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Paris Mountain Trail Day - Saturday January 7th 2012

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
All, I am posting for Jarret....... Jarret, please feel to add or correct anything that I have posted. Also, please stay tuned, as we will have more information to post as the event gets closer. Questions, let us know.

Jay


What:
Sulphur Springs XC Trail Work Day – SC State Parks sponsored by REI Greenville (Recreational Equipment Incorporated

When:
Saturday, January 7th
Start: 9:00 a.m.
Stop: 2:00 p.m. (approx.) or as long as you wish to stay

Where:
Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park RD, Greenville, SC 29609.
Vehicle/Participant Parking: at the new parking lot at the top of the mountain on the left just past the trailhead.

What’s in it for you?:
- If you had a good time at the DH race a few weeks ago and want to see it return, then this is the first necessary step in ensuring that the park allows us to hold the SC DH State Championships in 2012 on the mountain.
- For those that enjoy the XC trails at the park this offers a safer option to climb to the top of the mountain as opposed to the current route of climbing the paved route and sharing that route with vehicle traffic. This new trail will start/end at the Archery parking lot and work its way up the mountain ending at the top of the mountain just past the trailhead/parking lot on the right side of the road.
- Feel good by contributing to the creation and maintenance of the Paris Mountain Trail System… a lot of work goes in keeping the trails active of which we each like to enjoy as bikers and/or hikers.

Who else is going to be there lending a hand?:
- GE Employees
- REI GVL Employees
- Local Bike Enthusiasts – YOU!
- Park Management Staff
- Team Billy Goat Bikes – Mountain Khakis
- The more the marrier!

What do you need to bring?:
- A rested good spirit ready to get your hands dirty. No prior trail building experience is required.
- Warm Clothes/Gloves, it will likely be a little chilly
- BYOF&W (Food and Water)

What will be provided?:
- Tools – Shovels, Rakes, Hoes, Saws, etc.
- Feel free to bring your own tools if you prefer, but please be responsible for your own personal items.

Other:
- Park Admission : $2/adult; $1.25 SC Seniors; free for those 15 and younger
- In the event we experience Rain or Snow, the trail day will be rescheduled (no alternate date yet planned)

Contacts:
- Park Office: 864-244-5565, parismountain@scprt.com
- Jarret Peek (Event Coordinator) RM user ID: eccorp
 
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waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
Some fresh news, the GE (General Electric) Volunteer Organization and the GE Cycling Club have both committed to lend a hand. I don't have a head count, as it's a voluntary sign up process, but we are hopeful a number of people will be able to attend from those groups.

Jarret and Heither are working with and determining how many REI folks will be attending.

Let's show the same level of support from the private special interest sector (the fellow mtbrs) as local biz is committing!
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
Randy, Jarret's been working close with the park and has all info related to the agreed "can do's" and "can'ts." He should really comment, but from what I have personally been told, PM will not allow any other trail work until the new XC trail is done. Hence the focus to get this done asap. I believe (keyword) after that, they are open to suggestions and will listen (don't quote me on that).
 

bizutch

Delicate CUSTOM flower
Dec 11, 2001
15,928
24
Over your shoulder whispering
So you guys are going to give them what they want with no promise of any reciprocal agreement whatsoever?

Just a "we hope you let us stay if we do something completely unrelated" thing?

No offense because I want the DH there to stay, but this sounds like you guys are getting told no more DH...but build us an XC trail in the meantime.
 

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
No way that DH trail is staying open with the layout of the new sulfur springs trail. It crosses it several times and the whole point is to phase out the old, eroded trail.

They're helping out to maintain the relationship between mountain bikers and park management.

If I have two good arms by then, i'll be there, but it's not looking good.
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
Butch, I don't have all the details as Jarret is the one working with the park directly, but.....

Define "promise" and "agreement"? Is there a written contract or something signed in blood? No. But the alternative is do nothing and what will that bring us? Do nothing = get nothing. As with any relationship, personal or professional, you have to work together. You scratch my itch and I'll scratch (not that I want to scratch your itch or you scratch mine :D). I was told that if the locals want any DH trail at all at Paris (new or existing), this is step one.

No disrespect meant and I am not preaching.
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
An update to generate some interest:

REI has the trail day listed on their events page and we'd like those that are coming to sign up here: http://www.rei.com/event/33486/session/42018

Why sign up/pre-register? We need to get a head count as we are working to have food provided for those that are working the trail. We are basing the food on the head count, so (not to be harsh) if you don't register and we don't have an accurate count, then you show up, I'd prefer not to hear any complaints about "I didn't get any food" or "the food thing was a joke."

Prizes: REI Greenville has graciously offered to provide a few raffle prizes, nothing extravagant, but you very well could walk away with a gift certificate. Also, I am working to get a few similar prizes through Team BGB - Mountain Khakis. I will update everybody when I know more.

A day in the woods, getting your hands dirty, with friends, food, prizes........ Come on out!
 

motobutane

Monkey
Apr 27, 2010
516
0
WNC
So you guys are going to give them what they want with no promise of any reciprocal agreement whatsoever?

Just a "we hope you let us stay if we do something completely unrelated" thing?

No offense because I want the DH there to stay, but this sounds like you guys are getting told no more DH...but build us an XC trail in the meantime.
Butch, I don't have all the details as Jarret is the one working with the park directly, but.....

Define "promise" and "agreement"? Is there a written contract or something signed in blood? No. But the alternative is do nothing and what will that bring us? Do nothing = get nothing. As with any relationship, personal or professional, you have to work together. You scratch my itch and I'll scratch (not that I want to scratch your itch or you scratch mine :D). I was told that if the locals want any DH trail at all at Paris (new or existing), this is step one.

No disrespect meant and I am not preaching.
I hear both of you, I could state what I think personally about Paris mtn DH....but instead
I'll give my .02 about the argument.

From the perspective of Team Billy Goat Bikes its a chance to make a showing in force ( Maybe all wearing the same/new jerseys) with these 3 affiliates there...
-GE Employees
- REI GVL Employees
- Park Management Staff
it will be a step in the right direction for this team.
Although I know nothing about race promoting.... er maybe nothing in general:D
and on top of that I have never raced a DH race :shocked:

As far as Paris Mtn goes it seems a little different from most venues. I don't know of all the DH places that are race venues in the southeast but the ones I'm familiar with seem to be a dedicated DH area and PM is far from that.
It could be a "Pay-it-forward" or a payback from the last race only time will tell.Seems to me that getting someone on the state level to commit to an annual DH race at PM would be impossible.
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
Randy,
In terms of Team BGB-MK there really is no specific motive. Jarret, Brado, Josh asked Heither and I to get involved and we agreed (Heither works at REI and I at GE). I like wearing many hats, prob too many at times. The team is guilty by association, but I will admit personally I would like the team to be known as team players and giving back whenever possible. I did ask all team members to show up, as labor is needed and convincing a dozen people that are close is pretty easy. No jerseys... it's taking longer than I would like :).

All,
Let's all keep it positive guys. DHers get a bad rap most of the time and keep in mind this is not an trail day that is focused solely on the DH scene. The primary objective here, as for many years, riders have complained that there is no easy way to get to the top of the mountain other than the road up, which has a safety concern (although I don't think anyone's been hit or hurt by a car). We all ride XC at one time or another, so we do have a vested interest in the objective.

Yeah, the 2011 race had it's issues...... they all do, but I think they were minor and with lessons learned, hopefully steps can be taken to make sure it doesn't happen again. I am told that PM was very happy on all aspects and does want it to return next year.

I know I personally had a blast and I want it to come back for 2012. Cause I want it back, I will do what I can. If it doesn't materialize, hey I can go to bed knowing I did something good for the park and all you mtbers that want to go ride XC at PM.

I will ask Jarret to shed some light on PM's stance, as he's in the know.
 
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eccorp

Chimp
May 18, 2010
56
0
Just got done with meeting with the park. The DH race is a go for the 2012 year at Paris Mtn.


As for the trail, yes I am working with them, on a handshake agreement, to get the new trail built. Funds are acquired and donated. The new trail if built right will be just as fun as the old trail and even better. All parties involved are game to hold the '12 DH race on the new trail.

We are waiting on the trail builder hired by the Friends of PM to start work. We thought it would have been done by now but due to some fundamental issues there has been a hold up put in place as they are acquiring their own trail builder to complete what the previous trail builder had started. I am waiting for contracts to be written signed and agreed upon before his work can start. POLITICS SUCK. The park officials are going to push for an earlier start/completion date as I have been told it will be 60 to 90 days before start/completion. Hope to have an answer by weeks end.

If you want to put input in then show up on the 7th for the trail day.

I have been advised to get the new trail done then I can approach them to save the old trail. Yes the new trail intersects the old trail in several locations. My thoughts on the old trail would be to build skills features and make it a one way dh trail. Also a bike specific trail maintainence and upkeep provided by bikers. If I can get them on board this will be a written agreement and legally binding.
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
UPDATE on meeting location:

Where:
Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park RD, Greenville, SC 29609.
Meet in the main parking area, across the street from the park office and we will make our way to the trail.

We've got 12 registered with GE and about the same registered with REI last I talked to them. That doesn't include the Team BGB-MK members and any last minute show ups.
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
There's 36 registered on REIs site and I see 27 on the GE registration site. Should be quite a crew. See those registered out there tomorrow.
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
REI registration count has gone from 36 to 44 thanks to some of you last minute sand baggers out there. Mr Perez-Cubas I certainly hope you were not one of those new 8????? :rofl:
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
I don't know about you all (the ones that showed up), but I think today was a HUGE success. There were a ton of people out there, 73 signed in and I know a few didn't sign in. It was an impressive sight to see that many tools and that much dirt being moved. Most importantly, for those that have not yet seen the trail.... I think you will like it. As Jarret has stated, there is some opportunity to shape this trail a bit to our liking. So if you there are things that would like to have considered, I'd suggest you come lend a hand next time as all suggestions will be considered (keyword).

Thanks to REI Greenville, GE Energy Greenville, Upstate SORBA, the Park Staff and Team Billy Goat Bikes Mountain Khakis for coming together to make this event happen. Thanks to those whom lended a hand. I am sure I will forget somebody or there are people I dont know... but those I know and saw Jarret Peek, Brado, Matt Griffin, Jeremy Raney, David Perez-Cubas, Tim Barrett Jr., Holmes Cooke, Matt Haynes, Brook Buckelew, Ryan Taylor, Nick Frantz, Andy Pavlica, Nich I., Josh Bagwell, Robert DeMao, Jay Guidry, Scott and his son (don't know his last name), Treetie Hampton, Chip from SORBA, Maija Hurst, Bree Miller, Heither Schultz and everybody else.
 
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Jun 11, 2004
463
0
REI registration count has gone from 36 to 44 thanks to some of you last minute sand baggers out there. Mr Perez-Cubas I certainly hope you were not one of those new 8????? :rofl:

Sorry I forgot to pre-reg Jay....lol! :redface: It was impressive to see that many people working on a trail! And BTW, thanks for the lunch afterwards........ :thumb:
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
Pics don't really do it justice. It's much better when you are standing right there. Here are some of the new features. There is still lots more trail to come. All the other pics can be seen here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2438946292990.2109198.1231767445&type=1&l=e9a1d15ab5

Rocks and small berm at the top


The start of the HUGE berm at the bottom


Looking toward Archery - lots of flow


The SEI boys sizing it up - note the bit of lip there = air!


Small double looking toward Archery


The finished HUGE berm at the bottom.... you really need to see it to appreciate it


You can actually jump into the berm


The exit of the berm, mini rock garden and a bit of a step up
 
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waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
If anybody here on RM that volunteered yesterday has constructive criticism of any kind please feel to post. All ideas, suggestions, complaints will be taken under consideration. We are always looking to improve.
 
Jun 11, 2004
463
0
Dave, Sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you (or did I?). Did I get you in any of the pics, if so which? Thanks for your help.
Yeah, we've met Jay....and you got me in some pics. :rofl: I'm the guy in the US Open shirt standing next to Jeremy "Rogue Hoe Slay'in" Raney! lol
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
Duh! :( Didn't realize that was your user name...... I don't know everybody's user name yet. Not that is was easy put "Demo" together with you. Sorry Bud!