Athens Bicycle Club Meeting, Dec. 10, 2002

Present: Sean O'Malley, Tim Creamer, Jim Schulz, Ellen Gerl, Eileen Schulz, Paul Schulz, Hannah Schulz, Chip Krieg, Tom Wolf, Tracy Kitts, Peter Kotses, Malcolm Idleman, Mac Stricklen, Tina Hall, Meredith Erlewine, Matt Lesher

1. Malcolm and Paul have met with the land manager at Lake Hope. The park expressed concern about the Furnace trail and wanted suggestions from us on how to alleviate possible future problems with increased trail use. Malcolm and Paul suggested building an additional trail and another trailhead. The park was receptive and wanted a plan submitted. The club voted and agreed to pursue this. Paul and Malcolm will follow up with the park.

2. Lake Hope mentioned a matching grant for purchasing tools and equipment and the club tentatively agreed to put up $500. Paul and Malcolm will ask the Lake Hope people about who will own the tools.

3. Randy Wachter asked for support from ABC to develop a section a trail at Stroud's Run. The club voted to support this effort. The club committed to providing park management recommendations for trail work (including a budget) as soon as we can.

4. Randy Wachter invited Pete and a member of the River Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA) to walk the available mile or so of trail at Forked Run State Park and also to map out a mile of potential new trail that the park would like to develop. Randy offered to provide primitive cabins and to waive Tour of the Hocking camping fees if ABC collaborates with RVMBA to build this trail. RVMBA was to meet on Dec. 12 and report back to Pete regarding whether or not they wanted to participate. The ABC club voted and agreed to support this project and do the trail work.

5. Club members approved a brief letter that Meredith will send to "Bicycling" magazine correcting an error in the December issue regarding the miles of trails available to bikes at Lake Hope State Park.

6. The next meeting will be held at the Athens Public Library on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.