Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association

Building, Riding and Maintaining Trails in Southeastern Virginia since 1988
 

News/Events

  • April 22, 2015 3:39 PM | Deleted user

    Good Afternoon, EVMA Members!

    Here's what's happening this week in the fascinating world of local mountain biking:

    Group Rides - there are no group rides this week

    Trails  
    • Marl Ravine Trail remains reversed thru April.
    • Upper County  is next to a hunt club & it's turkey season. There is a land dispute, which means hunters may wander into the park. Hunters do not wear blaze orange in the spring. Exercise caution!
    • Heavy Winds are bringing lots of limbs down. Stop and drag a couple off of the trail if you have the time! 
    Upcoming Events
    • The Burning of the Socks  April 25th 10 am to noon - York River State Park is hosting The Burning of the Socks to celebrate the beginning canoe season. Bring your old socks to burn and then take your canoe out.  Kirk and Penny will be leading group rides for those who prefer two-wheeled land-boats. 
    • Spring Camping Trip  April 30th thru May 3rd  We still have room, be a happy camper &  SIGN UP
    Volunteer! *We especially have a need volunteers at NQP on May 2nd!*
    • New Quarter Park 30th Year Celebration*  Saturday, May 2nd. We are still looking for volunteers to help out with this event. VOLUNTEER
    • Kids to Park Day at YRSP May 16th -  Group rides, grilling lunch. Volunteers needed to lead rides at 9:00 & grill lunch 11:30 to noon. Contact Penny Rich or Kirk Moore to volunteer.
    • Be a ride leader  This one is easy. No ride leading is actually required, but "Ride Leader" sounds better than "Clip Board Monkey", so we went with it.  Bring a clip board with a sign-in page & collect the signatures of riders participating in the EVMA group ride. Contact Penny Rich to volunteer.
    • Be a Trail Captain  We need a Trail Captain for New Quarter Park. Ride the trail once a month, report conditions and hazards, and log volunteer hours. Contact Jim Irby to volunteer or get more details.
    • Events Coordinator needed contact Jim Irby  for more info, or to volunteer.
    • Fall Trip Organizer needed. Mostly involves showing up at  the park and guiding parking, etc. . .  Once again, email Jim Irby to volunteer.
    Enjoy your week & keep the rubber side down!


  • April 15, 2015 10:26 AM | Deleted user

    Good Morning, EVMA Members!

    Here's what's happening this week in the wild world of local mountain biking:

    Insurance     Our insurance has been reinstated, so group rides are on.

    Group Rides

    • Saturday, April 18th    9am  Freedom Park - Ride leader - Penny
    • Sunday, April 19th      9am York River State Park- Ride leader Penny ( moved from Harwood due to short notice)
    Trails  
    • Marl Ravine Trail remains reversed thru April.
    • Upper County  is next to a hunt club & it's turkey season. There is a land dispute, which means hunters may wander into the park. Hunters do not wear blaze orange in the spring. Exercise caution!
    • Freedom D Loop has a new Trail Captain. Thank you, Greg Hurley, for stepping up!

    Upcoming Events

    • The Burning of the Socks  April 25th 10 am to noon - York River State Park is hosting The Burning of the Socks to celebrate the beginning canoe season. Bring your old socks to burn and then take your canoe out.  Kirk and Penny will be leading group rides for those who prefer two-wheeled land-boats. 
    • Spring Camping Trip  April 30th thru May 3rd  We still have room, be a happy camper &  SIGN UP
    Help Keep the EVMA Awesome - Volunteer!
    • New Quarter Park 30th Year Celebration May 2nd. We are still looking for volunteers to help out with this event. VOLUNTEER
    • Kids to Park Day at YRSP May 16th -  Group rides, grilling lunch. Volunteers needed to lead rides at 9:00 & grill lunch 11:30 to noon. Contact Penny Rich or Kirk Moore to volunteer.
    • Be a ride leader  This one is easy. No ride leading is actually required, but "Ride Leader" sounds better than "Clip Board Monkey", so we went with it.  Bring a clip board with a sign-in page & collect the signatures of riders participating in the EVMA group ride. Contact Penny Rich to volunteer.
    • Be a Trail Captain  We need a Trail Captain for New Quarter Park. Ride the trail once a month, report conditions and hazards, and log volunteer hours. Contact Jim Irby to volunteer or get more details.
    • Events Coordinator needed contact Jim Irby  for more info, or to volunteer.
    • Fall Trip Organizer needed. Mostly involves showing up at  the park and guiding parking, etc. . .  Once again, email Jim Irby to volunteer.


    May the week bring you blue skies, sweet single track, and may your  rubber side stay down!


  • April 08, 2015 10:26 PM | Deleted user

    EVMA April Meeting Minutes April 4, 2015

    1.)  Treasures report

    • General Fund Balance   $5,089.38 
    • Trail Fund                       $5,946.98
    • Checking Balance        $11,036.36
    • Savings                             $674.55
    • WOYW                                $52.00

    2 .) Additions to Budget – Wahrani $1000 

    3.) Insurance update

    Our policy is currently lapsed while we search for a company that will provide the kind of coverage the parks ask of us, at an affordable price. No good solutions - too many industry losses on Mtb clubs is causing insurance companies to drop Mtb club coverage, especially general liability coverage (a nationwide problem).  Many companies were vetted, with close analysis of the three most promising policies.

    • Mckay - Overage medical, no coverage for non-members - no maintenance coverage, must have Memos of Understanding (MOU) from every park that designates the park as the owner of the trails AND features. Cities have volunteer agreements, and do not absolve us of liability. Historically, parks have not been timely in returning agreements. Probably a good option for insurance NEXT year.
    • K&K - our current lapsed policy covers group rides & trail maintenance, trail builds ONLY during building process, but is more costly than some policies. Cannot get “product liability” from ANY company.
    • Associated - Used by RVA more etc, still gaping holes in equipment coverage
    • York County & New Kent want us to have general liability - covers lawyers if sued. Insurance companies are NOT providing this type of insurance. JCC takes ownership & therefore liability for EVMA trails & features. We believe other parks will follow JCCs model MOU, once we have a copy of it. Negotiating & getting agreements signed takes a long time.
    • Renewal of current policy the “least bad” option - we need counties to inspect & indemnify us from responsibility. 
    • EVMA manages seven individual trail systems. Three counties, the state & two cities have different coverage & requirements. 
    • Motion: Renew with K&K. Pursue modified MOUs with each park in the coming year and use a less expensive policy next year. Passed with a majority vote.

    4.)   Events & Call for Volunteers

    • Spring camping trip April 30th to May 3rd Signup is still open.
    • New Quarter 30th Anniversary Celebration May 2nd  
      • CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!  There will be an EVMA tent, and EVMA group rides. We need volunteers to lead A/B ride & B/C ride with two leaders apiece, and parking attendants. Park will have lots of vendors, hikes, bird watching etc 10:00am - 2:00pm Volunteers start at 8-8:30. We need about 18 volunteers. Please sign up on the Volunteer Page.
    • Kids to Park Day at YRSP May 16th -  Group rides, grilling lunch. Volunteers needed to lead rides  at 9:00 & grill lunch 11:30 to noon. Contact Penny Rich or Kirk Moore to volunteer.
    • Next meeting June 6, at the Freedom Picnic shelter. We need a volunteer to grill. Email Jim Irby atpresident@evma.org to volunteer.

    5.)   Trails & Call for Trail Captain Volunteers

    • Freedom Park – On busy weekends, additional parking is available at school on Jolly Pond Rd.  The park has permission to use the school for overflow parking
      • Met with Nancy Ellis. Quarterly inspection of features with Freedom Staff.  Possibly add staff to the trail report systemso they can view reports.
      • Greg Hurley will take over as the New Captain of Freedom D loop.  
      • May 9th JCC will be holding Single Track Maniac, Trail A and B will be closed in the morning and D and E will be closed all day. 
      • D & E closed all day long A closed AM Dirt Diva & beginners will ride C first. No lunch will be served. No Meeting afterwards
    • NQP - Trail Captain needed. Captain rides the trail once a month, reports condition & hazards, and logs volunteer hours. 
    • Upper County – Park is adjacent to a hunt club, Spring turkey season opens April 4 and runs through May, Ride with caution. Hunters do not wear orange during Spring Season.  A current boundary dispute means that hunters may enter the park.
    • YRSP – Marl Ravine will remain reversed through April.  Signs come down 30th
    • Wahrani – Signage and trail maintenance in planning. 
    • Harwood - some horse issues, working on signage.
    • Reminder for Trail Captains to log inspections and maintenance on wildapricot or email Jim or Harry

    6.)  Volunteers Needed

    If you would like to volunteer with the EVMA, but don't have the time to take on a major commitment, we have many opportunities to help the club out with smaller tasks. Here are two more opportunities:

    • Events Coordinator needed 
    • Fall trip organizer needed (mostly to show up at park and guide parking, etc. . .) 
    Once again, email Jim Irby at president@evma.org to volunteer!


  • April 03, 2015 10:07 AM | Deleted user

    Weekend Group Rides are CANCELLED, except Dirt Divas & the Freedom Park Beginners Ride. Due to the intricacies of switching insurance companies, our insurance will suffer a brief lapse this weekend. We apologize for any inconvenience & will be up and running again shortly!  You'll need to find your own ride for just this weekend; EVMA Chatter is a great place to look. 

    Dirt Divas & the Beginners Ride will be 9:00 AM Saturday at Freedom Park, meet in the parking lot in front of the interpretive center. 

    Please join us at noon for lunch and the EVMA club meeting!

  • March 31, 2015 9:04 PM | Deleted user

    Good Evening EVMA Members! Here is your weekly update:

    Single Track High movie shows April 3rd at the Williamsburg Library. Intro at 5:45pm, movie at 6:00pm.

    EVMA Club Meeting & Lunch this Saturday, April 4th at 12:00 Noon at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center. We still need volunteers to bring a dish to share - comment on the EVMA Facebook post if you can bring something.

    Dirt Divas Ride 9:00am April 4th at Freedom Park. Ride cancels in the event of rain - watch for updates.

    Group Rides are 9:00am April 4th & 18th at YRSP, and April 5th & 19th at New Quarter Park & Harwood Mills.

    Marl Ravine remains reversed for the month of April. Please use bail out (right turn after skinny bridge) if you decide not to complete the trail. Do not exit against the trail direction.

    Caution at Upper County Park - the park is adjacent to a hunt club and it's turkey season. Avoid looking like a turkey, and be aware that spring hunters do not wear blaze orange.

    Wednesdays On Your Wheel Race Series at New Quarter Park registration is open. See details & register at - http://www.yorkcounty.gov/Portals/0/publicinfo/2015-029.pdf  Watch for a sign-up genius email for volunteer opportunities.

    EVMA Spring Camping Trip to Raystown Lake, PA space is still available. Join us April 30 thru May 3rd. See details and sign up at: http://www.evma.org/event-1836747

    Enjoy the sunshine on the trails this week! We hope to see you all at the meeting this Saturday!

  • March 26, 2015 12:14 PM | Deleted user

    Good Afternoon EVMA Members,

    This is your weekly update and notice of upcoming events:

    Group Rides There are no scheduled group rides this weekend. 

    It's Raining :-(  As always, please stay off wet trails. Freedom Park trails are currently closed (as of Thursday, 3/26).

    Marl Ravine Trail This will be the final weekend for Marl Ravine trail to be reversed. The signs will be removed and the trail returned to normal direction,Tuesday, March 31st.  Exercise caution & enjoy the challenge! Note that there is a bailout if you try the trail and don't enjoy it. Take the first right after the long skinny bridge and continue to the exit. Please do not ride against the trail direction to exit.

    Jersey Order This is final call for jersey orders. If you wish to purchase an EVMA jersey please email Jim at president@evma.org with type and size. 

    EVMA Spring Camping Trip The sign up for the trip to Raystown Lake is still open. Join us April 30 thru May 3rd. See details and sign up at: http://www.evma.org/event-1836747

    Club Meeting Our next club meeting will be April 4th at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center at 12:00 noon. The agenda includes the annual budget, insurance, upcoming events, and trail work at Wahrani. If you have any topics that you wish to add, please email Jim at president@evma.org.

    Wednesdays On Your Wheel Registration is open. Pre-Rides April 11th @ 10:00am, April 12 @1:00pm. Races start April 15th.  See details at: http://www.yorkcounty.gov/Portals/0/publicinfo/2015-029.pdf  Watch for a sign-up genius email for volunteer opportunities.

     We hope to see you at our next meeting, April 4th!

  • March 20, 2015 3:28 PM | Deleted user

    Both of this weekend's group rides will be held at YRSP due to recent heavy rain. Freedom Park trails are closed today.

  • March 18, 2015 10:00 AM | Deleted user

    Good Afternoon EVMA Members,

    This is your weekly update and notice of upcoming events:

    Group Rides March 21st & 22nd 9:00 AM  Group rides this weekend are at Freedom Park, 9:00am Saturday, and York River State Park, 9:00am Sunday, weather and trail conditions permitting. If Freedom Park trails are closed Saturday, the group ride will be at YRSP.

    Marl Ravine Trail at York River State Park is reversed for the month of March. Exercise caution & enjoy the challenge!

    Trail Conditions  Trails are finally dry & Freedom trails are now open.  A HUGE "Thank You!" goes out to all of our trail captains and trail maintenance volunteers for their hard work removing downed trees from the trails. There is still quite a bit of debris to be cleared on some trails. If everyone takes the time to clear a few big sticks, we'll all have happier derailleurs, spokes, etc . . . !

    Lake Maury Trail Clean Up  Twenty-five volunteers turned out to clean up the Lake Maury Trails last weekend. Together, they hauled out 35 large trash bags of trash, an armchair & other miscellaneous junk. Thanks to all who helped out.

    EVMA Spring Camping Trip to Raystown Lake is on! Join us April 30 thru May 3rd. See details and sign up at: http://www.evma.org/event-1836747

    Enjoy the sunshine and the dry trails! We hope to see you this weekend and at our next meeting, April 4th!


  • March 12, 2015 11:20 AM | Deleted user

    It's Spring! We have loads of upcoming events & new club officers, so please check out this month's meeting minutes (posted below)!  Saturday, March 14th: Trail maintenance at YRSP. Meet Kirk at the maintenance area at 9:00am. Sunday, March 15th: Trail Clean-up at Lake Maury, Newport News. Please see the event posted on our page for details & special driving instructions! Marl Ravine trail direction remains reversed for March. Exercise caution! While most trails are dry, trees & limbs are down on Marl & many EVMA trails. If everyone who rides clears a few limbs, we'll have clear trails in no time! Please email Trails@EVMA.org to report hazards, or report your volunteer work hours. Remember we are a family friendly organization - PLEASE use civil behavior and don't use foul language at group rides & all EVMA events. Thank you & enjoy the sunshine!

  • March 12, 2015 11:15 AM | Deleted user

    EVMA Meeting Minutes     March 7, 2015


    1.)  Annual Election 

    - All positions were uncontested. Our new club officers are:
    • President - Jim Irby
    • Treasurer - Crystal Richardson (continuing)
    • Trails Manager - Harry Carraway (continuing)
    • Secretary - Elisa Panetta
    • Group Ride Coordinator - Penny Rich
    • Webmaster - Mike Mumford
    • Events Coordinator remains vacant. If you are interested in coordinating events, or coordinating just one event, please contact one of the club officers!
    A big THANK YOU!  was extended to our outgoing officers, Past-President, Mike Benton, and Secretary ErinTyler. Thank you both for your leadership & great service to the club! Erin has moved to Seattle. We will miss you Erin!

    2.)  2015 Projects

    We have no large projects on the Horizon. 
    We will be working with park management at Wahrani in the coming months to provide better signage and improve some bridges.

    3.)  Current Business

    • An important reminder for all members: PLEASE use family friendly language and civil behavior at all EVMA rides and events. We are all representatives of our organization and children are often present. 
    • Jim is working on an annual working budget for the club for ongoing yearly budgeting.
    • The board is considering long term planning and goals for the club.
    • The board is working on a risk management policy for the club.
    4.)  Trail Inspection

    As part of risk management, the club is establishing standardized safety inspection of trails, features, and signage, to be performed by the park trail captains monthly. The Trails Commission is continuing to establish standards and inspection forms. Trail inspections and volunteer trail work hours are logged on the website.

    5.)  Insurance

    Our current insurance policy will be up for renewal soon. The board is recommending a lower cost insurance policy with a narrower scope, since there are no plans to build new trails this year, and limited term policies can be added if a new project is undertaken. The potential savings is as much as $1500. Trail maintenance and trail use liability is covered under the each respective park's insurance. There is a need to meet with all of the land managers to clarify the liability limits and requirements for coverage at each park. The board is still analyzing the different insurance options' costs and benefits.

    6.)  Treasurer's Report

    • No expenditures in February.
    • General Fund Balance:     $4416.04
    • Trail Fund Balance:           $5946.98
    • Checking Account:          $10,363.02
    • Savings Account:                 $674.55
    • W.O.Y.W. Fund:                     $52.00

    7.)  Upcoming Expenses/ Purchases

    • Freedom Park C - dirt jump/ table top  ($500)
    • Kids To Parks Event at YRSP ($150)
    • Wednesdays On Your Wheel Race Series ($250)
    • YRSP Pump Track ($500)
    • Quick Books Software ($200-$300)
    8.)  Calendar for Year

    Events will be maintained on the EVMA website calendar.
    • Group Rides will continue to be on the 1st and 3rd weekends of each month
    • There will be no membership meeting in May or July due to holiday and event conflicts
    • The Sept 5th meeting will be held onsite at the camping trip
    • The Annual Election will be held at the December 5th meeting. New officers will "shadow" the current officers until they complete their term in March, 2016.
    9.)  Upcoming Events

    March
    • Saturday March 14th, Trail Maintenance at York River State Park. Meet Kirk at 9:00am at the maintenance area (by Ranger's housing).
    • Remaining March Group Rides are March 21st at Freedom Park, and March 22nd at YRSP. If there is rain the day before the Freedom Park Ride, the ride moves to YRSP.
    • We are helping with a volunteer clean up of the Lake Maury Natural Area Trails in Newport News, Sunday, March 15th. Please see the event on Facebook, and note necessary driving detours due to a marathon closing part of Warwick Blvd.  https://www.facebook.com/events/1557228617866750/
    April 
    • April 4th Club Meeting & Lunch Freedom Park
    • Group Rides are April 4th & 18th at YRSP, and April 5th & 19th at New Quarter Park & Harwood Mills
    • April 3rd Single Track High movie shows at the Williamsburg Library. Intro at 5:45pm, movie at 6:00pm
    • Wednesdays On Your Wheel Race Series at New Quarter Park starts. Pre-Rides April 11th @ 10:00am, April 12 @1:00pm. Races start April 15th.  Details at: http://www.yorkcounty.gov/Portals/0/publicinfo/2015-029.pdf  Watch for a sign-up genius email for volunteer opportunities.
    • The EVMA Spring Camping trip to Raystown Lake, PA Join us April 30 thru May 3rd. See details and sign up at: http://www.evma.org/event-1836747
    May
    • No club meeting this month
    • May 2nd NQP 30th Anniversary Celebration. All day event with trail rides, kayaking, bird watching etc . . . Volunteers are needed to lead rides, staff tent, and assist with parking. Call Todd Smith at 564-1049 to volunteer.
    • May 9th Single Track Maniac Run at Freedom Park - most trails will be closed to cyclists for this cross country track event. Volunteer opportunity for trail clean-up
    • WOYW race series continue & conclude this month at New Quarter Park.
    • May 16th York River State Park Kids to Parks Day. Volunteer opportunity - EVMA will have a tent and serve grilled hotdogs & chicken. Penny Rich is coordinating.

    10.)  Trail Status

    * All parks have winter debris/ trees down and are in need of volunteer maintenance. If everyone who rides clears a few limbs, we'll have clear trails in no time! Please email Trails@EVMA.org to report problems, or report your volunteer work hours. 

    • Marl Ravine ride direction is reversed for the month of March.
    • Wahrani needs maintenance, clean-up & signage. New Kent will be providing $1000 for signage. Additional funding will be needed for maintenance. Steve Maxey is coordinating with the county.
    • Upper County may lose much of the existing single track to a property line dispute. Future trail rerouting will likely be necessary.
    • Freedom Park has been very wet, and basic inspection and maintenance are needed.
    • Indian River & New Quarter - no updates, inspection needed.
    • Harwood Mills Trail A reroute is complete; Needs ridden in.
    • YRSP trees down on JBT & Marl Ravine. Removal scheduled 3/14 @ 9:00am
    11.)  Jersey Order

    We are 2 short of a minimum order, but will submit the order soon. Please contact Jim Irby or Penny Rich if you want a jersey!
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