Newsletter, December 1997
Our 100th Edition!
by Jim Jacobsen
The rules at Camp Tamarancho, the Boy Scout camp in Fairfax, have been changed effective January 1, 1998. The biggest difference is that the central part of the camp is going to be closed to all non-scouting users. This closure is intended to reduce potential conflicts between scouting groups and the general public. All the best trails will continue to be accessible to cyclists. All the central camp roads and the small hiking trails between the camp sites will be off limits to bikes. The BTC will install signs to help people determine where they can ride, and maps to assist in route finding. The main entrance road from Iron Springs Road to the Open Space gate above Ridge Road will remain open to bikes, but this is the only road open to the public. The B-17, Wagon Wheel, and Serpentine single track loop will be the only allowable route from the west end of the camp to the Fairfax side. This 4 mile single track route was built by the BTC over the last 3 years and offers some of the best single track in Marin. Designed and built by bicyclists, it runs through redwood forests, hardwood groves, open grasslands and chaparral The trail averages 2 feet wide with many tight turns, two bridges, many areas where riders must slalom through the trees, rocks and other technical sections. Wagon Wheel Trail is now totally owned by the Marin County Open Space, and slightly different rules apply, however bicycles are allowed to use it.These days, a trail must offer technical challenges in the horizontal plane, because, in the vertical plane, steep trail sections are erosive and unsustainable.
The new fee for membership is $36 per year or $24 after July 1. This increase in fees is needed to help the scouts through difficult financial times. The Camp is currently running a large annual deficit, and the money from the Friends of Tamarancho fees can reduce this red ink. User fees are becoming a larger part of the financial equation in many areas of the country, and Marin may very well see more of this type of fee. The new "Friends of Tamarancho" passes must be carried and visible when riding on the trails at Tamarancho, similar to the carrying of a fishing license or a season ticket at a ski resorts. Wearing a pass will increase memberships because it will be obvious who is a member and who is not. It is hoped that peer group pressure will encourage increased membership. Some means of enforcement is the next step if voluntary methods prove ineffective. Applications for "Friends of Tamarancho" will soon be available at the trailhead. The BTC will install trailside containers to hold application forms at some of the entrances to the trails. This will make it easier to join "Friends of Tamarancho" and legally ride some of the best single track trails in the county. If these changes prove to be successful, if fewer conflicts occur and membership is increased, we will be allowed to build more trails. The future plan is to build a perimeter trail. When completed, this loop trail would be about 7 miles long, surrounding the entire camp.
New Multi-use Trails
I plan to keep our readers involved in these situations and indeed I might ask you to represent the BTC as this process unfolds through the "vehicle" of this newsletter. Particularly the BTC needs to develop its agenda so that we can get it discussed at Trails Committee meetings.
By Lisa Luzzi
The Lake Tahoe Basin Region is dusting off a plan from the late 70s for charging user fees to enter the area/use the lake, etc. They are in need of several millions of dollars to complete environmental projects and maintain and preserve the beautiful resource they have. It seems the local reaction to such an idea is predominantly negative.
This year, the USFS instituted a controversial, three-year demonstration "user fee" program to supplement limited trail maintenance funds available for the National Forests. The program was modeled, in part, after Washington¹s successful Sno•Park system. The trail park passes are required at eleven National Forests in Washington and Oregon. 80% of the monies collected are used for trail maintenance.
As a visitor to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho this summer, I experienced, first hand, a similar type program. The Ketchum Ranger District and Sawtooth National Recreation Area have a User Fee Test Program underway. A day pass for $2.00, or a week pass for $5.00, was sold at all the local outdoor shops in town. The pass was to be displayed prominently on your dash, (hard to do if your on your bike), and also carried with you. Upon purchasing the pass, you could check where you would like to see your funds directed, be it trail maintenance, maps, toilets, etc. All the monies raised stayed within the Sawtooth and Ketchum System. The sales folks in the shops were not pushing the pass, it was only on my inquiry that we were encouraged to purchase one, and enforcement of the pass seemed non-existent. But nonetheless, I was more than willing to pay a mere 5 bucks to ride these fantastic trails. As a visitor and trail advocate, (from California of all places), I was happy to contribute to the "cause" in Idaho. Since their "cause" is to build and maintain trails (rather than fight for access), I was happy knowing my money would go right back into the trails I would be riding all week. User fees seem like a good way to raise the much needed money to support and maintain these resources, as long as the fees are reasonable.
I noticed for the first time on my ride today, posted at the Coast Trail Trailhead, near the Point Reyes Youth Hostel, a little Forest Service sign that read "fee area". Now if they instituted a fee program in my own back yard, I think my feelings might change slightly. It is a good idea, but lets just charge the visitors, they will be more than happy to pay.
by Albert DeLima
In an effort to increase membership, our political clout and better relations with the powers that govern the public lands in Marin County, a series of educational outposts are being scheduled for 1998. These outposts will inform fellow riders of the rules of the trails, what the BTC is, and how to become a member. In the past these outposts were called barricades and were very effective in keeping Railroad Grade Open to cyclists. The work involved to staff an outpost is very minimal, but the rewards are great. If you are interested in volunteering to help staff an outpost sometime in 1998, please contact Albert Delima at 415.924.8272 and leave a message. Usually 2 to 4 people are adequate, so if you have a friend who might come with you, feel free to volunteer them as well. For right now I am trying to establish a pool of volunteers who are willing to spend a little time next year staffing these posts. If you feel trail work is too demanding, yet want to get involved on a grassroots level, this is a great way to meet a few cycling comrades and help the community at large. Remember the trail you help save could be your own.
©1997 Bicycle Trails Council of Marin
Old Spokes
A New Look!
By Lisa Luzzi
Here it is, our new logo! And I must say, it has been quite the project...art is subjective.
And, it you did not notice, this is also the 100th BTC newsletter. This is cause for celebration!
I want to personally thank all the artists who worked with me on the logo: Roger Jacobsen, Chas Blackford, Kurt Evans, David Abeyta, Annie Calef and James Dawson. James Dawson gave us our new look. We are oh so happy to see that bird finally get off that bikers back. We are now in the process of getting our new look out and recognized. New BTC brochures should be hitting your local bike shop soon. We also hope to make some BTC Jerseys, water bottles and stickers. James, the logo creator, is a co-worker of mine at GE Capital Assurance Company. He works in the Marketing Department, primarily designing insurance applications and rate brochures. I have told him his talents are truly being wasted. James is a mountain biking enthusiast and a new member of the BTC, he has been a pleasure to work with. Thanks James for all your work and to all the other artists who spent considerable time and effort, as well.
Fourteen top mountain bike advocates were selected as IMBA Action Heroes and will each receive $500 grants
from the 1997 IMBA/Shimano Action Heroes Fund. This fund was created by an auction of Shimano Action Hero
figures - custom models of pro mountain bike racers that were created by Shimano for its innovative Action Hero
advertising campaign. These 14 advocates represent the thousands of mountain bikers who regularly donate their time
and expertise to keep trails open and well maintained. The winners included our
own fearless leader Jim Jacobsen. Congratulations Jim!
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