Change of Plans; updated

The season is off to a good start with two pavement rides - including the Spring Fling this past week where there were as many tutus as there were sandhill cranes! Though cool outdoors, it's been good to get out on the bikes with friends.

We were in the process of changing the location for next week's dirt ride when Singletrack Advocates opened the Kincaid trails that are south of Raspberry Road. So, see us there on May 24 and thank the wind for drying things out!

Also next week, if you'd like to give the trails a little TLC, you can join Singletrack Advocates in a work party or two. Here's a message from STA:

The trails are starting to dry out, and it's time to get them ready to ride!
Here are the first two volunteer opportunities of the season:

• Tuesday, May 23rd, Jodhpur Parking Lot at 6:30pm 
• Thursday, May 25th, Raspberry Parking Lot at 6:30pm 

Details:
A new waiver must be signed for every volunteer every year.
Please sign a waiver before you arrive:https://app.waiversign.com/e/5ec6a0d0275df10018e1cde3/doc/5ec6a250b3c8af0017c68cb5?event=none

Appropriate Gear and Clothing:

• Bring work gloves
• Bring water
• Wear long pants
• Wear work boots if possible

STA will provide tools and helmets (you may wear your bike helmet if you want). Expect to do some walking to get to the work site.

Here's information about participating in work crews. 

See you on the (paved) trails!

posted by Rose

Springish

Russian Jack bridge.

The calendar and the migrating birds say it's spring but we're still waiting for snow to clear from sections of the paved trails in town. Last weekend, the Ship Creek Trail was clear except for an icy tunnel, while the Coastal Trail and Chester Creek still had areas of snow. It is melting fast, but it sure doesn't seem that way.

We're hoping that our first ride of the season on Wednesday, May 10, will give us clear trails! Be sure to sign up so we know you're coming.

Meanwhile, we've already had two events. The Meet & Greet in late April was a chance to see familiar faces (without helmets!) and meet some new riding friends. It was great to be back in-person indoors for the first time since 2019 and I think Paramount Cycles was glad to have us back.

On Monday, May 1, we had our first Bear Aware clinic in several years. Many thanks to Kristine for arranging for us to be at the Hilltop chalet. The event was open to the public and we had guests from the BikeMe Anchorage group and other people from the wider community. Our presenter, wildlife biologist Marian Snively, showed us tips for effectively using bear spray and offered pointers for other ways we can stay safe while biking, hiking, and just living in bear country! We were able to practice with inert canisters, so it was a worthwhile refresher before we hit the trails.

Marian gives Patience some pointers.

Kristine nails it!

 

Here's a link with resources including videos to help you prepare for the season. Remember, while you're getting your bike and other gear ready, be sure to check your bear spray canisters to make sure they are not expired.

See you on the trails!

posted by rose

2023 Ride and event schedule (revised 5/20/2023)

Welcome to the ride and event schedule for 2023!

We're in the process of confirming a few events, including the start and finish location for our favorite pavement ride of the year: the Spring Fling!  

Please join us for the Meet and Greet where you can meet other riders and find out more about the upcoming season. We'll have a ride leader sign-up sheet, too, so please look at the schedule and choose a ride (or two) to lead.

All Wednesday rides from June - August begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted. May and September ride times are listed next to the ride date.

Helmets are required of all riders. Be sure your bike is in good working condition with tires aired for the trail type and the chain lubed and ready to go.

Please use the Meetup page to RSVP for rides and events to help us plan for enough ride leaders.

APRIL

April 24 (Monday)        7:15 Meet & Greet at Paramount Cycles; 1320 Huffman Park Drive

MAY

May 1              5:30 pm Bear Aware Clinic at Hilltop Chalet (open to public)
May 3              TBA
May 5              Singletrack Advocates fundraiser and annual meeting
May 10            6:30 pm    Chuck Albrecht fields paved ride
May 17            6:00 pm    Divas Spring Fling- meeting location: Delaney Park Strip, 10th & P Street
May 24            6:30 pm    Kincaid Park - Jodhpur Trailhead - hit the dirt!
May 31            6:30 pm    Abbott Loop Community Park

JUNE

June 7             Hillside/Far North Bicentennial Park - Drone Lane
June 10           Mountain Bike for Women Festival by Arctic Bicycle Club
June 14           Kincaid Park – Jodhpur Trailhead
June 21           Prospect Heights – South Rim to Hemlock Burn (State parks sticker on vehicle or purchase a parking pass at the trailhead
June 28            Abbott Loop Community Park

JULY

July 4 (Tuesday)         Holiday ride - TBA
July 5                          Kincaid Park – Jodhpur Trailhead
July 12                        Hillside/Far North Bicentennial Park - Drone Lane
July 19                        Prospect Heights – South Rim to Hemlock Burn (State parks sticker on vehicle or purchase a parking pass at the trailhead Change of plans: Move to Abbott Loop Community Park
July 26                        Hillside/Far North Bicentennial Park - Drone Lane

AUGUST

August 2          Kincaid Park – Jodhpur Trailhead
August 9          Abbott Loop Community Park
August 16        Hillside/Far North Bicentennial Park - Drone Lane  6:30 pm
August 23        Kincaid Park – Jodhpur Trailhead 6:30 pm
August 30        Abbott Loop Community Park  6:30 pm

SEPTEMBER

September 6               6:30pm            Kincaid Park – Jodhpur Trailhead
September 13             6:30pm            Hillside/Far North Bicentennial Park - Drone Lane
September 15-17        Friday – Sunday Eklutna weekend – fee required (members only)
September 20             6:00pm           Abbott Loop Community Park
September 27             6:00pm            Kincaid Park – Jodhpur Trailhead