Spring Summit in MO

[gopherhockey]

Tim Wegner sent this via email. Since technology tends to confuse him, I'll post it for him :laugh:

The registration page for the Summit is up and running! We are gearing up for a fantastic weekend of festivities and events.



This year, the Summit will be held at Landahl Forest Reserve in Blue Springs, Missouri at the trail head of some of the best singletrack in the Midwest. Bike manufacturers will be on hand to provide demo rides on singletrack! Food, beer, bikes and advocacy!



The primary objective of the Summit is to raise awareness of the importance of giving back to the trails on which we ride, run and hike. If you are receiving this email, then I know I'm preaching to the choir. In order to reach as many people as possible, we are bringing a festival to you as well. While the core purpose of the Summit is to provide information on advocacy, we want families and those not yet convinced that giving back to the trails is important to enjoy themselves as well.



The advocacy focus this year will be on offering advocacy resources and advice to those already involved with advocacy or those trying to start up a club or organization designed to promote their sport and give back to the trails on which they play. The breakout sessions this year will be:



Building and Maintaining Sustainable Singletrack Trails

Presenter: Dan Vardamis, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Boulder, CO.



Building and Maintaining Legal Stunt Trails

Presenter: Ken Neave, North Shore Mountain Biking Association, Vancouver, Canada.



Building Singletrack Trails with Mechanized Equipment

Presenter: Tim Wegner, Minnesota Off Road Cyclists, Minneapolis, MN.



The Benefits of Running Your Singletrack Club Like a Business

Presenter: Ken Miner and Brad Davis, Earth Riders Trails Association, Kansas City.



Organizing and Managing a Large Scale Mountain Bike Patrol Event

Presenter: Bill Felkner, Midwest Coordinator for the National Mountain Bike Patrol.



There are additional presenters that we are currently working with in order to provide more value to you, the Summit attendees:



The (Bright) Future of Mountain Biking in Missouri

Presenter: Missouri Division of State Parks, Jefferson City, MO.



Advocacy

Presenter: Gary Sjoquist, Bikes Belong Board Member, Minneapolis, MN.



THE FESTIVAL

In addition to product demonstrations, we are offering multiple events designed to make the entire day fun filled and worth the drive or flight to Kansas City:



- Stunt Riding Demonstration

Local huckers will break out their 50 pound bikes and thrill us all with their riding skills.



- Guided Singletrack Trail Rides

The Midwest Mountain Bike Patrol will offer guided trail rides throughout the day. The rides will be broken out by skill levels and pace.



- Bike Swap Meet

Back by popular demand this year is the bike swap meet. Last year, people were picking up killer deals on bike parts and complete bikes. This year, I happen to know that one of the swap meet participants will be offering a Santa Cruz Bullit for sale at less than half of retail pricing. It's scuba yellow and spec'd out for a free ride type bike... oops, sorry. Back on track...



- Food!



- Beer!



- Games



- Raffles!



- Autographed Lance Armstrong Serigraph Raffle!



- Autographed "Old School" Ned Overend Lithograph Raffle/Auction!



- Camping!

Camping will be available at the Summit sight.



- Hotels

Stay tuned for hotel information. We are working with a number of local hotels to provide you with discounted pricing! We should have the information on the web site by the beginning of next week.



SPONSORS!



Of course, none of this would be possible with the support and focus of companies that see the value of advocacy and the importance of sustaining and maintaining trails. The following companies and organizations are the title sponsors for the Summit. They have donated significant amounts of time, product and cold hard cash to us in order to help offset the costs of bringing the Summit to you:



- International Mountain Bicycling Association (http://www.imba.com/)

- Salsa (http://www.salsacycles.com/

- Surly (http://www.surlybikes.com/)

- BikeSource (http://www.bikesourceonline.com/)

- Jackson County Parks and Recreation (http://www.jacksongov.org/rec.shtml)




So, all of the updates and information is found at: http://www.earthriders.org/



Here's where I need your help:



If you are planning on attending the Summit, would you please register early. By registering early, you can help us defray significant up front costs associated with bringing you the Summit. Trash removal, food and beverage fees, toilets, t-shirt costs, etc. are all part of organizing the best event that lots of sweat equity from the organizers can provide.



We would prefer that you register through the Active.com link on the Earth Riders web site. It is easier for us to manage data and track attendance. If you really don't want to register through Active, you can send a check for $25 dollars to:



ERTA

c/o Earth Riders

P.O. Box 14414

Lenexa, KS 66285



Please indicate your T-shirt size on the check.



Of course, you can always register the day of the event, but we would really prefer that you register early to help us out. In a few years, when the Summit grows to several thousand people, we'll be able to handle the up front costs ourselves. Until then, we can really use your help.



Thank you and we'll see you in March!



Ken Miner

Summit Organizer

[KleinCrazy]

There is always an "Underground" ride on Friday Night. Last year was one of the most memorable times I have had on a bike. These guys really know how to have a good time while riding.



I can also attest to the quality of the singletrack at Landahl. It is beatiful and unlike what we have around here due to all the limestone.

If you can come down and check it out. it is well worth the 5 hour drive.

[SickBoy]

Hey james, I spent 4 years in Kansas City at college and if you make it there in 5 hours, you must have a Ferrari and be invisible to Iowa State Patrol... lol

Is there a date for this? I didn't see one. Last year it also coincided with their first XC race for the Heartland MTB Championship series.... will that be the same this year?

[KleinCrazy]

Yep, that is the Plan.

March 15th is the summit, night before is the social ride and sunday is the first race of the Series.

I do have to say I drive a little fast, but to get to Landahl from Burnsville, missing any Rush hour traffic in either the cites, des moines or KC and driving avg 85 you can make it in 5 hours of driving. potty and food breaks add more.

It also will depend on weather and road conditions since it will stil be winter up here.

L8er
James

[gopherhockey]

So how many people out there are going to this?

I mean... if it were just going to be Tim, then I'd have to think about it.. but if more are going, then I might just have to consider this!

(just kidding Tim... you out there Tim??)

I was allowed a few cheap shots at my bud Tim due to a nasty remark about.. something to do with my riding a BMX bike and not a real bike :shocked:

[KleinCrazy]

I know Steve and I are going ,

I believe that Rick McFarrin is also planning to go.

I also think a budy of mine is going to go along also.

I know the crew from Surly will be down there along with most of the Wrecking Crew and The CRC Bunch.

Lauren and some people from Dakota Cyclery out in Bismark Are going to come down.

I know there might be a few others from the area.

I'll let you know if I can think of any more.

a few of the above are definites, some are only almost positives.

James

[TrailPatrol]

Alas, I can't go again this year. I have a WFA class starting in White Bear that Friday and Saturday. Tom S. Might want to go. I'll mention it to him today at the ski race.

Hans :banana:

[mtnbykr]

<b>I'll be there!!!!!</B> :D

(no bananas for me...)

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by KleinCrazy
I know Steve and I are going ,

I believe that Rick McFarrin is also planning to go.

We should try to coordinate this a bit and do some car/van pooling. I'll see if I can talk Rick into driving his Blazer down with the Trips for Kids trailer in tow. That trailer can haul a ton of bikes & gear. (might even be able to take 2 bikes down that way!)

-Steve

[KleinCrazy]

If we could talk Rick into that it would be perfect!!!

I'll work on him a little also.

James

[gopherhockey]

Where do you guys stay. Local hotel or something?

In the back of Tim's car perhaps?

Anyone carpool?

:eyeroll:

[Burke]

Hotel??? Didn't they say camping was available onsite!

I think I'm going to make an effort to attend. Lundell, carpool?

[MNbiker]

This is the Official list of people who have registered for the 2003 Midwest Trail Advocacy Summit.

Steve Garnjobst (mnbiker@attbi.com)
James Ford (kleincrazy@attbi.com)
Dale Gundberg
Tim Wegner
John Lundell


***************************************

Go here to register:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1040817

Let me know once you've registered, and I'll add you to the list!

-Steve

[gopherhockey]

The Summit web page has been updated to include sponsors, registration, lodging information, etc. The schedule of events will be up shortly. We are in the process of finalizing our guest speakers for the advocacy breakout sessions. Check out the updates: http://www.earthriders.org/ and click on the Summit banner on the main page.



We will be adding a link to a flyer that you can print, hand out and display very soon.



The stunt demonstration guys are on board in a big way. They've been building their stunts for a while now and promise that this year will be bigger and better than last year.



SPONSORS



Jackson County Parks and Recreation

These are the folks who bring you the trails. Without them, we don't ride the trails. They are opening up their park and their campgrounds to promote and support mountain biking in their parks. They are responsible for over 30 miles of singletrack trails in the Kansas City area. We will be sampling most of that 30 miles in some form or another during the Summit.



IMBA

IMBA and the IMBA staff are instrumental in providing everyone attending the Summit with information and support on all things trail related. IMBA, in addition to presenting at the Summit, will be on hand to answer your questions relating to trails, trail building, trail design and support.



New Belgium Brewery

Our friends and fellow beer drinking cyclists at New Belgium have stepped up big again this year. New Belgium is extremely dedicated to advocacy, the environment and cycling. In addition to that, they craft some damn fine beer. Please buy a pint or two and raise a toast to New Belgium Brewery.



Surly

Our friends and fellow riders at Surly continue to support advocacy and the trails. The Surly Wrecking Crew will again be traveling down I-35 in order to promote the importance of giving back to the sport. I've heard rumors that they be bringing a trailer full of test bikes, but I haven't confirmed that with Surly yet. They do have an extremely diverse line of bikes for 2003 and they stand behind their stuff. No sissy bikes for them!



BikeSource

BikeSource is a national bike store that operates with a direct focus on giving back to cyclists in the areas in which they have shops. The advantage to this is that consumers can take advantage of discounted pricing for parts, while still learning about the local trails and taking advantage of their professional service. BikeSource has put their money where their mouth is and proven once again that they are here for the long haul and that they are dedicated to singletrack trails.



Hummer of Kansas City

Hummer of Kansas City is stepping up to sponsor the Summit this year. In addition to a cash donation to help us offset the up front costs, Hummer will demo two vehicles at the Summit. If you're like me, I would love to see what Hummer is all about. You'll see first hand at the Summit. I haven't ridden in a civilian Hummer, so I want to see where they put the cup holders.



Bike Manufactures

Of course, what singletrack celebration would be complete without a wide range of demo bikes for attendees to sample. Come out to the Summit and sample the newest, latest and greatest bikes from:



Surly (tentative)

Trek/Fisher/Lemond

Cannondale

Giant

Specialized



FEATURED TOPICS

Of course, the purpose of the Summit is to promote advocacy and the environment. We will feature speakers at the Summit on the following topics:



- Building and maintaining environmentally sustainable trails.

- Building and maintaining legal stunt or North Shore trails.

- Eliminating human resource restrictions: Building and maintaining environmentally sustainable trails with mechanized equipment.

- Gaining you land manager's confidence: Run your club like a business to increase trail opportunities



We are working with other guest speakers in order to ensure that we provide all singletrack advocates with plenty of value for their hard earned dollar.



If you are interested in presenting at the Summit on a topic that will benefit singletrack advocacy, please contact me directly.



PUBLICATIONS

Bike Magazine

Bike has supported the Summit since its inception. This year, the Summit will be featured in the Local Knowledge section of their magazine. Bike has always and will continue to support trails advocacy. They have some mighty fine articles and pictures as well.



Dirt Rag

There is no other mountain bike magazine that has dedicated valuable paper space to advocacy like Dirt Rag. Phillip Keyes continues to support trails and advocacy. This year, like last year, Dirt Rag is promoting the Summit in their magazine. In addition, you have to love a magazine that provides it's readers with beer reviews. Biking and a fine beer, does it get any better.




THE PITCH

The Summit requires a tremendous amount of up front cash in order to ensure we provide you with a great event. If you or your organization is interested in helping sponsor the event, please contact me directly.



If you or your organization or company is interested in setting up a booth at the Summit, please contact John Donjoian at john.p.donjoian@boeing.com to reserve your space. The purpose of the Summit is to promote singletrack advocacy. It is NOT a money grab. We ask those interested in setting up a booth to donate $20, the same price as the Summit attendees. If you and your organization feel that you received more than $20 worth of publicity, exposure, marketing or sales, we encourage you make a tax deductible donation to ERTA.




CONCLUSION

Thank you for your support of advocacy, trails and ERTA. A number of you have asked how you can become involved and help with the Summit. As we grow, expand and improve, we are steadily improving our management of this festival. The biggest way that you can help is by registering early. by registering early, you help us offset our up front costs.



Oh yeah, where does your money go? Any proceeds from the Summit benefit ERTA (Earth Riders Trails Association). ERTA is a 501(c)3 (not for profit) corporation set up and designed to gain access to land on which to design and build environmentally sustainable singletrack trails throughout the Midwest. Since its inception, 2 years ago, ERTA has gained access to land which has resulted in over 30 miles of singletrack.



As ERTA grow, so does the scope of the project with which we are becoming involved. The plans for the next couple of years include a 185 mile trail (one way), as well as numerous local and regional projects. All of these take time and money. Your attendance and support at the Summit will directly improve ERTA's ability to gain more trails.



For your review, I've attached a preliminary schedule of events below my signature. Thanks for your time and I look forward to seeing you at the Summit.



Ken Miner

KS State IMBA Representative

ERTA Board Member

Mountain Biker

kminer(at)minertech.com

913-888-6667 x 3013



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, March 14

8:00 p.m. – Dawn

Guacamole Grill Parking Lot, KCMO

Cocktail Social and Bike Ride

Bring your beater bike and come out and ride some of the areas best singletrack! Your gracious hosts will provide refreshments, you provide the entertainment. Costumes and mayhem are encouraged.



Directions: From I-435 and Holmes Road, travel South on Holmes.

After passing Red Bridge Road, Guacamole Grill is in the strip mall on the SW corner of Red Bridge and Holmes. Turn right in to the parking lot, and look for the bikes!



Saturday, March 15

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Landahl Park, Blue Springs, MO

Midwest Singletrack Advocacy Summit



6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Trips for Kids Amateur Film Festival



This evening fund raiser benefits Trips for Kids, Kansas City. A local group who takes at risk inner city youths and exposes them to the positive aspects of mountain biking.




Directions: From I-70 and Missouri Hwy. 7, travel North on MO Hwy 7 until you see Argo Road on the right hand side (East) of the road. Turn right on Argo and head East. After you pass the gun range, the trailhead will be at the top of the hill on the right hand side of the road.




Sunday, March 16

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

BikeSource Race Series, Race #1

Landahl Park in Blue Springs, MO



This professionally run race series is one of the best in the country. With a $30,000 overall series payout, this 5 race series is like no other. Registration opens and 8:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 a.m. The race starts at 10:30 a.m., sharp! Find additional information at:



Please note: The race will use a different trailhead from the Summit.



Directions: Directions: From I-70 and Missouri Hwy. 7, travel North on MO Hwy 7 until you see Truman Road on the right hand side (East) of the road. Turn right on Truman and head East. Follow the race signs to the trailhead

[gopherhockey]

Singletrack Advocacy Summit Presentation Schedule


9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Designing, Building and Maintaining Singletrack Trails*
- Kevin Stein, Scott Frey and Rita Nygren will discuss the importance of designing and building singletrack trails that follow the trail building standards of the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
o Kevin Stein is the Director of the National Mountain Bike Patrol and an IMBA
staff member from Boulder, Colorado.
o Scott Frey and Rita Nygren are the Wisconsin IMBA State Representatives.


10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Building and Maintaining Legal and Sustainable Stunt Type Trails.
- Ken Neave, one of the founders of the North Shore Mountain Bicycling Association will discuss working with land managers to manage and build recreational stunt type trails.
o Ken lives and works in Vancouver, Canada and is flying in to present at the
Summit.

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch break

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
ERTA and Summit Announcements, News and Celebrations

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Designing and Constructing Trails Utilizing Mechanized Equipment*
- Tim Wegner will give a brief presentation on utilizing mechanized trail building equipment, and then attendees will ride out to a section of trail designated by the Jackson County Trail Watchers. At this section of trail, Tim will demonstrate the capabilities of mechanized equipment to build trails.
o Tim Wegner a member of Minnesota Off Road Cyclists and an
expert in using mechanized equipment for trail building. (at least in his own mind..) ;)


1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Organizing and Managing a Large Scale Patrol Event
- Bill Felkner is the Midwestern Coordinator for the National Mountain Bike Patrol. An Iowa resident, Bill organizes and manages large scale patrol events throughout the Midwest.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Liability, Insurance and Mountain Biking
- Dan McKay, from McKay Insurance will present information on protecting individuals, organizations, corporations and land managers from liability and exposure. Dan will discuss myths and facts relating to sports categorized as “inherent risk” activities.

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Running Your Club or Group Like a Corporation
o Ken Miner will discuss effective techniques that will assist advocates in working with and for land managers and parks departments.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
General Advocacy Updates from Organizations Throughout the Midwest
o Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship
o Minnesota Off Road Cyclists
o Wisconsin Off Road Bicycle Association
o Chicago Area Mountain Bike Association
o Gateway Off Road Cyclists
o Earth Riders


* Please Note: The sessions on Designing, Building and Maintaining Singletrack Trails and Designing and Constructing Trails Utilizing Mechanized Equipment will run longer than 1 hour. The one hour time allotment is for the presentation portion of the session. There will be a hands on demonstration on the trail with both of these presentations.

[gopherhockey]

2003 Midwest Singletrack Advocacy Summit Schedule of Events

9:00 a.m. Summit Opens

9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Presentations and Seminars in Tent
(see Presentation Schedule)

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Bike Skills Clinic: Riding Over Obstacles
Sean Cairns and Eric Prim, both Expert/Pro level mountain bikers will offer their skill and knowledge on proper techniques and tricks for riding over obstacles. If logs or rocks intimidate you, then please join Sean and Eric for some hands on help from two of the best riders in the Midwest.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Bike Jumping Demonstration
Would you like to catch air when you ride? Do you dream of riding at the North Shore? Local free riders will demonstrate the skills you’ll need to go big. Sit back and enjoy the show.

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Swap Meet

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Trips for Kids Film Festival
The annual Trips for Kids Fund Raiser will be a film festival this year! Amateur mountain biking videos for your viewing pleasure. The film festival will be held at the Fraternal Order of Police hall in Independence, Mo. A very short drive from Landahl.

GUIDED RIDE SCHEDULE
The Midwest Mountain Bike Patrol is offering guided singletrack rides for all skill levels.

Beginner Rides: 10:45 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Deigned for those new to mountain biking or those people who want to stop and admire the scenery. These rides will be slower paced with frequent stops to rest and relax.


Intermediate Rides: 9:45 a.m. & 1:45 p.m.
These rides are for those people looking to push themselves a little more. There will be a few stops, but the trails will be challenging with plenty of obstacles to test your skill.

Advanced Rides: 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Fast paced, little or no stopping and riding all the challenging trails that Landahl has to offer, this ride will test your cardiovascular conditioning as well as your bike skills. Please be aware of your fitness level and bike handling skills for this ride.

[gopherhockey]

I jsut got through exchanging emails with the fine folks at Surly. In order to help support advocacy and singletrack trails, Surly (http://www.surlybikes.com/) has donated a Karate Monkey frame and fork to ERTA to raffle off at the Summit.

That's right, Summit attendees will have the opportunity to win the newest latest and greatest offering from Surly. Head to the web site and check out their version of the 29 inch bike. Like all Surly frames and forks, the Karate Monkey is built with Surly 4130 Chromo. The butted tubes are thick enough to withstand a derby circle beating, but thin enough to deliver the fine ride characteristics that steel is known for.

Yummy!

Ken Miner

[gopherhockey]

All,

The Friday night "social" will be held at Pat Murphy's bar and grill.
Bring your bikes, bring your lights and bring your best party shoes.

The fine fellows at Frank Tuesday promise that they've outdone
themselves with this year's ride, race and of course, fun, games and
mayhem.

Directions:

FROM I-435 and Holmes Road in Southern Kansas City, MO:

South on Holmes Road and look for a strip mall on your left with a bar
and a bunch of bikes. If you pass a Quicktrip conveincence store on
your right, you've gone too far by about 50 feet. Turn around and look
for the bar.

Some land marks:

On Holmes Road, you will cross over Red Bridge Road. Immediately after
you cross Red Bridge Road, there will be a Golf Course on your left.
DeVry University will be on your right just after that. Holmes then
reduces to a two lane road. You will drive through a section of trees
and immediately after the section of trees, the bar will be on your
left.


KANSAS CIITY RESIDENTS: Please put your cars in the park parking lot
on blue Ridge Road and ride your bikes to Pat Murphy's. This will have
parking lot space for more kegs and for our friends and visitors from
out of town.


All the information you will require for the vent is located at
www.franktuesday.com


Perhaps Jack, Tool or even Frank himself can provide more insight?

Ken Miner

[Burke]

Have you guys seen the weather forecast for Fri-Sun?

Highs in the upper 60's, and mid 70's...

This is going to be a lot of fun!

[KleinCrazy]

Yeah,

As long as the possible rain / thunderstorms today and tomorrow don't drop any significant rains. The dirt down there drain ok but if it is wet it is VERY VERY VERY slick and slimy.

Voice of experience from Steve and I riding it Last year.

Everyone do the "Anti-Rain Dance" :banana:

[Burke]

Does anyone know if we're going to be staying at a campground with the RV? If so, I'd like to bring a tent to camp out... However, if we're staying in a parking lot, I won't bother...

[gopherhockey]

I believe a campground. I know Tim is, at least, bringing a tent.

[KleinCrazy]

Yes it will be a campground. Not sure which one it will be but there are a couple at Landahl. group camp and horse camp I think. Might be another not sure. There are pit toilets available at trailhead. Don't know about water and power at campground.

I was goign to throw my Tent in also. 40's at night are pretty nice, no bugs, and more room. Don't know If I'll use it but anyone is welcome to use it.


James

[gopherhockey]

I didn't get very good pictures at KC - most were too dark and none were trail pictures. I believe James got some good trail pictures and some video as well.

Overall it was a great time. Aside from a rather... ummm.. "strange" group of Earthrider guys, most events were very professional and very well done.

If you are into drinking heavily and riding your bike in some crazy kind of mosh-pit derby type thing, KC would be your kind of place - check out their Tuesday night rides for lots of strange antics. (just be ready to buy a lot of bike parts) These guys could obviously ride a bike though! (some backwards almost as good as forwards)

ERTA did a great job. I'd definitely go again. Landahl was one really fun trail system - loved the rock sections!