Trail Maintenance, Part 2

Arthur doing his part

Apparently someone last week did not like our new trail, so we really cleaned it up and made it very obvious.  It looks good (Jay) and rides well.  Mark and Ali also cleaned up all the grass so we could get through without a million grass cuts.  We rode almost entirely in the dark last night due to our trail cleanup.  There is a lot of land left back in there, I say we continue to add some singletrack in there at some point.
     A lot of movement on the overall attendance last night.  I caught up to Dave (and will soon pass him), while Jay is only a half point behind.  Arthur caught Rob and passed Jeremy.  Mike and Jim caught and passed Ian.  Of course, everybody is ahead of Russ.
     Thanks to Mark for cutting his ride short last night and going back early to get the BBQ going for some great sausages and chips.  Weather was absolutely perfect last night and trails were in best condition all year.  Next up for beer is Arthur but he is in New York.  That brings us to the very bottom of the list, Ali.  After Ali, it is Russ and Dave (I am guessing they are done for the season).  We should have a rule that even if you quit the season you are still on the list and responsible to bring beer for your week.  Let's bring it up next meeting.  That brings us to Jim next.  Since Jim doesn't read the blog or emails, he probably won't be aware his turn is coming.  I'll let you guys sort it all out.

CRC in action

Trail Maintenance

 

       Finally CRC got around to some trail maintenance.  Mind you it was only a couple of concerned, die-hard, dedicated CRC members that gave up 10 minutes of their ride to take care of a section of trail that has been a nuisance for a while now.  After passing under the fence leaving Ojibway, we made a sweet trail around the downed tree.  Please use and as you ride it, think about the dedication of your fellow members.  It was also mentioned that Davey Half-Snips was not needed for any cutting back branches tonight.  Anyways, it did break up the ride.  All ended up doing just Black Oaks tonight.   Partly in the dark.
     Since many of us coming from the east side are really struggling to get there for 6, we have decided to push back our start time to 6:30 again and bring lights.  Also discussed tonight were possible dates for the Christmas Party and the poor season we have had.  By comparison, our most rides in a season was in 2010 (31).  So far this year we are at 13 and will be lucky to hit 20.
Not sure who brought beer tonight, whether it was Mark or Ali leftovers.  If it was Mark then Arthur is up next.  If not, Mark is up next.  Sorry about the lack of pictures tonight.  According to Jeremy, I was really slacking in my duties.  Didn't realize that he didn't have his phone on him......

late picture entry from Arthur.  At least he reads the blog

Is it Over???

Back to the Grind

      Only two days back at work and already some of CRC's most respected members (teachers, excluding Mike), are back on the job.  Granted we dished out a lot of teasing in the summer but tonight was the night that it was paid back.  Apparently no one has any sympathy for us.  As for the ride, so much for a 6:00 start, traffic and miscommunication delayed us a bit.  Despite the rain (again), trails were pretty good and the next few weeks they should get even better.  Another good turnout tonight and ride, 1:48.
     Ali wanted me to mention how great Jeremy's choice of chips were (personally, they sucked) and the fact that he brought three bags.  Yes the beer was good.  Jeremy mentioned that he was glad to rid his fridge of his lady's beers (thanks Arthur!).
     Seemed kind of lonely on the trails tonight without Derek's boombox.  The big discussion tonight was of the Michigan game on September 13th.   Meet at Ali's at 8:00.  Dave, meth-boy texted Jay and asked if you were coming this year.
     Unlike last week where I had a lot to talk about, this week you guys were boring, so here is a picture of a deer I saw tonight on the trail.  Next up for beer is Mark.

Where to Begin.....

      Funny how some nights there is nothing to talk about and other nights I have more than enough to talk about.  Where to begin tonight????  Let's start with all the new riders that came out.  Todd Graham finally joined us after 4 years of emailing back and forth.  No babysitting needed on the trails.  Hopefully you guys didn't scare him off from coming back.
    Another first timer was Derek Roth.  Another surprise.  Derek rode well, although I couldn't figure why he was carrying such a big backpack on the ride.  I found out later when I rode behind him.  Apparently Derek cannot be separated from his tunes.  That was a first, hearing music blasting out as we rode along the trail.  Now that I think about, has anyone mentioned to Derek that you don't need to carry around boomboxes anymore????
     And a third first timer was out tonight.  Russ Hodgson.  Some of you may remember Russ from a few years ago (1999ish).  Apparently Russ was able to free his schedule to join us tonight.  Now, not to look down at free beer but...... we did put a "premium" clause in the constitution for a reason.  And I thought Ali was the only one who bought ass-flavoured chips..... apparently not!  Thanks for the beer Russ.  On a side note, I did hear Russ comment about soccer being done and his Wednesday nights were now open....
     Tonight was also the best attendance of the season.  However, yesterday's weather did split the group into road rides and mountain bike rides.  Those that were afraid of the mud chose the road.  And we don't want to hear about your 32.5 or 32.6 km/hr average.  The real riders (minus Dave, Russ and Derek) headed out on to the mountain bike trails.  Trails were in fabulous shape and all signs of downed trees have disappeared.  Hopefully concerns of wet trails are finally behind us.
    Smitty seems to be on record pace for not riding and showing up for beers.  That is going to cost him next season.
    Michigan game is set.  Saturday, September 13.  Mark your calendars it is a go.
    Congratulations to Mark for winning the 55+ Ontario Games in Road Cycling!!!  Ali said he would have won it if he was old enough.  Also, Mike is competing in the Provincial Championships this Saturday at Ciociaro at 1:00.  Also don't forget Erie street race this weekend.
     On a sadder note, this is the last night that we will be able to push the limits of Ali's curfew (which no one really follows anyways) as many of the CRC riders have to return to work after 2 months off.  I know next week we will hear many complaints of nap schedules displaced, reworking  bowel movement times and the difficulty of working an 8-10 hour days.  I hope all non-teachers can go easy on us next week.
    As per CRC constitution, we are moving the ride start time back to 6:00!!!!  Rides leave sharply at this time (Jim, Russ, Ali).  In October we will move back to 6:30 and go lights.  Jeremy, you are up for beers next week.