wademan's blog

Yep it's hard to believe but the VMB Treasurer (I could be wrong, but I think he's held this position for VMB's entire history) is turning 50 this weekend.

I like to tell the story of how Lori and I first met Greg in person. So please ask me sometime. It's a great story!

I had a great on-road, off-road adventure this weekend. I made my way from Bethlehem to Bath to Stockertown and Easton. Then rode back to Bethlehem via the Lehigh towpath. I consider myself fortunate to live in a region that offers these types of options.

On my way east yesterday, I ran into webmaster Bob — who I don't get to see often enough these days. As we said goodbye, a younger rider on cyclocross bike rode by. We ended up riding together and chewing each other's ear all the way to Easton. Really nice guy who I'd never before met but we shared several acquaintances.

On my way back west I came across a group of boy scouts riding 25 miles to earn a badge. I shared a few words of encouragement that probably weren't necessary because they were all smiles and having a blast.

A couple recent things worth sharing:

1) Valley Mountain Biker's work is having a influence in the future of new trail systems in other locales.
I've recently attended meetings where local officials, outdoor organization reps., etc have been very interested in the success story of VMB's transformation of Walking Purchase Park. Beyond the impact it's had locally, I'm seeing that it can serve as a model for other places! It's really cool to think that we're having an influence elsewhere.

2) VMB received a new membership this week.

Although fall is my favorite season to ride, it often means allergy hell for me. Coupled with work deadlines, this sometimes results in a work/sleep regiment for me. If you haven't seen much of me recently, now you know why.

Anyway...

I have made it two events recently — each very different and yet somehow they ended up being similar. A few things about these experiences struck me this morning:

Valley Mountain Bikers has already had a dramatic impact on new trail building, access and cycling advocacy.
The future of this club and further local improvements is in your hands. None of this stuff happens unless people who love this stuff -- care a little -- step up -- help out -- and give a little something back.

We could sure benefit from your energy...

PM me!

As Dave mentioned, the fallen trees have been cleared. It was a pretty humorous event.
Don't forget to log your time fellas.

Joe, please insert photo below:

I just got off the phone with Rich.
Rich thought I should post something so the members here who worked with Brian building trails at Salisbury knew.

My old pal Brian Hahl passed away today. He was just 50.
Brian was one of my very first riding buddies. Brian would always make me laugh my ass off -- always singing some stupid song as we headed into an impossible rock garden somewhere -- making it nearly impossible to actually ride. He convinced me to try my very first 24 hour race saying, "Dude, if I can do it -- you can do it."

I dig the vibe of this — cool bike culture.
Maybe this is how we help CAT move to their new home?