Chapter Meetings Daniel Dyla Chapter Meetings Daniel Dyla

June 2022 Chapter Meeting

membership drive
54k in bank 18k to spend at RB
Events….
Howling at the moon, ride leaders
MFO – in works

Bike patrol – regional recognized
Any Oakland county park is class 1 e-bike allowed

Trails
AO Class 1 E-bikes now allowed
BM – WIP in processing
BMS getting an action plan for update
Bloomer – normal maintenance, class 1 E-bikes now allowed
CRPT – needs TC and attention. COMMUNITY TRAIL DAY?
Columbus
Holly Holdridge – trimmed
Oakdale – signage
PLRA – trimmed
RB – signage and features. Grand opening to come
Sanborn
SC – Bypass for jumpline
Woodsong

Friendship park LOPArksRec gonna add 2 small loops. Late OCT. Mark N suggested as TC

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July 2021 Membership Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's July Membership Meeting was held on Wednesday July 28th at 7pm at Stony Creek Metropark. There were 48 members in attendance.

River Bends

  • “Far Side Trail Project”/flow trail
    • Phase 1 completed – dubbed Spring Hill Trail
      • Cost $23,000
      • Raised so far $27,000
      • Considerations being made to build a kiosk at the trailhead to prevent vehicles from obstructing the path
    • Phase 2 will be approximately 1 mile of many elevation changes
      • Approximate cost $30,000
    • Phase 3 likely to be constructed by CRAMBA volunteers
    • $8620 donation from KLM as proceeds from their raffle
  • Pump Track
    • Approximate cost $225,000
    • Planned location: horseshoe pits at the 22 Mile Rd entrance
    • Currently pursuing grants and corporate sponsors
      • Permissions received to feature logos on the track surface
    • $30,000 commitment from Shelby Township

Addison Oaks

  • Currently in process of getting an MOU in place
  • Trail closure from 6am-2pm for trail work the week of August 1st

Bald Mountain

  • Approval for the Addison connector finally received, looking to start construction in the fall
  • CRAMBA has pledged to financially support a study conducted by Trail Sense on the southern area for possible development
    • Targeting an area near the swimming hole to develop a skills course, which will likely need to be hand-built
  • Lake Orion Township/Friendship Park – currently pursuing construction of mountain bike trails, possibly tie in with Lake Orion HS trail system
  • BM North – trail conditions: overgrown/trees down due to recent storms
  • Massive Fallout – potential to connect north and south, working with the township to see if they can provide a flashing intersection

Clinton River park trail

  • Mostly underwater the last week due to recent storms

Columbus

  • 2 miles of new trails built during the last year, approval received from the park to mark out additional trail
  • Flooding from the river has made maintenance difficult; multiple trees down but unable to reach them

Pontiac Lake

  • Trees recently cleared, new features installed
  • New changing station to be installed near the bathrooms
  • Memorial benches to be installed around the park

Stony Creek

  • New Trail Coordinator – Aaron Barla
  • 2 additional sections of trail with wooden features to be finished before a “soft opening” can be held in the next few weeks
    • Grand Opening – TBD, to be coordinated by the park
    • Signage concerns – current indicators are too small to determine if it’s hiker/biker/2-way from a distance

Woodsong County Park

  • Info is up on TrailForks
    • Currently approximately 2 miles of trail, working on another ½ mile

Oakdale

  • Within the last week, trail map was posted
  • Group rides to be held at 6pm on Wednesdays

Bike Patrol

  • Vito Manzella has replaced Jeremy Verbeke
  • 62 active members (2nd largest chapter in the National Ski Patrol)
    • 10 new members
    • ~30 members refreshed their first aid skills
    • ~15 events currently on the calendar to provide support

Massive FallOut

  • Need to consider other events to make sure we are not overlapping/trails in use

MiSCA

  • Race to be held at Addison Oaks on 9/12

Membership

  • 424 active members

Finances

  • $66,684 (before payment to Trail Sense for River Bends Phase 1)

Trail Conditions

  • Reminder to Trail Coordinators – if you’re going to host trail days, please let us know so they can be more widely advertised

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April 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s April 2020 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, April 9th 2020 at 7pm via Google Hangouts.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Marc Padin, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, Mike Reeves, John Knight, and Ken Markiewicz.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

  • Board approved motion to pursue the purchase of small, portable “silky saws” for Trail Coordinators, which can be used to saw through debris up to 18” in diameter
  • CK Canal Signage was purchased, cost for signs was shared between the Rochester Historical Society, the CK Canal Society, and CRAMBA.
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February 2020 General Membership Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s February 2020 General Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, February 18th 2020 at 7pm at Hogg’s Hollow in Utica.34 members were in attendance.Membership: currently have 456 members - 404 current, 52 lapsed/expired.  May is our annual Spring Membership driveFinances: Currently $51k in the bank, big expenses for the year include $6k for insurance and expenses related to the Addison Oaks race

  • Stoney Creek: No bids had yet been placed on the project during 2nd round of bids
  • Ay CRAMBA Winter Event: Weather for the weekend is forecasted to be too warm, but membership elects to continue to hold as a social event, and refrain from trail use if the temperature gets too high.
  • Survey Results: Survey results are available on CRAMBA.org. Highlights of the findings include requests for more features, harder lines, better communication/improvements to the website, and more group rides.
  • eBikes: Survey results indicated that most had no opinion or were in favor. CRAMBA is a group that advocates for trail access for mountain bikes, and supports Class I (pedal-assist) at the Land Manager’s discretion, and if a usability study has been performed.  CRAMBA is against all forms of Class II (throttle-controlled).
  • Restructuring of Committees: Current committees (Events, Communication, Trail, and Membership) are largely inactive. Looking to rebrand these as Special Interest Groups, requesting volunteers and sign-up sheets were passed around during the meeting.
    • Bike Patrol: officially recognize as a part of CRAMBA, currently not identified in bylaws and looking to formalize.
    • Trail Improvements: Ride trails, identify areas that need attention or have good potential for new features or reroutes.  Work with the Trail Coordinators to make things happen.
    • Events: Run existing events, come up with ideas for new events, collect feedback and ensure CRAMBA is using that feedback.
    • Advocacy: Dedicated to the advancement of mountain biking in our area.  New trail developments, solving potential conflicts with land managers through education.
    • Membership Involvement/Community Outreach: Get people to attend our events, rides, and trail days.  Make announcements, manage social media pages regarding our events.  Work with Events group.  Bring topics to the board that may need discussion.
    • Fundraising: Garner donations for new projects, events, and ideas.  Files for relevant grants.  Seek out local organizations to sponsor events as long as the businesses don’t conflict with CRAMBA’s mission (no MLM).  Seek membership signup/renewal contributions for people at our events.
    • Ride Hosts: Help run group rides, meet attendees’ expectations.  Come up with other rides that could be more social in nature, or to other destinations around the state.  Host rides at other times of the day.  Daytime and nighttime rides, weekend rides, etc.  Ex. host rides on MOT when trails are under water.

Trail UpdatesAddison Oaks: Need people to show up so that they can take pictures of “people on fat bikes” (held 2/22).  CRAMBA was presented with a plaque as a thank you for donating snow grooming equipment for the trails.Bald Mountain: Lake Orion high school has a trail system, but is not recognized by the state at this time (currently, some of the trail goes onto private property and needs to be redirected).  A connector bridge is being started this summer from Paint Creek to Bald Mt. South.  Looking to structure Bald Mt South as a “beginner” trail system, and turn Lake Orion into “intermediate” trails.Bloomer: Last fall new signage went in, but there are still a few spots that would benefit from additional signage.  Recent rains have done damage to the trails, and trail work will need to be done.  Bloomer suggested as a potential location for a weekly ride, or possibly night rides.Clinton River Park Trails: $800 was received from the Rotary Club to help rebuild a bridge, there is deadfall that needs to be removed, and the trail could benefit from additional signage.Columbus County: A bridge was donated for the trails but still needs to be installed, brush needs to be cleared out.Holly Holdridge: Not permitted to use snow grooming equipment on certain sections of trail, but there is a snow bike route (visible from Ron’s Strava).  CRAMBA donated money to help replace a roof on a pavilion with the stipulation that a dead tree overhead is removed.Holly Rec: Wilderness Trail – signs are incorrect: Lakeshore Loop is not open to bikes but the Wilderness Trail is.  Looking to see what traffic the trail is getting in the winter.  Fuel sponsor for trail grooming: CMS Fueling Station and Craft Beer.  Groomed twice at Holdridge, three times at Wilderness Trail.  Look on Facebook for Holly Area Mountain Bikers “HAMBsters” for group rides and trail conditions.Pontiac Lake: The portion of the trail that’s groom (via snow mobile) is rideable, some additional signage was recently put in.River Bends: Groomed as often as it can be, given the current weather.Stoney Creek: Needs a cleanup day sometime in April.  Looking for people to step up as “foremen” to be able to lead trail workdays.Oakdale: Lapeer wants another 4 ½ miles put in this season, and is actively looking to make the are an “all season trail”.Holly High School: Drainage issues have been fixed, the school is looking to expand/tune up the trails as they are actively used by kids.Seven Lakes: Interested in doing some re-routes around rattlesnake land and repairing some blown out trails.

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April 2019 Membership Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s April 2019 Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 7pm at Hog's Hollow in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, and Roger Class present for the CRAMBA Board. (Mike Reeves were excused absence.) Minutes recorded by Steve Vigneau.

  • CRAMBA presented the Wildcat groomer to Addison Oaks for their trail grooming use in the next winter season.
  • Steve Vigneau discussed the Shelden Trails project with the membership
  • Bike Patrol (Jeremy Verbeke)
    • Orientations coming up.
    • Transition from IMBA to National Ski Patrol association is complete.
    • Currently 46 CRAMBA Bike Patrolers.
  • Membership (Chris Westerlund)
    • 438 Members with Paid-Up Dues
    • Membership drive coming up where two Pivot biked will be given away.
  • Addison Oaks Race (Chris Westerlund)
    • Second Sunday of September, per usual.
    • Will be the last race of the CPS Series this year, which should get a good turnout.
  • Massive Fallout
    • Will be overseen by Wade Robbins this year, with assistance from Brian McPherson.
    • Taking place on September 28, 2019.
  • MiSCA Race will be happening at River Bends later this year.
  • Island Lake Bike Demo happening on May 4th; Brian McPherson will be representing CRAMBA.
  • Finances (Steve Vigneau)
    • Current balance of $31,506
    • Reminds Trail Coordinators to find projects, as this money is available for supporting the trails.
  • Trail Updates
    • Columbus Park: Currently under water, May trail day in the works.
    • Bloomer: Erik will be doing some clean-up on Easter Monday.
    • Holly/Holdridge: Todd Parkinson provided an update on status; mostly good.
    • Pontiac Lake: Trail Days on May 11 and June 9th, 9am to noon, meeting at trailhead.
    • River Bends: Trail days will be forthcoming to finish the new parts of the CK Canal Loop.
    • Seven Lakes: Work is under way with the park to formalize CRAMBA's relationship.
    • Stony Creek: Trail Day on Easter Saturday, meeting in the B Lot, at 9am.
    • Holly High School: Good to go!
    • CRPT: Under water, as usual for this time of the year.
  • ODRAM donated an entry to be given away to a CRAMBA member. Roger Class held a drawing and it was won by Chris Patton.
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January 2019 CRAMBA Membership Meeting.

Board members present at the meeting were Brian McPherson, Steve Vigneau, Wade Robbins, Roger Class, and Mike Reeves.The meeting was called to order at 7:05 by Brain McPherson and approximately 38 people were in attendance.Steve Vigneau talked briefly about the purchase of the Snowdog Trail Groomer for $4300.00.  The old snowmobile is to go to Holdridge for the Wilderness loop and the old groomer is likely going to Addison Oaks.Several of our CRAMBA trails purchased signage and those signs should be in this Friday (1/11/19).Jeremy Verbeke stripped the CRAMBA trailer of the old outdated wrap, and put our new CRAMBA logos onto the trailer.  It looks great, thank you Jeremy.Stony Sheldon Trails redevelopment update.  CRAMBA and the Metro Parks have been working together for a few years to redesign the trails at Stony Creek.  Applied Trails Research out of State College Pennsylvania, put together their proposal for the project and we are waiting for final approval.  The design should begin in the spring and the build should be done by the end of 2019.  The trail will be a series of linked, loops, that increase in difficulty.  Much of the old trail will be retained, some of the difficult to maintain sections will be eliminated.  Keeping the skills area is something CRAMBA is trying to workout with the park.  It is ultimately the parks decision to make, CRAMBA is trying to give them options to keep it if they ultimately choose to do so.Bike Patrol update from Jeremy Verbeke.  Transition to National Ski Patrol is about halfway complete.  The 2019 roster is down to 35 from 70.  Out of the 70 patrollers last year, only 39 were active.  The rest either did not patrol, or did not report their patrols.  March 30 is the first training for non-ski patrollers on the roster.  April 13 is the training date for new patroller. Any questions, or if you are interested in bike patrol, email Jeremy at bikepatrol@cramba.org.Ay CRAMBA It's Cold Out is scheduled fro February 2nd, 2019 at noon.  It's the 6th Anniversary of the event, which is a great opportunity to come out and test ride fat bikes at River Bends.  If the conditions aren't good, the makeup date is set for February 16th.  We will have CRAMBA stocking/ski hats for sale at the event for $20.  40% of the hat proceeds go back to CRAMBA .  Also KLM will be sponsoring a membership drive at the event, covering $20 of the fee.The fall 2018 membership drive was very successful.  We are at 413 members currently.  November was the best membership month CRAMBA has ever had.  Also, family memberships are the same price as individual memberships.  So, go to the website and add your family members.  This will assist us with our overall numbers.  "Strength in numbers" very much applies with advocacy.The Addison Oaks XC Race will be held on September 8th, 2019.  This year it very well may be the last race of the CPS series.  Waiting final confirmation of the CPS Schedule, hopefully later this month or in February.Massive Fallout will be the last weekend of September.  We will need volunteers to mark the route, and someone to lead the project.  We will be working with the local parks and communities to hopefully have more permanent signage put up, to make the prep for the ride every year easier.River Bends will be having its first ever Mountain Bike Race.  It will be a kids MISCA race.  CRAMBA is very excited about this.  CRAMBA has only assisted with route suggestions for the race, and is not officially hosting the event.  Go to MISCAbike.org if you have kids interested in racing.Steve Vigneau offered his Treasurer's Report.  Our current balance is at $32,320.  This is after the $3,200 for signage at Pontiac Lake, River Bends, Bloomer, Stony Creek, and the Clinton River Park Trail.  This balance also includes the $4,300 for the snowdog.  CRAMBA received a $500 donation from the MOVE IT Fitness organization.  Big thank you to them!  The big upcoming expense this spring is our annual insurance payment of around $6,000-$7,000.  The Addison Oaks race brings in around $6,000 annually.  We have been fortunate and have had good weather, and a good turnout most years.  If we have a bad year we would lose a significant portion of our income.  It is important to remember that we need to keep a "cushion" for possible situations like this.TRAIL UPDATESRoger Class stated that Addison will be groomed when we finally get snow.Columbus Park is continuing to tweak the single track when they can.  Weather and conditions are not cooperating at the moment.Pontiac Lake is receiving new signage, and the new changing station project is moving along.  Plans have been submitted to the park management and we have a good lead on funding (possible corporate donation).River Bends has work progressing on the new CK Canal Loop (red).  1.6 miles were added over the summer of 2018, and another 1.1 miles is ready to be built out.  @ new bridges were built with a donation received by Wade Robbins.  A couple residents have complained that parts of the new trail comes to close to their property.  The trail is 60-80 feet from their property, and has a rail road track and bed between their property and the trail.  Jeremy is working with Shelby Twp to come up with a solution to make everyone happy.  Watch for trail days to be listed on Facebook.We are working with Stony Creek to find a way top allow fat biking at Stony Creek.  Stay tuned.Holly High School trail is still available to ride, and plans are made for 8 miles of trail to be built in Lapeer.  This trail will be near the jail/prison, the DTE solar panel field, and I-69.Meeting adjourned at 7:45.

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CRAMBA FALL 2018 MEMBERSHIP MEETING AT CK DIGGS

October 2018 CRAMBA Membership meeting at Ck Diggs in Rochester Hills.  The meeting was called to order by Steve Vigneau at 7:15 pm.  Board members present at the meeting were Steve Vigneau, Kristen Barry, Brain McPherson, and Mike Reeves.Stony Creek Update:Applied Trails Research is finishing up, and will be seeking approval later this year.  The project is estimated to run around $250,000.Howlin at the Moon event is coming up at 6:30 on 10/27/18, bring lights.  It is a fundraiser for the new trail project.  It includes something for all the major user groups.  Hiking, Running and MTB.  We are looking for volunteers to lead rides by people that are familiar with the Sheldon Trails. Addison Oaks Race update:The race was successful even with the threat of poor weather.  Around 300 racers entered the event and is our major fundraiser for the chapter apart from the dues and individual donations.  The race generated around $6,000 for the chapter.  A new start finish route was utilized this year and it worked out great. Aye CRAMBA It's Cold Out!:This event is coming up February 2nd with 2/16 has a make up day.  It is a demo day with local shops being on site at River Bends.  We are in search of volunteers for this event.  Please contact Kristen Barry if you are interested in helping out. Massive Fallout update:Brian McPherson spent a lot of time setting up the course due to a lack of volunteer support.  The weather was not good and Brain stated that only 4 people actually completed the whole route.  Despite the weather there was a pretty big turn out considering the weather.  Next year we may try and coordinate Massive Fallout with the Rochester Octoberfest.  There are some logistical struggles such as parking.  If you have ideas please consider coming to the January membership meeting and sharing, or contacting a board member. Membership update:Chris Westerlund reports we have around 450 paid members at the moment.  Please renew your membership.  The IMBA is sponsoring a membership drive where you can win a Yeti Kit plus a $2,000 JensonUSA shopping spree, a Western Spirit cycling trip for two and a bike flights shipping voucher for two.  This is good for the month of October only. Kristen Barry's treasurer report:Kristen states that we are in good shape financially with about $36,000 in the bank with no further major expenses coming up this year.  Last year at this time we had about $30,000.  As a board we decided to set aside $10,000 for trail improvements.  We let the various trail coordinators know that they could have up to $1,000 for projects, and to let us know.  We have around $12,000 a year in operating expenses which includes such things as $7,600 for insurance ($1600 for race and $6000 for chapter insurance),  and $600 for the storage unit. Addison Oaks Update:Working on an agreement with the park that will allow us to have large scale trail days, above and beyond the great work that Paul does out there.  They are going to try and improve the trail grooming process this winter, so look for groomed fat biking at Addison this winter. Bald MountainNo report Bloomer Update:There will be a fall project, not sure what it is yet, so more to follow.  Continuing to try and peacefully coexist with the other trail users and making sure all parties are happy.  Looking to for a volunteer and a truck to pickup a large amount of flagstone and bring it to the park. Clinton River Park Update:everything is going good at CRPT and look for improved signage in the near future. Columbus Park Update:Approximately 1 mile of new trail and continuing to work with the park for more trail. Holdridge Update:No report. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Update:No report. River Bends Update:New CK Loop about half done and will hopefully be completed this fall.  The temporary bridge accessing the new loop will be replaced soon and will be about 6 feet wide with railings.  The new loop will also be included in the fat bike grooming process this winter. Stony Creek Update:The major Sheldon Trails Project is really the only news here. Night Riding Etiquette:Make sure the particular park is open for night riding.  And if you are riding backwards please yield to the riders going the standard direction. Bike Patrol Update:No report from Jeremy Verbeke at this time.  However we ill report that Jeremy passed the medical certification process and is the mountain bike patrol director.  This transition is on going and look for more news in the future. CRAMBA Board Update:Steve Vigneau can no longer be the chairperson (Term limited), but will be staying on the board in come capacity.  Kisten Barry can no longer be the treasurer (term limited), and will be stepping down from the board and will be the CRAMBA volunteer director.  Mike Reeves and Brian McPherson will also be staying on the board.  Eric Mile will be stepping down from the board.  Thank you to Wade Robbins, Ivan Krasanov, and Roger Class who volunteered to be on the board. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.

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July 13, 2017 Chapter Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes7-13-17This meeting was held at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. There were about 15 people in attendance.Steve Vigneau chaired the meeting. It was called to order at about 7:44PM.Minutes of the previous meeting were not read

  • CRAMBA signed the 2.0 Chapter agreement with the IMBA
    • Dues are now split 50/50 with IMBA
    • Doesn’t really affect us that much
    • CRAMBA now has our own 501c(3) as a prudent safety-net measure
    • CRAMBA supports the MMBA and their efforts but we (CRAMBA) will maintain a wait and see posture as to our further affiliation
  • Shelby Township Award
    • CRAMBA has received the “Better Place to Play award from Shelby Township
    • Jeremy Verbeke will receive the award on behalf of CRAMBA
  • MMBA Bike Festival Cancellation
    • The MMBA has officially canceled the MMBA Bike Festival at Boyne Mountain
    • Registered riders will get a full refund
  • Metro Parks Information
    • Steve reported that he will be meeting with the interim director of the Metro Parks
    • He will be discussing the MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) and getting it signed
    • Improvements to the current trail system
    • Hiring a professional trail builder for design of new trails
  • Board Elections
    • Steve announced that CRAMBA will have openings for new board members at our next election
    • Election for new board member will be at our October 19 meeting
    • Jeremy Verbeke noted that volunteers for committees need not be board members and indeed, ideally they are grooming for eventual board membership
  • CRAMBA receives REI garnt
    • Jeremy Verbeke announce that CRAMBA received a $5000.00 grant from REI
    • CRAMBA used this money to build two new trail kiosks, one at Pontiac Lake and the other at Holdridge
  • Blitz Day report
    • Mike Fitzpatrick said the Blitz day was a measured success with a net of 42 new or renewed members
    • CRAMBA had 13 station set ups at 12 trails with 33 total volunteers
    • All original and summation documentation has been recorded in Basecamp for next year
  • Trail updates
    • Ron Arnott said the Meadows at Holdridge has been bush-hogged and is in good shape
    • Cori Chesnutt said they are holding a Beginner Information ride on July 29 between 10:00 and 12:00 at Holdridge to introduce new riders to the mountain bike experience.
    • Zandra reported they had a successful trail day with good participation and bermed some need sections of trial
  • Bike Patrol
    • Jeremy Verbeke reported that CRAMBA now has 58 Bike Patrollers (up from 49 at April’s meeting). Good job Jeremy!
    • The Bike Patrollers have received generous donations from different sources totaling about $1550.00
  • Take a Kid Mountain Biking
    • No formal report but Mike Fitzpatrick reported that attendance was up over last year’s very successful event
    • Well organized with food, waivers, helmets, bike numbers, Bike Patrollers as guides
    • No injuries
  • Treasurer’s Report
    • No formal report but our balance after expenses is about $17,000.00
    • Our balance is a bit better than this time last year
  • GOT Clinic
    • Scheduled for August 20
    • Restricted to 18+ riders for liability reasons
    • Marty Shue will be the instructor
  • Addison Oaks Classic
    • Roger reported everything is on track
    • Still looking for title sponsor and number sponsor
  • Massive Fallout
    • Chris Westerlund showed a sample of a direction sign that will be used this year.
  • Winter Grooming at Holdridge
    • Cori Chesnutt is exploring winter grooming at Holdridge
    • They pack with snowshoes now
    • Looking for a groomer
    • Have access to a snowmobile

Next chapter meeting will be October 19, Thursday, at 7:00 PM at Addison Oaks

  • Elections for board
  • Pre-meeting ride (bring lights)
  • barbecue provided
  • .
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April 2017 Chapter Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes4-13-17This meeting was held at the Rochester Mills Beer Company. There were about 50 people in attendance.Jeremy Verbeke and Steve Vigneau chaired the meeting. It was called to order at 7:03 PM.Minutes of the previous meeting were not readAward Presentation: Jeremy Verbeke, on behalf of CRAMBA and the entire local mountain biking community recognized Mark Senyk with an appreciation award for his many years of volunteerism maintaining the trails. Pete Kresmery, CRAMBA’s TC from Stony Creek added this, “Mark is my "Go-to" guy. He always seems to be available to lend a hand, even when it's too hot to be out there in the woods, he's there. I'm able to "bounce" ideas off of him, especially while we're riding the trails.”

  • Major Trail updates and Trail Day Announcements
    • Addison Oaks County Park
      • Roger Class is our new TC for Addison
      • Please note, June 4th the trails will be closed to mountain bikers due to a trail running event.
    • Bald Mountain
    • Clinton River Park Trails
    • 150 ft board walk over marshy area will be constructed by volunteers from LL Bean funded in part by LL Bean and Back to the Beach.
      • May 6 is the first trail day
    • Columbus County Park. Don Miller III has volunteered to be CRAMBA’s trail coordinator for this trail. Thank you Don!
    • Holly-Holdridge. Cori Chesnutt said the first trail maintenance date is June 10. They may have one prior to that depending on trail conditions and will promote it once the date has been set.
    • Orion Oaks County Park.
    • Ortonville Recreation Area
    • Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
    • River Bends Park
    • Ruby Campground
    • Seven Lakes State Park
    • Stony Creek Metropark. Steve Vigneau introduced Katie Kowalski. He updated these minutes as follows: "CRAMBA is working with Huron-Clinton Metroparks on Stony Creek in support of reaching the goals outlined in the five year plan. Katie Kowalski, Volunteer Services Supervisor, was in attendance at the meeting, and we are working closely with her on this project. We are looking to grants, including those from REI, to support this work. Mountain bike trail supporters, who turned up at the Stony Creek Master Planning meeting a year ago, were key in getting these improvements in the Master Plan which should be good for all of us."
    • Sony Creek Skills Park. Dave Schall has done a good job with cleanup and housekeeping on this younger age usage trails.
    • Foundation Trail – Holly High School
    • Genesee County Park
  • Bike Patrol
    • CRAMBA has 49 active bike patrollers for 13 trails
    • Spring training event tentatively set for April 29 (full day – CPR, first aid, trail ride)
    • For more information go to CRAMBA-IMBA, Mountain Bike Patrol page
    • Email at bikepatrol@cramba.org
  • Take a Kid Mountain Biking
    • Saturday, June 3 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at River Bends
    • Bike Patrol will help direct riders throughout the trail system
    • REI will be on-site to teach children basic bike maintenance, as well as do safety checks on bikes
    • Spare helmets will be available
  • IMBA, Steve Vigneau gave a brief update
    • CRAMBA accrues a significant benefit from our affiliation with IMBA and MMBA
    • $39 annual membership will begin June 1, 2017.
    •  50/50 revenue split on individual and family memberships with IMBA/CRAMBA
  • MMBA is sponsoring an Expo/Festival in Boyne City on August 25, 26, for the expressed purpose of funding our ED’s salary.
    • Good news: due to sufficient sponsor subsidies the cost for an individual was dropped to $100.00 for the weekend.
    • The Expo/Festival will have rides, races, training, etc.
    • Held at Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, MI
    • From the MMBA website: Featuring: Women's Skills Clinic, Hands on Trail building Clinic, Advanced Jumps and Berms Clinic, Wheelies & Lifts Clinic, Kid's Skills Clinic, Demo Fair @  Avalanche Trail, Saturday evening show featuring The Ragbirds, Sunrise Breakfast on the Trail
    • Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/mmbf17
  • Membership Status
    • Mike Fitzpatrick reported that we currently have 440 paid and lapsed members which is a net increase 40 members in the last 3 months (really good because the first quarter is our slow season)
    • Of note: R2R social ride group joined and so did Macomb Bike
  • Membership Blitz on June 17, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
    • Planning on all 13 trails being represented
    • 2 volunteers at each trail head – we currently have 29 volunteers!
    • Feather signs with CRAMBA and logo purchased and ready to go
    • Some trail poster signs in the works
    • Complimentary T-shirts for all volunteers
    • Only have 3 trails to go for written permission – thank you Chris Westerlund
    • Smart phone sign-ups are easiest (actually got 4 new members from this chapter meeting via phone)
    • Stretch goal of 100 new members from this one day event
  • Marty said that CRAMBA jerseys are now available and reported the following:
    • Jerseys are produced on demand and will take 7 business days to ship
    • CRAMBA receives 15% of the retail cost.
    • Orders $75 or more will receive free USPS shipping.
    • Currently offering club and trail jerseys. If we get enough orders, we can add more items (like shorts!).
  • Massive Fallout was a big success last year with about 300 riders
    • Chris Westerlund said this year we will have better trail and directional signs
  • CRAMBA pint beer glasses are in and will be available.
  • Treasurer’s report
    • Balance of $19,509 after pending expenses are paid.

Next chapter meeting will be July 13, Thursday, at 7:00/7:30 PM at Pontiac Lake

  • Pre-meeting ride – BTW, this is an intermediate + trail (newbies plan on 1.5 hours)
  • barbecue provided
  • BYO beverage

Meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM.

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Chapter Meeting Minutes 1-10-17

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes1-10-17This meeting was held at the Rochester Mills Beer Company. There were about 50 people in attendance.Steve Vigneau chaired the meeting. It was called to order at 7:05 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportNo minutes of the previous meeting were available Old/New Business

  • Bike Patrol
    • CRAMBA has 44 active bike patrollers for 13 trails
    • Patrollers put in 2642 volunteer hours in 2016 with over 13,800 miles logged
    • Spring training event tentatively set for April 29
    • For more information go to CRAMBA-IMBA, Mountain Bike Patrol page
    • Email at bikepatrol@cramba.org
  • Winter Grooming
    • Successfully using a 1979 Yamaha snowmobile pulling a new groomer
    • River Bends, Addison Oaks, and Bald Mountain South are groomed
    • Jeremy made a side comment that, after a thaw, groomed trials are icier than a non-groomed trail
  • Leaf Blowing Protocol
    • Please contact your trail coordinator prior to leaf blowing any trails. There are two schools of thought as to the efficacy of leaf blowing and according to Nick Shue “both are right”
  • IMBA
    • Melissa Werkman our ARD (Assistant Regional Director) from IMBA has her salary funded for only a couple more months. MMBA has hired her as our ED (Executive Director.
    • MMBA is sponsoring an Expo/Festival in Boyne City on August 25, 26, for the expressed purpose of funding our ED’s salary.
    • The Expo/Festival will have rides, races, training, etc.
  • Membership Status
    • Mike Fitzpatrick reported that we are sorting out exactly what our membership is but it looks like officially we have 335 paid members – up 100 net members last year.
    • CRAMBA is planning a Membership Blitz on June 17 consists of”
      • 13 trail head set ups
      • 2 volunteers at each trail head – will need 26 volunteers total
      • Credit card readers at each station
      • Goal of 100 new members from this one day
      • This trail will be listed officially as a CRAMBA trail soon

Next chapter meeting will be April 13, Thursday, at 7:00 PM at the Rochester Mills Brewery.Meeting adjourned approximately 7:55 PM.

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Board Minutes 12-15-16

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes12-15-16The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PMBoard members present were:

  1. Jeremy Verbeke
  2. Steve Vigneau
  3. Mike Fitzpatrick
  4. Marty Shue
  5. Nick Shue
  6. Alice Jacobs
  7. Kristen Barry

Non board members present

  1. Dean Fitzpatrick

 Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 11-16-16 board meeting were read and approvedOld Business

  • City of Utica MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
    • Jeremy Verbeke reported that he met with the current mayor, Jackie Noonan, and the MOU was on the city council agenda but for some reason unknown it was removed and he didn’t get the opportunity to bring it up at the city council meeting.
    • A data fact is that only .27 miles of the River Bends trail system is on the city of Utica’s property – option to reroute maybe
    • There will be new mayor elect soon and Jeremy said that we can give it another try
  • Chapter Trailer for Groomer
    • Jeremy V. reiterated that we need to upgrade our groomer trailer with an appropriate size one that accommodates the snowmobile and the groomer. Nick said that there is a drive on/drive off trailer available at reasonable cost.
    • Jeremy said he will continue his search to find the new trailer for the groomer/snowmobile and report back.
  • Signage, Wrapping
    • Marty said she will follow up on the items below:
      • will check with Johnson printing about the cost of wrapping on the trailers and the TWA signs
      • cost of 6 new “Trail Work Ahead” signs
  • SWOT planning session
    • Despite IMBA’s issues this is still on for January 22
    • Melissa will lead us
    • Nick will confirm and get back to us with details
  • Chain Saw Safety Certification (revisited)
    • Steve forwarded an email from Jenny Schultz (POTO secretary) on chain saw safety and certification
    • Two days, Level 1 first day, Level 2 second day
    • 8 to 12 per class
    • $2000.00 total (CRAMBA has a 500.00 donation ear-marked for this training
    • CRAMBA, MCMBA and Poto are the three chapters interested so about $670.00/chapter
    • Jeremy V. will email our interest to Jenny by January 9th
  • Trail Maintenance Shirts (revisited)
    • Kristen reported that we still have a $500.00 approved for trail maintenance shirts
    • Steve said he has had no response from Holly High School print shop
    • Marty said she will contact Armadillo for these shirts and report back

New Business

  • Friends of Michigan State Parks Summit, Friday, March 3, Saturday, March 4, 2017
    • Steve attended last year – would prefer not to this year
    • Held in Roscommon
    • Kristen said that Mike Semaan might volunteer – she will contact him
    • This is a no charge event
    • FYI this is mostly an equestrian conclave
    • Will discuss further at next chapter meeting
  • Bike Patrol Year End Party
    • Jeremy V. asked for $300.00 for a year end appreciation party for our Bike Patrollers.
    • Motioned by Kristen, 2nd by Nick, passed unanimously - $300.00
    • Scheduled for Jan 5th, at the Hamlin Pub
  • Membership Recruitment
    • It was stated by several board members that we can get free smart-phone card readers through PayPal (super!)
    • The basic Blitz idea
      • Recruitment will take place at 13 trail heads on Saturday, June 17
      • Equipment consists of a card table, two chairs, two signs, and literature
      • crewed by two CRAMBA members wearing CRAMBA colors
      • payment by cash or credit card after sign-up sheet is filled in
      • sign-up sheet needs a segmented/boxed grid for email addresses
    • We set a stretch goal of 100 new members
    • Mike will get firm commitment for 26 volunteers –training on the card readers mandatory
  • Basecamp
    • Basecamp is a leading web-based project management and collaboration tool. To-dos, files, messages, schedules, and milestones
    • Yearly membership is $500.00
    • Jeremy V. moved CRAMBA sign up for Basecamp at 500.00/year for one year. Nick 2nd, passed unanimously
    • Jeremy said he would set up the following committees
      • Chapter
      • Executive
      • Membership
      • Trails
      • Events
      • Merchandising
    • Nick said “please do not put up .doc files – use pdf only”
  • Winter Grooming Fund Drive
    • Jeremy said we need some sort of funding for the expenses of grooming
    • A discussion concluded that we could use Aye CRAMBA as a grooming fund raiser
    • Nick said he would look into a “grooming fund button” for our Facebook page
  • Bike Weekend Festival at Boyne
    • Last weekend in August 25, 26, 27
    • Used as a fund raiser
    • Cost of $300.00 which includes 5 meals
    • This might be an avenue for paying for our Executive Director Melissa Werkman
    • Melissa is organizing (?)
  • MMBA update by Nick
    • Our ARD (Assistant Regional Director) has been laid off by IMBA
    • Retaining Melissa Werkman would cost about $50.000.00 per year
    • Steve talked with Bruce Alt (basically acting executive director) from IMBA to get information and wasn’t successful in learning much
    • IMBA was running a $500,000 deficit – with the 20% staff pay cut and lay-offs they are now running a $250,000 deficit
    • There was talk about the 60/40 split going to 50/50
    • We (CRAMBA) should know more by early January
    • Steve and Nick cautioned against any knee-jerk reaction to the IMBA problems – we need more information in detail
  • Year Book Ad
    • Board received an email from Ryan Zajac soliciting an ad in the Utica Warrior Yearbook
    • From $125.00 to $300.00
    • Short discussion took place with no decision
  • Communications Committee
    • Kristen said she will send out an email this Saturday or Sunday on the following:
      • Aye Cramba
      • Chapter meeting on January
      • Winter grooming information
      • Cramba membership info
  • Treasurer’s Report - Kristen said our balance after expense is about $24,000

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PMNext board meeting will be just before the January 10 chapter meeting at the Rochester Mills Brewery.  

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CRAMBA Chapter Meeting 10-11-16

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes10-11-16Jeremy Verbeke chaired the meeting. It was called to order at 7:30 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportNo minutes of the previous meeting were availableOld/New Business

  • Pete Kresmery Recognition
    • Aaron Burgess presented a plaque of recognition from the City of Sterling Heights to Pete Kresmery for his “…hard work and dedication…tireless effort and construction of the CRPT since 2009.
    • Thank you Pete from all of us!
  • Membership Status
    • Rodney Gullet reported that we have the highest ever membership at 342 current and 364 current + lapsed (lapsed is less than 6 months)
    • Jeremy said the CRAMBA is always in need of members to leverage our impact with the local parks and communities
    • CRAMBA also needs volunteers for the our several committees including event committee
  • Addison Oaks Race Recap
    • Roger Class was event manager
    • Conclusion that it was a great success – many unsolicited compliments
    • Had a major sponsor – Miller’s Big Red Cider Mill ($1200.00)
    • Participation was up about 15 from last year
    • Race had no rider injuries
    • Roger will head up next year’s race on September 10, 2017
  • Massive Fallout, October 15, Update
    • Kristen Barry is the event manager
    • She has enough volunteers
    • This is a ride not a race!
    • Long sleeve special Massive Fallout shirts will be available for $20.00
    • Ride starts at 8:00 AM with a mass start at 10:00 AM with photo
    • Pete, Catherine and Kristen will handle the food
    • No SAG available
    • correct pavilion for food will be to the left as you enter the clearing at Addison
  • Trail Updates
    • Addison Oaks
      • Great shape – thank you Pauli
    • Bald Mountain
      • Scott Cervin is the TC.
    • Bloomer Park
      • Erik Silvassy reported that we need some gravel in a wet corner – will get to it soon
    • Clinton River Park
      • Aaron Burgess reported a watershed project destroyed the asphalt path
      • Working with some Eagle Scouts on projects on October 22 and 29
      • Will build multi use – 2 sides – one for walkers and one for bikers
      • Received a $1250.00 check from Joe Burns for trial building
      • Received a $250.00 check from Joe Burns to spend at American Cycle and Fitness
    • Holly-Holdridge
      • Ron Arnott, TC, purchased a DR brush Hog and it works great
      • Did 26 miles of trail
      • Had to bench cut a couple of off-camber areas for safety reasons – only a couple of complaints
    • Genesee County Park
      • Ben Lindstrom is taking the lead on potential trails in Genesee county
      • No dedicated mountain bike trails now exist in Genesee county
      • Ben is circulating a petition to gage interest
      • Jeremy Verbeke reiterated that a trail to be successful needs grass roots, home town support
    • Pontiac Lake
      • Pontiac trail coordinator wasn’t present but Jeremy said the trail was in great shape.
    • River Bends Park
      • Jeremy said that using the rented heavy equipment was a big help installing the new sections
      • Newly installed Carsonite one way signs and intersection signs have been installed
      • Thank you to Metro Bike for installation of the bike repair stand.
    • Stony Creek
      • Dave Schall and Pete Kresmery are trail coordinators
      • Dave has work on the pines with drainage and berms - Thank you
    • Stony Creek Skills park
      • Dave said the skills park for younger riders is a feeder for the mountain bike trails later
    • Foundation Trail at Holly High School
      • Josh McCreedy built these trails with volunteers and has turned them over to CRAMBA
      • This trail will be listed officially as a CRAMBA trail soon
  • Rodney said it should be obvious to everyone that mountain biking in general and CRAMBA specifically have excellent momentum so let’s keep it going
  • Jeremy cautioned all riders to observe the one way direction of trails
  • Board Elections
    • 5 current returning board members are: Kristen Barry, Alice Kaufman, Jeremy Verbeke, Chris Westerlund, and Mike Fitzpatrick
    • 3 formerly term limited board members returning: Nick Shue, and Marty Shue, and Steve Vigneau
    • 1 returning sabbatical board member: Tony McGee
    •  Jeremy said that our by-laws allow 12 board members and opened up the floor for nominations but there were no names submitted.
  • IMBA World Summit
    • Steve Vigneau will represent CRAMBA at the IMBA World Summit in Arkansas
  • Bike Patrol
    • Jeremy Verbeke reported that we have 53 current members of the Bike Patrol
    • Jeremy will hold a training session for new members on October 30th
  • Financial Report
    • Kristen reported that our beginning of the year balance was $19000.00 and our current balance is about $19,000.00.
  • E-bike position
    • The MMBA’s position is that trails that have a “non-motorized” restriction must stay non-motorized – no exceptions (at least yet)
    • A question/discussion was brought up for the possible exception for a handicapped person – enforcement might be an issue
  • Thank you to:
    • Thank you to Eric and Christy for cooking tonight
    • Thank you to Rodney for being CRAMBA’s president last year

Next chapter meeting will be in January at the Rochester Mills Brewery.Meeting adjourned approximately 9:00 PM.  

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April Chapter meeting Minutes

CRAMBA CHAPTER MEETING4-13-167:15pm call to orderStony Creek Open House- Was a great success there was huge voter turn out for the new trail. Thank you to all the members that showed up. Steve and Pete are putting together a plan together for the trail. This trail will be part of a 5 year master plane with the park.The new winter groomed trails page is up on the web site. Thank You Nick for putting together.Melissa Werkman is has been hired as the IMBA ARD for Michigan.Membership- We are at 339 that is 73% increase. Means we now split 50/50 with IMBA.Treasure- Kristen has report. With donation of $100 from Macomb bike and $50 from sales force. $350 from Back to the Beach half marathon for bike patrol training.Nick to handle CRAMBA jersey. Cost will be somewhere around $75 design is being finalized.Board is looking into key chains and water bottles.Trails:

  • Addison- Is doing a control burn in the next couple days.
  • Stony- Trail Day 23rd will work on rock garden, boardwalk. Joe is donating wood for Boardwalk.
  • Bald Mtn- Trail day soon.
  • River bends- Jeremy and Steve have been in talks with Shelby tsp. They have agreed to pay for the signage for the trail.
  • There also was a recent trail day where a 10th of a mile new trail was cut. There is about another 150 yards of new trail still to be cut in. This will make the blue loop one way trail.
  • We are going to try and hold a trail building 101 & 102 classes with Nick and some other TC’s at River Bends.
  • Clinton River Park Trails (Sterling Heights)- is under water from all the rain.
  • Holly- Trail day the 23rd
  • Bloomer- Eric had a meeting with Alan. They discussed some different project. Eric will write proposals and present for approval. Also thinking about starting a Thursday night group ride. Along with maybe by weekly trail days on Mondays.
  • Josh from Holly High School spoke about his plan to build a trail behind the high school. And what he has already done and what his plans are to finish. And if CRAMBA would like to help.
  • Orion oaks manger also spoke about the trail system they are trying to promote.

Bike Patrol- New member orientation on April 30th. Will have 6 new members when done with orientation. Should increase number of patrollers to 48!Events:

  • Group rides- River Bends on Tuesday. Stony Creek on Wednesday see web site or Facebook for details.

 Dismissed at 9:30pm   

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January 2016 Chapter Meeting

Chapter Meeting

January 12th 2016

 Call to order 7:05pm

  • Rodney welcomed everyone
  • New Board went around and introduced themselves.
  • Michigan ARD
  1. Will work with Lansing
  2. Help get grant money
  3. Work with DNR on a regular basis.
  • Snow Stuff
  1. Thank You Mike Fitzpatrick for Groomer donation.
  2. Thank You Mark Senyk for finding and repairing snowmobile
  3. Thank You Dean Fitzpatrick for trailer donation.
  4. With all the donations total out of pocket cost is $1000 for registration and insurance for equipment.
  5. River Bends is the only trail at this time being groomed.
  6. Stoney is interested in looking at us grooming for them. The only place to MTB at this time is the trolley trails. Jeremy is meeting with them.
  7. Addison grooms themselves.
  • AY!CRAMBA
  1. January 31st
  2. 10 shops already signed up.
  3. 2 different ride groups.
  4. BYOB, 3 fire pits, pot luck
  • Treasurer
  1. Financial report $16,791.00
  2. Insurance is coming up. $2,000/$4,000
  3. New Trailer wrap $1500/$1800 (Thank You Kristi for mock up.)
  • Membership
  1. Current members 287.
  2. New price is $35
  3. We now have auto renewal.
  4. More members mean we go from 60/40 split to a 50/50 split from IMBA.
  • Bike Patrol
  1. 37 active patrollers.
  2. 2,950 hours patrolled.
  3. IMBA has a patrol video out.
  4. Will have a training session in April.
  • Trails
  1. Stoney- Rebuild board walk, rock garden. There is new bike repair stand.
  2. Holly- Stay away HUNTERS! Looking at trail day in June.
  3. Addison- BOB is in CHARGE!!!
  4. Bald Mtn- Stay off cross country ski areas that are groomed by DNR.
  5. CRPT- New bridges, working on signs for two traffic for RB/CRPT trail. Will work on soft area along M53. Got a nice donation for trail.
  6. River Bends- 2.5 miles scouted for new trail. Park and Rec. has eagle scouts that want to do projects.
  7. Bloomer- There is a whole new bridge in the tech loop. Working on future projects. Looking at doing a Thursday ride next year.
  • Events up coming
  1. Feb 6th American Cycle and Fitness Ladies Night
  2. Macomb Bike Ladies Night Feb 25th
  3. June 1st MTB 101 Shelby Twsp.
  4. Got MTB 101 Girls 18 & older July 24th & August 27th
  5. Addison Race Sept 11th
  6. Massive Fallout Oct 1st
  • CRAMBA Jersey- Nick is looking at on-line ordering

 AS ALWAYS CHECK OUT CRAMBA.ORG, AND FACEBOOK Dismissed at 9:30pm

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