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Julv 25 - Monte Sano Huntsville. We will be making anotheretfortto ride Monte Sano Park on Saturday July 25. Hugh Leaderis organizing the ride. Planon meeting at Chic-filA in Wildwood around8:30AM for a 9:00 departure. Our past attempts have been cancelleddue to rain, so, call the hotline closer to the ride to verify weather hasn't forced another cancellation. Auqust 9 - Elmore Gountv. A combinationwork dav and ride is planned for Sunday the gth. The departureis set for 7:00 am sharp from Wildwood Chic-fi|-A. This new trail is just off l5 and near Wetumpka.ContactKen Hester,trip leader, for moreinformation. Future Plans -Stone Mountainis being discussed for an Augustride. Stop into the next meeting for more information.

Highlights and UpcomingEvents

July12 July25 July26 Aug9 Sept12 Work DayOakMountain Huntsville Ride BUMPSocial ElmoreCounty RideI Work BBCCentury (2867) Callour hotline 592-BUMP for anyrecorded changes or additions in BUMP events.

Meetfor work days at the South Trailheadat the new BUMP shed. Time to meet is g:00 a.m. Call the hotline for any possible changes. Workdays to weathercancellation. subject Jufy 12- Sunday OakMtn August 9 - SundayElmore Co. September5 - Saturday October11 - Sunday November7 - Saturday December 6 - Sunday

TrailWork
Our next scheduled workdayis Sunday, July 12 at OakMountain. Work will focus on the lower sectionof the park'strails near the RC track and SevenBridges. Workwill be to bridge approaches and filling of holes in the low areas.Pleaseshowup and assist theclub.

BUMPSociol/ FundoyIf
Pavilion second course

Missthe tastMeeti ngl

Mudslingercan frll you in "i the upcorning but can't deliverthe events, freebies and presentations o{ the meeting. tast month all at'tendees received a fr.e issueof Bike Magazine on Spinning. and a lesson Seedetails inside {or the areas latest qaze, Spinning. THANK YOU E|KE and Staf for the complimentarycopiesof the magazine.

around is to be enjoy in

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Glub mccts olt tic fit|t W.dnesday ot a

ry |nort|t at 7!oo p.n. at ihc Hoorcr public Libnryr, downlt

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Checkthe BUMPHotline for anychangesin datesand time. 592-BUMP (2367ll

PIATA - 'ruYER'VESS HIGHIAND BROOK (205) eel-3335

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'Welcome to the Club': We havea few new memberswe wish to say, Passmore David and Amber If you are interested in joining BUMP, contact one of our Board are held at Membersor corneto one of our BIJMP meetings.Meetings p.m. everyfirst Wednesday of the month. the HooverLibrary, 7'.OO

NEW FACES OI{ TIIE TRAILS

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Trail Features
of consists The placc: The placeof this month'sfeature thrcetrails all wiihin 15 miles of eachothernearEllijay, GA They are situated 3-3.5 hours from Birminglram andAtlanta.EitherI-59 or I-20 canbe b*weenihattanooga used to reachthe ar*. Both routes requireusage of highways. secondary to Bearcreh r within 15 milesof Elijay, ac,cess

rocky climbsandfuq stee?, mile loop filled with respectable Lake.The of Carters The loop follows a peninsula descents. filled with challenghg trails are predoninantly single-track outlts!o the lake,andis easily climbs.The loop has several Severd altef,ntteroutes the campgrounds. from accessed to challenge arcpresnt (marked with black or white diamonds) weston from El$ay by heading re trail is accessed

pa,[ana Manageme", tuouiain wildlire Rich

arc available in the areaor askthe BUMP boardfor

Hll.FeTt$'T*il!fl!'iiitrfr:i:ii:t';;i*yl,ruHflfl,H.Jtf
Bar Crcek T'hemost noted featue of the rrail is the large climb. Expeclto be riding in granny gear for 30 minutes (or Outlook. Of more!) foi a 4.5 rnile cliinb io the-potatopatch the downhill rewardsyour efforts.ihe complae tail course, trac\ a 5 4!le looj-with ryo deadeld_qi4gle Gern cbnsists tursions adding6.iana imites. To reachthJffils leave giing west. After 5 miles or so on 5?2, tum Ellijay on 5?./2 for ihe Zion Hill Church. A sign for tlle Bear "t fie sign CreekCinpground will direct you to the trails. s fiee camping area. The trail is locatedaroundthi direction camping area, and is ridden in a counter-clockwise posed the boat ramP. loop is near only. A map ofthe Rich Mountain Wildlife Area: This trail consistsof several that can be combined for severaldifferent loops and spurs_ routeg_The -single-track is the .southemloop and is reached for some through firtih clear-cruton gav-i roads.Be prepared intense downhill. One may want to stop and think about the 'danger, danger, danger' area as it is.markedon the map. The downhill outlets near the CartecayRiver for a relaxing break.

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- carrers rocation bas asixrhis Lake: Ridgwav'p-ark

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approximately 3 miles with several other miles added along gravel and grass roadwaysfor a total over ten to ride miles. A map is necessary effectively due to severallong dead ends.Stopoffat MOE for a maP. LeaveEllijay on Highway52 andlook Road on the right for Lower Cartecay (5 miles or so) just after one of the MountainOutdoor many applehouses. Expeditions (MOE) is just a ways beyond this. One can camp and the trails, basically, shower.To access headback onto to the road,andturn at the apple house (west). You will road,turn right. After intersectanother a mile or so, a sign for the Wildlife Area directsyou downa road.Ridethe is gravel road to its end. Singe-track offto the left. Ride andenjoy,

WILDLIFE

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BUMp members

receive

l|o/o ott of purchases

at bike shops featured

in this newsletter.

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TRAIL TALK
TnE BTCYTELD
Behavior and Yield, Bicyclists WhatDoeslt Mean?
Introduction by Ken Hester on the IMBA internet email A recentconversation revisited a long standingIMBA Rule list servehas of the Trail which is "Always Yield Trail". This seemed to me, from the very beginning, like an easy enough
concept to gasp. That was until the

Bicyclists Behavior
My Tw9 Centsby Jim Hasenauer

I want to chime in on the definition of "yield" which IMBA definesas "slow down, be prepared to stop, establish communication,pass safely." Bicyclists yield by doingthe aboveand taking the responsibility. If a hiker or another biker then stepsaside,that's great,but it doesn't negatethe fact that the bicvclist should have alreadv
"Yielded" The yield 1S the first set of moves that lets

recent IMtsA state representatives summitin Tennessee.,There, almost everypossible trail encounter scenerio where *the pass", or "the y"ield"could be experienceC was discussed in an open forum by the state reps and some of the IMBA boardandofficers. continueto Some of the trail advocates explore the issue. The following two articles are the most thoughtful and well balanced pieces of writing that I have seen publishedon the subjectto date. I have asked BUMP's tireless newslettereditors to include them in this months Mudslinger. Its food for thought for all of us. is a professorof Speech at UCLA, Jim Hasenauer one of the foundersand past Presidentof IMBA, sits on the Board of Directors of both IMBA and NORBA, and a long time and active member of his local SierraClub. Bob Michaels is the Florida IMBA state representative, a practicingdentistandenthusiastic advocate of mountain bicycling. His view is printed on the reverse page

the other user set the conditionsfor the pass, it is not who stops. It is not who passes.We got the Sierra Club to accept this definition in their guidelines and its sig4ificant becauseso many anti-bike people are confixing yielding with stopping. I've had an ongoing argumentwith some hohas (Hateful, Old Hikers' Association) in the Santa Monica Mountains. They saythat since bicyclists coming from behind ultimately pass a slower moving hiker, the hiker is yielding to the biker or that if they ever step aside to accommodatea passing,oncoming cyclist they are the ones doing the yielding. I say the biker yields by slowing down, signalingaheadto let the hiker know they are there, and waiting for a convenienttime to pass. What's happeningduring the passis irrelevant, if both partiesare awareand acceping of the pass. Yield is a relationalterm that requires communication and cooperation "merge" betweenboth parties. It's analogousto on freeways. It's the obligation of traffic on an entranceramp to not disrupt the existing freeway practiceof responsible traffic, but it's the accepted drivers for traffic in the outsidelane to move over traffic. and allow for the entrance

July 1998

BIRMINGHAM URBAN MOUNTAIN PEDALERS

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TRAIL TALK
Yield? Whot doesit meon?
Bob Michaels - Apopka FL Everyone hopefully lcnows that the IMBA rules call for "yielding trail". What does "yield" really mean? We all lutow what is not yielding. That's the hard charging attitude that sends the signal to other trail users that they better get out of the way because you're coming through. This is absolutely the worst thing an offroad rider can do. We're not sure what yielding really is. There is no formal definition relating to biqtclists and other trgil users.'I was privileged to be in a group that included members of the IMBA hierarclry and advocates from all over the country. We discussed what it means to yield. There was a general consensus that arose from that discussion. My interpretation of that discussion is that yielding is a "conveyed attitude". To yield is sending a message that you are prepared to do wltat ever is necessary to insure that the meeting is a pleasamt one. This means in the most extreme occasion that you are willing to stop and move off the trail so the other user can pass. In typical cases; it means iwuring tteepassing will bafriendly and non tltreatening. This attitude is transmitted by various forms of communication. A reduction in speed, body language and position on the trail are all important. However, eye contact and friendly verbal communications are absolutely critical. An obvious decrease in speedsends a positive signal. A casual riding position and moving to the side of the trail reinforces the obliging spirit. We aclvtowledge'eaclt other by eye contact. Simply looking each other in the qte is the universally understood means of accepting existence. This aclmowledgment can convey positive or negative emotion by facial expression. Smiling while making eye contact is no less effective than an outstretched open right hand. Verbal communications establish the same tone asfacial expressions. A friendly greeting of a very generic nature establishes much harmony. A simple "great day" or "how's it going requires little time but establishes you as caring about the other person. We can be assured we have conveyed this friendly attitude when we receive it back from tlte other trail Ltser.All we have to do is keep slowing, keep establishing eye contact and keep up the positive words. The key factor is waiting fo, o positive response. Once this is received, a simple "thanks" will leave the other trail user believing you care about them. They will lmow you haveyielded. July1998
BIRMINGHAM URBAN MOUNTAIN PEDALERS

Mlhat is Tiail ThIk?

Well,TrailTalk is a new featured sectionof BUMP's. Mudslinger. Monthly articles will appear discussingsuch items as trail etiquette, maintenance tips, conservation, and other topics of general interest that may be heard'onthe trail'.The viewsare not necessarily the opinions of BUMP,IMBA,NORBA,or other organizations. lf you are interested in please send your contributing, article to BUMP or e-mail to iBykDoU@aol.com.

IIVTBA's Alnrays

fourth lfield

rule 'lfrail

Give your fellow trail users plentyof adrancenoticewhen you'reapproaching. A friendly greeUng (or is belD considerateand works well; don't starfle others. Show your respectwhen passingby slowingto a walking pace or even $opping, particularly when your meet horses. Anticipate other trail users around comers or in blind spots. t - l
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- qrot fekeit fu're Epire e ticlcff?

TracyJ. L. McKayof Birmingham CycleWorks gave us a veryinformational displayof the newestcraze aroundtown. SPINNING!! The 'JohnnyG' bike is stationary and can be set up for clipfess or regularpedals. Tracy can take you on a psychological and aerobicworkout fromthe Gulf Coastto a tour of Morocco!\l/hat makesTracy's4S-minute session so toughis that the bike wheel is constantly moving. The wheelis a solidweight. lt does not "free wheel" like the regularstationary bikes due to the inertiaof the spinning wheel. lt is a greattrainingvehicle for mountain and road bikers. Thereis no coasting allowed, and it is designed to yourridingefficiency. BUMPmembers improve receivea discount!! Contact Tracy for price verification of his "tickets". Prices rangefrom $63.00(10 tickets)to $149 (30 tickets). Birmingham Cycle Works also has a masseuse. All sessions and massages requirea reservation. Call Tracy and make your reservationtoday! 205-322-1816 (Birmingham Cycle Works, 2801 lh Ave., S., Birmingham, AL 35233),or get on the web and connectto www.iohnnygspinnino.com or www.spinningworld.com for further information. 1410Montgomery Hwy,Vestavia

(205)979-3460

BUY. SELL. TRADE - WANTED

lf you wouldlike to run a classified ad, pleasesubmitby the next meeting for inclusion in nextmonth's neracletter. For Sale: 1998Bumpand GrindT-shirts. Several shirtsremainfrom therace.sizesarelimited to largeandXL contactKenor oneof the board for purchasing at 910 each. For sale: Pearllzumiridingjerseysfeaturing BUMpartwork. $6s.00 onlya fewarelefrandsizesare limited. call KenHester 879-8373 to purchase or if you are interested in.ordering a new one. BUMpis considering havingmore made. We have to order a minimum quanti$. please So,if youareinterested tetBUMpknow. Wanted:COOL old bikes 1930's - 1960's Especially Schwinn. Absofutely anycondition.CallJoel252-1612 Wanted: 1999Bump andGrindRaceDirector andPlanners. Helpget readyfor next year'sevent. Let a Board Memberknow you are interested.

Everywonder what makes man and machinework as one? Or, whatwouldhappen if this then that happened? would swallowing a spider be a protein supplement or healthrisk? or seen a weird Hoover Cahaba Heights OakMounain eventbiking?Send us your off-the-wall humor or questions for 82246ffi 967-2003 98740/.3 inclusion andanswers. our firstoddityoccurred at oak Mountain some time ago. lt was Purchasethe all new Cahaba Cycle T-shirt featuringan Oak Mtn. Map. amazing to see such a feat by a humanbeing.You would have Adult and Youthsizes are availableat all Cahaba Cycle locations. neverseenthis occurrence ten or fifteenyears ago. Man had not eventhought of tryingto achieve whatwas witnessed. I don'tthink the technology was possible!This human was able to pedar 1998BUMPBoard of Directors throughthe rock garden and use his cellular phone cradled BUMPis a notforprofit organization between his shoulder 849-8298 and cheek.I don'tknow if he was calling the President JoeCotlin VicePres. JimTyndal BUMP hotline or for pizzadelivery. 879255 Don'ttry this at home! Vice Pres. JackBransdorf 978-7070 Treasurer MikeHerring 663083 Secretary Hendrik Snow 879255 Member JoelRobertson 252-1612 Member Jon Kirchoff 870-9538 TrailCzar KenHester Newsletter AnneTraeger 879-8373 969-7033

Best Tune Deal InTown.

Accrsoric, Pans, Sda &hofesional &n'ice illou.'fli.: l0{ Salur{av: hi #ll Duta Avenue Crurline Vittiec 8?g{2i5

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Gheck the BUMP llotline for any changes

www.BUMP.org

The lv\UDfUNffPis published to inform the local mounrain biking community of current happarings in the area, and promote safe and responsible use of mountain bicycles. If you would like to submit information of any kind, please let BUMP know Your ideas and suggestions will be appreciated. Leave a message on our Hotline at (205) 592-BUMP or send an e-mail to iBykDoU@aolcom.

July 1998

in dates and time.

592-BUilP

(2S6?)

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II\4BA
This rnonth's

R,I.]LES
lfeature

- PIan

Ahead

PLAN AHCAD!
I.llitB.A

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

only. R.ide on tlperr trails Learze ncr trace. y<rur bicycleControl yield trail. Alrvays Never sptrok anirnalsPlan ahead.

your ability, I(novrr yorrr equiprnent, and the - and prepare area in rrrhictr you are riding Be self-sufficient accordingly. at all tirneo keep your equiprnent in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in 'rnzeather or conditions. A rryell executed to you and trip is a satisfaction and not a burden or offense to others, Always wear a helrnent.

Special

thanks

to Artist

Curt

Errans

for his WiId

Willy

Cartoons

Birmingham Urban Mountain Post Office Box 590061 Birmingham, AL 35259-0061

Please

Forrvard

7 o c
E

Internet address

www.BUlUlP.org t?:?"'l!,

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