• MCOSD Rangers
• Fairfax Parade
• Marin Knobular
• Mountain Bike Festival
• Festival Schedule

MCOSD Rangers

by Lisa Luzzi

Marin County Open Space District Rangers may soon have the power to write citations. Currently, the 11 rangers of the Open Space do not police the lands. Their primary duties are resource management and education. MCOSD's recent acquisition of the 270 acres at Camp Tamarancho, which now includes the Open Space's first legal single-track trail, has spurred concern of increased illegal activities. Cascade Canyon residents complain of bicyclists illegally using open space trails and have urged that the Open Space Rangers be given the authority to ticket violators.

If approved by the supervisors, fines would be $100 for illegal trail riding, $45 if a dog is caught off leash, and camping without a permit would cost $100. The Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services Commission recommended that the supervisors adopt this new policy and train the rangers in writing tickets. Rangers will not have arrest powers and they will not be armed. A proposal to make illegal bicycle trail construction on Open Space land a misdemeanor, is also before the board.

Such a policy, of course, would involve time and money, and for what result? Do the rangers really want to become law enforcement officers? Is penalizing bicyclists more important than preservation of the land? The percent return from such an effort would certainly be minimal. The County Supervisors will decide this issue at a public hearing at 10:00 a.m., July 1 in room 330 of the Civic Center.

Fairfax Parade

On June 14th, the Fairfax Festival and parade will take place. Those who plan on helping out at the Marin Knobular Race the following weekend, are invited to join in a Bike formation that will cruise down the main street in Fairfax. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Fairfax Post Office. Wear your "best" biking attire. 50 volunteers are needed on the Race Day. If you are interested in volunteering, call Chris Lang at 457-8687.

Marin Knobular

Saturday, June 28th is the Marin Knobular Mountain Bike Race, held at Camp Tamarancho. The course is a 5.5 mile circuit, winding through the Boy Scout Camp on many of the trails the BTC has built. The course consists of half single-track and half fire-roads. Due to the purchase by the Marin County Open Space, the race course has changed this year. (Wagon Wheel will not be included and Dead Heifer will be a decent this year rather than the grueling climb). The Pros, Expert Men and Women race at 9:00 a.m., Sport at 11:15 and Beginners at 1:15. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Parking will cost $10.00 at the site, so everyone is encouraged to ride. The course is closed to the Public until race day. Absolutely no pre-riding of the course will be allowed. Tamarancho is private property, please do not jeopardize the future of this event by breaking the rules. Also, no dogs are allowed. Entry forms are available at all the local bike shops.

The Event will also include many booth vendors, a BBQ and swimming. There will be a VIP party for all the marshals and sponsors, by invitation only, at Larkspur Landing that evening. New this year will be the Marin Knobular Pro ride. You can sign up at the race to do a ride on Sunday morning with your favorite Pro racer. The cost is $20 and will include, lunch, an autographed T-shirt and the ride. The riders will meet in front of the Marin Brewing Company, in Larkspur Landing at 9:00 a.m. From there they will ride to China Camp and explore the single-track trails. The ride is approximately 20 miles.

Volunteers are still needed to make this event become a reality. Last year over 600 bikers raced, and over $2000 was raised for the Boy Scouts. Call Chris Lang if you are interested in helping out. 457-8687. More info at www.knobular.com

Mountain Bike Festival

The Marin County Mountain Bike Festival is Sunday, June 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year's theme "Full Suspension" will showcase many of the new fully suspended mountain bikes on the market. You will be able to ride and compare many of the latest designs. Displays from over 60 vendors will encircle Larkspur Landing that day. Free Valet Bike Parking will be provided.

Returning this year will be the NORBA sanctioned trials competition, plus an added feature of a narrated trials demonstration by Dave Arbogast. Blair Lombardi will once again demonstrate her incredible balance and skill on a bike. A few added features, for kids of all ages, will be an inflatable bungie game and simulated surfing. There will also be a bicycle museum on hand and a Silent Auction. The local land management agencies will be represented and Jim Hasenauer, IMBA education director, will be in attendance.

The BTC will raffle off a Cannondale Full Suspension Bike and other prizes. The title sponsor, Volkswagen, will be giving out free hats and goody bags, as well as having a drawing for a Trek Bike. Tuto Bem will provide live music, and Marin Brewing Co. will pour their finest. This is the BTC's main fund raising event of the year, so come on out and give us your support! 80-90 volunteers are needed the day of the event, if interested call Abby Minot at 455-9600. Below is a schedule of the day's events.

Larkspur Landing Shopping Center is located east off of Hwy 101 on Sir Francis Drake Blvd., across from the Golden Gate Ferry Terminal. See you there!

©1997 Bicycle Trails Council of Marin