as you know...

over the last couple of months i felt compelled, and ethical bound to join camba. well a few ideas hit me in these last two days that i wanted to send along to them, and if there are any answers/thoughts/comments for anyone else i'd love to hear. below are the re-prints of the emails i sent:

and i quote myself:

Sent 2.13.09
Dear CAMBA:
I just got done reading an article in the newest issue of Dirt Rag about (i guess the best way to put it is...) outside urban mountain bike parks in the city; through the League of American Bicyclists. Is this something that we are able to do, get involved in, build; whatever the case is? since we are always getting screwed by the park systems in this area? just a thought.

oh, and while I'm thinking about it...is there anything illegal with riding along electrical lines? I just keep seeing the 'trails' along the lines in Independence, and was just wondering what the legality of it was. and if so; why?

thanks.


Sent 2.14.09
another question:
I had:
what about the little parks in the cleveland area? i know some parks where kids build their dirt jumps, and such. and there are trails there; why not take some time, clean them up and then there could be a up-kept trail? also by my house is the treadway trail which (i don't know if you've heard of it) links old brooklyn to jennings; which is right by the entrance to the tow path. well, right by this little paved trail (maybe a half-mile) on the other side is nothing but trees and such. a quick little trail could go there. i see kids play there all the time during the summer. i could take just a weekend to do something little. some bridges over the 'crap', clear away the fallen trees and there you go. i'm not talking or looking for any huge project. just some little things to get going, and then maybe the city could see what a job CAMBA does, and push then for something more. some good publicity; since all i see in the paper is us getting slammed.

i believe these to be some great ideas that could take root. also, by doing this type of stuff, i think kids would be more inclined to get out and ride. they don't have to be technical paths. just something. we're not moba, north shore.

just a few suggestions...

:end quote.

i'll post replies from them if i hear anything. my point becomes, small steps. is the trail in the metroparks great? sure. it's really nice to have something in the city limits so close. so my theory becomes this: have a bunch of little trails set up throughout the community which would make for a wonderful urban mountain ride. i'm not talking something epic, we can't do that without the national park; however, i am talking something fun. become creative. work with what we have. build a portfolio, if you will. these are just my thoughts...

amitabha...