more information contact: Peter Tyler at 713-863-8403 or
peter@...

www.memorialparkconservancy.org


Double Lake - Just a little trimming is needed to get the course race ready!
Come out and earn a few paydirt hours and then ride the trails. Saturday, April
9 at 9am - 1pm at Double Lake Recreation Area - Meet at the trailhead near the
Lodge. Bring gloves, a full camelback, trimming tools, and mosquito repellent.
GHORBA will provide a few snacks and drinks, bring your own lunch.   Plan on
riding the trails afterwards. thanks!

April Meeting, Monday 4/11   Join us at Otto's BBQ at 7pm on Monday, April 11. 
Updates on the upcoming race that GHORBA is sponsoring.   Otto's in on Memorial
Drive just east of Westcott.  Ride Memorial Park before the meeting!

Houston Big Ring Challenge, April 30/May 1 at Double Lake.  GHORBA is sponsoring
the 7th race in the spring TMBRA series.  Come on out to race!  This is a great
opportunity for beginners who've wanted to try racing.   Volunteers are needed! 
More info on the GHORBA website or www.tmbra.org

More info at www.ghorba.org


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Please note the following update on the trails at Jack Brooks Parks dated
March 26.


TRAILS ARE VERY WET AND MUDDY!! WE SPENT THE DAY OUT SATURDAY CHASING
PEOPLE OFF THEM WHILE WE WERE WORKING. MANY BIKES COVERED WITH TOO
MUCH MUD. PLEASE STAY OFF FOR A COUPLE OF RAINLESS WEEKS. NOTHING OUT
THERE IS RIDABLE, OR WILL BE ANYTIME SOON. THE WHOLE TRAIL HAS BEEN
CHECKED.
     YOUR COOPERATION IS APPRECIATED,
        THANKS,
           BOOKER




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A work party is scheduled for the Memorial Park bike trails on Saturday, March
26th from 9 AM to 2 PM. We will be conducting general housekeeping (trimming,
trash pickup, and etc.). Your help at this work party would be greatly
appreciated. We will be meeting at the rugby field parking lot. You are
encouraged to bring gloves, a full camelback, trimming tools, and mosquito
repellent. This work party qualifies for Paydirt points.

If the work party is jeopardy of being canceled due to wet conditions, please
call Clay at (713) 826 - 5307 or Brian at (713) 569 - 2994 no sooner than 8 AM
on the day of the work party.

Thanks!


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2005 TMBRA Series Race #7
GHORBA's Houston Big Ring Challenge
April 30th & May 1st 2005
Double Lake Recreation Area - Coldspring, Texas

I am looking for great volunteers to help with the race. You can still race,
we'll schedule around it.


You can now preregister (and save $5!) online for TMBRA Race #7, Houston Big
Ring Challenge at http://www.bikereg.com/races/register.asp?EventID=2179


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Memorial Park -A work party is scheduled for the Memorial Park bike trails on
Saturday, March 26th from 9 AM to 2 PM. We will be conducting general
housekeeping (trimming, trash pickup, and etc.). Your help at this work party
would be greatly appreciated. We will be meeting at the rugby field parking lot.
You are encouraged to bring gloves, a full camelback, trimming tools, and
mosquito repellent. This work party qualifies for Paydirt points.
If the work party is jeopardy of being canceled due to wet conditions, please
call Clay at (713) 826 - 5307 or Brian at (713) 569 - 2994 no sooner than 8 AM
on the day of the work party.

Double Lake - Just a little trimming is needed to get the course race ready! 
Come out and earn a few paydirt hours and then ride the trails.  Saturday, April
9 at 9am - 1pm at Double Lake Recreation Area - Meet at the trailhead near the
Lodge.  Bring gloves, a full camelback, trimming tools, and mosquito repellent.
GHORBA will provide a few snacks and drinks, bring your own lunch.
thanks!
Cynthia Stewart
Houston Big Ring Challenge
Race Director

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GHORBA Happenings....

Group Ride, Sunday, March 20 - Double Lake Recreation Area.   Meet at 9:30 be
ready to roll by 10:00 am....this is an excellent beginner/kids course (still
fun for the experts too) - so all skill levels are welcome!

Memorial Mondays - interested in a group ride at Memorial Park???  Meet in the
soccer field parking lot and be ready to roll at 6:30pm Monday March 21.

MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY MEETING ON
TRAFFIC SAFETY ISSUES:  Community Advisory Meeting: Improving Traffic Safety in
Memorial Park
When: Thursday, April 7th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Where: St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell Street in Houston(located
just northeast of the park)   More Info on the GHORBA Website.


Election Results -
GHORBA Board of Directors for 2005

Cynthia Stewart - President
Keith Porter - Vice President (trails)
Mike Lutomski - Treasurer
Scott King - Secretary
Clay Fenton - Membership Director
Blaine Grove - At Large
Kevin Highfield - At Large
Larry Pruitt - At Large

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It's that time of year again! GHORBA board elections. Monday, March 14th we'll
be holding our annual elections for positions on the board. All positions are
open whether someone is rerunning or not, so please consider throwing your hat
in the ring. The board includes people who spend many hours on multiple
projects, as well as people who pick only small pet projects and spend more time
helping with trail work. The board welcomes all types of people with lots of
time or only a few precious hours to offer. I think you'll find it a rewarding
experience.

With our political efforts dwindling, things are very positive. GHORBA has
obtained donations and grants for our trail work at Stephen F Austin State Park
and for our kids program (thanks to Northwest Cycling Club and REI!!). We have
been working with the Houston Parks Department and the Memorial Park Conservancy
on reopening the area called the Triangle. The people with Jack Brooks continue
to bust hump working on the trails there. Cypresswood has a very good possibilit
of becoming an official park thanks to our member efforts. And we're holding our
3rd TMBRA race this spring. This organization has truly grown and accomplished
so much in the last 5 years. But what makes it great are the volunteers who put
in passion and time to the things that are important to those of us who love the
dirt.

Monday, March 14th at Otto's BBQ 7:00 p.m.. Otto's is located on Memorial Drive
east of Memorial Park between Westcott and Detering Streets. We appreciate
everyone driving in from points all over Houston! We will host other meetings
down south and again later on the west side of town.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It's that time of year again!  GHORBA board elections.  Monday, March 14th we'll
be holding our annual elections for positions on the board.  All positions are
open whether someone is rerunning or not, so please consider throwing your hat
in the ring.  The board includes people who spend many hours on multiple
projects, as well as people who pick only small pet projects and spend more time
helping with trail work.  The board welcomes all types of people with lots of
time or only a few precious hours to offer.  I think you'll find it a rewarding
experience.

With our political efforts dwindling, things are very positive.  GHORBA has
obtained donations and grants for our trail work at Stephen F Austin State Park
and for our kids program (thanks to Northwest Cycling Club and REI!!).  We have
been working with the Houston Parks Department and the Memorial Park Conservancy
on reopening the area called the Triangle.  The people with Jack Brooks continue
to bust hump working on the trails there.  Cypresswood has a very good
possibilit of becoming an official park thanks to our member efforts.  And we're
holding our 3rd TMBRA race this spring.  This organization has truly grown and
accomplished so much in the last 5 years.  But what makes it great are the
volunteers who put in passion and time to the things that are important to those
of us who love the dirt.

Monday, March 14th at Otto's BBQ 7:00 p.m..  Otto's is located on Memorial Drive
east of Memorial Park between Westcott and Detering Streets.  We appreciate
everyone driving in from points all over Houston!  We will host other meetings
down south and again later on the west side of town.

Christina
Director, Events



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2005 TMBRA Series Race #7
GHORBA's Houston Big Ring Challenge
April 30th & May 1st
Double Lake Recreation Area - Coldspring, Texas


I am looking for a few good people to help with the race. I've listed positions
I would like to fill as soon as possible. I will also need lots of volunteers on
race weekend too!

THANKS!!

Cynthia Stewart
Race Director


Volunteer Coordinator: Responsible for assigning volunteers to jobs; set up
volunteer check-in for race weekend and help with food for volunteers for the
weekend.

Course Marshal Coordinator: Should have a good knowledge of the race course and
be responsible for placing Course Marshals on the trail. Radios will be
provided.


Clean Up Coordinator: Sunday after the race, be responsible for coordinating the
cleaning up the expo and tear down of the start finish and clean up trail
marking.


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Officially  Memorial Park is closed to everyone except trail riders and Rodeo
personnel from Thursday evening until Saturday afternoon, February 24 - 26

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A Senate committee will vote this Wednesday, Feb. 16, on a reintroduced
Wilderness bill that would ban mountain biking from 170 miles of singletrack
trails in Northern California. Mountain bikers nationwide are urged to ask their
senators to delay action on the bill until suitable compromises are reached and
bicycling is accommodated. Your call is especially important if your senator is
a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee listed below.

Senate Bill 128 (S. 128), the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage
Wilderness Act, sponsored by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), would
designate more than 300,000 acres as federal Wilderness. Popular trails
would be closed such as King's Crest and Lost Coast-Chemise Mountain in the
King Range National Conservation Area and the Red Bud and Judge Davis trails
near Cache Creek in Lake County. View a complete list of threatened trails:
http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/ca_wilderness/hr1501_mtb_miles_lost.h
tml

IMBA remains firmly dedicated to land conservation and believes that
Wilderness designation is just one of many tools that may be employed to
protect wild places. When proposed Wilderness Areas include significant
mountain biking opportunities, IMBA proposes alternative land designations that
protect natural areas while preserving bicycle access.

IMBA supports protecting all lands in the bill, but for one-quarter of the
areas under consideration, Congress should use protection measures other than
Wilderness or adjust boundaries to accommodate bicycling.

IMBA believes mountain biking, low-impact, muscle-powered recreation, is
an appropriate use of trails on public lands and is consistent with the
values of Wilderness land protection which includes recreation in natural
landscapes.

Talking Points:

* Senate Bill 128 needs to better accommodate bicycling and is not ready for
passage. Please delay action in the Senate and House until suitable
compromises are reached.

* This bill would close more than 170 miles of singletrack trails to
bicycling.

* IMBA supports protecting all the lands in S. 128, but for one-quarter of
the areas under consideration, Congress should use methods other than
Wilderness to preserve the land while keeping trails open to mountain
biking.

* Wilderness is not the only way to protect public lands. Why must land
protection often mean eliminating bicycling opportunities?

* Mountain biking started in California and is a popular sport - 5.2 million
Californians participated last year (Outdoor Industry Association).

* Mountain biking brings significant revenue to the state's economy through
bicycle related industry, tourism, bike shops, touring companies and more.

* Mountain biking is low-impact, muscle-powered recreation and is an
appropriate use of trails on public lands. IMBA members highly value land
conservation, clean water and clean air.

* IMBA supports new Wilderness designations where they don't close
singletrack bicycling opportunities.

* Bicyclists simply want to continue to ride on trails that have been open
to them for years.

* Recreation science indicates that bikes affect natural resources no more
than hikers or horses - two user groups allowed on Wilderness trails.

Action Steps:

1. Call your two U.S. senators using the Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121.
(To learn the name of your state's senators go to http://www.congress.org
and type in your zip code.) Members of the Senate Energy and Natural
Resources Committee are listed below.

2. Politely tell them you are calling in regards to S. 128 (Northern
California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act) and use the talking points
above. If the senator is not a member of the committee, your comments are
still important because the entire U.S. Senate will be asked to vote on the
bill before it goes to the U.S. House of Representatives.

3. Please provide your name and address so that they know you are a
constituent. Senators respond best to callers from their home state - if you
don't give them contact information, your call probably won't count.

4. If you would rather fax a letter, call your senator's office to get the
proper fax number and staff member assigned to the bill. Make sure to fax
your comments by Wednesday. Email comments are not recommended.

--
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Chairman Pete Domenici, New Mexico (202) 224 - 6621
Larry Craig, Idaho (202) 224 - 2752
Craig Thomas, Wyoming (202) 224 - 6441
Lamar Alexander, Tennessee (202) 224 - 4944
Lisa Murkowski, Alaska (202) 224 - 6665
Richard Burr, North Carolina (202) 224 - 3154
Mel Martinez, Florida (202) 224 - 3041
James Talent, Missouri (202) 224 - 6154
Conrad Burns, Montana (202) 224 - 2644
George Allen, Virginia (202) 224 - 4024
Gordon Smith, Oregon (202) 224 - 3753
Jim Bunning, Kentucky (202) 224 - 4343
Jeff Bingaman (Ranking Member), New Mexico (202) 224 - 5521
Daniel Akaka, Hawaii (202) 224 - 6361
Byron Dorgan, North Dakota (202) 224 - 2551
Ron Wyden, Oregon (202) 224 - 5244
Tim Johnson, South Dakota (202) 224 - 5842
Mary Landrieu, Louisiana (202) 224 - 5824
Dianne Feinstein, California (202) 224 - 3841
Maria Cantwell, Washington (202) 224 - 3441
Jon Corzine, New Jersey (202) 224 - 4744
Ken Salazar, Colorado (202) 224 - 5852


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Happy Valentines Day!  The February Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, February 15
at 7pm at Otto's BBQ back room.  Guest Speaker is Jim Robertson, along with
Kevin Highfield.  Jim will describe his advocacy work in northwestern Harris
County to develop the Cypress Creek Greenway Project.   Jim has been working on
the Greenway as Chairman of the CCGP within the Cypress Creek Flood Control
Coalition.  Recently Jim and Kevin have been coordinating their efforts on
Greenway and trail development along Cypress Creek.   Many of you will know that
Kevin has been working to make Cypresswood Trail official.   Jim and Kevin will
describe the significant progress made with Harris County Flood Control District
and Harris County Precinct 4, which will be of interest to many members."


MEET THE LEGEND: GARY FISHER!!!
Thursday, February 17th, 7-9pm Reception at Bike Barn Kirby
Friday, February 18th, 8-10am Demo Ride at Memorial Park Loop
That right...he's in town and exclusively at Bike Barn! Come see the "Founding
Father of Mountain Bikes", Gary Fisher, on Thursday, February 17th from 7-9pm.
This mountain biking innovator will be signing autographs at an after-hours
reception exclusively at our Kirby location. And if that isn't enough, go ahead
and let your boss know you are comming in late on Friday, February 18th because
Gary Fisher will be at Memorial Park that morning to show off some of his 2005
mountain bikes. Besides getting to ride some killer bikes....there is a good
chance you can ride with the legend himself, Gary Fisher!



A WORK PARTY is scheduled for the Memorial Park mountain bike trails from 9 AM
to 2 PM on Saturday, February 19th.  We will be doing general maintenance aimed
at trimming and improving water drainage in the east end of the trail system
(a.k.a "Cambodia").  Your help at this work party would be greatly appreciated.

We will be meeting at 9 AM at the soccer field parking lot.  You are encouraged
to bring gloves, a full camelback, trimming tools, and mosquito repellent.

If you have any questions, please call me at home at (713) 432 - 1563.  On the
day of the work party, you can reach me at (713) 826 - 5307 after 8 AM.

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General Meeting, TUESDAY, February 15 7pm at Otto's BBQ on Memorial Drive.

GHORBA needs you!  We will have several openings on the Board of Directors with
a wide variety of opportunities to get involved with trails, Sprockids, events,
leading rides, etc.  Elections will be held at the March meeting on Monday,
March 14th.  If you are interested or have any questions, please contact one of
the current board members .......board member's emails can be found on the
GHORBA website http://www.ghorba.org/board04.htm  (Note that Cynthia Stewart is
acting president).

GHORBA and Bicycle World and Fitness are sponsoring a trail cleanup this weekend
at the Anthills. We got approval from the aproppriate authorities and they are
even giving us the trash bags. We will be at the Dairy Ashford Parking Lot from
8am to 12noon. We will have plenty of Water and Gatorade for all who help out.
We will also have snacks and everyone who helps with trail clean up will recieve
a 20% off coupon at Bicycle World and Fitness to be used on any one item of
clothing or Accessorie. This is of course Weather Permitting. You can call the
shop Friday to make sure. 281-556-0923


Work Party at Jack Brooks Park February 12-13
Ok folks we need all able bodies this weekend. The Park is delivering another
load of dirt today and we need to have it off
the road this weekend if possible. I have rented a front end loader to move it
into the system. We need hands to move it onto the trails
where needed.
Come one come all, work off that winter padding and get the muscles ready for
another year of riding.
We will be out there Saturday and Sunday at about 11:00am at the 4-way stop on
the west side of the park.
Paydirt point given for manual labor.
See ya'll there,        Booker









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Many thanks to all of you who came out to help GHORBA with the work party on
Saturday.  We had 42 volunteers that put in 145 man hours of labor!  We were
able to completely groom the triangle area.  The trails are sweet, check them
out!

Special Thanks to Bikesport for sponsoring lunch for our volunteers and to
Shipley Donuts for kolaches and donuts.

Thanks also to our trail stewards Clay Fenton, Brian Thigpen and Larry Pruitt
for the work they do for our trails.

Tenative Memorial Park work parties scheduled for February 26 and March 26.

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Come out and help GHORBA help you get more trails in the Park.  The Parks Dept
has agreed to open the section of Memorial Park known as "The Triangle" to
bikes, hikers, and runners.  But it needs some work by volunteers (that's you)
before we can open it.  We will meet at the Soccer Field Parking lot on the
south side of the park at 9 a.m. sharp.

  Bring gloves, a full camelback, trimming tools, rakes, and mosquito repellent. 
GHORBA will be providing lunch, snacks, and drinks.

If the work party is in jeopardy of being canceled due to wet conditions, please
call Clay at (713) 826 - 5307 or Brian at (713) 569 - 2994 no sooner than 8 AM
on the day of the work party.

Also, we will be holding elections for our Board of Directors in March.  Good
things are happening and we could use your help!  Want to get involved?     The
only requirement is that you are a current GHORBA member (psst...pay your dues!)

Work Party at Jack Brooks Park on Sunday, January 23.  11:00 am...much work to
be done.  Bring gloves, tools and a camelback.






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NEW TRAILS Work Party

Sat.    Jan 22     9 a.m.



Come out and help GHORBA help you get more trails in the Park.  The Parks Dept
has agreed to open the section of Memorial Park known as "The Triangle" to
bikes, hikers, and runners.  But it needs some work by volunteers (that's you)
before we can open it.  We will meet at the Soccer Field Parking lot on the
south side of the park at 9 a.m. sharp.



Bring gloves, a full camelback, trimming tools, rakes, and mosquito repellent. 
GHORBA will be providing lunch, snacks, and drinks.

If the work party is in jeopardy of being canceled due to wet conditions, please
call Clay at (713) 826 - 5307 or Brian at (713) 569 - 2994 no sooner than 8 AM
on the day of the work party.



Go to ghorba.org or tmbra.org for more information and updates.



This work party does qualify for PAYDIRT POINTS.




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Reminder that tonight"s GHORBA meeting will be held at Bicycle World and Fitness
Please join us on the westside of town for our monthly meeting on January 10 at
7pm.  We will meet at The Zone - a multi purpose room located in Bicycle World
and Fitness.  The shop is located at 851 Dairy Ashford, between I-10 and
Memorial Drive.  We will have a short meeting discussing upcoming events
followed by a bicycle maintenance demonstration.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Items on the agenda.....

Triangle Work Party

Bayou Clean Up day

Bike Maintenance Clinic






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January Meeting New Location Monday Jan 10th
GHORBA's January Meeting to be held at Bicycle World and Fitness

Please join us on the westside of town for our monthly meeting on January 10 at
7pm.  We will meet at The Zone - a multi purpose room located in Bicycle World
and Fitness.  The shop is located at 851 Dairy Ashford, between I-10 and
Memorial Drive.  We will have a short meeting discussing upcoming events
followed by a bicycle maintenance demonstration.  Everyone is welcome to attend.




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The rain has stopped and the Doppler shows the clouds now to the east of
Houston!!  It'll be quite chilly, but the ride WILL be going on this evening as
planned!  Please dress warm, bring your helmets and blinking lights, and be
prepared to see some beautiful holiday lights!  The start is at the River Oaks
Baptist Church located on Willowick between Westheimer and San Felipe inside
(the 610 loop).  Registration starts at 6:30.  For more information and a map to
the
start.....http://www.teamcure.org/holidaylightsride/holidaylightsridepreride.htm

Hope to see everyone there!



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