August 2009

After a very wet spring, it looks like summer heat is upon us. I hope you are enjoying the trails and taking advantage (while you can) of late evening light!

Below is a quick update on recent COMBA matters, as we have been working hard on your behalf:

Advocacy
Just last week COMBA made our formal presentation to the Jefferson County Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC), regarding our proposal for the current review of Apex Park (details here). We believe our position is a strong one—being both pro-MTB and fair to all users—based on increasing visitor safety while dispersing traffic over new trail. We're proud that our plan has been endorsed by local industry, including: IMBA, Yeti Cycles, Maverick, Wheat Ridge Cyclery, Golden Bike Shop, Green Mountain Sports, and others.

At the same time, JCOS is in the process of reworking Open Space regulations concerning yielding (and passing). Again, thanks to the hard work of your Board of Directors and engaged volunteers, COMBA submitted our comment, seeking clarification and asking for common-sense shared responsibility of all trail users. Stay tuned, we'll be sure to keep you informed as updates from Jeffco on both matters are likely coming this fall.

Trail
We've had two very successful build weekends down in Buffalo Creek this season. While this exciting project will spill over into next year, we're looking ahead to this weekend for the last, large-scale, group effort of 2009. To that end, we're looking to make it fun! Come out and put in a hard day's work (or two) playing in the dirt & rocks, then enjoy food and beer on us. We'll have some shwag to give away, and if folks are in the mood, may even stage some goofy games before the campfires are lit: bike tag, slowspeed "races", last one (track)standing, and whatnot... good old-fashioned fun on two wheels, likely enhanced by hoppy beverages.

But wait! There's more!
We're thrilled to be hosting the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew this Thursday evening, for a FREE trailbuilding workshop at the American Mountaineering Center in downtown Golden. Pizza, beer, and instruction on sustainable trailbuilding by folks who literally live out of their Subaru Outback traveling across the country! This is a rare opportunity to learn from professionals who do this for a living, so please come on out and take advantage: RSVP.

Team IMBA
You'll recall that COMBA formed a fundraising "team" in conjunction with the Firecracker 50 up in Breckenridge over the 4th of July weekend. While we fell a bit short of our goal, I'm nonetheless pleased to inform you that we will be receiving a check from IMBA for $6,853.00! Special thanks go to Bernie Siegel and Jay Castleberry, both COMBA members who joined several COMBA directors in this endeavor. Our team, "Friends of COMBA", raised $4,606 from supporters like you, and the rest was awarded as matching funds from SRAM (thank you!). Team IMBA members included: AJ Beckman, Michelle Beckman, Terry Breheny, Jay Castleberry, Kyle Henley, Hillary Seminick, and Bernard Siegel. Nice job, all! Additional thanks to Yeti for their donation on our behalf.

COMBA in the media
Did you catch the article in the Denver Post on August 4th? (Idea of urban bike parks gains traction along Front Range). If so, you may have noted the reference to COMBA's current efforts working with the City of Golden to see if we can't get a destination "bike park" built in town. Much work to be done here, but I'm optimistic and hopeful that the enthusiasm from Parks & Rec will carry over to City Council, who will ultimately determine if this project gets a green light. Keep your fingers crossed, and when the time comes, we may call on you for support!

Back to Buff Creek for a moment- those of you who get this message in time can tune in to radio 1060 AM this morning (~9:45 am) to hear COMBA Vice President Jason Bertolacci speak about our beloved "black diamond" project on Business for Breakfast with Tom Chenault.

Let's see... newspaper, radio... how about television? We've got a tentative date this month with primetime Channel 2 news anchor Kellie MacMullan, as part of her "Extreme Kellie" series, where she tries new experiences (snorkeling, rappelling, skydiving, etc.). We'll be taking Kellie mountain biking and giving her the ABCs of both basic MTB skills as well as proper trail etiquette. We'll be sure to share the airdate after taping is completed.

Sponsors
Welcome (and thank you) to new sponsors Wheat Ridge Cyclery and Green Mountain Sports. Both shops are local anchors, if you will, for bicycle retail in Jeffco and we're pleased to count them as supporters!
UPDATE: This just in! Golden Bike Shop and Golden City Brewery have also signed on as sponsors!

Save the date
We've got more to share, but I think that'll do for now. I'll close with some coming events for your calendar:

• Board Meeting: August 11th (tonight); Bent Gate Mountaineering; 6:30 pm
• Subaru / IMBA Trail Care Crew trailbuilding workshop, August 13th (I know I mentioned this above, but it is that important).
• COMBA will be hosting the September 17th outing of the Mini-Crew program. Please join us and give back to the local trails you love to ride.
• Saturday, October 3rd, COMBA will once again be celebrating (and hosting) the Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day event at Bear Creek Lake Park, in association with Trips For Kids. Volunteers are needed for all aspects, please contact me if interested.
• And of course, our monthly group rides on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month! Next up: beginner ride- August 13th, South Table Mountain. Meet at the RTD Park-N-Ride lot at 14813 Denver W Parkway @ 5:45. Wheels down at 6:00 pm.

As you can see, we're making real progress working diligently on your behalf. It is worth noting that we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, led by volunteers. Our success is emboldened by active members, giving of their time and money.

Thank you for your support.

For your convenience, contact info follows below- should any of the above spark your interest.

Here's to spectacular riding in late summer and early fall!

Terry Breheny


Terry Breheny, President - Bike Park (Golden) lead
Jason Bertolacci, VP - Buff Creek project lead
Kyle Henley, Secretary - Communications
Michelle Beckman, Director - Policy lead / JCOS Liaison
Hillary Seminick, Director - Adopt-a-trail
Adam Williams, Director - Shop Outreach
Nate Wyant, Director - Membership
Joe Hanrahan, Director

AJ Beckman - Treasurer
David Rontal - Legal Counsel
Nancy Kelly - Group Ride Coordinator