News/Events

Hello EVMA Members,

Here’s what’s happening in the exciting world of mountain biking:

 EVENTS COMING UP

February 11th-  This Saturday, 9am  Wahrani Nature Trail Work Day, Join EVMA for a day of trail maintenance. It’s going to be a nice day so we invite everyone to come out and help. Bring your bike and ride afterwards.  We will be continuing bridge replacement/repair and rehabbing some trail. Bring gloves and boots. Some tools will be provided but bring rakes and clippers if you have them. See Facebook event for more details.

Weekly -  Night rides are still going on but will end soon so take advantage while you can.  Tuesdays at Harwoods Mill, Wednesdays at New Quarter, Thursdays at Freedom Park.  Rides start promptly at 6pm so be there at 5:45 to sign in.  Freedom requires all riders be off the trail by 7:30 and out of the park by 8.  All riders must have at least 2 lights of 750 lumens or greater.  Check Facebook chatter for up to date information and to sign up.

March 4^th – Group ride at EVMA club meeting starting at 10:00 am.  We had a great turnout last Saturday and hope to have a great crowd again. 

April 27^th- 30^th – Spring trip to Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania.  The cost will be $45 per tent/$55 per camper (food not included but we will be doing a potluck one night and Mexican night potluck another). Fun trails, scenic area, short drive.  Registration will open soon. 

OTHER NOTES

JCC Destination Recreation Expo is Saturday, February 25^th from 9am to noon.  EVMA needs another volunteer or work with Kirk and talk to attendees about all the great trails in the Williamsburg area.  Please contact Kirk Moore if you can help out.

If you haven’t done a night ride yet, it’s a beautiful day to get out to New Quarter.  It’s also supposed to be a nice weekend.  Check EVMA chatter page to see if anyone is riding, or schedule your own.  Have a great weekend!

EVENTS COMING UP

February 4^th – 10:00 am Dirt Diva’s ride at Freedom Park.  Check the EVMA chatter page or contact Penny Rich for details.

Weekly -  Night rides are still going on but will end soon so take advantage while you can.  Tuesdays at Harwoods Mill, Wednesdays at New Quarter, Thursdays at Freedom Park.  Rides start promptly at 6pm so be there at 5:45 to sign in.  Freedom requires all riders be off the trail by 7:30 and out of the park by 8.  All riders must have at least 2 lights of 750 lumens or greater.  Check Facebook chatter for up to date information and to sign up.

February 11^th-  9am  Wahrani Nature Trail Work Day, Join EVMA for a day of trail maintenance. We will be continuing bridge replacement/repair and rehabbing some trail. Bring gloves and boots. Some tools will be provided but bring rakes and clippers if you have them. See Facebook event for more details.

March 4^th – Group ride at EVMA club meeting starting at 10:00 am.  We had a great turnout last Saturday and hope to have a great crowd again. 

April 27^th- 30^th – Spring trip to Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania.  The cost will be $45 per tent/$55 per camper (food not included but we will be doing a potluck one night and Mexican night potluck another). Fun trails, scenic area, short drive.  Registration will open soon. 

OTHER NOTES

JCC Destination Recreation Expo is Saturday, February 25^th from 9am to noon.  EVMA needs another volunteer or work with Kirk and talk to attendees about all the great trails in the Williamsburg area.  Please contact Kirk Moore if you can help out.

EVENTS COMING UP

No group rides planned this weekend.  Check EVMA Chatter page on Facebook to see if anyone else is riding.

January 28^th-  Group rides starting at 10:00 am followed by lunch and EVMA membership meeting at Freedom Park.  Please plan to attend.  If the weather or trails are not suitable for riding, please plan to do some trail work there instead.

February 4^th – Dirt Diva’s ride at Freedom Park.

February 11^th- Work day at Wahrani Nature Trail.  There are several more bridge replacement or extensions planned and some trail rehab. More information soon.

April 27^th- 30^th – Spring trip to Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania.  The cost should be about $15 per camp spot per night.  Planned group rides, possible pot luck meal, fun trails, scenic area and only about a 6-hour drive.  Sign-ups are coming soon. 

OTHER NOTES

JCC Destination Recreation Expo is Saturday, February 25^th from 9am to noon.  EVMA needs a volunteer or two to talk to attendees about all the great trails in the Williamsburg area.  Please contact Jim Irby if you can help out.

There is a plan to purchase some new jerseys that will be available for purchase to club members.  Please visit the EVMA chatter page to give your input of which colors should be considered.

Finally, a note about renegade trail work. Improvements to trails is very much appreciated, but PLEASE do not perform any unauthorized trail work.  You SHOULD remove limbs or trees that have fallen on the trail, but you SHOULD NOT blow leaves off the trails.  Yes, the trails are difficult to see in places, but riding over the leaves helps the trail stay in good shape overall.   If you have an idea of how to improve a trail, please submit your ideas to Jim Irby.

Hello EVMA Members,

Did you hear the news?  It may snow this weekend!!!!  If we get a foot of snow, riding may be out of the question.  But if we only get a little snow, consider a bike ride.  Call ahead to make sure the trails are open and stay safe (especially on the roads).

EVENTS COMING UP

No group rides planned this weekend.  Check EVMA Chatter page on Facebook to see if anyone else is riding.

Plans are in the works for another work day at Wahrani Nature Trail this month.  There are several more bridge replacement or extensions planned and some trail rehab. Watch emails and Facebook for information.

January 28^th- EVMA membership meeting and group rides.  Please plan to attend.

Have a great weekend!

Hello EVMA Members,

Happy New Year.  With 2017 right around the corner, you are likely thinking about those New Year’s resolutions.  Have you been thinking of shedding a few pounds or just getting more exercise?  Maybe you want to make some new friends.  Or you would like to become more involved in the community.  EVMA can help.  Make new friends while getting some exercise.  Consider a volunteer position or just get out and help with some trail work.  Volunteer work also looks great on a resume if you are considering a career change.  Contact Jim Irby for more information.

EVENTS COMING UP

EVMA does not have any group rides scheduled for the coming weekend but that shouldn't stop you from getting out. Check Facebook chatter to link up with other riders.

Reminder that Marl Ravine at York River State Park will revert to original direction on New Year's Day, get out Saturday and give it a try in reverse.

Plans are in the works for another work day at Wahrani Nature Trail this month.  There are several more bridge replacement or extensions planned and some trail rehab. Watch emails and Facebook for information.

January 28^th- EVMA membership meeting and group rides.  Please plan to attend.

JUST A NOTE

Also, in addition to First Day Hikes, there will probably be a number of equestrians at York River this weekend.  Please remember that on multi-use trails, bikes yield to everyone. It is customary to stop and allow horses to pass.  On John Blair Trail, remember to approach multi-use trail crossings with caution. Do not just ride through, they have right of way.

Have a great weekend and happy New Year!

Here's what's happening in the winter wonderland of local mountain biking!

EVENTS COMING UP

Now - Dec 31st Marl Ravine trail at YRSP reverses direction. The reverse direction is not optional! Please follow the signs and exercise caution.

Night Rides will be posted to the EVMA Facebook page and will happen weekly as long as there are ride leaders and dry trails!

EVMA does not have any weekend rides scheduled for the next few weeks because of the holidays. Check the EVMA Chatter page for popup rides or post your own ride for people to join.

January 28^th- EVMA membership meeting and group rides.  Please plan to attend.

KUDOS

Thanks to everyone that came out Sunday to the Winter Solstice celebration.   It was a great time even if the weather did not cooperate for the ride. Congratulations to Penny and Paul who tied for the best chili in the chili cookoff.  A special thank you to BikeBeat, Red Barn Bikes Bicycles, and Conte's Bikes for donation of door prizes and to all the volunteers who helped make the event happen. 

Thanks to everyone who came out December 11th to Wahrani Nature Trail workday. A bridge was added to the upper loop to cross the muddy area at the beginning. Special thanks to Mike Benton and Steve Maxey for the planning and transport of the bridging. There will be another workday planned in January to replace bridges and general trail work.

A big thank you goes out to Elisa Panetta for her time as serving as EVMA secretary.  She has done a fabulous job and we are all appreciative of her hard work.  Melanie Storrs will take over as the new secretary and will strive to do as good a job.  

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

General Volunteers are needed to assist with the social aspects of the club; volunteers to assist with lunch at the club meeting, ride leaders for riders new to mountain biking, and volunteers to act as trail captains. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Jim Irby to match your interests with a task!

A NOTE ABOUT TRAIL MAINTENANCE

Want to ride around those #$%& rocks?  Want to see all those pesky leaves gone? ASK, Don't Act! The health of trees and trails depend on coordinated trail maintenance using approved trail building and maintenance methods, and all technical features and trail revisions need park approval and safe design. Advanced trails with difficult technical sections (ie: Marl Ravine) are intended to be challenging for riders with more advanced skills.  Beyond removing windfall limbs, please do not take it upon yourself to improve a trail, or make a section easier to ride. If you have a great idea for a trail improvement, contact Jim Irby to find out how to get your idea considered and implemented. Leaves are important for preventing mud holes and erosion, so please don't blow off trails without prior approval. Safety concerns can be called out on EVMA Chatter and will receive prompt attention.

SAFETY NOTE

Last week, at Freedom Park, hikers found a biker unresponsive on multiuse trail 2 near the exit of trail A. EMS was called and he was transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, he passed away. From all indications, it was a coronary event. The individual was stationed at a local military base; he was not a member of EVMA.  A complication to the incident, the biker was alone and was not carrying identification. It was a couple of hours before he was identified. Please be sure to ride with a partner (it’s more fun that way anyways) and always carry identification.

Hello EVMA Members, 

Here's what's happening in the winter wonderland of local mountain biking!

Time to Par-Tay! 

• Sunday, December 18th Freedom Park Chili Cook-Off and Winter Solstice Celebration  Has the lack of daylight got you down? Cheer up and join EVMA for our annual "Winter Solstice Celebration" Sunday, December 18th from 3 till 9pm at Freedom Park. We will have group rides of all skill levels. Bring your lights and even dress up your bike with holiday decorations if you like. After our night ride fun, come inside and join us for a good time while feasting on homemade chili and vote on who makes the best dish. Oh, and don't forget to bring your favorite beverage as we will have an ABC license for this event. To ensure this is another awesome event we are looking for volunteers to help set things up. If you can lend a hand or have any great ideas contact president@evma.org. We hope to see you all there!

Kudos:

• Thank you to the volunteers who came out for the Wahrani Workday! The park is looking great!

Call For Volunteers:

• General Volunteers are needed to assist with the social aspects of the club; volunteers to assist with lunch at the club meeting, ride leaders for riders new to mountain biking, and volunteers to act as trail captains. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Jim Irby to match your interests with a task!

Events Coming Up:

• Now - Dec 31st Marl Ravine trail at YRSP reverses direction. The reverse direction is not optional! Please follow the signs and exercise caution. 
• Night Rides will be posted to the EVMA Facebook page and will happen weekly as long as there are ride leaders and dry trails!

A Note About Trail Maintenance:

• Want to ride around those #$%& rocks?  Want to see all those pesky leaves gone? ASK, Don't Act! The health of trees and trails depend on coordinated trail maintenance using approved trail building and maintenance methods, and all technical features and trail revisions need park approval and safe design. Advanced trails with difficult technical sections (ie: Marl Ravine) are intended to be challenging for riders with more advanced skills.  Beyond removing windfall limbs,  please do not take it upon yourself to improve a trail, or make a section easier to ride. If you have a great idea for a trail improvement, contact Jim Irby to find out how to get your idea considered and implemented. Leaves are important for preventing mud holes and erosion, so please don't blow off trails without prior approval. Safety concerns can be called out on EVMA Chatter and will receive prompt attention. 

We hope to see you at the Winter Solstice Celebration Sunday!

Hello EVMA Members, 

Here's what's happening in the leafy world of local mountain biking!

Call For Volunteers:

• Sunday, Dec 11th 9am - 12noon Wahrani Workday  Join the EVMA for a little trail maintenance at Wahrani Nature Trail this Sunday. Meet in the parking lot at 9am. We will be relocating several bridges, moving gravel, and clearing a few sections of trail. Join the Event on Facebook.
  
• The EVMA Board Position of Secretary is OPEN. The primary duties include taking meeting minutes and coordinating the club email.  If you are interested in the position, please contact Jim Irby.
  
• General Volunteers are needed to assist with the social aspects of the club; volunteers to assist with lunch at the club meeting, ride leaders for riders new to mountain biking, and volunteers to act as trail captains. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Jim Irby to match your interests with a task!

Events Coming Up:

• Dog Owners  will enjoy Jingle Bark in the Park (not a bike event) Saturday, December 10th at YRSP.  Event Page
• Sunday, Dec 11th 9am - 12noon Wahrani Workday (see above) or go to the Event on Facebook.
• Now - Dec 31st Marl Ravine trail at YRSP reverses direction. The reverse direction is not optional! Please follow the signs and exercise caution. 
• Night Rides will be posted to the EVMA Facebook page and will happen weekly as long as there are ride leaders and dry trails!

Future Rides and Events:

• December 18th Freedom Park Chili Cook-Off and Winter Solstice Celebration
• • Has the lack of daylight got you down? Cheer up and join EVMA for our annual "Winter Solstice Celebration" Sunday, December 18th from 3 till 9pm at Freedom Park. We will have group rides of all skill levels. Bring your lights and even dress up your bike with holiday decorations if you like. After our night ride fun, come inside and join us for a good time while feasting on home made chili and vote on who makes the best dish. Oh, and don't forget to bring your favorite beverage as we will have an ABC license for this event. To ensure this is another awesome event we are looking for volunteers to help set things up. If you can lend a hand or have any great ideas contact president@evma.org. We hope to see you all there!

• Want to ride around those #$%& rocks?  Want to see all those pesky leaves gone? ASK, Don't Act! The health of trees and trails depend on coordinated trail maintenance using approved trail building and maintenance methods, and all technical features and trail revisions need park approval and safe design. Advanced trails with difficult technical sections (ie: Marl Ravine) are intended to be challenging for riders with more advanced skills.  Beyond removing windfall limbs,  please do not take it upon yourself to improve a trail, or make a section easier to ride. If you have a great idea for a trail improvement, contact Jim Irby to find out how to get your idea considered and implemented. Leaves are important for preventing mud holes and erosion, so please don't blow off trails without prior approval. Safety concerns can be called out on EVMA Chatter and will receive prompt attention. 

We hope to see you at the Wahrani Workday Sunday!

Hello EVMA Members, 

Here's what's happening in the fun-filled world of local mountain biking!

Events Coming Up:

• Saturday, Dec 3rd 12noon Membership Meeting and Annual Club Elections - Join us at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center for lunch, followed by a brief membership meeting and election. Some of the Board Members have volunteered to continue, however, all positions are open if someone wishes to volunteer. The position of Secretary is OPEN. The primary duties include taking meeting minutes and coordinating the club email. This is an important position to fill, as it is required for our non-profit status. If you are interested in the position, but cannot attend the meeting, contact Jim Irby. In addition to board members, volunteers are needed to assist with the social aspects of the club; volunteers to assist with lunch at the club meeting, ride leaders for riders new to mountain biking, and volunteers to act as trail captains.
• Saturday, Dec 3rd 10am EVMA Group Rides - Join us at Freedom Park for Dirt Divas, Beginner Men's Ride, and regular group rides.
  
• Now - Dec 31st Marl Ravine trail at YRSP reverses direction. The reverse direction is not optional! Please follow the signs and exercise caution. 
  
• Night Rides will be posted to the EVMA Facebook page and will happen weekly as long as there are ride leaders!

TRAIL NOTICE: York River State Park will be CLOSED  December 5th and 6th for the Wounded Warrior Hunt. Please do not enter the Park on these days. Many of the hunting stands are on or near the MTB trail. Last year a couple of riders entered the Park and had encounters with the hunters.  Additionally, Freedom Park, Wahrani Nature Trail, and York River SP all border or are near hunt clubs. Do not stray from the trail. Be aware of hunters, dogs, and deer.

Future Rides and Events:

• December 18th Freedom Park Chili Cook-Off and Winter Solstice Celebration
  
• • Has the lack of daylight got you down? Cheer up and join EVMA for our annual "Winter Solstice Celebration" Sunday, December 18th from 3 till 9pm at Freedom Park. We will have group rides of all skill levels. Bring your lights and even dress up your bike with holiday decorations if you like. After our night ride fun, come inside and join us for a good time while feasting on home made chili and vote on who makes the best dish. Oh, and don't forget to bring your favorite beverage as we will have an ABC license for this event. To ensure this is another awesome event we are looking for volunteers to help set things up. If you can lend a hand or have any great ideas contact president@evma.org. We hope to see you all there!

We hope to see you at the meeting and elections Saturday!

Hello EVMA Members, 

Here's what's happening in the awesome world of local mountain biking!

Events Coming Up:

• Saturday Nov 19th 9:30am - 12pm Harwood Mill Trail Work Day - Join us for a trail work day at Harwood Mill Park. See details and RSVP on the Facebook Event page. 
• Now - Dec 31st Marl Ravine trail at YRSP reverses direction. Reverse direction is not optional! Please follow the signs and exercise caution. So. Much. Fun.
• Night Rides will be posted to the EVMA Facebook page and will happen weekly as long as there are ride leaders!
• • NQP Night Ride TONIGHT (11/16) 6pm  Details

Future Rides and Events

• December 3rd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• December 18th Freedom Park Chili Cook-Off and Winter Solstice Celebration
• • Has the lack of daylight got you down? Cheer up and join EVMA for our annual "Winter Solstice Celebration" Sunday December 18th from 3 till 9pm at Freedom Park. We will have group rides of all skill levels. Bring your lights and even dress up your bike with holiday decorations if you like. After our night ride fun, come inside and join us for a good time while feasting on home made chili and vote on who makes the best dish. Oh, and don't forget to bring you favorite beverage as we will have an ABC license for this event. To ensure this is another awesome event we are looking for volunteers to help set things up. If you can lend a hand or have any great ideas contact president@evma.org. We hope to see you all there!

Calling All Night Riders!

FUN FACT All of our parks are closed at night. Anyone using the trails at night without the express permission of the park management is trespassing and damaging the fine reputation our mountain bike community has worked long and hard to build. Please ride our trails only during sanctioned EVMA night ride events.

We had a great response to our Facebook question about night rides.  Now we need more ride leaders/coordinators to step up. 

• The ride leader will be responsible for the coordination of the sign in sheet and to make sure everyone is off the trail. If the ride breaks into two (fast and slow), he/she will need to coordinate the groups so that everyone is out. 
• Most night rides will pedal off at 6pm and be done around 7:30. At Freedom Park, all riders must be off trail by 7:30 and out of Park by 8 when the rangers lock the gate.
• The ride leader will also make the call for cancellation due to inclement weather. Facebook events can be used to coordinate.

If you are willing to volunteer, please post up or email Jim Irby.  Without volunteers, these rides will not happen. 

Club Elections

It is that time of year again for club elections. If you are interested, the club needs volunteers. Most of the Board said they would continue for now but all positions are open. The club definitely could use volunteers organizing group rides, club meetings, social events, trail captains, and camping trips. Without volunteers, these things will not happen.

Have a great weekend!.