News/Events

March Meeting - Thank you, Jim Irby for taking minutes!

Introduction, new members

Insurance was renewed, purchased through Associated Agencies, $2525. This is a more inclusive policy. Uses same underwriter/master policy used by MORE. Cost was $700 more than current policy. This policy was selected because it included liability coverage when nonmembers participated in our events and more inclusive trail building coverage.

Financials

Treasures report, General fund $4878, Trail fund $5753

Upcoming expenses, From general fund: Insurance $2525, Wild Apricot $540 in April, PO Box rental $138, Domain name server $38. From Trail fund: lumber for Freedom and Wahrani $2030

Thanks to GoApe for donation to club. GoApe has sponsored for several years. They also had employees work trimming trails.

Thanks to Kevin Goff, EVMA member, for donation towards bridges at Wahrani 

Events

This is last week for night rides. After DST change it will be light until 7:40

Stokesville – Facebook question on EVMA Chatter about date, please check

March 19^th Harwood Mill work day.                   March 20^th Harwood Mill ride 9am

March 19^th Night ride cancelled, will not get dark until 745

April 2^nd Group Ride/Club meeting 9 am           April 3^rd

April 9^th Wahrani work day

April 28^th – May 1^st Raystown PA, Registration is open. $35 per tent/$50 per camper. 

May 7^th Group ride/Club meeting 9am       May 8^th

May 14^th Single Track maniac, Trails at Freedom will be closed part of the day.

Trails

We are trying to schedule work days at each park to give members opportunities to volunteer. If you can’t make it to one of these days, you may work on your own. With spring coming, all trails will need trimming. Members are encouraged to use loppers or handsaw to trim back growth. Downed trees may be removed but please do not cut down any live trees. Please drop an email for any work done, with trail, number of people and total hours.

Harwood Mill – The reroute on Trail B have been approved. Mike has spent a few days leaf blowing the trail. We are scheduling a work day on March 19^th 9 to 12. Meet at 845. With 15 or 20 volunteers we will be able to complete the work and open trail. Look for Facebook event.

York River State Park – Marl Ravine is still reversed for March, get out and give it a try. The March 19^th night ride is cancelled due to unexpected daylight. The night rides were fun, Thanks to Mike Powers. Steve Dye, and Paul Panetta. We will be looking to do them again next year. The park manager is looking at closing trails to bikes during extremely wet conditions. The fire roads are getting rutted. We are working on ways to get info out. It will be put on park’s web page as alert. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river#general_information 

Freedom Park – Mike Benton is working updating features to make them more beginner friendly while also offering a new challenge. Donation from Liebherr used to purchase lumber.

New Quarter – We completed several projects on the work day. Reroutes around the bridge at 3.25 and eroding hill at 6.5 completed. Bridge will be removed soon. Several berms and log piles were repaired. Still some work on eroded areas to do and signs to be installed.

Wahrani – Mike Benton picked up wood for bridge replacement, hope schedule work day April or May. Kevin Goff, EVMA member, made donation towards 

Upper co – closed to bikes.

Hello EVMA Members! Here's your weekly update. We Hope to see you at the group rides and meeting TOMORROW!

Events This Week

• Saturday, March 5th Group Rides, Dirt Divas Beginner Women's Ride & Beginner Men's Ride all at 10am at Freedom Park. Meet in the parking lot in front of the Interpretive Center. Stay for lunch and membership meeting after the ride!
• Membership Meeting & Lunch:  March 5th 12noon at Freedom Park in the Interpretive Center.
• March 6th 10am Group ride at York River State Park

Trail Updates

• York River State Park 
• • Marl Ravine Trail is reversed thru March 31st. Signs are posted to indicate a clockwise direction. Exercise caution & have fun!
  • The Park Management has implemented a trail closure system as needed. We are not certain how this will work yet, but closures should be posted on the YRSP website. 
• Harwood Mills
• • B trail re-routes have received approval from Water Works.
• Upper County Park 
• • Trail remains CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.

Future Rides and Events

• Youth Race Series at NQP: Pre-ride Sat April 2nd, Races Sundays at 1pm April 10, April 24th, May 1st, May 22nd, June 5th
• Winter Weekly Night Ride Series 6pm 
• • Tuesdays at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
  • Wednesdays at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
  • Thursdays at Freedom Park - Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 
• York River State Park Night Ride Series 5pm Weekend Parking fee of $3 per vehicle applies. Night ride rules are in effect. Gate closes at 7:30. See ride leader for EVMA placard to place on dashboard:
• • Saturday, March 19
• April 2nd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• May 7th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• June 4th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• August 6th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• October 1st 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• November 5th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• December 3rd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides

Trips

• Raystown, PA,  April 28th - May 1st. $35 per tent, $50 per Camper/RV, not including food. Register
• Stokesville, VA possible date Apr 15th - 17th or May 13th to 15th, attending during Dirtfest ($100 per person) is also possible. Look for a poll on the EVMA Facebook Page.

Enjoy your weekend!

Hello EVMA Members! Here is your update from the amazing world of local mountain biking! 

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped out at the New Quarter Park Trail Work Day last weekend! 

With all this wacky weather, we'd like to remind you all to please allow wet trails to dry before riding. Also, we expect a large amount of fallen branches and trees down at all of our parks. Ride with caution, and stop to remove a branch or two during your ride. If everyone does this, the trails will be clear in not time! Report trees down that require sawing on the EVMA Chatter page. 

Events This Week

• February 27th We will have a booth at the JCC expo from 9am to noon at the JCC Recreation Center, stop by to say "Hi!"

Trail Updates

• York River State Park 
• • Marl Ravine Trail is reversed thru March 31st. Signs are posted to indicate a clockwise direction. Exercise caution & have fun!
  • The Park Management has implemented a trail closure system as needed. We are not certain how this will work yet, but closures should be posted on the YRSP website. 
• Harwood Mills
• • B trail re-routes have received approval from Water Works.
• Upper County Park 
• • Trail remains CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.

Future Rides and Events

• Next Meeting:  March 5th 12noon at Freedom Park 
• Youth Race Series at NQP: Pre-ride Sat April 2nd, Races Sundays at 1pm April 10, April 24th, May 1st, May 22nd, June 5th
• March 5th 10am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• March 6th 10am YRSP
• Winter Weekly Night Ride Series 6pm 
• • Tuesdays at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
  • Wednesdays at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
  • Thursdays at Freedom Park - Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 
• York River State Park Night Ride Series 5pm Weekend Parking fee of $3 per vehicle applies. Night ride rules are in effect. Gate closes at 7:30. See ride leader for EVMA placard to place on dashboard:
• • Saturday, March 19
• April 2nd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• May 7th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• June 4th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• August 6th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• October 1st 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• November 5th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• December 3rd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides

Trips

• Raystown, PA,  April 28th - May 1st. $35 per tent, $50 per Camper/RV, not including food. Register
• Stokesville, VA possible date Apr 15th - 17th or May 13th to 15th, attending during Dirtfest ($100 per person) is also possible. Look for a poll on the EVMA Facebook Page.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Hello EVMA Members! Here is your update from the fabulous world of local mountain biking! 

We hope to see you this Sunday at the Trail Work Day at New Quarter Park!

Events This Week

• February 20th 10am Group ride at Harwood Mills 
• February 20th 5pm York River State Park Night Ride
• February 21st 8:45am Trail Work Day at New Quarter Park 9am. Please meet in the parking lot at 8:45am. See event details and join on the Facebook Event Page.
• Registration is open on the website for the Raystown, PA trip.

Trail Updates

• York River State Park 
• • Marl Ravine Trail is reversed thru March 31st. Signs are posted to indicate a clockwise direction. Exercise caution & have fun!
  • The Park Management has implemented a trail closure system as needed. We are not certain how this will work yet, but closures should be posted on the YRSP website. 
• Harwood Mills
• • B trail re-routes have received approval from Water Works.
• Upper County Park 
• • Trail remains CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.

Future Rides and Events

• February 27th We will have a booth at the JCC expo from 9am to noon at the JCC Recreation Center. 
• Next Meeting:  March 5th 12noon at Freedom Park 
  
• Youth Race Series at NQP: Pre-ride Sat April 2nd, Races Sundays at 1pm April 10, April 24th, May 1st, May 22nd, June 5th
• March 5th 10am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• March 6th 10am YRSP
• Winter Weekly Night Ride Series 6pm 
• • Tuesdays at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
  • Wednesdays at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
  • Thursdays at Freedom Park - Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 
• York River State Park Night Ride Series 5pm Weekend Parking fee of $3 per vehicle applies. Night ride rules are in effect. Gate closes at 7:30. See ride leader for EVMA placard to place on dashboard:
• • Saturday, February 20
  • Saturday, March 19
• April 2nd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• May 7th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• June 4th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• August 6th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• October 1st 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• November 5th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• December 3rd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
  

Trips

• Raystown, PA,  April 28th - May 1st. $35 per tent, $50 per Camper/RV, not including food. Register
• Stokesville, VA possible date Apr 15th - 17th or May 13th to 15th, attending during Dirtfest ($100 per person) is also possible. Look for a poll on the EVMA Facebook Page.

Keep the rubber side down, and please allow wet trails to dry before riding!

Hello EVMA Members! Here's what happened at our last meeting (January 30, 2016) and what's happening this week in the wild world of local mountain biking:

Treasurers' Report

• State and Federal taxes and Section 8 filing are currently underway.
• Currently $10,370 in the general fund. For complete report, contact Kurt Bradley or Jim Irby.

Insurance

• Up for renewal again. Cost is $1750 for 200 members with our current insurer, but this company cannot provide general liability (which most parks require we have). Estimate for policy with Associated Agencies (used by MORE) including general liability, is $2700.

Events

• February 21st Trail Work Day at NQP 9am
• February 27th We will have a booth at the JCC expo from 9am to noon at the JCC Recreation Center. Kirk and Beav will be there, an additional volunteer is needed. Contact Jim Irby if you are interested.
• Next Meeting:  March 5th 12noon at Freedom Park 
  
• Youth Race Series at NQP: Pre-ride Sat April 2nd, Races Sundays at 1pm April 10, April 24th, May 1st, May 22nd, June 5th

Parks & Trails 

• Upper County Park 
• • Trail remains CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.
• York River State Park
• • A big "Thank You!" goes out to all of the volunteers who helped with the pump track. An addition load of dirt awaits decent weather for another work day.
  • Marl Ravine Trail  will be reversed from February 1st  thru March 31st. Signs are posted to indicate a clockwise direction. Exercise caution & have fun! The need to mitigate or prevent damage to downhill (usually uphill) switchbacks during the reversal was mentioned by Steve Nevins. A temporary re-route is the best option, and the possibilities will be evaluated.
• Harwood Mills
• • A/B trail connector is completed and rides well.
  • B trail re-routes await approval from Water Works.
• New Quarter
• • Bridge at mile 3.25 marker has been repaired, and we are planning a re-route, or replacement. Leaning trees were removed in the mile 1 section.
  • The Youth Series race course has been extended. When the trails dry out, ride a loop of the course to help pack the trail when you visit NQP!
  • We'll be meeting with park management to plan future improvements.
• Wahrani
• • Trails are marked. Further improvement work to be scheduled.
• Indian River Park
• • Mgmt unresponsive to meeting with the EVMA
• Freedom Park
• • Downed trees removed from A & C.
  • January 30th trail work day completed projects included:
  • • Trail A reworked mud pits and re-route around a tree
    • Build up of a berm & removal of two leaning trees
    • Shaved & reshaped a hill
    • Trimmed Trail E 1 mile from each end (middle still needs work, and log pile needs attention)
    • Cleared downed tree off B
    • 5' drop inspected - a clear ride around & improved signage are needed
  • Walk thru with Park Management scheduled for March.

Group Rides

• February 20th 10am Harwood Mills, 5pm YRSP night ride
• February 21st 9am Group ride & Trail Work Day at NQP
• March 5th 10am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• March 6th 10am YRSP
• Winter Weekly Night Ride Series 6pm 
• • Tuesdays at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
  • Wednesdays at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
  • Thursdays at Freedom Park - Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 
• York River State Park Night Ride Series 5pm Weekend Parking fee of $3 per vehicle applies. Night ride rules are in effect. Gate closes at 7:30. See ride leader for EVMA placard to place on dashboard:
• • Saturday, February 20
  • Saturday, March 19
• April 2nd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• May 7th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• June 4th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• August 6th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• October 1st 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• November 5th 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
• December 3rd 9am Freedom Park: Group rides, Dirt Divas & Beginner Rides
  

Trips

• Raystown, PA,  April 28th - May 1st. $35 per tent, $50 per Camper/RV, not including food. Registration will be open next week.
• Stokesville, VA possible date Apr 15th - 17th or May 13th to 15th, attending during Dirtfest ($100 per person) is also possible. Look for a poll on the EVMA Facebook Page.

As always, please allow wet trails to dry before riding! Enjoy your week! 

Hello EVMA Members! Here's what's happening in the wild & wonderful world of local mountain biking -

Announcements

Park Access 

• Upper County Park trail is CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.
  
• Observance of Closures & Park Hours:
• • Recently, we have had several incidents of riders* entering trails when they were closed. At York River State Park, two riders entered the park via an  access trail when the park was closed for a wounded Warrior Hunt. The riders rode past Park Closed for Hunting Signs and encountered hunters on the trail. The riders were advised of the park being closed by rangers and they exited. We have also received reports of riders on trails at night. All Parks that the EVMA has agreements with close at dusk. No one is allowed to night ride in parks except as part of a sanctioned group ride, and must ride with the group. *The identity of riders, and whether they are EVMA members, is not known.

YRSP New Year's Day Ride the 10am ride has been cancelled due to the damp forecast. The 1pm ride is still on!

Events

• Harwood Mill Work Days January 9th & 10th 9am to Noon
• We will be working on the A/B connector and reroutes on Trail B. Bring your bike to ride out to Trail B, work gloves, and water. Tools will be available but please bring rakes and trimmers if you have them.  Additional work days will be scheduled as needed for this project. RSVP and see updates on the Facebook Event Page.
  

• Next Meeting:  January 30th 12noon at Freedom Park 

Group Rides

• Friday, January 1st 1pm York River State Park
• Saturday, January 2nd - No meeting or scheduled rides due to Holiday Weekend
• January & February - no scheduled rides, pick up rides can be posted on EVMA Chatter

Non-Members Attending Group Rides -  Non-EVMA members may attend one ride as a guest, then must join the EVMA to continue attend, due to our insurance only covering EVMA members. The Dirt Divas & Beginner rides held at Freedom Park are James City County Events, and excepted from this rule, as are Freedom Park night riders who are not riding with the EVMA group.

Winter Weekly Night Ride Series 6pm 

• RULES: 
• • Helmets and lights are required & spare lights are recommended (if your main light dies, and you don't have a spare, it's a long, dark, walk out). 
  • The buddy system is in effect for all rides (ride with a friend), and 
  • Riders must be off of the trails by 7:30, the group needs to make sure all riders have returned to their cars, and cars must be out of the park by 8pm. 
  • Non-members may attend one ride as a guest, then must join the EVMA to continue attend. Riders who are not part of the EVMA group are trespassing, with the exception of Freedom Park.  

• Tuesdays at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
• Wednesdays at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
• Thursdays at Freedom Park - Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 

York River State Park Night Ride Series 5pm

• Weekend Parking fee of $3 per vehicle applies. Night ride rules (above) are in effect. Gate closes at 7:30. See ride leader for EVMA placard to place on dashboard:
• • Saturday, January 2nd 
  • Saturday, January 23
  • Saturday, February 20
  • Saturday, March 19

Next Meeting:  January 30th 12noon at Freedom Park 

Happy New Year! 

Hello EVMA Members! Here's what's happening in the wild world of local mountain biking -

Announcements

Upper County Park trail is CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.

Events

• Winter Solstice Chili Cook Off, Potluck & Ride December 20th at Freedom Park
  Ride 4pm - 6pm Party Starts at 6:30. Judging starts at 7pm. We have ABC permit - BYOB.  Please bring a dessert or side dish if you are not entering the chili cookoff. See the Facebook Event Page for more details. EVMA members and their guests only.
• Next Meeting:  January 30th 12noon at Freedom Park 

Group Rides

• Saturday, December 19th 10am York River State Park
• Sunday, December 20th 4pm - Chili Cook Off Night Freedom Park
• Friday, January 1st 10am & 1pm York River State Park
• Saturday, January 2nd - No meeting or scheduled rides due to Holiday Weekend
• January & February - no scheduled rides, pick up rides can be posted on EVMA Chatter

Non-Members Attending Group Rides -  Non-EVMA members may attend one ride as a guest, then must join the EVMA to continue attend, due to our insurance only covering EVMA members. The Dirt Divas & Beginner rides held at Freedom Park are James City County Events, and excepted from this rule, as are Freedom Park night riders who are not riding with the EVMA group.

Winter Weekly Night Ride Series 6pm

• RULES: 
• • Helmets and lights are required & spare lights are recommended (if your main light dies, and you don't have a spare, it's a long, dark, walk out). 
• • The buddy system is in effect for all rides (ride with a friend), and 
  • Riders must be off of the trails by 7:30, the group needs to make sure all riders have returned to their cars, and cars must be out of the park by 8pm. 
  • Non-members may attend one ride as a guest, then must join the EVMA to continue attend. Riders who are not part of the EVMA group are trespassing, with the exception of Freedom Park.  

• Tuesdays at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
• Wednesdays at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
• Thursdays at Freedom Park - Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 

York River State Park Night Ride Series 5pm

• Weekend Parking fee of $3 per vehicle applies. Night ride rules (above) are in effect. Gate closes at 7:30. See ride leader for EVMA placard to place on dashboard:
• • Saturday, January 2nd 
  • Saturday, January 23
  • Saturday, February 20
  • Saturday, March 19

Next Meeting:  January 30th 12noon at Freedom Park 

Enjoy your weekend, and as always, allow wet trails to dry before riding! We hope to see you at the Solstice Celebration Sunday!

EVMA Membership Meeting Minutes,  Saturday, December 5th, 2015

1.)  Elections  

According to our bylaws, we must hold an annual election of club officers. Volunteer or nominate someone by contacting any current EVMA Board member. All positions were unopposed, and officers confirmed without a vote

2016 Club Officers:

President:  Jim Irby

Group Ride Coordinator:  Penelope Rich

Trails Committee (replaces former VP position):  Eric VanDussen, Eric Mason & Mike Gross

Treasurer: Kurt Bradley

Secretary:  Elisa Panetta 

Thank you, Harry Carraway, for three years of outstanding service as the VP of Trails! 

2.) 2016 Proposed Budget

**   EVMA BUDGET PROPOSAL 2016

                                        Dec 1^st        General Fund   $3701         Trail Fund    $6390

                                                                           2015                                          2016

Administrative & Advertising

Insurance                                                      $1750                                       $2200 to 2600 

Wild Apricot                                                    $540                                         $540

Domain                                                             $38                                           $38

PO Box                                                           $148                                         $148

IMBA                                                               $100 Dec                                  $100

SCC Fee                                                            $25                                          $25

Flyers and Stamps                                           $136

Stickers/Cards                                                  $334.50             

Total                                                               $3071.5                                   $3051 to 3451

Based on 160 members, administrative cost is $19 to 21.50 per member. 

Income from dues would be approximately $4000

Program support:

York County Youth Race (WOYW) $200

NICA Team $200

Proposed Trail Fund expenses

Wahrani Bridge repair $1000

Freeride $500 (Donation from Leibherr)

YRSP Pump Track $500

**Insurance It's helpful to remove family members that do not ride club events from your family membership - See insurance below

3.) Winter Solstice Chili Cook Off & Ride December 20th at Freedom Park

Ride 4pm - 6pm Party Starts at 6:30. Judging starts at 7pm. We have ABC permit - BYOB Sheila & Penny organizing. See the Facebook Event Page for more details. EVMA members and their guests only.

4.) Night Rides

• Weekly Night Rides  6pm weeknight rides have started. 
• • RULES: 
  • • Helmets and lights are required & spare lights are recommended (if your main light dies, and you don't have a spare, it's a long, dark, walk out). 
    • The buddy system is in effect for all rides (ride with a friend), and 
    • Riders must be off of the trails by 7:30, the group needs to make sure all riders have returned to their cars, and cars must be out of the park by 8pm. 
  • Rides are: 
    
  • Tuesdays at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
  • Wednesdays at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
  • Thursdays at Freedom Park. Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. Todd Smith has volunteered to lead
  • 5pm At YRSP. Weekend Parking fee of $3 per vehicle applies. See ride leader for EVMA placard to place in window: 

    Saturday, December 12: Special Bonus Stargazer Night, Almost no moon  Facebook Event Page
    Saturday, January 2:  Happy New Year
    Saturday, January 23: Almost Full Moon
    Saturday, February 20: Almost Full Moon
    Saturday, March 19
    

• Non-members may attend one ride as a guest, then must join the EVMA to continue attend. Riders who are not part of the EVMA group are trespassing, with the exception of Freedom Park.  

5.)  Group Rides & Meetings Through the Winter

• Sunday, December 6th 10am New Quarter Park
• Saturday, December 19th 10am York River State Park
• Sunday, December 20th 4pm - Chili Cook Off Night 
• Friday, January 1st 10am & 1pm York River State Park
• Saturday, January 2nd - No meeting or scheduled rides due to Holiday Weekend
• January & February - no scheduled rides, pick up rides can be posted on EVMA Chatter

Non-Members Attending Group Rides - A decision was made that non-members may attend one ride as a guest, then must join the EVMA to continue attend, due to our insurance only covering EVMA members. The Dirt Divas & Beginner rides held at Freedom Park are James City County Events, and excepted from this rule, as are Freedom Park night riders who are not riding with the EVMA group.

Next Meeting:  January 30th 12noon at Freedom Park 

6.)  Future Trips 

Our next trip is tentatively scheduled for April 28th - May 2nd, 2016 to Raystown Lake, PA, (cost to be determined).  Other 2016 trips to consider are Douthat (fall), Stokesville $10/ person/ day or $30 for a Family. Facebook Poll. 

7.) Trails

• Harwood Mill - Mike Gross has flagged a connector trail from A to B and was submitted it to Newport News and has been approved. January 9 & 10 Trail work Days.
• Freedom Park - Go Ape is looking did trail work on D, did great job.  A needs trees trimmed. Fourth bridge on A. Five foot drop no longer beginner according to IMBA need to make trail naturally go to the bypass. Log over on E at angle needs straightened. C loop walk through with County Mgmt in January. Leaning tree on D.
• York River State Park - Will be CLOSED Dec 7th & 8th for Wounded Warrior Hunt (deer culling). Chainsaw training will be scheduled soon for anyone who performs maintenance involving chainsaws. Contact  Jim Irby to sign up.  Bobcat, John Blair, Laurel Glen Main, blown off . Reverse Marl February & March. Two loads of dirt has been delivered to the pump track. 1st Workday had seven attendees. Another workday Saturday, December 12 at 9am. 
• New Quarter - Bridge in last quarter needs repair. Mike Gross is working on a plan for maintenance. A trail Captain is needed - there is a possibility of Co-captains, Lisa Youngers & her Husband, and Brian (Beav) might be able to split the responsibilities. Jim Irby to follow up.
• Wahrani - Fred Mathews has asked for trail projects to maintain his Master Naturalist certification. We will include him on upcoming maintenance projects. We need to start buying lumber for bridge restoration. There are five 16' bridges, five 12' bridges, and one 8' extension needed. $1,000 has been budgeted for this work.
• Upper County Park - TRAIL CLOSED until it can be rerouted. Once an accurate map is available, we can meet with park staff and plan work. At least three more months of closure.
• Indian River Park - Scott Reynolds has stepped up to assist with maintenance. No new news on development. Eric Mason will help draft an agreement to present to park mgmt.

Insurance Notes 

• Family Membership Holders: You can help reduce the club's insurance costs by removing family members that do not ride club events from your official membership record, as we are required to provide ride insurance for all listed members, even those who do not ride. All family members are still welcome to attend EVMA events, and can be added back to the family membership at no charge once they begin to ride EVMA group rides. Edit Your Family Membership Record
  

This concludes the meeting minutes. Other news & Events:

Announcements

1. Upper County Park trail is CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.
   
2. York River State Park will be CLOSED  December 7th - 8th for the Wounded Warrior Hunt (annual culling of the deer population) 
3.  We are looking for photos of any of our parks to update the EVMA website. Send Photos to Jim Irby.

Events

• Make Your Own Group Ride Get your buddies together for a ride using the EVMA Chatter page.
  

• Winter Solstice Chili Cook Off & Ride December 20th at Freedom Park

  Ride 4pm - 6pm Party Starts at 6:30. Judging starts at 7pm. We have ABC permit - BYOB Sheila & Penny organizing. See the Facebook Event Page for more details. EVMA members and their guests only.

• Next Meeting:  January 30th 12noon at Freedom Park 

Membership

• Membership is down. We will continue to encourage our members to renew, and will request that bike shops check EVMA membership cards before extending the 10% EVMA discount. If you have misplaced your card, contact us to request a new one.  Our inexpensive membership dues are an important source of revenue used for trail maintenance and improvements. In the coming year we'll be working on plans to extend the trail network at Harwood Mills, make bridge improvements at Wahrani and York River State Park, general trail repair at New Quarter Park, and extend rock gardens on the Marl Ravine Trail. Plus, you receive this awesome email with weekly news! :-)  It's fast and easy to renew your membership online at the EVMA website, and help keep mountain bike trail advocacy rolling for all of us. Renew Now 

Enjoy your week & ride lots!

Hello EVMA Members!

Here's your weekly update from the super-cool world of local mountain biking!

EVMA Membership Meeting

• Saturday, December 5th at Freedom Park - Please join us for our membership meeting & lunch in the Interpretive Center at Freedom Park. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by a brief, informal meeting, including the 2016 Club Officers Election.
  
• 2016 Club Officers Election  According to our bylaws, we must hold an annual election of club officers. Volunteer or nominate someone by contacting any current EVMA Board member. Officers will be elected at the December 5th meeting.
  
• We still have new EVMA T-Shirts in sport fabric for sale in teal, royal blue, and purple, as well as kids shirts in light blue, $15 each. 
  

News

• Upper County Park trail is CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined. It is very important that riders stay off the trail until further notice!
  
• York River State Park will be CLOSED  December 7th - 8th for the Wounded Warrior Hunt (annual culling of the deer population) 
  

Trail Work

• Saturday, December 5th & Sunday December 6th We will be working on the Pump Track at York River State Park starting at 9am Saturday & Sunday. If you can assist, please contact Kirk Moore.

Group Rides 

• Saturday, December 5th 10am Freedom Park Group Ride, Dirt Divas, and Beginner Men's ride. 
  
• Sunday, December 6th 10am New Quarter Park
  
• Saturday, December 19th 10am York River State Park
  
• Sunday, December 20th 10am - TBA 
  

Weekly Night Rides

• Tuesday 6pm at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
  
• Wednesday 6pm at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
  
• Thursday 6pm at Freedom Park. Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 
  
• RULES: 
  
• 1. Helmets and lights are required & spare lights are recommended (if your main light dies, and you don't have a spare, it's a long, dark, walk out). 
     
  2. The buddy system is in effect for all rides (ride with a friend), and 
     
  3. Riders must be off of the trails by 7:30, the group needs to make sure all riders have returned to their cars, and cars must be out of the park by 8pm. 

Additional Night Rides are being planned at York River State Park by permit. Watch the EVMA Facebook Page for dates.

We hope to see you at the meeting this weekend!

Membership

• Did you know: You don't need to attend meetings and group rides to be an EVMA member? If you ride the trails built & maintained by the EVMA, we need your support to keep them maintained and open. The EVMA maintains relationships and user agreements with the City, County and State Park authorities that allow us to build trails, and we help park managers to view mountain bike riders as responsible and beneficial park users. Whether you support us or not, we speak on your behalf to maintain park access. Our inexpensive membership dues are also an important source of revenue used for trail maintenance and improvements. In the coming year we'll be working on plans to extend the trail network at Harwood Mills, make bridge improvements at Wahrani and York River State Park, reroute & re-open the trail at Upper County Park, general trail repair at New Quarter Park, and extend rock gardens on the Marl Ravine Trail. Plus, you receive a 10% EVMA discount on parts & accessories at local bike shops with your membership. It's fast and easy to join or renew your membership online at the EVMA website, and help keep mountain bike trail advocacy rolling for all of us. Wow! Sign Me Up!  

News

• Upper County Park trail is CLOSED due to a property dispute. We will be working with the park to reroute the trail once accurate park boundaries have been determined.
• York River State Park will be CLOSED  December 7th - 8th for the Wounded Warrior Hunt (annual culling of the deer population) 
• Freedom Park Fall Photo Contest - Please submit your mountain bike pictures from Freedom Park, or direct questions to Alister Perkinson by November 23rd. Also we are looking for photos of any of our parks to update the EVMA website. Send Photos to Jim Irby.
• 2016 Club Officers Election - According to our bylaws, we must hold an annual election of club officers. Volunteer or nominate someone by contacting any current EVMA Board member. Officers will be elected at the December 5th meeting.

Group Rides 

• Saturday November 21st 10am York River State Park
• Sunday November 22nd 10am Freedom Park
• Saturday, December 5th 10am Freedom Park Group Ride, Dirt Divas, and Beginner Men's ride. 
• Sunday, December 6th 10am New Quarter Park
• Saturday, December 19th 10am York River State Park
• Sunday, December 20th 10am - TBA 

Weekly Night Rides

• Tuesday 6pm at Harwood Mill - See the Ride Leader for a parking pass to display in your window. 
• Wednesday 6pm at New Quarter Park - park in the first parking lot.
• Thursday 6pm at Freedom Park. Cars MUST be completely out of the park by 8pm so gates can be locked. 
• RULES: 
• 1. Helmets and lights are required & spare lights are recommended (if your main light dies, and you don't have a spare, it's a long, dark, walk out). 
  2. The buddy system is in effect for all rides (ride with a friend), and 
  3. Riders must be off of the trails by 7:30, the group needs to make sure all riders have returned to their cars, and cars must be out of the park by 8pm. 

Night Rides are being planned at York River State Park by permit. Watch the EVMA Facebook Page for dates.

Next Meeting Saturday, December 5th at Freedom Park

Enjoy the great riding weather this weekend!