Trail News - February '97

Oh So Scenic 50K Fun Run and Bike - March 16th
The extremely popular Cool Canyon Crawl filled up the same week that the entry forms were sent out this year and many runners were disappointed that they could not get in. This prompted us to sponsor an alternative event on Sunday, the day after the Crawl, for runners and mountain bikers who would like to do a 50K. Since there is sometimes a problem this time of year with mud on the trails, we are using the Yankee Jims/Ponderosa Way loop for the course. About half of it is dirt roads and the rest is paved. It's a very challenging course, maybe harder the Crawl. The views are spectacular and there is very little traffic on most of the course. Russ and Diane Melanson measured the course and created the entry flyer. This will be a fun, low-key event, no fee and no awards/t-shirts. There will be two aid stations. We will decide where, when, what and who will be at those aid stations at the February meeting.

40+ Volunteers at Trail Construction Class / Work Days - January 11th and February 1st
The turnout was great for the State Parks and FATRAC sponsored trail-building seminar and work days on the new Foreshill Divide Loop trail. The class built about one mile of trail off Upper Lake Clementine Road. So far we have about three miles of the total 10-mile loop done. State Parks is inviting everyone to continue to participate in building this trail on the first Saturday of every month until the ground gets too hard to work with in the summer. The next work day will be March 1st, 10 AM, at Upper Lake Clementine Rd.

Our Christmas Party
The party room at the Forest House was packed. Erin McChesney's presentation was very entertaining and informative. We want to thank Erin for sharing her experience with us and also Shirley Richardson for distracting Erin's two busy boys so their mom could talk to us. The Forest House provided lots of food for everyone and we were able to use their big screen to watch National Geographic's version of this year's Tevis. We want to thank Echo Feed, the Courthouse Cafe, Tin Roof Bed and Breakfast and Fleetfeet for providing gift certificates for our raffle and everyone who bought tickets. We didn't raffle off the gift certificate for the Tin Roof Bed because we didn't receive it in time, but we really appreciate the donation. We have returned it, but hope that the next time we ask, they might be willing to donate again. All in all, it was a great party. In addition to Erin, famous celebrities such as Siggy Boss, Rex Bloomfield and Larry Jordon were there. We want to thank everyone for coming and for supporting the FTA.

Slack's Proposed Equestrian Center
Clayton and Sherryl Slack presented their preliminary plan for an equestrain center with a covered arena, cross-country riding course and horse bording facilities at the last FTA meeting. They have also presented their plan at the Forum. They are looking at building this facility on a 24 acre parcel near the Talley's orchard. At this time they are seeking input from the community on their plan and provided feedback forms for anyone wishing to comment.

Cool Mountain Bike Race - February 16th
The fifth annual Cool Mountain Bike Race is coming up. Interested racers should apply early because this race fills up fast. It is also a great event for spectators. For more information regarding the race, contact Auburn Bike and Hike Shop at 885-3861.

Youth Outing Postponed - February 17th
It was storming last month so we're going to try again to go up and play in the snow on Monday, 2/17, which is a holiday. If you'd like to join us, call Sherri at 367-3928 or meet us at China Wall at 10 AM.

Foresthill Trails Alliance                      PO Box 468, Foresthill, CA 95631
http://foothill.net/fta/                        email: fta@foothill.net