Outdoors in the Divide

Way Too Cool - My First Ultra

2010-04-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

My story is that of a 1st time “Ultra” competitor. On December 21st, my name was drawn from the 2010 lottery. It was only then, that I dedicated nights and Sundays to train. Were it not for a husband’s support, years of training for endurance events on horseback, a track and field background, and support from a host of volunteers, a completion would not have been possible.
The forecast was for a stormy Friday and a beautiful weekend. Rain replenished the low-flowing streams and revealed slick, muddy trails. Five miles out, the runner I followed stepped into a bog and lost her shoe. “Don’t step there”, she said! Somewhere along a single track Robie Trail, lead runners stormed by from the opposite direction, racing to the finish line. It was as if the barn door had opened and the horses were heading home. With each passing, the words “good job” was shouted out to those of us forced to step off the trail. Imagine that! A world class athlete telling me – good job!

Years of crewing and preparing for other events taught me to relax tension to limit muscle soreness, eat whatever I could consume, and drink sufficient quantities of water and electrolytes. If I could limit time at aid stations and keep moving, I might just finish. It was 8 hours 7 minutes from start to finish. The completion was not just the culmination of weeks of training, it was an adventure shared with world class athletes, a personal challenge for young and old, and a return to living for competitors recently overcoming serious illness. We were family, sharing a love of nature, physical challenges we could each understand, and mental toughness summoned for this special day.

Upcoming Horseback Riding, Running & Cycling Events:

2010-04-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

April Calendar
Ongoing:
Sundays: Victory Velo Intermediate Paced Road Bike Ride, 8 – 10:30a.m. Contact dan@victoryvelo.com or (530)885-3986.
Sundays: (except 2nd Sundays) Bella Fiore Ladies Intermediate Road Bike Ride, 9a.m. Meet at Flower Farm, Loomis. Contact Leslie at 916-261-1297.
Wednesdays: Cool Cycling Club Moderate 1-3 Hour Road Bike Ride. Meet at Holiday Market parking, 9a.m. Contact Rich at (530)889-2097 or John at (530)885-8661. Helmets.
Fridays: Bella Fiore Ladies Beginner Level Bike Ride at Beal’s Point, 9a.m. Email to confirm, michelle@bicycleemporium.com or 916-747-1686.
Saturdays: Cool Running Club Run, Olmstead Loop, 8a.m. (all levels). Contact Chris or Micki at (530)823-7117 or horseraser@aol.com.
Saturdays: Morning runs. Contact bob@auburnrunningcompany.com or (530)823-2002.
Apr 3rd: Training Day with Jec Aristotle Ballou, Cool/Georgetown, http://www.jecballou.com/ or 831-419-3445.
Apr 4th: American Canyon 8 Mile Hike. Contact Shannon at 916-224-9885 or http://www.sacramentotrailmix.com/.
Apr 4th, 11th, 18th: Cool Cycling Club Breakfast Rides, 9a.m. Meet at ALT 3rd gate (www.meetup.com/coolcyclingclub). Contact John at 885-8661. Helmets.
Apr 6th: Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers meeting at Canyon View Community Center in Auburn, www.members.psyber.com/asra/page3.html.
Apr 7th: Windy Pt. Trail Hike (N. Fork American River), 9am. Preregister at (530)621-1224 or Julie@arconservancy.org.
Apr 8th: Cool Cycling Club monthly social at ALT Gallery, 6:30p.m. Call John at (530)885-8661 or www.meetup.com/coolcyclingclub.
Apr 10th: Diane Olds Rossi’s “Imagine! Dancing Horses” Clinic/Open House, Auburn, http://www.worldofdancinghorses.com/ or 262-903-7530..
Apr 10th: American River 50 Mile Run, http://www.ar50mile.com/.
Apr 10th: New Trail Preview Hike (S. Fork American River), 9am. Preregister at (530)621-1224 or Julie@arconservancy.org.
Apr 11th: Bella Fiore Ladies intermediate road ride, 9a.m. Meet at Bicycle Emporium, michelle@bicycleemporium.com or 916-747-1686.
Apr 12th: ALT Equestrian Committee meeting, 6:30p.m. Contact Heidi at (530)887-9507.
Apr 13th: S. Fork American River Trail Work, 8:30am. Contact elena@arconservancy.org or (530)295-2190.
Apr 14th: Sierra Club Robie Pt. Fuel Break (seniors). Preregister with Sheila at (530)886-0673.
Apr 14th: Stevens Trail Hike, 9am. Preregister at Julie@arconservancy.org or (530)621-1224.
Apr 17th: American River Canyon Hike, 9am. Preregister at Julie@arconservancy.org or (530)621-1224.
Apr 17th: FATRAC Try the Divide Mountain Bike Ride, 10am. Contact cwilson@sanjuan.edu or 916-663-9608.
Apr 17th: Sierra Club Olmstead Loop Hike. Preregister with Melody at (530)478-1586.
Apr 17th: Sierra Club American River Confluence Hike. Preregister with John at 916-967-1018.
Apr 17th: Cathy Rohm show, 8a.m., KFOK 95.1 FM, http://www.kfok.org/.
Apr 18th: Cool Cycling Club 1-2 hr. Mountain Bike Ride at Cronan Ranch, 9a.m. Meet at Pedro Hill parking area. Contact Rich at (530)889-2097 or www.meetup.com/coolcyclingclub.
Apr 21st: Divide Horsemen’s Association Monthly Potluck meeting at Greenwood Community Center, 6:30p.m.
Apr 21st: Sierra Club Clementine Trail Hike (seniors), 9:30am. Preregister with Sheila at (530)886-0673.
Apr 24th: Sierra Club Cronan Ranch Hike. Preregister at haroldelliott1946@att.net or 916-984-5325.
Apr 24th: American River Classic 30/50/75 Mile Endurance Ride, paulklentos@sbcglobal.net or 916-712-1651.
Apr 24th: S. Fork American River Trail Workday, 8:30am. Contact elena@arconservancy.org or (530)295-2190.
Apr 24th: Wildflower Hike (Monroe Ridge), 10am. Preregister at Julie@arconservancy.org or (530)621-1224.
Apr 25th: Western States 100 Trail Projects, Devil’s Thumb, http://www.ws100.com/.
Apr 25th: FATRAC Foresthill Divide Loop Trail Work Day, 9am. Contact hegenderfera@saccounty.net or 916-729-3690.
Upcoming Events:
May 1-2nd: Coolest 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race Against Cancer, http://www.globalbiorhythmevents.com/.
May 15th: Mt. Quarry NATRC Ride. Cancelled.
May 16-23rd: Amgen Tour of California. Stage 1 travels through Auburn & Cool.
May 23rd: Auburn Triathlon, swim – bike – run.
May 23rd: Western States 100 Trail Projects, Pucker Pt., http://www.ws100.com/.
May 28-30th: Wild West Pioneer 25-55 Mile Endurance Ride, http://www.aerc.org/.
May 29-30th: EDETF fundraiser Dru Barner Fun Ride weekend.
May 29-31st: WS100 Training Run – Last 70 Miles, http://www.ws100.com/.
May 30th: Auburn Downtown Criterium, http://www.globalbiorhythmevents.com/.
Jun 3rd: EDETF annual Barbecue at Rock’n H Ranch.
Jun 6th: Olmstead Loop Challenge, http://www.globalbiorhythmevents.com/.
Jun 11-12th: WS100 Trail Projects, Robinson’s Flat campout, http://www.ws100.com/.
Jun 11-13th: Western States Horse Expo, http://www.horsexpo.com/.
Jul 25th: Old Town Criterium (Auburn), http://www.globalbiorhythmevents.com/.
Oct 16th: Knickerbocker Canyon 8 Hour Mountain Bike Endurance Race, http://www.globalbiorhythmevents.com/.
Thank you for emailing notification of your Events.

This weekend: Way Too Cool & Cool Mountain Bike Race!

2010-03-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

March 13th and 14th celebrate running and cycling with 2 very popular events, Way Too Cool and the Cool Mountain Bike Race. Accordingly, expect crowds at the Olmstead Loop. For a change of scenery, you may want to check out the other side of the river, at the Foresthill Sled Dog Races. This 2-day event is a qualifier for the world renowned Iditarod in Alaska.

Amgen Tour de California to travel through Auburn & Cool

2010-03-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! It’s official. Stage One of the Amgen Tour de California is coming through Auburn and Cool. Look out for the likes of Lance Armstrong and other pro cyclists during the start of the event scheduled May 16th through May 23rd. We’ll be famous!

Locals Run Way Too Cool 50K

2010-02-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

Fifteen Georgetown Divide residents will compete on March 13th in the Country’s most popular 50K Run, Way Too Cool. In previous years, registration filled in less than 10 minutes. This year, the 589 entrants were chosen from an automated lottery process which extended over several days. 100 additional applicants were selected for a wait list to replace entrants who drop out before the start of the race. Good luck to this year’s local runners: Pamela Bailie, Chris Conwell, Michele Cullenward, Barbara Johnson, Frank Lieberman, Diana Lundy, Nancy March, Jeremy Meyers, Deb Peter, Jim Sale, Becky Spencer, Herb Tanimoto, Allyson Thomas Conwell, Donald Wilkison and Kathy Young. The race course starts and finishes at the Olmsted Loop and follows trails within the Auburn State Recreation Area.

The very next day, March 14th, the Olmsted Loop hosts the Cool Mountain Bike Race. Auburn Bike Works puts on this very popular event offering something for every member of the family. Prepare yourself for lots of mud.

Beate Anderson to Run WS100 for the Georgetown Divide

2010-01-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

413 Runners were selected on December 5th to run this year’s Western States 100 Mile Run on June 26th. This year’s lottery was automated for the first time ever. Participants are selected from all over the world. Beate Anderson from Cool will be representing the Georgetown Divide. Best wishes, Beate, as you culminate years of training!

Rock & Roll Geology Tour - Cronan Ranch

2009-11-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Another great upcoming family event is the Rock & Roll Geology Tour and Fun Ride on November 8th, benefiting the American River Conservancy. It’s a slow-paced mountain bike ride at Cronan Ranch, out to the River and back. Tom Judy, geologist – nationally recognized mountain bike competitor – outdoor instructor, is the same guide who has offered other local events to reinforce safety, improve skills, and better communicate between trail users. Tom and his wife Jill are wonderful ambassadors for our trails. Tom will be stopping along the way to explain geologic features unique to the Gold Country.

Run To Feed The Hungry!

2009-11-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Ahh November … the first thing that comes to mind is Thanksgiving! This year, the Run to Feed the Hungry is celebrating its 16th annual benefit for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. This major fundraiser expects to draw 30,000 people and raise $800,000. Besides food assistance, the Food Bank offers mother-baby support, adult education, clothing donations and more. Other local Food Banks can be accessed on-line at www.foodbankedc.org or www.placerfoodbank.org. Be sure to pre-register for the Run/Walk to reserve a shirt, www.runtofeedthehungry.com. If you haven’t previously participated, this is a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day. Share it with your entire family!

Linda Rapposelli completes Kona Ironman World Championships

2009-11-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Divide Triathlete “makes us proud”! After setting a course record for her age group at a qualifier for the Kona Ironman World Championships, Linda Rapposelli completed the 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike course, and 26.2 mile marathon in 14 hours, 26 minutes. Not only was it a grueling event with temperatures reaching 112 along the bike trail, but the path to get there challenged Linda’s tenacity. A severe whiplash caused by a car accident in March made it difficult to maintain her position on her bike, a recent theft left her without bike and gear a month before race day, and fears that resulted in panic attacks found her seeking support days before. Linda has now successfully completed 3 of the world’s most challenging endurance events: the Western States 100 Mile Run, the Tevis 100 Mile in One Day Ride, and the Kona Ironman World Championships. The event is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN sometime in January 2010.

Endurance Rider Takes Horse Racing To The Track

2009-09-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

On a whim recently, a friend and I accepted an invitation to watch Harness Racing at Cal Expo. As soon as we arrived, we were escorted into the pacer car which serves both as a starting gate and traveling announcer’s booth. It was that night that Conrad Briggs (from Georgetown) converted from a “hot shoe” endurance rider to a “want to be” Standardbred driver. His friend’s horse came from nearly last to first down the last stretch. What a finish! Conrad began his endurance riding career in 1994. In his relatively short career, he says he finished 85% of his roughly 100 races in the top ten. What attracted Conrad to endurance riding is not just the competitive challenge; it’s the challenge of solving issues, whether the source relates to nutrition, conditioning, shoeing or tack. After personal health concerns put a halt to endurance riding in 2005, Conrad worked his way back to good health and focusing on work as a general contractor. Now, he’s finding a new surge of adrenaline, studying the challenges that meet the Pacers and Trotters. It’s a story “from trail to track”. He’s hoping the lessons he’s learned tweaking the nutrition of the endurance horse translate directly to the track. From the Winner’s Circle, I’d say they do. Cal Expo is home to the only LIVE Harness Racing on the West Coast. Conrad says the stables house at least 300 horses at a time. The Thoroughbreds are on the track during the State Fair. But on September 25th, Harness Racing returns through December 19th, then starts again in January and runs through July. If you’re interested in joining a small group of Standardbred Pacer and Trotter fans to the track in the fall, contact Pam at 823-3142 or me at 392-0328. Oh yeah … Conrad reminded me that Mark Engemann’s Tevis mount is part Standardbred!

Living Where You Recreate On the Georgetown Divide

2009-08-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

In 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold along the South Fork of the American River. Since then, the Golden Highway – the Highway 49 Corridor has attracted travelers for its historical aspect and as a recreation destination. More recently, nearby communities within the Georgetown Divide have enticed travelers to relocate permanently to these areas where they recreate.

A few days ago, we celebrated the 54th Running of the Tevis Cup 100 Miles in One Day Ride. Before that, it was the Western States 100 Mile Run. During the winter, it’s Way Too Cool, the most popular 50K Trail Run in the U. S. It’s often the lure of competing in these internationally recognized events that motivates someone to relocate. The attraction is understandable, to live among other trail enthusiasts, especially when ranches and trails have been shut down elsewhere.

In 1995, the El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation, the Dru Barner Foundation, and the U. S. Forest Service entered into a cost sharing agreement to develop Dru Barner Campground, to accommodate equestrian camping. Located 7 ½ miles east of Georgetown at approximately 3200 elevation, it now offers 47 campsites. EDETF still focuses on developing and maintaining our varied local trail system. Some of these trails extend over private land, or land owned by the Forest Service, Auburn State Recreation Area, and Bureau of Land Management.

Similarly, the Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers, augment the efforts of professional Park Rangers, by offering educational hikes and other events to preserve our trails, keep them safe, and keep them open.

For 57 years, Jeepers Jamboree has offered 4 wheel drive off road adventures; 17 grueling miles, creeping through the Rubicon, starting roughly 45 miles east of Georgetown, by Loon Lake. Year after year, jeeps caravan to the extra wide Main Street, before the start.

Seventeen miles east of Georgetown, Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, also called Lake Edison, offers camping, swimming and boating - with a 5 mph speed limit. At 4400 elevation, its crisp, clear air offers the perfect respite from the summer heat. For those looking for more action, Folsom Lake boat ramp off Rattlesnake Bar Road in Pilot Hill just might be the ticket.

As if that’s not enough, there’s mountain biking, road cycling, river rafting, kayaking, hunting and fishing, all with a strong following. Several rafting companies host ½ day and full day trips on the American River. River kayaking has also becoming more popular. Mountain biking clubs, like FATRC – Folsom-Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition, organize trail clearing events and riding events for all riding abilities. The Cool Mountain Bike Race is huge. And avid road cyclists have discovered that the elevation and terrain within the Georgetown Divide benefit their conditioning regimes.

A variety of clubs and commercial services exist to support your passion for the outdoors. So, get off the couch and join us on the Georgetown Divide!

Auburn Lake Trails draws Tevis participants and Trail Riders

2009-07-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday August 1st, we celebrate the 54th Running of the Tevis Cup 100 Miles in One Day Ride. Congratulations to the 172 entries scheduled to ride from Robie Park in Truckee to McCann Stadium in Auburn, where they will take their final victory lap! Of these, 4 are from Cool; Leigh Bacco, Matt Scribner, Diana Lundy and Ann Gualtier.

The Tevis Trail parallels the Auburn Lake Trails development in Cool for roughly 6 miles, from Poverty Bar River Crossing to Lower Rock Quarry, miles 88 to 94 during the Ride. Currently, the horse population in Auburn Lake Trails is at approximately 200 horses. While farm animals and stallions are restricted from the development, all other equines are allowed. You’ll occasionally see a mule or donkey. Historically speaking, the community is a huge draw for trail riders and endurance athletes, but more recently, horseback riding has expanded to other disciplines as well.

Auburn Lake Trails was established in 1972. There are 1106 lots with roughly 1000 of these developed with custom homes and horse set-ups. The lots range in size from ¼ acre to 16 acres, with the entire northern and eastern perimeters backing to the Auburn State Recreation Area. Thirty five miles of equestrian and hiking/jogging trails meander through the 3500 acre development. The Robie Trail can be reached from several locations inside Auburn Lake Trails as well as the very popular American Canyon Trail across from the 3rd entrance near Greenwood. There are 2 uncovered arenas; one which is lit. Homeowners have the option of keeping their horse(s) on their own property as long as it meets certain criteria, or boarding at the “Barn” near the Main Entrance. The Barn offers 7 stalls with paddocks and 12 pastures upgraded with newer, quality shelters.

Due to a seemingly growing population of horses and horse enthusiasts within the Georgetown Divide (the region located between the American River Confluence and the South Fork of the American River in Coloma), the area supports 3 equestrian clubs; El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation, Divide Horsemen Association and Silver Spurs. Each of these has a focus in both social as well as trail development – maintenance – conservation. Silver Spurs is made up of primarily Auburn Lake Trails’ residents. Recently, they hosted a Progressive Brunch on Horseback ride. On August 29th, they will host The Coolest Ride & Tie, and on September 19th, they will host a multi-discipline Schooling Horse Show. If you’re interested in participating in the horse show, contact Jodie at (530)887-0317.

The Tevis Cup 100 Miles in One Day Ride and the Western States 100 Mile Run have inspired many to take to our nearby trails. With these Trails as a backdrop, it’s no wonder endurance athletes have targeted Auburn Lake Trails and Cool to reside in. Without question … The Endurance Capital extends to Cool.

Tevis 2009

2009-06-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

The 54th running of the Tevis Cup 100 Mile in One Day Ride is scheduled for August 1st. Crystal Costa of Cool, Richard & Loreley Stewart and Roger Yohe of Georgetown will be representing the Georgetown Divide. We may see additions to the list as the Ride date approaches. An entry must have previously completed 300 miles of AERC or NATRC sanctioned rides. Ride Veterinarians strongly advise horses be equally qualified. Horses must be at least 72 months old, and riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the entire Ride. Along with the $295.00 entry fee, riders may have committed 2-3 years training a horse for an event of this caliber. It’s easy to forget this is a world-class event. If you intend to view the Ride, check out the very informative website beforehand, www.teviscup.org. You can also track riders during the race on the webcast. Riders start in Truckee at 5:15 AM and must complete the 100 miles by 5:15 the following day. For the best and most convenient viewing, attend either the Foresthill Mill site in the late afternoon or the McCann Stadium at the “finish”, late Saturday evening. If you miss the Ride, the awards ceremony starts at 1PM on Sunday at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn. Good luck Riders!

Western States 100 Mile Run 2009

2009-05-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our local 2009 entries for the Western States 100 Mile Run, which starts at Squaw Valley and finishes in Auburn. As of May 13th, 446 entries are scheduled to compete on June 27th – 28th. Of those, 13 are from Auburn and the Georgetown Divide. They are: Dennis Curley, Bill Finkbeiner, Tom Harper, Michael Huss, Mathew Keyes, Glenn Meeth, Ryan Rivera, and Kathy Welch, all from Auburn; Linda Hurd, Diane Lundy, Nancy March, David Schur, from Cool; and Don Wilkison from Georgetown. With the cancellation of the 2008 Run, this year’s event offers more depth in competition and more entries. Scott Jurek is returning, hoping to finish first for the 8th time. “States” participants are among some of our most obvious trail devotees. All entries are required to document trail work during their training.

Desensitize Trail Horses

2009-01-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

To better prepare your horse for the trails, consider attending these upcoming events: llama desensitization and bike desensitization. Both events are offered through Divide Horsemen's Association. Check out upcoming events. We certainly can't prevent all incidents from happening, but we can prevent some, not only by avoiding danger, but also by preparing our horses, bicyclists, runners etc. Horses are "flight" animals and respond much like deer and other prey animals. Trail etiquette recognizes this. It is for this reason bicyclists and runners/hikers are asked to and must yield to horses. Having said this, it is also important we demonstrate common courtesies. Happy Trails!

New Year's Resolutions On & Off The Trail!

2008-12-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's such a great time to plan your 2009 resolutions, think about "off-season cross-training, join a gym, volunteer to benefit your favorite sport, coach someone new to a sport etc. And we're so fortunate to have the variety of choices, both within the Georgetown Divide and around the Sacramento region.

For years, avid trail riders have switched to indoor arena riding during the winter months to cross-train horses and maintain or even improve their condition. Have we forgotten ourselves? It's a great time to join a gym. Not only does this build strength and improve balance, but it improves overall morale as well. Locally, we have 2 great choices: Cool Physical Therapy, by Timberline Realty in Cool and Curves, by Mar-Val in Georgetown. In addition to these, more options are opening up, in the way of martial arts, yoga, pilates etc. Before making a transition, consider your overall health and condition. Help yourself by providing business owners, trainers and coaches the medical information they need to guide you without ill effects.

A bit out of our area, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association is offering snowshoe events throughout the winter, and a free introductory event on January 10th. See details in my January Calendar of Events. Amgen Tour of California cycling event will kickoff with an opening Gala at the Sacramento Memorial on February 12th. Unfortunately, earlier predictions that the race might include a route through Cool have changed. The competition will begin on February 14th with a time trial near the Capital in Sacramento. Entries were chosen for the 2009 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run on December 5th. After cancellation due to nearby forest fires in 2008, this year's event is bound to be special. Our local entries are Don Wilkison from Georgetown and Linda Hurd, Diana Lundy, Nancy March, and David Schurr, all from Cool. Best wishes as you complete your final months of training and head toward the starting line. This year's 2-day event will be June 27th and 28th.

Happy Trails and Happy New Years!

Georgetown Divide Trail Notices

2008-12-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

A few notices to keep in mind: all El Dorado National Forest dirt roads and trails will be closed January 1st through at least March 31st. This does not affect our local trails within the Rock Creek area above Georgetown; since 1999, closures in these areas are determined by the amount and duration of rain/snowfall (refer to Georgetown Ranger District). A number of organizations devote time each year to trail development and maintenance. Even though some dirt trails are open to the public during or immediately following stormy weather, think about the resulting affects to trail conditions if you choose to mountain bike or horseback ride at these times. It takes so little to destroy the benefits of others' labor.

Georgetown Divide Trails Benefit From Community Volunteers

2008-11-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

While we are thinking about year-end celebrations, and considering where we will focus our attention next year, I want to thank the many people that contribute to our life within the Georgetown Divide, in diverse ways. Some offer leadership, some provide support, and some quietly tackle tasks on their own without recognition.

The list of benefits is extensive; some of which follow:

trails are developed and maintained
trails are marked with directional signs
funding for programs is acquired
classes are offered
programs are created for runners-cyclists-horseback riders to merge efforts and safely recreate together
horses and other animals are protected and saved
club members clean up our highways
rebuilt bikes are provided to those less privelaged
emergency response programs are coordinated
trail maps are drawn
social outdoor activities are organized
support is offered to our Forestry, Parks, and BLM
fun days are organized
nationally recognized races are hosted
property values increase

Even participants in athletic events contribute, by drawing attention to local events and reminding us why we live here. If no one runs, rides, or cycles the trails, the contributions decline, and the benefits in associated amenities disappear. Fortunately, this won't happen, thanks to a growing desire to remain active in conjunction with community volunteer efforts. Thank you all! See you on the trail sometime and somewhere!

Recreational Trail News

2008-10-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

A 14.2 mile, 6 foot wide multi-use trail between the Foresthill Bridge and the Ponderosa Bridge, following the North Fork of the American River and Lake Clementine, was recently approved by the Placer Counter Board of Supervisors. The American River Conservancy is in the process of purchasing a conservative easement over the Garland Ranch in Pilot Hill further expanding our local trail system. In an ongoing effort to maintain safe trails within our Forest Service, the Mounted Patrol, out of Georgetown, is inviting volunteers to contact Helen @ hsteenman@yahoo.com.

Safe Horseback Riding And Cycling On The Divide

2008-10-16T10:40:00.001-07:00

Is your safety helmet protecting you? Recently, while having my bicycle serviced, the technician commented on this very subject. While I rarely ride horses now, I continue to use my horseback riding helmet during bike rides. Having purchased a new helmet not long before I retired from owning horses, I saw little reason to purchase yet another helmet when I pursued mountain bike and road cycling. Needless to say, I make a rather awkward fashion statement, but was this wise?

By all means, do your own homework, but here are a few thoughts on the subject. Safety helmets for horseback riding and cycling range in costs from roughly $40.00 to $200.00. The more expensive choices do not necessarily provide added protection. Most helmets are constructed from expanded polystyrene foam (ESP), which is resistant to both temperature changes and weather conditions. The 2 most common construction types are either single unit or 2-piece units. Single unit construction is more resistant to separation upon impact. 2-piece units “can” separate in a crash. In addition, the adhesive qualities in a 2-piece unit may over a period of time, deteriorate.

Besides construction type, also consider venting, fit, whether or not the helmet meets or exceeds specific safety standards, and whether or not the helmet is sport specific. A certain amount of venting is desirable, to allow airflow and increase comfort, but too much venting can decrease contact surface with your head, reducing protection. Fit is important both to increase comfort, and to ensure that a helmet remains secure upon impact. An equestrian helmet is designed to cover more of your head, thus more evenly distributing protection, while a bicycling helmet is designed to protect the front and back of your head more so.

Look for helmets that meet or exceed these safety standards. Since 1999, helmets must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) federal standards. In addition, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) writes safety standards for a wide variety of products and conditions. Once the standards are in place, the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) ensures that manufactures abide by these standards. The ASTM and CPSC certifications are comparable. Helmets that meet Snell B-95 or N-94 certifications exceed both CPSC and ASTM certifications.

Choose colors that make you more visible. And be sure both the straps and fasteners can withstand the force of an impact. My research indicated that you may want to replace your helmet every 3 to 5 years; additional resources suggested 5 or more years. And lastly, always replace a helmet that has sustained an impact from an accident. It will no longer provide protection.

See you soon outdoors in the Divide!