Fire Escape
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Joined: 12/6/2004
From: Epsom NH
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6 August 2008
MVTR August Meeting
The August meeting began a bit late, following up the Rocky Weekend de-briefing. It also began without PIZZA; apparently you cannot make an order to Dommino’s that simply calls for a delivery on the first Wednesday of every month.
The meeting did however begin with pictures of Talin (Ta-leen, if I got the pronunciation correct) O’Connor, born to John and Lisa on 20 July 2008 at 8 pounds and 3 ounces.
Events:
While waiting to get the Rocky Trail Bosses disengaged from the parts counter (due to riding the Berkshires?) for a report on our event we went on to reports from several of our members who rode the BTR event this past weekend. Commenting were David an A-Vet rider who took a 10th overall and Dwayne, whose 15th overall ride has moved him into the points lead as Senior/Expert. The New England terrain and weather yielded a course that included rock gardens, boot pulling mud and lots of overheating, i.e. “a good enduro course”.
Rocky Mountain Weekend:
54 PeeWees got a good workout riding more woods than most had experienced (prior to last weekend). Comments were overwhelmingly positive but we have some ideas of where improvements can (will) be made.
In the Jr. Enduro, we had 48 riders with the Minis working their way through 2 laps (10.7 miles each) and 6 checkpoints while the Juniors rode 4 laps of “New Hampshire’s finest terrain”. Checks were set up and speed averages increased incrementally each lap to let the riders learn some basic time keeping skills. Most were up to the challenge, a few however, learned that there is more to it than cranking the throttle by accumulating substantial “burn” penalties. In response to comments we will be looking at how to make the pits more centrally located (and control access, it isn’t a “social gathering spot”) as well as perhaps routing the course to allow parents to “see” their riders more than once per lap. Another idea under consideration is to add a “Sportsman Class” to the Jr. Enduro as a way for more riders to try out the enduro concept.
The lack of equipment to provide movies was a disappointment for some who have enjoyed them in years past. A few apparently attempted to remedy the lack of entertainment on their own with unsanctioned (and unwelcome) fireworks. No wildfires were started in the process and we are hopeful that this act won’t prevent our holding a Rocky Weekend 2009, time will tell.
There were 270 riders who turned out for the Hare Scrambles. Deteriorating, weather induced conditions (a common theme of late) on the course turned, what had been 22 minute laps in the preceding weekend tests into 30+ minute laps for the lead riders by the end of the day. In fact leading riders in the morning had lap times substantially equal to the top afternoon riders. Seeing this the Trail Boss and his associates would have liked to shorten the race to 5 laps but found their hands tied by the current rules in that regard.
The Opening Ceremony and the presence of supporters, Red Bull, Factory Connection and HRP were all subject of much positive comment. Hill was mostly successful in his assigned task of keeping track of Tucker, reportedly only losing him once and that for a short time. Now, the question, can we top it next year?
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ENDURO
Our Enduro will be coming up on October 26th. Trial Boss, Rick has been multi-tasking while working on the HS event, keeping an eye out for trails and terrain which can be worked into the enduro course. Work parties will be starting in the next few weeks, trying to get as much ready as possible before the enduro schedule becomes an “every weekend” thing. Watch your email for developments.
NOBLE WOODS WEEKEND
The weekend is FAST approaching, 9&10 August 2008. This year offering literally something for everyone with the Enduro and Big Bike Rally on Saturday followed by the Turkey Run on Sunday. Offering great trails, lots of scenery, good food and always terrific company this should be on your “must do” list. Already too late to pre-enter but make every effort to attend and support SeaCoast Trail Riders as they always support us.
OTHER STUFF
Three riders ventured forth on the “pre-meeting” ride. Substantially WET they considered it a conditioning ride for the “Ammo”.
The next Newsletter should be coming out in September and as always member contributions are welcome. Submit your story, tech tip, etc. to Jim at jmmccart4@yahoo.com for inclusion.
MVTR may be instituting it’s own “Club Rule” regarding work credit. Voluntary event participation has not been all it could be so it MAY be time to mandate how competition “Work Credit” is awarded. If you have an opinion on this please forward it to the MVTR Competition Committee (no, we don’t formally have one but consider it to be the Trail Bosses and Officers) for consideration.
Paperwork is already underway for the 2009 New England Classic Charity Trail Ride. The dates will be 13 &14 June 2009, mark your calendars now.
NETRA can now get event insurance for almost the same rates as they are getting it from the AMA. This allows posing the question as to whether or not they should do so, which would permit those who ONLY ride NETRA events to not purchase AMA memberships and thus save some money.
We need to appoint a new representative to NHOVA. Dave has been our representative for quite a while (when not flying at Opening Ceremonies) but would like to retire. If you have the time and interest, please contact Pres. Tom at Squeracing@aol.com.
Another reminder to competition riders, in order to get series points you must have a current NETRA Club Membership. Check your status on the NETRA website and if you find a problem (with club membership ONLY) contact our membership director, Art at ktm450rider@verizon.net.
We are looking into our representation at the State Trails Board as to whether we are represented by association or can have a club representative.
Once again we are in the presence of greatness. The newest AMA magazine has coverage of the Colorado 500 (street) ride. Tuck says they did their best to keep him off camera but daughter Morgan made the article.
 Bruce
< Message edited by Fire Escape -- 8/7/2008 11:42:18 AM >
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No one calls the Fire Department because they did something smart.
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