Not so Public Lands
Did you know that the legislature is trying to take our public lands? Right now, they are looking for ways for the state to control Federal lands in Idaho. Yep, that would include the riding around Sun Valley, McCall, and even some in the Foothills.
That’s why BAMBA joined forces with Idaho Rivers United, Boise Climbers Alliance, Winter Wildlands Alliance and others to call it like we see it – a bad idea for all of us that ride, camp, climb, paddle and ski in Idaho.
For more, you can read our letter here: http://outdooralliance.net/documents/Outdoor%20Recreation%20Fed%20Land%20Transfer.pdf
Lowes BAMBA Volunteer Day
Come join Lowe’s employees work on a few projects including improvements on grass berm, pump track, and laying pavers for picnic table patio next to pump track.
Lowe’s will provide food for breakfast and lunch. Please RSVP so we know how many to expect for food purchase.
Check out the “Lowes Bamba Volunteer Day” event and sign up on Facebook. Let your friends know you are coming, and get them to join in the fun!
Bamba Movie Fundraiser – “Not Bad”
Mark your calendars for August 15th! Join BAMBA at The Northgate Reel Theatre for a celebration and fundraising event. We will be showing “Not Bad”, the new bike short film by Anthill and a portion of Redbull’s “We – A Collection of Individuals” a ski/boarding film to celebrate the proposed terrain park. A raffle and some news to immediately follow. All proceeds will go towards funding an exciting new flow trail project at the bike park. More details coming soon. -tickets will be limited to the first 250 people due to our venue.
Ticket sales start at 6:30.
Movie tickets are $10! Raffle tickets will be $5!
Watch a trailer:
Flow Trails
Check out this WSJ article about flow trails and the Forbidden Fruit flow trail in Sun Valley.
Call to Arms
Fellow Riders:
We hope you have seen the positive changes that have begun to take hold at the Eagle Bike Park over the last year. The City of Eagle has demonstrated their commitment to the park by signing a lease agreement with the county, committed much needed funds for the maintenance and development of the trails… and hired a new parks and recreation director along with two part time trail coordinators. The city is also in the midst of creating a five year plan which comprehends the usage needs of all user groups and has already reached out to our biking community for our input during a meeting that many of you may have attended in February. While this increased level of support was unanimously supported by the vote of the full council, the park’s most ardent supporters has been three key council people —Mary Defayette, Mark Butler and Norm Semanko.
As you may know, Norm Semanko resigned recently leaving a vacancy on the council. The Mayor is in the process of trying to fill that opening and is holding a city council meeting [today], Tuesday (4/2) at 7PM (Eagle City Hall) to seek public comment on his potential selection to fill that seat. BAMBA is advocating that the City appoint an appointee who, like Mary, Mark and Norm, possesses a progressive mindset in regards to the Eagle Bike Park. The city council also needs to know that we not only support the positive direction that has been taken by the city but also directly support the council members who made these positive steps possible–namely Mark and Mary.
While on a ride last week, I met a family from California who came to check out the park. They were curious where they needed to pay to use the park. They were shocked to find out this incredible (free) resource that was managed by the city. They said this type of park would never be possible back home. We are so lucky to have the park and now more than ever, the park needs us. If you have ever said to yourself, “I really should show up to the next trail day and put in some time…” then showing up on Tuesday (4/2) at 7PM to show your support for those who continue to make this park possible maybe the best hour you could contribute to the future of the park. Please consider attending the meeting and voice publicly your support for the park and those who are making this support possible–Mary Defayette and Mark Butler.
Thank you.
Mark Pyper
BAMBA News May 2012
| BAMBA News May 2012 |
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Anthill Film Strength in Numbers Premier Come out and support BAMBA and the Eagle Bike Park at the premier of Anthill Films new movie Strength in Numbers. Tickets go on sale at 6:30 on Thursday May 10th at The Northgate Reel Theatre. Movie and raffle from 7:00 – 9:00pm. Big thanks to Eric Denning and the Reel Theatre for donating their theater again. Show some love and buy some popcorn.
Trail Work this Weekend BAMBA is asking for volunteers to help with trail work this weekend on the Shake n’ Bake downhill trail. The trail coordinators for the city (Ian Fitzpatrick and Patrick Harper) will be leading volunteers both Saturday and Sunday May 5th and 6th.
The Lease is Complete! The BAMBA board has been working diligently with the city and county over the last two years to create an environment where the Eagle Bike Park can be properly maintained and cared for. One piece of this puzzle was for the county to expand the lease of the City of Eagle so that the city can manage the entire park. The new lease was signed this week which is a huge step forward in the proper management of the park. Thanks to everyone at the City of Eagle and Ada County who made this happen. Renew your BAMBA/IMBA Membership! Now that the city has taken over management of the bike park they are working closely with the Boise Area Mountain Bike Association to help provide direction from IMBA and trained volunteers. While you’re renewing your membership, get a BAMBA bumper sticker for your other ride. Get one for your significant other too! They’ll love you for it! Help promote BAMBA by rock’n your hot off the press BABMA sticker. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s BAMBA!
Recent BAMBA Accomplishments
BAMBA Projects and Goals
Planned rides: Sign-up at: http://groups.google.com/group/bamba-rides?hl=en to receive BAMBA Ride notifications Stay in touch! Visit http://eaglebikepark.org/ for news and events. |
BAMBA Bumper Sticker!
BAMBA Bumper stickers!
To get yours, email BAMBA.imba@gmail.com
Or, come to the BAMBA Movie Fundraiser – Anthill Film Strength in Numbers Premier
$2 each! What a deal and a great way to show your support for BAMBA!
BAMBA Movie Fundraiser – Anthill Film Strength in Numbers Premier
Come out and support BAMBA and the Eagle Bike Park at the premier of Anthill Films new movie ”Strength in Numbers”.
Tickets go on sale at 6:30 on Thursday May 10th at the Northgate Reel Theatre.
Movie and raffle from 7:00 – 9:00pm.
Big thanks to Eric Denning and The Reel Theatre for donating their theater again. Show some love and buy some popcorn.
BAMBA News April 2012
| BAMBA News April 2012 |
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Note from Eagle City Council member Mary Defayette:
Hello BAMBA Members: I just wanted to provide a brief update on the exciting progress we have been making towards our goal of making the Eagle Bike Park a marquee recreational destination. As I mentioned before, the City of Eagle committed to make a contribution of $8,000 towards the ongoing maintenance of the bike park once we signed a land use agreement with the county. I am happy to report that the city and county are very close to finalizing that agreement and we should be able to report final progress on that project within the next month. As part of that agreement, the City and our attorney have been working very close with the BAMBA board in crafting our overall maintenance strategy for the 2012 biking season. At a high level, we have agreed that the contribution of $8,000 will be used to fund 1-2 part time trail coordinators and associated materials needed to perform basic trail maintenance at the park. One of the keystones of our strategy will be the volunteer process we are creating for groups like BAMBA to become involved in at the park. Once the agreement is in place, all trail projects will need to be coordinated with our trail managers. This means if you want to do trail maintenance, have trail improvement ideas or simply want to donate time and/or materials, you can meet with a coordinator, explain your ideas and work out a plan to get that project done. There are several benefits to working with our trail coordinator(s).
Speaking of volunteering, if you want to get a head start on making a difference at the park, please email the trail coordinator(s) at trails@eaglebikepark.org Also, the budget process for the City will be taking place this summer and if the Eagle Sports Complex is close to your heart, it’s imperative that the Council hears it from YOU! We’ll keep you posted on times and dates for public testimony on funding this jewel. Thanks again for all you have done to make the Eagle Bike Park a great cycling destination. I look forward to a great 2012 season! Best regards,
Eagle Bike Park Trail Maintenance Day When: April 21, 2012 (9am-2pm) Where: Eagle Bike Park (Utility Shed near the skate park) Hey cyclists, it’s that time of year again when we need to focus on fixing the wrath mother nature (and those who rode when it was muddy) has wrought on our trail system. BAMBA will be hosting a trail work day April 21, 2012 from 9am till 2pm to fix erosion, improve drainage, and shape and adjust jumps on the freeride lines. We will be breaking into several groups to address as many different areas of the park as possible. Crew leaders with experience to lead small crews will be greatly appreciated. So come out and give some love back to the trails you love to ride! Please bring a shovel as we may be limited on tools. Please RSVP by emailing the trail coordinators at trails@eaglebikepark.org
Upcoming Events at the Eagle Bike Park: We have several events coming up at the Eagle Bike Park including races from the Velopark Grand Prix and Wild Rockies. The YMCA is also doing their Off Road Sprint Triathlon out there in May. Visit the Eagle Bike Park website for an update on ways to get involved: http://eaglebikepark.org/upcoming-events/
Movie Fundraiser – Anthill Film “Strength in Numbers” The BAMBA board is currently planning our next movie fundraiser for Thursday May 10th. We will be premiering “Strength in Numbers”. More details will be coming soon but here is a quick teaser to get everyone stoked about the event:
Planned rides: Sign-up at: http://groups.google.com/group/bamba-rides?hl=en to receive BAMBA Ride notifications
Stay in touch! Visit http://eaglebikepark.org/ for news and events. |
BAMBA News Jan 2012
| BAMBA News Jan 2012 |
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Happy New Year! It’s been a while since the last newsletter, but we’re here to fill you in!
Sean Pinder Eagle Project: Sean’s project involved fixing a trail, which suffered heavy erosion caused by rain. They had lots of tools and machinery that helped them fix the trail and reshape it to protect from further erosion. Over the course of 6 hours, Sean and his volunteers were able to make the trail much safer for all trail users. BAMBA coordinated with Ridges to Rivers to have one of their equipment operators complete the excavation work so the scouts could rake, shape, and pack the new water bars and repaired trail surface. Braden Evans Scout Project:
Braden Evans is a Life Scout in Troop 317 in Eagle. Braden’s project consisted of 3 things:
Austen Nelson Scout Project:
Austen Nelson also worked with BAMBA to complete some erosion control work on a freeride trail for his Eagle Scout project. A large section of eroding trail was stabilized using cinder blocks including the landing for a drop and a steep eroding section of trail leading into a jump. The scouts who volunteered logged over 300 hours of service to complete the project which included hauling blocks across the hillside and installing them into the trail.
Good job guys! Thanks for making this happen…
New Eagle City Council members ready to help bike park….
As a new Eagle City Councilwoman, I was very excited to make one of my very first motions that we add an Eagle CC liaison position to BAMBA. After meeting with several board members and supporters in December I felt it was imperative that City of Eagle embrace and support the many volunteers that have worked tirelessly on the Eagle Bike Park. I am thrilled to be the liaison and look forward to working with this fine group towards an even better park with the cooperation of the City of Eagle. I encourage all of you to participate in the budget process to make sure that the City Council hears about the needs of this jewel of Eagle. Mary Defayette Mary’s PIC sourced from City of Eagle ( http://www.cityofeagle.org )
A local Rider’s Shameful Secret: This story was submitted by a local rider… Click photo for a good read. Do you know that bike?
Friendly reminder to share the trail and be respectful to other trail users when you’re out there… Our reputation depends on you! Here’s a link to IMBA’s Rules of the Trail
Upcoming Events:
Planned rides:
Stay in touch! |
Free youth mountain bike clinics for BAMBA members
Joe Gallegos, local Cat 1 mountain bike racer, is offering a free clinic for youth ages 12 – 18 interested in mountain bike racing or just to improve their skills as a rider. This clinic series will run for 3 consecutive Tuesdays on June 14th, 21st, and 28th, from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Eagle Bike Park. The focus will be on beginner to intermediate riders who have started racing or may have interest in racing. Guest clinic instructors will include Bill Reed, Phil Vega and others. To learn more visit the following page on our website:
Transition Bikes at the Eagle Bike Park
The guys from Transition Bikes visited the bike park. See the video here:
Downhill Mountain Bike Clinic
Free BAMBA downhill mountain bike clinic
Sponsored by Phil Drick of State Farm
WHAT: FREE beginner to intermediate DH RIDING SKILLS CLINIC with Downhill Pro Rider – ” Jumpin” Jerry Vanderpool
WHEN: Sunday May 22nd – 1PM to 3PM.
WHERE: Eagle Bike Park – at the Eagle Sports Complex.
WHO: For the first 20 BAMBA members to sign up between the ages of 12 to 100 years old that would like to improve their skills and confidence on riding Downhill type terrain. During this 2 hour clinic we will teach the basics of bike set-up, effective braking, cornering skills, rolling and pumping jump sections plus reading terrain better in order to make good line choices to assist you in being a faster and safer rider.
PLEASE BRING: Your bike, your helmet and a desire to improve your skills and have fun!
Please email bafvolunteers@gmail.com to register. Include your name, age, and phone number.
Bikes Belong and the peopleforbikes.org campaign
We’re all doing our part to make bicycling better in the U.S., whether it’s clearing brush from a local mountain bike trail or funding a new bike path in a community without one. Bikes Belong shares your commitment to safe, accessible, well-maintained bicycle facilities, and we were delighted to help your organization with the Downhill trail phase of the Eagle Bike Park project in 2009. Now we’re asking for your help to spread the word about a campaign to promote better biking across the country.
A new movement – spearheaded by the Bikes Belong Foundation – called Peopleforbikes.org is working to make the vision of great paths, lanes and trails a reality. We have created a simple pledge of support for better bicycling in America and we’re working to get one million people to sign it. The goal is to establish a unified, powerful voice for bicycling that will show our elected leaders and the public that bicycling is important and should be promoted.
We at Bikes Belong encourage you to sign the pledge today and pass it along to your members, friends, and family to sign, too. It is quick, easy, and free, and it will help the future of bicycling. All we need is your name.
Here’s the link to sign the pledge. If you would like to include information on your organization’s webpage or in your newsletter, go to www.peopleforbikes.org/downloads for web banners and logos.
Nearly 200,000 people have already signed the pledge, including Lance Armstrong, Gary Fisher, and bike-friendly Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. We all know that life is better when it’s experienced on two wheels. Now let’s take this message to millions of people coast to coast.
Thank you,
Zoe
Zoe Kircos
Bikes Belong
Bikes Belong: Putting More People on Bicycles More Often
Sign the pledge to unite one million voices for better bicycling in America at www.peopleforbikes.org
New website for BAMBA and the Eagle Bike Park
Welcome to our new website, the home of the Boise Area Mountain Biking Association (BAMBA) and the Eagle Bike Park. Look around the site to find information on exciting events offered by the new association. Time trials have been planned for DH mountain biking, XC mountain biking, running, and road biking. We also have clinics for adults and kids managed by Joyride Cycles. Several events have also been planned by organizations like Velopark Grand Prix, YMCA, and Wild Rockies. Check out the calendar for dates and more information.
We are currently in the process of building our new website so check back often for new content and information about the association.