April 19 Trail Ambassador Training

Eric Mayhew presented his CT NEMBA Trail Ambassador pitch and training slides to a packed house at the Veterans Memorial Pavalion at Brooksvale Park Sunday Morning. There were NEMBA members from all points of the state, and some even from out of state looking to get their own Trail Ambassador Program off the ground.

Learning to become a Trail Ambassador is about common sense and your role and responsibility while riding. It's also about local knowledge and being an expert on the trails that you know and ride frequently. The training was more like an open discussion and flowed smoothly, however, while the forecast initially called for showers, Sunday morning was turning out to be a glorious spring day and everybody was itching to ride.

from Left to Right: Vic, Mark, Tom, & Eric

Trail Ambassador Training Ride:

The Ride of Mechanicals

The ride started off with a fun climb up the Red Trail through Brooksvale Park and then picked up a little offshoot trail that finally took us to the back entrance of Naugatuck State Forest. This trail was really fun, tight twisty single track that gave way to technical dual track. There were a few minor mechanicals along the way: Nathan was having seat post problems and Steve's derailler got realligned with a stick.

from Left to Right: Nathan, Steve, Eric, & Patrick

Prior to hitting the State Forest, we had our first big mechanical problem when Tom's tubeless rear tire sprung popped the bead and was dead! What is the advantage of running tubeless again?

I gave Tom my spare 29er tube to save him from the walk of shame back to the parking lot. Again, what is the advantage of riding tubeless?

Following closely on Tom's heels, one of the guys that came all the way from Massachussetts must have hit a stick that pushed his rear derailler into the spokes and got jammed up. The crew applied their newly awoken Trail Ambassador knowledge and got Chris rocking again, and saved him from the dreaded walk of shame.

Tom finishes up his repair.

Eric extols the finer points of Trail Ambassadoring on trail edicate and trail useage, including the Rules of the Trail (Courtesy of the International Mountain Biking Association):

These guidelines for trail behavior are recognized around the world. IMBA developed the "Rules of the Trail" to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary, depending on traffic conditions and the intended use of the trail.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only: Respect trail and road closures -- ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.

2. Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

4. Yield to Others: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming -- a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

5. Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

6. Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

But it didn't stop there. Chris' derailler finally bit the dust. Patrick was able to get the derailler off, break the chain, and convert the bike to a single speed so that Chris could continue riding.

Shortly after this, I discovered a problem of my own. My rear tire was loosing pressure, inidicative of a small leak, and I just gave out my only spare 29er tube. Of course I could have thrown on a 26er tube, I keep 2 extras in my Camel, but we were running late and with the setup I have on my 29er rear wheel with the tug nuts it was easier stopping every so often and putting air in the tire.

Below is a shot of Nathan on the gas line that runs through Naugatuck SF and as you can see it's a straight shot for miles and miles. This was the high point of the ride because it was all downhill from here, and what a thrilling downhill ride it was.