Redwood Trails Alliance News

California Outdoors for All Initiative

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 19:30:36 GMT

This week, Deb, our Executive Director, attended a regional workshop along with 40 representatives from other California public agencies and nonprofits to begin discussions with CA Natural Resources Agency, Deputy Secretary Toy to identify barriers and opportunities to expand equitable outdoor access. This workshop is about building a solid foundation for developing an effective strategy and achieving access for all Californians, especially for communities currently lacking access to our state’s natural, cultural, and historic resources.

The timing of these workshops coincides with RTAs internal and external work discussing and advocating for the critically important topic of access for everybody and every BODY. We also had the opportunity to catch up with our friends at SCMTS, SFUrban Riders, CAMTB and CA State Parks Director Armondao Quintero and many others not shown.

Thank you, Parks California, and Bay Area Together for hosting a great workshop on the Outdoors For All Initiative. To learn more about the program visit

https://resources.ca.gov/Newsroom/Page-Content/News-List/California-Outdoors-For-All-Initiative

Biketown Film Premiere

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:25:00 GMT

Redwood Trails Alliance is excited to partner with Freehub magazine to share an evening with you, our trail loving community.

Join us for the movie premiere of Biketown, the awesome story of mountain bikers, unlikely partnerships and the communities they've created. Join us for a fun movie, community gathering, high fives and big smiles while supporting your local trail organization!

Ticket sales are only available through Redwood Trails Alliance. Tickets are $20 through August 10th. Onsite tickets, if available for $30. Limited seating so get your tickets now!!

Tickets available for purchase at Redwood Trails Alliance - Biketown Film

We look forward to seeing you at Summerfield Theater located at: 551 Summerfield Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 on August 11th.

Biketown film screening events benefit various IMBA Local Chapters and other nonprofit trail clubs across North America, while providing education, inspiration, and responsible trail stewardship.

Please note, the film is not officially rated and may contain occasional adult language.

California State Parks Foundation Grant for Trione-Annadel Work

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:24:16 GMT

Trione-Annadel State Park update:

Thank you to California State Parks Foundation for a $10,000 grant to help fund a volunteer coordinator for our volunteer work in Trione-Annadel State Park (TASP). We were awarded the grant thanks to support from Trione-Annadel staff and our Bay Area District Leadership. We are excited to be getting closer to getting work done in the park. We are still waiting on the Donation of Services Agreement to be signed pending a legal question pertaining to prevailing wage. We are hopeful the question will be resolved and we'll be back on track to get volunteer work and trail repairs started. We understand this has been a long process but we are optimistic and now with soon to be help from a dedicated volunteer coordinator.

We have ongoing conversations regarding a road and trail management plan (RTMP) for TASP and are excited this is a high priority for our district this year. In our partnership with TASP staff, Bay Area District leadership and Friends of Trione-Annadel we have begun talking about the process and what the next steps are. As we move forward we will reach out for input from our community on what you'd like to see. Your voice matters!!

For updates specific to our work in Trione-Annadel SP email us at TASP@trailsalliance.org. This will be the method we use regarding volunteer work days and updates on the RTMP

Boggs From the Ashes: How a Collaboration Resurrected a Recreation Area BY MAUREEN GAFFNEY

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:57:11 GMT

Singletracks.com recently posted an article written by Maureen Gaffney regarding the work being done in Boggs.

"Redwood Trails Alliance in 2022 is a force to be reckoned with. Formed in 2020, RTA works across three Northern California counties—Sonoma, Lake, and Napa—to “advocate for our diverse community of trail users. We teach responsible trail stewardship and offer volunteer trail work opportunities along with planning and construction services for trails for all to enjoy” according to their mission statement."

FULL BOGGS ARTICLE HERE

Trione-Annadel State Park Update

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:56:08 GMT

Trione-Annadel State Park update: We've been working with our Bay Area District leadership to negotiate a 2 year Donation of Services Agreement to authorize project work and maintenance work in Trione-Annadel State Park. We finalized the terms of our contract, sent it through partnerships office and legal office. Next steps are to get signatures from RTA and the Directors office. Final stage is to go through Department of Finance and it's done. This is the first contract of this type done with our district for TASP.

How the partnership works: Friends of Trione-Annadel is committed to raising funds for trail repairs and recently donated the FOTA Kubota to Redwood Trails Alliance for use in TASP. Redwood Trails Alliance will run volunteer crews and our trail team for repairs and maintenance work. State Parks will provide the guidance and support needed to approve and assist with the backlog of work. First project up is Lawndale from the parking lot to the creek crossing.

We recently submitted a grant request with the support of our Bay Area District leadership and park staff to fund a part time volunteer coordinator position for work in TASP to allow us the capacity to assist with maintenance work such as clearing trees and overgrowth in trails.

We continue are advocacy effort towards implementation of a road and trail management plan. This will be a long process and we will need help from the community to give input on what you'd like to see when the time comes. Again, this is a very long process but we are committed to keeping the conversation going and advocating for a streamlined method.

The Good, the Rad, and the Lovely!

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 14:54:49 GMT

Greetings Redwood Trails Alliance supporters!

We’ve been working hard to bring more trails and better trails to our tri-county area. Excitedly, we are on track to add 12 new miles of trail and a new pumptrack in 2022! We’ve been busy and we are stoked!

Our trail team under has been going gangbusters with trail project planning, mapping, excavating, improving existing trails, and training youth crews on durable trail construction. We’ve increased our community volunteer opportunities and added an all-community new trail build in Taylor Mountain. If you’re out and about and see the team, give them a shoutout. As you know, we’ve been growing rapidly over the past year. We are proud to have a full-time trail team and have plans to continue to grow our team over the next couple years. We have you to thank for our success! Expanding our trail team is due to your supporting memberships and donations.

Where we've been. Where we are. Where we will be: Boggs Mountain Demonstrations State Forest, Moore Creek Park, Skyline Wilderness Park pumptrack, Trione-Annadel State Park, Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Monte Rio Redwoods, Wright Hill Ranch, Helen Putnam Regional Park Hood Mountain Regional Park, Mark West Springs Regional Park and Pinnacle Gulch Regional Park.

We recently expanded our internal work and hired a full-time person to help myself and provide internal project management support for our trail team. This is huge! Rachael Bean transitioned from our trail team and into the office. Her experience as a trail builder makes her a perfect fit! Being supported internally will provide more time to focus on our advocacy efforts, communications, strengthening our partnerships and continue to develop our relationships with community leaders who see trails as an asset.

Our board of directors is also expanding. If you’re interested in what we do, reach out to me directly. deb@trailsalliance.org 3 spots are currently open. We have an enthusiastic, positive and deeply engaged board of directors who donate their time and expertise to ensure we are meeting our mission, vision, purpose, and values. Serving on the board for Redwood Trails Alliance is an opportunity to be involved in strategic planning, advocacy at the highest level and a great opportunity to get the inside scoop on trail projects, past, present, and future.

We held our first bike giveaway in 2022 to support our Bring Back Boggs campaign and raised $80,000 towards rebuilding Boggs trails! Even though the bike giveaway is over we continue to raise funds. Bring Back Boggs We recently launched our Trails Don't Build Themselves campaign in support of Dan's Wild Ride and Moore Creek Park trails. Check out our project support page HERE. Thank you to the private donors who pledged $50,000 to start off our fundraising efforts. Check our project page as we continue to update more projects we need funding for.

Last but not least, our Redwood Trails Alliance merchandise is on the way! We expect to have merchandise by the end of April. We'll update our STORE with photos soon.

Thank you for you being outdoor enthusiasts enjoying trails across Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties! We are grateful for the love and support to bring more trails and better trails!

We hope to see you on the trails, at one of our trail dig days and/or our events.

Stay stoked and get outside!

Debbie St.Cyr, Executive Director

Redwood Trails Alliance

BRING BACK BOGGS FUNDRAISER

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 00:27:19 GMT

Greetings Redwood Trails Alliance supporters and partners!

I am excited to announce the launch of our Bring Back Boggs bike giveaway!

Redwood Trails Alliance has teamed up with Trail House Santa Rosa to support more trails and better trails in Boggs and beyond!

Trail House of Santa Rosa donated a Specialized Stumpjumper Expert mountain bike worth $5,900 to raise funds towards reconstructing trails in Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest.

Our trail team is currently working on Bear Bones trail with Boggs Peak trail next in line and an estimated completion of both trails coming up on March 3rd. Supporting the Bring Back Boggs campaign will support construction of these two trails and more throughout 2022. Funds will also support community volunteer days with the first one being February 26th. Event sign up will open soon with limited space.

We are working in partnership with Friends of Boggs Mountain to continue rebuilding the well-loved 22-mile trail system lost during post wildfire cleanup after the 2015 Valley Fire. We are even more excited to build trails to support bringing back much anticipated events in May of 2022 such as Bike Monkey's Boggs Race and the Norcal Interscholastic Cycling League state championship race and Adventure Day to support the close of their 2022 season.

We all know the impacts of wildfires across Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties. We have a lot of work to do to help our partnering land managers bring trails back for our community of users to enjoy, and we have a long way to go to get to the finish line.

I am even more excited to announce support from Lake County District 5 Supervisor, Jessica Pyska, who dedicated $25,000 in funding towards our Bring Back Boggs campaign and a donation of $15,000 from Calpine Corporation.

You don't have to be an MTB user to support our campaign! You don't have to ride to be a part of rebuilding trails. If you are the lucky winner of this exemplary bike and you don't ride you can sell it, donate it to a kid in need or whatever your heart desires. We will leave those details to you, but will happily help with any questions you have.

For more information on how to donate and support our Bring Back Boggs campaign click BRING BACK BOGGS.

Join us as we begin the 1st launch of many for our 2022 fundraisers to support multiple projects across Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties.

Thank you for joining us on our journey to bring you more trails and better trails!

Debbie St.Cyr, Executive Director

FRIENDS OF TRIONE-ANNADEL DONATES KUBOTA U17 TO REDWOOD TRAILS ALLIANCE

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 23:17:01 GMT

FRIENDS OF TRIONE-ANNADEL DONATES KUBOTA U17 TO REDWOOD TRAILS ALLIANCE

Working in partnership to improve trails in Trione-Annadel State Park

Friends of Trione-Annadel (FOTA) and Redwood Trails Alliance (Trails Alliance) in partnership, combined resources to improve trails and assist Trione-Annadel State Park (TASP)with maintenance and trail repairs.

Friends of Trione-Annadel is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to protecting the health of our treasured local state park, Trione-Annadel. Through donations from the community, FOTA supports the maintenance and development of its trails, structures, and open spaces - ensuring a healthy environment for wildlife and continued accessibility and safety for the public

Redwood Trails Alliance, a 501(c)(3)non-profit is an advocate for our diverse community of trail users. We teach responsible trail stewardship and offer volunteer trail work opportunities along with planning and construction services for trails for all to enjoy.

FOTA donated a Kubota U17 purchased through private donations in an effort to expand capacity to work in Trione-Annadel State Park. After consulting with State Parks Bay Area District leadership the decision was made to donate both the mini-excavator and trailer to Redwood Trails Alliance who has been working on a partnership with FOTA and State Parks as the trail consultant and construction organization to conduct trail repairs.

On January 12, 2022 Friends of Trione-Annadel President, Don McCullough and Redwood Trails Alliance Executive Director, Debbie St.Cyr signed a donation agreement between the two organizations. In the agreement Redwood Trails Alliance will take possession of the Kubota U17, endearingly referred to as FOTA Kubota, for use in Trione-Annadel State Park. Redwood Trails Alliance will add the Kubota to their fleet to be used for maintenance and trail repairs in TASP.

Together, FOTA and Trails Alliance will work towards trail improvements, maintenance and host volunteer trail work days throughout 2022 and 2023. Stay up to date on both organizations and upcoming work they’ll be conducting in the park by becoming a member and supporting future efforts.

Sky Lupine Trail Open: Taylor Mountain Regional Park

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 22:02:54 GMT

Have you been out to explore the newly opened Sky Lupine Trail in Taylor Mountain Regional Park? We worked in partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks and Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation to design and construct the Sky Lupine Trail.

To support more trails in Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties join us www.trailsalliance.org funds go toward #moretrails #bettertrails

Thank you TOPO Collective for the awesome footage. Sky Lupine Trail

Volunteer, Trails and Membership

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 20:19:38 GMT

VOLUNTEER:

Trail work has returned for the Redwood Trails Alliance! We couldn’t be happier to share the joy of getting dirty with our community. Stay tuned for email announcements of future volunteer events in Helen Putnam Regional Park and Foothill Regional Park. Signup links will be in future email announcements.

MEMBERSHIP:

Already a member of Sonoma County Trails Council or the Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance? You can log in to your account HERE to check your membership status. Your membership has already been transferred to Redwood Trails Alliance.

REMBA Members: Your login will be your email you originally signed up with. You can choose forgot password to do a password reset and login to your account.

SCTC Members: Login using the email address we use to contact you, then select forgot password and set up your Redwood Trails Alliance member account.

SCTC Members: We will be transitioning away from Paypal for membership and donations and will use your credit card in the Wild Apricot membership software system going forward.

Are you a current member of SCTC and REMBA? THANK YOU! And you are automatically a member of Redwood Trails Alliance at your previous membership level. You can apply your duplicate membership to next year's membership or donate your duplicate membership to support trails in Napa, Lake and Sonoma Counties.

Our membership software allows you to manage your membership, donations and track volunteer hours and events.

You’ll receive an automatic prompt when it’s time to renew your membership. Membership fees go towards supporting trails through volunteer support, tools & equipment needs, safety gear etc. Join the Redwood Trails Alliance to support more trails and better trails.

Have questions? Reach out to deb at deb@trailsalliance.org

TRAILS:

Have you visited Foothill Regional Park lately? Our skilled and energetic trail team completed a realignment of the entire Alta Vista Trail (photo below) earlier this year and will be back again to do a realignment of the Ravine Trail in early September.

The Sonoma County Trails Council and Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance Join Forces as Redwood Trails Alliance

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:24:48 GMT

The Redwood Trails Alliance was created through the union of the Sonoma County Trails Council and the Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance.

In November 2020 the Board of Directors of both corporations agreed to join forces and to pursue their common Mission as Redwood Trails Alliance, with an initial Board of Directors combined from both nonprofits. By joining forces, the new Trails Alliance will be able to increase the quality and quantity of our local trails for more trail users while respecting the environment we visit.

Their work includes education, advocacy and trail projects which are funded by memberships, donations, and income from trail construction and training services.

Trails Alliance projects have included trail design, construction, and maintenance. Trails Alliance is currently working at several Sonoma County Regional Parks, including Helen Putnam in Petaluma, Foothill in Windsor and Taylor Mt. in Santa Rosa and recently completed trail work at Napa County’s Moore Creek Park.

The new organization will be co-led by Ken Wells and Deb St.Cyr.

(photo credit: PINE Photo and Video by Dan Quiñones)

Ken, the RTA’s Trails Director, has been on trails all his life with over three decades of trail advocacy and construction experience. His efforts have been recognized with a long list of awards.

Deb is the RTA’s Executive Director and comes to the partnership with over 20 years of volunteering with nonprofits. Powered by a passion for the outdoors, Deb stepped into the trail building and mountain bike advocacy world after a devastating wildfire destroyed her home, community and local trail system.

The Ken and Deb partnership creates a powerful combination of organizational skills, nonprofit knowledge and trail construction experience, establishing a solid foundation to build more and better trails for all.

With the substantial experience, knowledge and resources that is now the Redwood Trails Alliance, RTA is a respected leader of the trails community in the North Bay. Trails Alliance recognizes the environmental and social challenges our communities face, as well as the critical role being outside provides for our mental, physical and social wellbeing. Trails Alliance provides the essential link to the natural world - trails.

Trails Alliance is committed to the creation and stewardship of a network of durable and enjoyable trails to enable people to visit our amazing landscapes.

#MoreTrails #BetterTrails

For more info:

Website:www.trailsalliance.org

Contact: Debbie St.Cyr deb@trailsalliance.org 602-677-2861

The Redwood Trails Alliance Has Arrived!!

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:45:13 GMT

It has been several months since our last message to you all, and for that, we apologize. Rest assured, our work to build quality trails for our diverse community of trail users has continued in the field while the integration of our two organizations has been proceeding in meetings on Zoom.

And despite the challenges of a pandemic, the start of a new era for trails in our region is here.

The Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Trails Council and the Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance have officially combined forces under our new name, the Redwood Trails Alliance.

The new organization will operate under the leadership of Executive Director Debbie St. Cyr and Trails Director Ken Wells, with a full-time trail construction team as well as more resources devoted to trail advocacy, education and volunteer trail work in the Sonoma, Napa, and Lake County area.

With some critical initial steps taken, we are now in the process of setting up new social media and a website to communicate with you, our trail community. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, here are a few updates on some of the cool things our team has been doing.

Strengthened our successful partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks through a series of park trail repairs and realignments in Helen Putnam, Foothill, Taylor Mt. and Hood Mt. Regional Parks. And that’s just in the spring of 2021. More projects are lined up for more parks throughout Sonoma County.

Supported our local high school mountain bike teams give back to their communities and the trails they love. We combined volunteer trail work and education to create a fun and engaging environment while learning why we do trail work, with projects at Skyline Wilderness Park, Moore Creek Park, and at the PUC Forest.

Established new and better relations with State Parks – Bay Area District to advocate for our beloved Trione-Annadel State Park and how we can partner to work towards returning to community volunteer days and making trail improvements. Stay tuned for updates on those agreements.

Began the initial trail design for a new trail system at Suscol Headwaters Park.

With COVID vaccinations here we have re-started our volunteer workdays and there will be more opportunities to give back to your favorite trails and parks.

The Redwood Trails Alliance has arrived....

REMBA-Land Park & Trail Status

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:29:11 GMT

Photo Courtesy of Mike Dunn. Rattle Snake Ridge, Angwin

Greetings REMBA Supporters.

We find ourselves in the throes of yet another destructive wildfire. This year continues to be challenging and our ability to get outside significantly interrupted, again. Whether it is COVID restrictions, poor air quality, evacuations or park closures it’s been challenging to get out and ride. The desire to want to help or do something to feel in control of the situation is prevalent. Believe me we feel it too!

Across REMBA-Land many of our favorite properties are impacted due to the Glass Fire. We are working daily with land managers across REMBA-land to keep up to date on closures and assessments. We are all curious to find out the status of our favorite local parks and trails. Land managers are respectively allowing firefighting personnel the space they need to work on extinguishing fires. As soon as land managers can safely gain access, they will assess damages and we’ll have a timeline when to expect openings.

One of the best things we can do right now is have patience and respect park closures. We are all unfortunately experienced in what happens in the aftermath of a destructive wildfire. Our past experiences taught us it takes time to get life back to normal including our trails. With another red flag warning over the next couple of days, it is important to respect all closures.

We’ve put together a list of informational links for you to check the status of your local parks and current trail conditions.

SONOMA COUNTY:

Sonoma County Regional Parks:

https://socoemergency.org/emergency/wildfire/

Visit @sonomacountyregionalparks on social media for more up to date information.

State Parks:

@TrioneAnnadelStatePark on Facebook

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480

https://sugarloafpark.org/

*Please note Trione-Annadel is closed due to fires. Spring Lake is also closed and will remain closed until the evacuation advisory is lifted for that zone.

NAPA COUNTY:

Napa Open Space Districts provides daily trail updates on their website:

https://napaoutdoors.org/news/

Social media: @NapaOpenSpace

Skyline Wilderness Park:

https://skylinepark.org

Social media: @skylinepark

Pacific Union College Demonstration and Experimental Forest

Social media: @PUCforest

Note: PUC Forest is closed until further notice

LAKE COUNTY:

Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest is closed to vehicle traffic. Check road closures and air quality prior to visiting.

www.boggsmountain.org

Facebook: @FOBMCA

AIR QUALITY:

Purple Air

ROAD CONDITIONS:

CALTRANS or call 1-800-427-7623

To all those impacted by fires on ANY level, we are thinking of you. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at deb@mountainbikealliance.org if you have specific questions or you know of someone with a need REMBA can help fill. We look forward to the day when we can ride and have a beer while sharing stories of recovery and perseverance. When times are darkest remember we are strong, and we have proven that strength time and again. I have no doubt we will prove it again this year.

Hang tight!

Deb Bloomquist

Executive Director - REMBA

Photo courtesy of Supervising Ranger, Neill Fogarty. Trione-Annadel Visitor Center

Skyline Wilderness Park Trail Improvements

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:53:51 GMT

Your REMBA trail crew is at it again! This time in Napa County at Skyline Wilderness Park! REMBA, in partnership with Friends of the Napa Open Space District and Skyline Park Citizens Association are working collaboratively to repair and realign a section of Skyline Trail just east of Lake Marie. We are stoked to work with partnering agencies who share the same goals as REMBA. More Trails! Better Trails!

During rainy weather, Skyline Trail ends up muddy necessitating a seasonal trail closure which prevents access to the stunning peak views in Suscol Headwater Preserve. Once improvements are complete there will be four-season access to Suscol Headwaters Park, accessible only via Skyline Wilderness Park. Stay tuned for updates on our progress. #moretrailsbettertrails

You can help support current and future projects such as Skyline Wilderness Park through your REMBA membership. Are you a current member? If not, sign up https://mountainbikealliance.org/

Help Keep Our Trails Open!

Mon, 18 May 2020 16:22:10 GMT

We're so excited to have easier access to our trails due to loosening of restrictions at various locations in REMBA-Land. There were a lot of outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the warm sun and awesome trails this past weekend. That's a wonderful thing. We're sending a gentle reminder regarding restrictions still in place to adhere to in order to maintain access to trails currently open and have the ability to park near trail heads. We know that as REMBA members, you're some of the best-behaved and most conscientious trail users on the trail, so we need your help to kindly educate users on what the guidelines are regarding PPE. There are numerous people who are simply unaware of the restrictions currently in place. Remember to follow your county health officers guidelines as they may vary slightly or may change. See below for general guidelines to follow for the safety and health of those around you and to keep our trails open.

· If You’re Sick, Stay Home: Trails and parks should be treated like any other public space and if you’re sick you should opt to stay home and keep everyone safe.

· Go Solo & Avoid Crowds: If you’re visiting the parks, please only come in groups of family or people that you live with. Going outdoors during this time is for our health and not for socializing in groups.

· Maintain 6 Feet Social Distancing: Please be mindful of your surroundings and maintain 6 feet of social distancing space at all times.

· Cover Your Cough: Always sneeze and cough into a tissue, or if one is not available, into your elbow.

· Do Not Shake Hands: Limit physical contact to members of your immediate household. No unnecessary physical contact in parks.

· Trail Etiquette: Please leave extra space when passing people on trails. If you’re in a group, this means making a single file line and stepping off the trail to allow safe space for people to pass. Remember to slow down and announce yourself as you ride up on other users so you’re not blazing past people unaware of your presence.

· Face Masks: Follow your county’s health order regarding masks. In general wear your mask in high traffic areas such as parking lots and trailheads.

· Be Nice/Say Hi:The golden rule. It doesn't cost anything to be nice!

FOR MORE INFORMATION WATCH OUR COVID-19 VIDEO

HERE

Sonoma County Parks Restrictions Loosened

Thu, 14 May 2020 20:26:47 GMT

As of Wednesday May 14, 2020, more restrictions were loosened for some parks and facilities throughout Sonoma County Regional Parks. County social distancing protocols are still in place, so let us do our part to maintain access and have the pleasure to do what we love, ride our bikes on trails.

By following a few guidelines, we increase our chances of safeguarding easier access to our trails. Wear PPE especially in high traffic areas like parking lots and trailheads, no group rides, be extra communicative with other trail users (no blazing by), try to park away from the trail and ride there, restrictions loosened for Sonoma county residents only and as always be nice out there. For details click the link for the Press Democrat article. Sonoma County Begins Broader Opening. To stay up to date on Sonoma County Regional Parks click the following ling to their website. SCRP

REMBA WELCOMES NEW CHAIR TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 23:15:31 GMT

2019, A GREAT YEAR FOR REMBA!

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 17:46:12 GMT

Greetings REMBA supporters and MTB enthusiasts!

2019 has been a year of tremendous growth for REMBA. We're proud of our achievements over this past year and look forward to continuing to build on the successes we had this year with your increased support and participation.

Our achievement highlights for 2019

Hired an Executive Director. Former Chairwoman, Debbie Bloomquist enthusiastically accepted the Executive Director position and has been tirelessly working to further REMBA’s message and build partnerships with land managers and business supporters and YOU, our membership.
Purchased a trailer and tools to support volunteer trail work and our professional trail building team.
Hired two full time trail crew team members and two seasonal hand crew
Received a specially-designed trail maintenance e-bike for trail team use!.
Partnered with Napa Open Space District and built Whiskey Ridge and Conn Peak Trails, adding approximately 3 miles of new trail to the already existing 15 miles of trails in Moore Creek Park.
Partnered with Pacific Union College and the St. Helena Thunderbirds high school mountain bike team to maintain trails in the PUC Forest.
Worked with PUC to officially open PUC Forest to the public for the first time in 30 years!
Enthusiastically sponsored the construction of informational kiosks for PUC Forest. Stay tuned for the installation of those kiosks.
Partnership with Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa for trail maintenance and volunteer efforts.
Worked with CAL FIRE, Napa Open Space District, Napa Land Trust and Pacific Union College to begin flagging the Dans Wild Ride reroute to move the existing trail onto a fully legal alignment..
Officially endorsed Napa Open Space District’s Measure K which will raise funds for open space protection and outdoor recreation throughout Napa County.
REMBA and Sonoma County Regional Parks worked together to design new trail in Shiloh Regional Park. REMBA crews began flagging proposed routes. Stay tuned as we continue to strengthen our partnership.
REMBA has consistently met with local California State Parks staff regarding Trione-Annadel State Park and is maintaining a relentlessly positive outlook on this diamond for our MTB community. Tracking and nudging Annadel progress is one of REMBA's highest priorities, but has also proven to be one of the most difficult nuts to crack due to the massive State Bureaucracy. We'll continue to build relationships and push for progress and have enlisted CAMTB, the California Mountain Biking Coalition to help at the legislative level in Sacramento
REMBA began meeting with Friends of Trione Annadel State Park to work together on efforts to work on trails within Annadel.
REMBA went before the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to show support for the Sonoma Ag and Open Space Vital Lands Initiative to provide land conservation throughout Sonoma County.
We successfully rebuilt the Santa Rosa Pump Track!
REMBA was deeply involved with Friends of Boggs Mountain to help rebuild trails in Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest. Our efforts helped rebuild almost 6 miles of single track.
REMBA worked with the County of Lake Parks and Recreation Department to assist with grant writing and give advice for the MTB only Mt. Konocti trail while environmental studies are underway.
REMBA and REI partnered for a trail workday in Boggs for the REI Dirt Sweat and Beers series. We had almost 80 volunteers come out and dig over 1 mile of trail.

As you can see REMBA’s been busy over the past year and we plan to continue that momentum into next year!

What’s Next?

Contractor License. REMBA will begin work towards officially getting a contractor’s license. This is critical for REMBA to enter into the bidding process with government agencies to get paid to build trails.
We’ll continue our advocacy efforts and trail construction for the Dan’s Wild Ride Reroute.
REMBA, in partnership with Pacific Union College will provide support as needed for the PUC forest parking lot installation as part of the official public opening of PUC forest
February will be REMBA’s first VIP fundraising event. Stay tuned for details and how to get your ticket. This will be one event you won’t want to miss.
Member party! The annual REMBA member appreciation party is a tradition we will continue to carry out.
Continue working with Sonoma County Regional Parks and start digging new trails in Shiloh Regional Park.
Oat Hill jump line! Say what? Yep, you heard correctly. REMBA in partnership with Napa Open Space District will begin work on a “features area” in the lowermost section of Oat Hill Mine Trail.
In partnership with Sonoma County Trails Council, Napa Open Space District and Conservation Corps North Bay, REMBA will begin building Catacoula Trail in Moore Creek Park. REMBA and NOSD have already flagged the approved route and will begin construction in spring 2020.
SCRP and REMBA will begin site visits and design ideas in Mark West Regional Park area to add trails to the existing trail system.
REMBA in partnership with the NorCal High School Cycling League will provide opportunities for high school MTB teams within REMBA-Land to support Teen Trail Corps and encourage our kids to get outside. REMBA is currently working on scheduling workdays in Annadel, Helen Putnam, Skyline, Angwin, PUC Forest and Boggs.
REMBA will begin work with NOSD to work towards building trail in Suscol Headwaters in Napa County.

What REMBA has accomplished and will continue to achieve is made possible ONLY by you! Without you we wouldn’t be able to advocate for mountain bike access and MORE and BETTER TRAILS! A huge set of thanks is due to our donors who’ve funded new trail projects and allowed us to purchase a trailer and tools,all our volunteers who continue to show up for trail work and maintenance, land managers and agencies who support outdoor recreation and are willing to partner with us to help make new and better trails a reality. A special thank you to all the MTB organizations who’ve given us advice and guidance as we continue to grow. Your assistance and experience are invaluable. Thank you to trail lovers throughout the land who are the beating heart of REMBA, we wouldn’t exist without you.

Let’s get dirty in 2020 on MORE TRAILS and BETTER TRAILS!

With a heart full of gratitude,

Deb Bloomquist

Executive Director

TRAIL TOOLS!

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 15:32:58 GMT

REMBA received a $10,000 grant from REI to go towards the restoration of Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest trail system. With the grant money we’re able to add to our trail building tools. Check out our new BOMAG 10/30 vibratory plate compactor. Thank you, REI for your continued support of REMBA. Also, shout out to Bobcat Total Equipment and Rental – Santa Rosa for your help with the purchase and delivery of our equipment. Thank you Friends of Boggs Mountain for our awesome partnership. #moretrails #bettertrails

Are You A Member?

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 14:58:26 GMT

REMBA supporters! Are you a member? Do you need to renew? We need your help and now is the perfect time to join or renew. Your membership supports all aspects of trail building across REMBA-Land. We’re heading into a busy season building NEW trail and tuning up existing trail in all three counties. We need your help to continue bringing #moretrails and #bettertrails right to your front door!
Your membership dollars support our professional trail team as well as volunteer workdays, tool purchases, future pump track projects, advocacy efforts to increase trail access and housekeeping details like insurance and Tecnu!
Become a REMBA member today! Don’t forget REMBA is a 501(c)3 organization relying solely on tax deductible donations and your membership; you are our lifeblood

REMBA PINT GLASS

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:23:59 GMT

REMBA members have you renewed your membership yet? Are you a non-member and want to join? Now is a great opportunity to sign up or renew. The FIRST 20 people will receive a REMBA pint glass along with their membership. Wait! What? A pint glass? Yep all yours with your renewal or new membership.
That’s not all. If you join or renew now you won’t have to mess with all those details at our annual membership party. June 8th at Skyline Park we’ll have a catered lunch after the fun rides we have planned. This year is a family friendly event complete with activities and even a kid zone. Pretty awesome. You can RSVP to our event on our website at the same time you renew or join. It’s that easy. Click "join us" to renew or sign up. Go to our "event" page to RSVP to the party you don't want to miss.
Why become a member? Your membership supports our new trail projects and trail maintenance days. We currently have professional trail crews building new trail in Moore Creek, Angwin and Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest. We have Sonoma County new trail projects our advocacy team has been diligently working on finalizing details. We have regular trail maintenance in Angwin at PUC forest, Skyline Park and we’re in constant talks with land managers to schedule even more new trail projects. Help us get new trails by joining and supporting REMBA.

KIDS OUTSIDE, HELPING THEIR COMMUNITY, DOING TRAIL WORK!

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:47:58 GMT

On February 10^th REMBA had the pleasure of hosting some trail repair work at Pacific Union College Demonstration and Experimental Forest. REMBA, along with the St. Helena Thunderbirds High School Mountain Bike Team, PUC management and community volunteers were able to restore and reconnect singletracks which were covered in debris during the fire break project where masticating machines were brought in to create a critical fire break for the forest and the town of Angwin. A crew of 30 kids and adults went into the singletracks area in “the maze” and along the west side of Ridge Road in the north end of the PUC trail network. The connections between those singletracks and ridge road were covered by masticator debris and the volunteer crews worked to clear/restore the connections and make those trails rideable again. Volunteers worked up a sweat all morning until lunchtime where REMBA provided lunch and smiles to a hard-working crew.

Thank you, St. Helena Thunderbirds for your enthusiastic work on the trails you love to ride. Your team exemplifies trail stewardship and we’re stoked to be a part that stewardship with you.

Thank you, Peter Lecourt, PUC Forest Manager for encouraging our youth to get involved in their community and being a great partner with REMBA. (photo credit: Briana Marie Photography, St. Helena Thunderbirds mountain bike team, Peter Lecourt and Tony Cale)

DID SOMEBODY SAY NEW TRAIL?

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Did someday say new trails? Yep, we sure did and we’re stoked! Over the past couple of weeks, REMBAs paid trail crew has been in Napa County working on 3 miles of new trail. REMBA and Napa Open Space District teamed up to dig scenic new trail in Moore Creek Park: Hennessey unit. With the crew working around rainy weather and the holiday season, they’ve successfully cleared brush and hand cut sections best done by hand versus using equipment. Weather permitting, we’ll have a mini excavator in place to finish out the more complicated areas of the build. We’re really excited to see this project through to completion. If you’re in the area and you see our hard working crew, give them a high five and a thank you for all the work they’re doing. They’re killing it out there. #moretrailsbettertrails (Photo Credit: Tony Cale)

TEMPORARY TRAIL CLOSURES - ANGWIN

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:13:59 GMT

ANGWIN RIDERS: During the month of January, the Pacific Union College Demonstration and Experimental Forest will be working on their wildfire mitigation project, causing temporary closures along the ridgeline between Howell Mountain Road in the North to the Las Posadas State Forest in the South. Please visit @PUCForest on Facebook for details and maps regarding their shaded fuel break project. When out riding, please be aware of the potential closures. The skilled operators on the masticators (see photos) are focused on the precision of their work and won’t notice riders in the area. The closures are temporary and will move along the planned route throughout the month of January. Watch for the orange cones and closure signs.

REMBA supports the efforts of PUC Forest management in their efforts at wildfire mitigation for the forest and the town of Angwin. The mild inconvenience of temporary closures is well worth it when it comes to fire suppression. The closures will generally be ¼ - ½ mile from the equipment and will move as the project progresses.

REMBA went out to get a few pictures of the masticating machines in operation. We were impressed with the skill and precision the operators exhibited. During project discussions, PUC Forest Manger Peter Lecourt had this to say regarding getting a hand crew on site, “While the mastication crew will wrap up in late Jan/early Feb, a hand crew will be doing additional thinning well into February (100 feet wide of clearing on the eastern, downhill side of the firebreak).” Please feel free to visit the PUC forest website at www.pucforest.com if you’d like to learn more about this project and future projects.

2018 AND BEYOND...

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:00:00 GMT

WHAT A YEAR! We’re closing out 2018 with a bang while riding with giant grins right into 2019. Your REMBA crew has been busy advocating for trail access, changes in trail use, building new trails, developing relationships with land managers in REMBA-Land, organizing operations and much more.

What have we been doing?

We intensely researched membership software and found one that fits REMBAs needs for an all in one solution. We found software that’ll allow you as the member to have access to your account for renewals, event signups, customizing communications so you receive only news you want and tracks your activity within the organization. After the first of the year you’ll be receiving instructions on how to access your account and manage your membership. We’ve been manually managing membership which hasn’t been time effective but served our purposes in the early days of starting a new organization. Being an all-volunteer board, we need to maximize our time, so we can manage trail projects in all three counties. Implementing this new membership software will allow us time to pursue our goals.

What we have in the works.

We’ve begun building 3 miles of new trail in Napa County in Moore Creek Park: Hennessey Unit. We’ve been working with Napa Open Space District, donors and members who’ve all put in the effort over the last year to get this project going and funded. We’re excited to announce we’ve contracted with 4 REMBA trail builders and trail crews to go out and get their dig on. Starting December 10^th, we had a full crew out finalizing flagging, brush clearing and prepping to bring equipment in. Starting the week of December 17^th, we’ll have a mini excavator on-site to start the actual dig. We had the absolute pleasure to work with and receive excellent advice from Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz who’ve proven to be exceptional partners. We’re ecstatic to work with such talent and knowledge. We’re stoked to have the opportunity to build new trail in REMBA-Land.

We now have a Trione Annadel State Park crew leader. We have potential trail projects proposed and waiting on approvals. We continually work with State Parks staff to encourage trail work within the park. With the development of Friends of Trione Annadel State Park, we hope their willingness to be the liaison for work within the park with help streamline the project approval process. This is ongoing and consistent communication work. Our goal is to continue our partnership with State Parks, Sonoma County Trails Council and Trione Annadel State Park to assist in getting approval for Trail work the park desperately needs.

We’re also working on building our partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks to seek potential new projects. Stay tuned as we continue our advocacy work to get more trails added including trail repairs.

We have a strong partnership with Friends of Boggs Mountain and we’re excited to support their efforts to rebuild the trails in BMDSF. Recently FOBM let us know forest management received the CEQA needed to start trail work. Stay tuned for details on volunteer trail work days. It’s finally happening, and we’re so stoked to be involved with the post wildfire trail project.

REMBA continues to have a solid relationship with the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department where we’re in discussions on getting new trails built in Lake County. They have a positive outlook regarding mountain biking and supporting outdoor recreation efforts to encourage the growth of our sport.

In 2018 we excitedly partnered with Pacific Union College Demonstration and Experimental Forest. We’re working with forest management on trail projects currently being identified as necessary repairs and realignments. We’re supporting their fire break project which begins January 2019 which will require necessary trail repairs and we’re happy to help them with that.

Membership appreciation for 2019. This year you don’t want to miss out. We’ve already been planning our yearly membership appreciation BBQ. June 8, 2019 in Skyline Wilderness Park we’ll have an all-day event. This year we’ll have activities, MTB rides and much more to have a family friendly atmosphere. If you or you know anyone who’d like to sponsor or donate items for prizes, let us know.

Regrettably we announce, our former Chair and Co-founder Nick Nesbitt resigned from REMBA’s board. We support Nick’s decision to take some time to focus on his family, work and coaching. We miss his enthusiasm but support his decision and look forward to seeing him enjoying time on the trails he invested much of his efforts over the last few years. Thank you, Nick!

REMBA’s all-volunteer board is comprised of a passionate group of volunteers with an eclectic range of talents, enthusiasm, expertise on all things advocacy and trail related and certainly no shortage of humor with this crew. We have board openings we’re seeking to fill, and we always have volunteer opportunities. We have plenty of projects, advocacy work, operational work and social media opportunities. If you find yourself wanting to get involved, reach out we’d love your input and help. Our board meetings are open so feel free to attend and experience how our work is completed.

Special thank you to the organizations who’ve supported us in varying ways. We wouldn’t have our successes without your support, REI, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Kona Bikes, Trek Store Santa Rosa, Break Away Bikes, Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, Bell Joy Ride of Santa Rosa, Girls Rock Santa Cruz, Trail House, Friends of Boggs Mountain, NorCal High School Cycling League, Sonoma County Trails Council, Skyline Wilderness Association, AMBG, Napa Bicycle Coalition, Eagle Cycling Club, Sports Basement, Access 4 Bikes, Sonoma County Bicycle coalition, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, Bike Monkey, Specialized Bikes, private donors and many more. Thank you for supporting local mountain biking.

We look forward to working with our biggest partner in the new year. You! Our membership is why we do what we do. We’re grateful for your support and patience as we navigate 3 counties and the varying requirements of each agency we work with. We look forward to hearing from you and what types of work you’d like to see REMBA do on your behalf. We’re humbly grateful.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM YOUR REMBA CREW!

REMBA Chair update

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 21:02:21 GMT

Hello fellow mountain bikers and REMBA supporters. We have so much to be stoked about so grab a chair and hang tight. Your REMBA crew hit the ground running after our last board meeting with trail work, advocacy work, event support, fundraising and the less exciting but no less important business aspect of growing the REMBA name.
The biggest news is Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest will officially be open for day use only on July 16th. No camping permitted yet but it’s all in the works to get the infrastructure back in place. REMBA is partnered with Friends of Boggs Mountain (FOBM) who works directly with Boggs management to assist in getting new trails built. Currently no trails exist due to damage from the salvage logging operation. We’re stoked to be a part of building the new trail system on the property and to have more trails to ride in REMBA-Land. Check back soon to see when shovels meet the ground.
We successfully held our first REMBA trail work day in Angwin at the Pacific Union College Demonstration and Experimental Forest. We cleared a bunch of poison oak, brush and dead trees off the trails. Thank you for all the volunteers who came out to help. We had a great time out on some cool trails and look forward to doing more work in partnership with PUC. Stay tuned for the next Angwin work day. Good times will be had.
The Ridge Trail Puncheon is complete in Trione-Annadel State Park! With the help of a grant we were awarded through REI we were able to purchase the materials to rebuild the puncheon. We’re grateful for all the volunteers who stepped in over the course of the last couple months in some seriously hot weather to help move materials, help with the build, and lots of brushing work. Thank you, we couldn’t have done it without you. Check out the pictures of the build on our Facebook page. Pretty cool stuff.
REMBA has been working with the Parks department in Lake County at their request to assist with building a one way all mountain bike trail that drops down from the top of Mt. Konocti down to the midway point of the mountain. Stay tuned as we move forward with this project. Super stoked to hear the words MTB Only!
We’re going to spread some more stoke soon in Napa County. We’ve been working with land managers in Napa along with some donors who’d like to see the expansion of trails within the county. There are a few miles’ worth of shovel ready projects and we’re stoked to have the capacity to help facilitate that growth. Stay tuned for more updates on our mission to have more trails and better trails in REMBA-Land. More details to follow.
We’re pleased to announce we finalized a contract to hire a trail boss to help with volunteer trail days and trail project management for all the projects headed our way. We’re stoked to have Tony Cale join our trail team. Hiring Tony is one more step towards building a solid trail team to accommodate getting new trails implemented and maintaining current trails.
REMBA was also able to present another check to the Skyline Wilderness Park Association to help replace the trail signs they lost in the October fires. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Santa Cruz Bikes, we’ve been able to assist the park to help get trails re opened and restored.
In other news we’ve been working with Sonoma County Regional Parks to build a strong partnership within their organization to assist with trail maintenance and potential new trail projects. REMBA and Sonoma County Bike Coalition teamed up and held a fun fundraiser at Lagunitas where we made almost $1000.00 for each organization. REMBA was also a part of a successful Dine to Donate with Il Posto Trattoria in Napa. In our advocacy efforts REMBA sent letters of support for the McCormick Ranch Acquisition in Sonoma County and support for the Great Redwood Trail Project which we’re happy to see bikes are included as users for the 300-mile trail system. We also moved forward with learning a new program to roll out our membership management plan and we’re currently in the application process to receive a grant to purchase the software.
All in all, a productive month. We have a lot more in the works so stay tuned to our social media pages where we announce our ongoing projects, trail work days and updates on what’s happening in REMBA-Land. Feel free to attend our board meetings where all the fun decision making happens.
Once again, thank you for all your support. We’ll be announcing the yearly member appreciation BBQ soon so be on the lookout for that. You won’t want to miss the excitement we’re planning this year.
Happy trails and stay stoked!
Deb Bloomquist
Chairwoman – REMBA