* Bayou City Outdoors Social
This Friday, August 26th Bayou City Outdoors.com is having a member
and guest social at Sun & Ski Sports on Westheimer.  GHORBA will be
there passing out information and looking for new members to help in
enriching mountain biking in the Houston Area.

Join Bayou City Outdoors, Shiner Bock, Sun & Ski, and Latin Fusion,
live!  Everyone is invited, there's no charge, but you'll want to RSVP
early to avoid the line at the door.

Get rockin' with Latin Fusion, enjoy a free Shiner Bock beer, Pepsi,
and snack on Clif Bars while picking up the latest issue of Outside
magazine (free of charge – of course!).  All the while you're mixing
and mingling with fun, friendly, active Houstonians in a cool sports
store with gear galore (hiking, biking, camping, skiing, wakeboarding,
etc., etc), everyone receives 15% off ANY non sale item purchases,
plus giveaways and lots of cool stuff!

Where:  Sun and Ski Sports Store, 6100 Westheimer, Houston, TX

When:  Friday August 26th 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.  Band 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Who:  Bayou City Outdoors – Houston's Outdoor & Social Activity Club -
wanna play?

How Much: Free of charge – compliments of Bayou City Outdoors

RSVP:  Pre-register on line at bayoucityoutdoors.com or call 713-524-3567



* GHORBA Campout & Ride at Rocky Hill & SFA
GHORBA has re-schedule the campout for September 17, 2005 at the Rocky
Hill Ranch in Smithville, Texas.  (http://www.boomersrockyhill.com/)

Come join us for some great riding, eating, and socialization.

We plan to ride Saturday followed by eating, drinking, and even
dancing at the Saloon (http://www.rockyhillranch.biz/).

According to the Website the Saloon is the "newest hot spot in Central
Texas for live music, camping, mountain biking, food, beverage and
more."  (Who would have thought?  It looks the same to me, but they do
have a pool table and big new stage now.)

We'll have two group rides during the day.  One at 11 am and another
at 3:30 pm.  We'll meet at the Saloon for both rides.

We'll leave for Stephen F. Austin State Park in San Felipe at 1pm,
arrive ~3 pm and start a group ride at 3 pm.

Please RSVP to Mike Lutomski at mikelutomski@....

The following ghorba poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: Which movie should be shown at GHORBA's August 8th meeting?

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- New World Disorder I, 1 votes, 12.50%
- New World Disorder II - Fat Tire Fury, 4 votes, 50.00%
- New World Disorder III - Freewheel Burning, 0 votes, 0.00%
- New World Disorder IV - Ride the Lightning, 0 votes, 0.00%
- New World Disorder V - Disorderly Conduct, 3 votes, 37.50%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ghorba

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/

Tonight we are resuming our monthly meeting's at Otto's Barbecue on
Memorial, so there is no "official" ride tonight. Of course you are
welcome to ride before coming to the meeting.

Tonight, we will screen one of the five mountain biking movies from
the "New World Disorder" series. The final selection depends on your
vote!

Go here to vote:
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ghorba/surveys?id=1921287

We'll start the movie around 7:00 PM.

The GHORBA monthly meetings resume Monday Auguest 8th, 7 PM at Otto's.
This month we begin screenings of select mountain bike flicks for our
members and guests. This month's feature will be the one receiving the
most votes:

New World Disorder I
New World Disorder II - Fat Tire Fury
New World Disorder III - Freewheel Burning
New World Disorder IV - Ride the Lightning
New World Disorder V - Disorderly Conduct

The NWD series are some of the best filmed mountain bike action movies
featuring insane black diamond, dirt jumping, racing, urban and
unicycle riders.

Vote for the movie to be shown on August 8, here:
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ghorba/surveys?id=1921287

Announcement:
West End is hosting a Swap Meet on Saturday, July 23, 2005 from 10 am
to 4 pm.

Come sell, trade, buy some used gear, parts, or complete bicycles.

West End Bicycles is located on 5427 Blossom.
http://www.westendbikes.com/fsweall.html

GHORBA will be present to share information on current events and
Mountain Biking in Houston.

No news is good news for GHORBA members.  Instead of the monthly
meeting there will be the regularly scheduled Monday night ride.

There will be a pre-ride of the Triangle starting a 6 pm, then a sweep
through the parking lot for stragglers at 6:30 pm for the official
ride into the trails.

Meet in the parking lot between the rugby fields and the softball
fields where the trail kiosk is located.

We will accommodate riders of all skill levels.

The Monday night rides will occur every Monday night (excluding
holidays and rainy days) until the end of Daylight Savings Time. If
the trails are wet, we will have an urban ride.

See you there.

The Memorial Park Conservancy is holding a volunteer event with the
Student Conservation Association to build a trail on the south side
of Memorial Drive between Crestwood Drive and the Park Maintenance
Facilities Driveway.

Currently, there is no existing trail here. They will be connecting
the existing park trails on this side of Memorial with a brand new
crushed granite trail, so no more having to bike along the dangerous
edge of Memorial Drive.

The dates and times we will be working are as follows:

July 11:     8:30 am- 3:15 pm
July 12:     8:30 am- 11:00 am (half day)
July 13-15:  8:30 am- 3:15 pm
July 18:     8:30 am- 3:15 pm
July 19:     8:30 am- 11:00 am (half day)

This is a great opportunity for GHORBA members to support the
convervancy and support the enhancement of Memorial Park's trail
system.

For more details contact:

Bethany Foshée
Membership & Volunteer Programs Coordinator
The Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc.
713-863-8403 office
713-863-9348 fax
bfoshee@...

We will have a Monday Night Rides tonight at Memorial Park.

The ride begins at 6 PM and will last until 7:30 PM.

We will meet in the parking lot between the rugby fields and the
softball fields where the trail kiosk is located.

We will attempt to accommodate riders of all skill levels. The rides
will occur every Monday night (excluding holidays and rainy days)
until the end of Daylight Savings Time. If the trails are wet, we will
have an urban ride.

Have you ever wanted to learn the techniques used to build fun
sustainable trails?

The Texas Bicycle Coalition's Trail Doctors
(http://www.biketexas.org/traildocs/) in association with GHORBA and
The Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc
(http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org) present a trail building
clinic on July 9th and 10th.

The clinic includes a day of classroom instruction and a half day of
hands-on experience with a trail project.  The clinic is free to Texas
Bicycle Coalition Members, $15 for non-members, and $25 for the clinic
and a membership to the Texas Bicycle Coalition.

However, GHORBA will pay the cost of the clinic for individuals with a
history of participating in work parties or individuals vowing to
participate in the future!  Class size is limited to 25 and priority
will be given to individuals with a history of participating in work
parties.

Interested individuals should RSVP to Clay (clayfenton@...) by
July 1st.

Monday Night Rides are Back!
Join GHORBA for Monday night rides at Memorial Park.  The rides begin
at 6 PM and will last until 7:30 PM.  We will attempt to accommodate
riders of all skill levels.  The rides will occur every Monday night
(excluding holidays and rainy days) until the end of Daylight Savings
Time.  If the trails are wet, we will have an urban ride.


Calling All Public Relations/Advertising Professionals.
Do you have a background in public relations or advertising?  Would
you like to volunteer your talents to the only nonprofit organization
in Houston dedicated to meeting the needs of the off road biking
community?  Help GHORBA improve communications with the goal of
increasing GHORBA's visibility in the community and increasing
membership.

To respond, please send a brief history of your PR experience to Clay
Fenton at:  clayfenton@...

Or mail it to us at:
  GHORBA
  Attention Clay's Volunteer PR Professional Sweepstakes Give-a-way
  PO Box 667607
  Houston, TX 77266-0607

There will be a work party at Cypresswood Trail this Wednesday, 22
June at 6pm.  Meet at the trailhead on Cypresswood Drive at T.C
Jester.  Additional parking is avaialable at Collins Park, 1 mile west
on Cypresswood -then ride to the trailhead.


Whatever tools you have are helpful - a pair of clippers is the best,
since the main purpose of this work party is trimming the face
slappers.  With a good turnout, we'll have about an hour working then
time to ride afterwards.  If you are driving to the trail, please
bring a trash bag and take it home full - the trail head trash cans
are overflowing again.


If you can't make it for 6pm - arrive when you can and catch us up -
there should be groups on the front and back trails.


Hope to see you there -

The Cypresswood Trail Groupies

For the meeting this month we will have a group ride at Memorial Park
7:00 pm Monday June 13, 2005.

We will be meeting at the trail head of the yellow trail in the
parking lot between the Rugby and Softball fields.  This is where the
trail sign & message board is located for the trail.

We will begin with a short meeting at 7:00 pm, then break off into a
group ride.  We will split riders up into smaller groups if
necessary.

We should have a good hour and a half or more of good light.  We will
bring some free refreshments for after the ride to encourage group
bonding and socialization of the greater Houston rideing community.

Of course you are welcome to come early and start the riding or the
refreshing early.  Your choice.

All are welcome.  Hope to see you there.

Due to the amounts of rain received, the trails at Stephen F. Austin State Park
will not be in good shape this weekend. So, the GHORBA ride/cookout/campout that
was planned for Saturday, June 4 is being postponed.

The new date will be decided at the next GHORBA meeting, June 13 at Otto's.




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

Bike Bash
       06:00 PM Tuesday, May 24 2005 Duration: 3:00
       This is the Fourth Annual Bike Bash, a social gathering for all
Houston-area cyclists.


       For more information: Location:
       Twelve Spot
       218 Travis
       @ Congress
       Houston TX



http://www.texasoutside.com/houston/BikeHouston.htm

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

Reminder:

A work party is scheduled for the Memorial Park bike trails on
Saturday, May 21st from 9 AM to 2 PM. This is your chance to
contribute to the trail system that you enjoy!

We will be meeting at the rugby field parking lot. You are encouraged
to bring gloves, safety glasses, a full camelback, trimming tools, and
mosquito repellent. This work party qualifies for Paydirt points.
Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the work party.

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,

Clay & Brian

I will be there at S.Main Baptist Church!  If anyone would like to join me let
me know via email.  thanks!  Cynthia Stewart

A morning bike ride with Mayor Bill White and other VIPS to downtown Houston
City Hall is featured for Bike to Work Day, May 20, 2005. The ride will begin at
South Main Baptist Church. Bikes will start to roll at 7:30 am. Arrive early for
registration (the ride is FREE). We expect to arrive at City Hall by 8:00 am
where the Mayor will greet participants and proclaim Bike to Work Day.

All participating Bike to Work Day cyclists in the Houston area can shower at
any Houston YMCA. Just tell the Center Welcome Desk that you biked to work.
Bring your soap, towel and ID.

A lunch rally will start at 11:30 am and go through 1:30 pm . There will be
information booths on health, fitness, cycling and fun activities. The Pershing
Middle School Advanced Dance Group will offer two performances and four bike
clinics will take place throughout the event. Visit the 104 KRBE Beast.

There will also be a leisure lunch-time bike ride along Buffalo Bayou. We will
meet at Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive and start at
11:30 am. The ride will go to Shepherd and back to Sabine along the existing
trail. (Approximately 5 miles)


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

A work party is scheduled for the Memorial Park bike trails on
Saturday, May 21st from 9 AM to 2 PM.  This is your chance to
contribute to the trail system that you enjoy!

We will be meeting at the rugby field parking lot.  You are encouraged
to bring gloves, safety glasses, a full camelback, trimming tools, and
mosquito repellent.  This work party qualifies for Paydirt points.
Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the work party.

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,

Hope to see you there.

For those of you near and around Clear Lake, the GHORBA monthly
meeting is coming to you!

This months meeting will be held Monday, May 9, 2005 at 7:00 pm down
in the Clear Lake area at Webster Bicycle. Webster Bicycle is located
right off of I-45 at 408 W. NASA Rd. 1, Webster, Texas 77598.
www.websterbicycle.com



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

For those of you near and around Clear Lake, the GHORBA monthly
meeting is coming to you!

This months meeting will be held Monday, May 9, 2005 at 7:00 pm down
in the Clear Lake area at Webster Bicycle.  Webster Bicycle is located
right off of I-45 at 408 W. NASA Rd. 1, Webster, Texas 77598.
www.websterbicycle.com

We will report on the recent Big Ring Challenge this past weekend, a
report on trails, and some encouraging mountain biking news from IMBA.

The featured presentation will be on Jack Brooks Park in Hitchcock,
Texas.  Come learn about the trails and the challenging TTF's.  Russ
Cooper of Webster Bicycle will graciously be offering free
refreshments, & door prizes, so don't miss this one!

For those of you living in the Clear Lake area that have not attended
a meeting before, we'd love to see you and meet you.

For those of you in other parts of Houston who may not be familiar
with the trails at Jack Brooks, or who may have never ridden there
before, this is a great chance to learn about the Park and get to know
another Houston area bike shop.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

IMBA Signs Breakthrough Agreement with National Park Service

May 2, 2005

If you've ever tried to enjoy a National Park by mountain bike, chances are
you've been disappointed. With some notable exceptions, America's premier
park system is closed to off-road riding.

That's going to change with a new five-year agreement just signed by the
IMBA and the National Park Service. For the first time, National Park
Service leaders in Washington, D.C., have formally recognized mountain
biking as a positive activity, compatible with the values of our National
Park system.

The agreement offers potential opportunity for new access to hundreds of
dirt roads in National Park units that have been closed to bicycling. While
National Park Service rules require a lengthy process to open singletrack to
bicycle use, appropriate dirt roads may be opened with a more
straightforward administrative process.

"This agreement represents a true breakthrough for mountain biking," said
IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. "It opens the door for individual
park units to partner with mountain bikers and investigate new riding
opportunities on a case-by-case basis."

As part of the agreement, IMBA and the Park Service will initially partner
on two pilot projects to be selected later this year. The projects will
bring mountain bikers and park officials together for on-the-ground teamwork
and serve as models for future collaboration.

Additionally, IMBA will provide technical and volunteer assistance to
National Park units that are interested in improving their off-road cycling
opportunities. IMBA programs such as the National Mountain Bike Patrol,
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and the IMBA club network can now apply their
stewardship skills to our National Parks.

So what does the future hold? While mountain bikers shouldn't expect a
revolution of new singletrack in National Parks, the partnership signals an
encouraging direction for the future. With enhanced communication and
cooperation between IMBA and the National Park Service, mountain bikers can
anticipate that cycling opportunities in National Park units will continue
to improve.

-----

Official Press Release:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/05_05/05_02_nps_imba.html

Speaking Points for IMBA's Agreement with the NPS
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_speaking_points.html

IMBA and the National Park Service Resource Page
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps.html

Submit Your Favorite National Park Service Unit for Mountain Biking
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_form.html



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The K2 Razorback that was donated by Cyclone Cycles for the raffle was won by
Elizabeth Diamond from San Antonio.

Thanks to all who bought raffle tickets.

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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
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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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