A lot of gravity-loving Oakland area riders have been pretty vocal about their disappointment with the rerouted section on Cinderella. And yet, when the opportunity came to mold the route into something a lot more inline with the experience many of us want — a ripping descent — not many came out to lend a hand.
To be clear, 28 riders total were present at various points in the day. By all accounts, this is actually a healthy turnout for a local trail building session. However, for a line as beloved as Cinderella, I was surprised I didn’t see more riders appear to show. If you want input on the experience of your local trails, get involved. If you don’t show your face, you only have yourself to blame, and our next chance is coming up.
Saturday, November 23rd, we’ll be gathering to volunteer time and refining the trail. Tools will be supplied, with the BTCEB providing beer, snacks and Gatorade at the end of the trail work day. No, the trail will never be a “DH” trail in a city park, but that doesn’t mean it can’t flow. Set your sights on Enduro folks— because it still is going to be a push to make it as fun as it has the potential to be. Click here to RSVP on Meetup, as there is a limited number of tools available for use. And you do want there to be enough beer to go around, right?
Oyster Bay Bike Park: Draft Initial Study
The EBRPD has announced a public review period on a Draft Initial Study for the Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline Land Use Plan Amendment. A public meeting will be held on November 14, from 7-9 PM at Garfield Elementary Cafeteria, 10350 Aurora Dr., San Leandro. Where the heck is Oyster Bay? It’s in San Leandro, and dang close to the Oakland Airport. You’d never hear me complain about picking up someone from the airport again, that’s for sure— ’cause I’d be at the bike park. Ahem, “waiting.” Questions? Please contact Michelle Jolene, Park Planner at mjulene@ebparks.org or (510) 544-2351
El Cerrito Open Space Campaign
El Cerrito Trail Trekkers, El Cerrito High School Mountain Biking Team, Friends of Five Creeks and other co-sponsoring groups are partnering up to fund the purchase of an 8-acre “Madera Open Space” property. There would be opportunities for new sustainable trails would offer “close to home” recreational hiking, cross-county running and mountain biking, with the possibility of a skills park. Click here to like the Facebook page and learn more.
Sweeney Park, Alameda
The City of Alameda has a unique opportunity to plan and design a new community park at the 22-acre Jean Sweeney Open Space Park (Sweeney Park) located in the heart of the island. A single track loop as well as a skills area with a pump track is a distinctive possibility, and local bike advocate Aaron Thies has been pushing to make it all happen. A trail planning group kickoff meeting is planned for Tuesday November 12th at 7pm.
For more info click here.
View their proposed trail plan here.
USCS Panel on mountain biking at UC Santa Cruz
And lastly, while this is more relevant to riders in the south bay area, we love riding in Santa Cruz, and often talk of how we could move there. USCS is home to some of our favorite trails, most of which are actually illegal to ride. On Wednesday, November 20th from 7-9, riders will have a chance to discuss why the trails are illegal, and share their perspectives on the issue. Get more information at Hilltromper.com The event page on Facebook: Forest Trails Talk: A Speaker Panel on Upper Campus Mountain Biking
Livermore, CA
A group of riders recently created a Facebook Page to build interest in a legitimate bike park in Livermore. Check it out here: facebook.com/livermorebikepark
