HCP Epic trail day and Fall Fun 50 - September 25th

[Nelg]

**New dates**

Save the date for the next High Country Pathway trail day! We have some cool improvements brewing that we'll need plenty of volunteers to complete. For those of you who have never ridden the HCP or the Shingle Mill Pathway this will be a great chance to experience a true wilderness trail in the heart of Elk country. There is a reason why the 80 mile loop was badged as an IMBA Epic and we'd love for you to see why by joining us in a day of work and a weekend of play on this truly unique trail.

We'll be camping at Clear Lake in the group camp site on Friday September 24th and Saturday September 25th with the work day starting at 8:00 on Saturday and finishing up at 1:00 to leave plenty of light to go ride. We'll be looking for some additional tools for the weekend in the form of post hole diggers a couple shovels and two or three cordless drills and a couple bubble levels, if you have them, please bring them. As with any trail day, bring plenty of water and any snacks you may need, we'll be providing lunch to all volunteers and your camping for the weekend is free at the group site.

Clear Lake campground is located on M33 approximately 9 miles north of Atlanta and 16 miles south of Onaway. The group site is fairly primitive, however we'll have access to showers, water, etc. at the regular camping area. If you prefer hookups for a trailer or camper reserving a site for the weekend should be no problem.

Come experience the vistas from Rattle Snake Hill, the stunning blue waters of Section 4 lake, story book cedar swamps, boardwalks that stretch forever and the miles and miles of deep canopied hardwoods that make up the High Country and Shingle Mill Pathways.

[Nechan]

I will be there.
This will be my final trail day before I head off to the DR.
See you there.
Nechan

[bh357]

Marked on the calendar

[Jeff]

Are we sure on the September date? Seems like this was the date for the fall HCP ride?

Jeff

[Nelg]

Are we sure on the September date? Seems like this was the date for the fall HCP ride?

Jeff

Nothing's been posted for the fall ride and yes it typically has been late September or the first weekend in October. However since we have applied for an REI grant to cover costs of the project we need to give them up to eight weeks to make a decision. Too late in to October isn't exactly pleasant camping for everyone so late September is the best we can do without pushing it next spring.

[Nechan]

We had decided last year that the Fall Fun 50 would always be the last full weekend in September, and the Summer Solstice would be the first full weekend in June.

Why not do them both on that weekend?

Ride the HCP on Saturday like always for the Fall Fun 50, then do your trailwork on Sunday. I'll bet you get more workers since they will be up for the Fall Fun 50 anyway.

Nechan

[purple helmet]

We had decided last year that the Fall Fun 50 would always be the last full weekend in September, and the Summer Solstice would be the first full weekend in June.

Why not do them both on that weekend?

Ride the HCP on Saturday like always for the Fall Fun 50, then do your trailwork on Sunday. I'll bet you get more workers since they will be up for the Fall Fun 50 anyway.

Nechan

+1. let's not screw w/the Fun50 date now that we finally have it down...

[Jeff]

I have to say myself I look forward to the Fall ride as much or more than the spring version. Much more relaxed time for me than early summer. I know I still plan on doing the 80 miler on Saturday and I'm sure I will have at least two others that will join me. Any others up for the 80, 50, whatever ride on Saturday?

If anyone is up for it we can work on setting signs, trimming, etc. on Friday afternoon.

Has the group camp been reserved?

Jeff

[bh357]

... I know I still plan on doing the 80 miler on Saturday and I'm sure I will have at least two others that will join me. Any others up for the 80, 50, whatever ride on Saturday? ...

80 miler for me also

[purple helmet]

I have to say myself I look forward to the Fall ride as much or more than the spring version. Much more relaxed time for me than early summer. I know I still plan on doing the 80 miler on Saturday and I'm sure I will have at least two others that will join me. Any others up for the 80, 50, whatever ride on Saturday?

If anyone is up for it we can work on setting signs, trimming, etc. on Friday afternoon.

Has the group camp been reserved?

Jeff

group camp is reserved. I will double check as we get closer. I did all three dates at once (trail day, spring and fall rides).

so what's the final solution here? trail day friday afternoon and sunday morning? ride saturday as usual?

[Nelg]

I have to say myself I look forward to the Fall ride as much or more than the spring version. Much more relaxed time for me than early summer. I know I still plan on doing the 80 miler on Saturday and I'm sure I will have at least two others that will join me. Any others up for the 80, 50, whatever ride on Saturday?

If anyone is up for it we can work on setting signs, trimming, etc. on Friday afternoon.

Has the group camp been reserved?

Jeff

group camp is reserved. I will double check as we get closer. I did all three dates at once (trail day, spring and fall rides).

so what's the final solution here? trail day friday afternoon and sunday morning? ride saturday as usual?

Works for me for those that have had long term plans to ride all day Saturday.

I'll be there all of Friday, if you guys want to get some of it knocked out then, lets do it.

Edited for clarity.

[Jeff]

(so what's the final solution here? trail day Friday afternoon and Sunday morning? ride Saturday as usual?)

I don't mean to steal anyone's thunder here but I think it can be both a Saturday epic ride for those that want to take it on but also it can be a Saturday workday followed by a shorter ride for those that just want to sample a little of what the Pigeon has to offer. I believe it has the potential to increase turnout for both the work days and the ride by doing this. I've mentioned this to the former chapter Pres. a few times.

Jeff

[G.Cook]

The 25th I'll be on my way back from a week of working trail in the Hiawatha NF . Yeah , that trail . I can make the trail day on Sat. and maybe get a little ride'n in to boot .
I'll throw the post hole digger in with the rest of my gear .

[Nelg]

(so what's the final solution here? trail day Friday afternoon and Sunday morning? ride Saturday as usual?)

I don't mean to steal anyone's thunder here but I think it can be both a Saturday epic ride for those that want to take it on but also it can be a Saturday workday followed by a shorter ride for those that just want to sample a little of what the Pigeon has to offer. I believe it has the potential to increase turnout for both the work days and the ride by doing this. I've mentioned this to the former chapter Pres. a few times.

Jeff

My thoughts exactly. I don't want to step on the plans of those who have been dedicated HCP workers and riders for years now. You guys have worked on this trail plenty, stick to your Saturday plans. For everyone else, we'll put them to work in the morning and we'll have options for a Rattlesnake out and back, ride around the campground or perhaps even send a car load or two out to the Shingle Mill in the afternoon.

If the veterans can come up a day early or can spare a few hours Sunday, we'll certainly put them to work.

[purple helmet]

(so what's the final solution here? trail day Friday afternoon and Sunday morning? ride Saturday as usual?)

I don't mean to steal anyone's thunder here but I think it can be both a Saturday epic ride for those that want to take it on but also it can be a Saturday workday followed by a shorter ride for those that just want to sample a little of what the Pigeon has to offer. I believe it has the potential to increase turnout for both the work days and the ride by doing this. I've mentioned this to the former chapter Pres. a few times.

Jeff

My thoughts exactly. I don't want to step on the plans of those who have been dedicated HCP workers and riders for years now. You guys have worked on this trail plenty, stick to your Saturday plans. For everyone else, we'll put them to work in the morning and we'll have options for a Rattlesnake out and back, ride around the campground or perhaps even send a car load or two out to the Shingle Mill in the afternoon.

If the veterans can come up a day early or can spare a few hours Sunday, we'll certainly put them to work.

so whatcha need? i have chainsaw/backpack, post hole digger, etc...