"Lurk Trails" meeting update

On Wednesday, December 16th, the main crew of builders (re-modelers for all you sticklers out there) of Area 51 had a round table meeting with the City of Albany parks and rec. director along with a city insurance representative. Some of the guys from the Black Rock Mountain Bike Association also make some time to come down to show their support and give some ideas.

I want to make it clear to everyone out there that it is not intended to be a closed group. This first meeting was a chance for the builders to hear the city's concerns about the existing trails, how they are not able to insure the trails, but how the city of Albany wants to work with the trails builders towards making a city sanctioned, public area for expert to pro level trails.

With that being said, Area 51 Trails will be plowed.

Ed Hodney, Albany parks director said that the existing course (area 51) is closed but will remain until a new trails area is established and at least under construction.

This is somewhat new territory for me, going through the "proper" channels to get sanctioned trails. Some of you may remember the Valley Trails, behind the BMX track in Eugene. Those trails where sanctioned through the ABA untill there was more interest of the racing participants to the trails over the BMX track. Soon after that, they were plowed.

Us builders are hoping, with clear and open communications with the city parks department, that this new sanctioned trail spot will be here to stay. The guys from BRMBA were there to share with us some ideas on how to organize a core group that would be the main connection between the city of Albany and the trails, and also how to structure some proposed plans on lay-out for the City's insurance provider.

This is going to be slow going. If you would like to be involved, hit us up and we'll get you in. Like I said before, we are just starting this whole process. So far we think we have narrowed down a spot in Bryant Park (area 51 is in the same park). Next is getting a proposed lay-out to the city's insurance for approval. After that, The parks department and and organized group of builders would come public with a proposed plan and could possibly start construction.

Big ups to the fellas from BRMBA, and Evan's mom Tari Hayes

Now if your fiending to build trails this winter, Go help Bean and D-boy