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Tour De Fat - August 22, 2009 - Ann Morrison Park |
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Mountain Biking 101 Class |
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On May 27 SWIMBA presented a mountain biking basics class at REI to over 20 attendees. We presented an overview of the ridge to rivers system, along with trail suggestions for novices. We also covered trail etiquette, safety and gear. The power point presentation is available for download below.
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SWIMBA Leads Trail Etiquette Awareness Events |
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On April 16 and May 16 SWIMBA, Boise Trail DOG, and other user groups --in cooperation with Ridge to Rivers-- staffed tables at stopping points on popular trails in order discuss trail etiquette as well as hand out literature about proper usage with mountain bikers, runner, hikers, dog walkers, and any other trail users as they stopped by. We encountered approximately 300 tr ail users over the course of the two days. We would like to thank Clif Bar for supporting this event. As trail use increases with the warm weather, it is imperative for all users to work together and be courteous with one another and to protect the trails. To mountain bikers, we stressed the importance of yielding and controlling speed around hikers & runners. BTD representatives stressed the importance of cleaning up after your dog, which trails are on-leash, and keeping your dog under control at all times. Representatives also talked to runners about how to properly run in groups in order to minimize trail widening and braiding, as well as staying off trails when they are muddy. |
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The latest addition to the Ridge to Rivers system, The Watchman Trail opened Fall 2008. It is a non-motorized multi-use trail. The trail connects Trail 6 with Five Mile Gulch. Starting at Trail 6 makes for a mostly down hill run (but a lung-buster to get to the trail's starting point) while starting at Five Mile makes for the opposite. However, either way the grades are rolling and mellow, especially for the upper foothills. SWIMBA (the Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association) contributed funds for this trail. |
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Letter from the President on trail courtesy |
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Open letter to all SWIMBA members, This Spring, an important group of foothills trail users (dog owners) came very close to losing the kind of access to the Ridge to Rivers trails that they have traditionally enjoyed. Are mountain bikers next? Certainly there are plenty of trail systems that have banned or restricted mountain bikes. What about our community? Usage of the foothills trails by all user groups has increased drastically. At the same time, behavior has eroded. If you are like me, you have seen an increase in mountain bikers not yielding when they should, not slowing down for others, riding off of the trail and demonstrating general disregard for others. |
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Endangered: Foothills Singletrack |
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Many foothills trails are being widened due to misuse. Read about the problem and what you can to to help. More |
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Trail Grants Awarded Benefit Us All |
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Where the grant monies went this year The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has released the Grant Funding for 2008. These programs would not be possible with out the extreme dedication of volunteers and matching funds from organizations like SWIMBA. Please support these groups who work building recreational opportunities for us all. All of Idaho residents and visitors benefit from these programs. Here is a short list that affects Ada County and the long list is below. |
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2008 Annual Meeting / Board Member Elections |
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SWIMBA held it's annual membership meeting on Wednesday June 18th at Smokey Mountain Pizza on Parkcenter. We had a truly excellent slate of candidates running for board positions this year. I was excited about knowing that no matter how it turned out we would have a truly talented board to work with. I'm pleased to announce that Gary Dinoso, Mike Edwards, Terry Floyd and Lisa Hawkes were all elected to the board. The remainder of the 9 that were elected this year include; David Beck, Tom Foote, Margie Rosenberg, Dirk Vandervoort and myself (David Thomas) who were all re-elected to the board. |
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SWIMBA Logo T-Shirts Available For Order Now |
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You can now purchase your very own SWIMBA t-shirts. Made from a combination of bamboo and organic cotton, these shirts are super soft and comfy, as well as environmentally friendly and are available in several colors and sizes!
All profits benefit the Southwest Idaho Mountain Bike Association.
Go to www.coreconceptsoutdoor.com and click on the link on the left nav bar to order. |
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Great Trails are a Privilege |
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Great Trails are a Privilege. Boise Young Rider Development Squad - BYRDS hear from Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly about care for the trails. 
Photos by Harley Parson May 19, 2008 |
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