What have we done?
Established a presence -We began in the fall of 2005 as 5 individuals who saw a need for protecting, maintaining and creating human-powered recreational trails in our community. As 2008 unfolds, we are a group of about 75 dues-paying members. We have made contact with local authorities and surrounding trail-related organizations, and had 137 people join our website.
Maintained and Fixed existing trails - We did a major rehab of the Niles Trail and sections of the Vermont 50 route, as well as encouraging members to take individual responsibility for keeping local trails in shape.
Built New Trails - Like Josie's and No Name, and several at Mountainside.
Established Sport Trails Mountainside - We obtained permission to create a network of trails on over 1,000 acres in West Windsor. Beginning with restoration of existing logging roads we started to make them mountainbike accessible and added singletracks such as Pine Twister, Ease Up, Cort's Jester, South Ridge Run, Lynx and others. A map was published and is being sold to the public. Signs have been posted at most intersections.
What are we going to do?
Come to the Annual Membership Spring Meeting April 9th to help decide. Here are the board's suggestions:
Landowner Relations - With reappraisals came much discontent among landowners in West Windsor and Hartland. We decided that a low profile was prudent, but now that the dust has settled, we need to identify, contact and establish relations with the owners of the land our trails traverse. We'll be needing a lot of help from members on this project.
Existing Trails - Starting with a member-wide Trail Survey on April 13th, we will look into what trails need fixing or improving.
Sport Trails Mountainside - We will concentrate on improving existing trails with emphasis on making the climbing easier - reducing inclination angles, improving switchbacks and extending recovery segments. Efforts will be made to extend signage and marking; simplify the network and update the map.
Outreach Programs - Programs such as school bike safety and "Trail Heads" are being considered for community service and extending trail awareness among the next generation and their parents.
Activities - Tuesday Night Ride is a victim of it's own popularity. We will look at re-organizing it to become more manageable, and regain it's original laid-back spirit, while welcoming the more aggressive riders as well.. Other activities are being considered, like the successful progressive dinner this winter.
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