Volunteers' Trail Day A Success! 
On Saturday, June 16th, about 23 volunteers showed up as a result of TAMPA's call to action to help the USFS improve the Armstrong Connector Trail. There were three teams working on three specific locations to help mitigate erosion problems: a stream bed, and two turns that were all armored with granite slaps the USFS had previously prepared for this day.
Lunch was provided by Sprouts restaurant, and Tahoe Trail Bars. At the end of the work day, significant improvements were made and more work is still needed to complete the turns. Volunteer Trail Days are on the third Saturday of the month - August 20th being the next one. Come and help improve the trails we ride, and the experience can shift how you relate to trails with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction of helping build our bicycle community. Grilled hot dogs, beer and shared stories concluded the day. Bravo everyone! See you on the 20th.
Proposed Measure R Meetings Continue
On July 13th, a special meeting was held by the Governing Board of the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for continued public input and approval for the Measure R Resolution and Call for Election.
Public representatives spoke on behalf of the Little League, Women's Softball, and bicycle facilities.
Measure R is seeking voter approval (requiring a 2/3 vote) to amend Measure S in which the following expenses would be allowed: a maximum of $500,000 may be spent on improving the existing ball fields; a minimum of $500,000 may be spent on maintaining pre-Measure S Class I Bike Paths; and that an advisory committee representing both allowable uses (ball fields and bike paths) would be delegated by the JPA to help it identify needs and prioritize actions.
There still remain two opportunities to 'pull the plug' on moving forward with the ballot measure: July 29 and August 10. According to the JPA, the primary reason to withdraw the election plans would be if it finds itself having to finance the entire election without the contribution from other participating agencies (i.e. Unified School District, College District, and South Tahoe PUD). The expense of funding the election solo would be too great to undertake and the JPA would withdraw its plans for the 2011 election.
The next meeting of the JPA is July 29, 9:00 AM, City Council Chambers at the Airport in South Lake Tahoe.
Those interested in filing an Argument Against Measure R, must do so by the August 1 deadline. That Argument must be submitted to the Election Office at the El Dorado County Administrative offices in Placerville.
Tip of the Month - Crossing Wet Zones
 This year there continues to be a lot of wet zones on the trails from a late snow melt where in other years, during this time, it was dry. What should we do when arriving at a wet zone or stream? Here are some tips to help minimize trail damage and erosion for you to follow:
1. Avoid using a trail when it is known to be wet and muddy.
2. Do not ride in mud! It leaves deep tire grooves which water flows causing erosion.
3. If you must cross: walk you bike through, do not ride around, the mud and water to prevent eroding and widening the trail beyond its original design intention.
4. In Tahoe, some wet zones are on rock or decomposed granite. In this case, if you must cross, check the depth of the water before crossing and slow down, maintain you speed or pedal through, pull up lightly on the handle bars and let rocks deflect your front wheel gently.
5. Become more aware of the cause and effect of riding in wet zones -- Leaving No Trace.
Follow these tips and the trails will remain open and in good riding conditions. |
