invitation to learn more about advocacy in Iowa

Wanted to spread the word about an opportunity this weekend. Email me if you're interested in attending!
from Ryan Hanser:
Saturday is not about 'trail school'... It's about all the Iowa clubs getting stronger together -- learning from each other and collaborating across the state. DNR relationships are a common thread, for example...

I strongly encourage you to find someone on your board to make the time to join us -- 9 a.m. to around 3 p.m. Saturday at the downtown library. All other affiliates will be there. And, of course, you're welcome to stay through Sunday for the race ;)

Let me know if I can answer any questions. Hope to see someone this weekend!

Manawa Update (10 June 09)

1. The trail is very saturated with standing water in many places. Give it an extra day or so after it quits raining to let it soak in and firm up, very greasy.

2. Still some logs over trails so ride Alert!

3. Mown and weed wacked.

Slap Dickee on the back and say thanks when you see him next.

Manawa Trail Days

Friday June 5th.-mowing the trails, trim if enough people. 600p.m. till dark. (weather permitting) Don't feel like working, that's fine, come out and make sure we don't get stuck with the mower!

Monday June 8th.-finishing mowing if not already done, keep trimming what is needed. (weater permitting) 600p.m. tell 800p.m.

Tuesday June 9th-finish trimming the trails, clean and install new stickers where needed, cut dead fall out, pick up trash, 600p.m. tell 800p.m.

drinks provided all three days, Tuesday I will bring my grill, some dogs, and chips, for all those who help out. Have something you like, bring enough for everyone! Remember no glass in the park.

Tools that are needed-
gas trimmers
lopers
gloves
safety glasses
showels
rakes
(and bring your bike to ride after the work is done)
Hope to see ya one of the three days.
Steven

SWANSON TRAIL DAY CANCELLED

Frank says all's well and Swanson. Go ride!

Save your strength for Manawa trail day next week!

Branched Oak Area 7 Trail Day - Sunday May 31st at 9 AM

Come on out to Branched Oak Area 7 on Sunday May 31st at 9 AM and help groom the trails, install trail markers, and cut some new trails. The forecast is looking great for a trail day!

T.H.O.R. trail markers will placed at trailheads and other key areas throughout the trail. A new section of trail will also be cut.

Work is scheduled for a couple of hours, so bring a bike and ride the trails afterward!

Friendly reminders:

• Wear long sleeves and pants for protection from critters and poison ivy/oak/sumac
• Wear eye protection
• Bring some leather work gloves
  
• Bring sunblock and bug spray
• Bring plenty of water and snacks (hydration packs work great!)
• Bring loppers, weed wackers, mowers, etc.
  

Thanks!

Iowadirt Workshop open to THOR members

Iowadirt is welcoming THOR members to join their workshop with the Subaru / IMBA Trail Care Crew, June 20th at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola. 

Friday is a classroom session and Saturday will be in the field.Correction: Saturday is not in the field. Here is what how the director described it:"In short, CITA is hosting a 'summit' with the TCC on Saturday as a way to help all Iowa IMBA affiliates -- separately and collectively -- by sharing best practices in running our organizations and discussing ways we can collaborate to improve Iowa mountain biking. "

Schedule:

FRIDAY (w/ Hansi Johnson)
(morning ride at Ahquabi?)
Meeting: "Embracing Iowa Dirt" workshop @ Ahquabi
    10:30a - TCC 'school' content (singletrack 101)
    Noon - Lunch (class continues)
    1:30p - Discussion (roundtable)
    2:30p - Adjourn (visit to Summerset trails)
Dinner: BBQ at Summerset (tentative)
Ride: Summerset @ 6p
Beer: Royal Mile

SATURDAY
Meeting: Iowa IMBA affiliates' summit @ downtown library
    9a - 'Club Care' workshop
    Noon - Lunch (discussion/planning begins)
    3p - Adjourn
Ride: Center
Dinner: Raccoon River Brewing Company
Party: 'Freedom Riders' screening at Hotel Fort Des Moines

SUNDAY
Ride: Sycamore TT (IMBCS race) @ 10

To support any THOR members who wish to go, THOR is offering $75 towards gas and hotel per group of (4). 

For more information and to register, go to http://www.iowadirt.org/blog/embracing-iowa-dirt-event/. Once you register please contact roxzanne(dot)abbott(at)gmail(dot)com so she can get all attendees in contact with each other. One of your party will need to be responsible for organizing travel arrangements and booking a hotel. 

As a reminder, THOR will be hosting our own workshop in later summer/early fall but we thought this would be a great addition and also a great way to make connections with neighboring trail crews. 

PS: Info at http://www.iowadirt.org/blog/embracing-iowa-dirt-event/

Pablo

Just a reminder to all. Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the Horse riding season at Platte River State Park. Please refrain from riding the horse area between the hours of 9am-4pm weekdays and on the weekends. Signs are posted at the top of trial leading from the Wild Turkey parking lot.
Mountain bikes tend to spook the horses and the unsuspecting rider. If even one mtber has an encounter with the horses on the trail that could jeopardize the use of the horse area for the rest of us.
So please enjoy the park, try the main park trails until after 4pm or get out there early and finish the ride by 9am.
It also marks the start of the Bacon ride season.