May 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's May 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau present for the CRAMBA Board. (Roger Class and Mike Reeves were excused absence.) Minutes recorded by Steve Vigneau.Also present Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator) and Michael Green (CRAMBA Member).Board Items:

• Board discusses upcoming Howlin' at the Moon fundraiser with the Metroparks supporting the Shelden Trails redevelopment. CRAMBA and the Bike Patrol will be leading the Beginner and Advanced group rides and supporting the 5K run.
• Brian McPherson represented CRAMBA at the Island Lake Demo. It was good exposure for us, and he handed out many fliers. Ended up selling one water bottle ($5) and taking in $2 in donations.
• CRAMBA has $30,576.90 currently. Pontiac Lake will likely be requesting funds to cover some bridge work, but the cost of this is not yet known.

National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• Jeremy Verbeke asks the CRAMBA board for a fixed amount per year that the Bike Patrol can spend without approval. These funds will mostly be used for purchase of consumables; a series of smaller expenses for which pre-approvals for each become complicated. Board approves $1000/year, passes unanimously by all members present (Brian McPherson, Wade Robbins, and Steve Vigneau).
• Bike Patrol will be conducting an Outdoor First Care class on Sunday, May 19th. CRAMBA will be covering cost of box lunches for trainees and instructors.
• CRAMBA will be hosting a CPR class on Saturday, May 18th, covering the $17/member cost for each Bike Patroler who attends.

March 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's March 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Roger Class, Steve Vigneau present for the CRAMBA Board. (Wade Robbins and Mike Reeves were excused absence.)Also present Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator) and Ron Arnott (Holly-Holdridge Trail Coordinator).Board Items:

• Prior to this month's meeting, Ivan Krasnov resigned from the CRAMBA Board of Directors.
• On April 14th the Metroparks will be hosting a training day for trail work volunteers. CRAMBA will be providing tools to use for this training. Additionally, CRAMBA will be purchasing four new Rogue Hoe 70HR tools for the tool trailer, as these are specifically requested for the training. Cost for this is $289.80.
• CRAMBA currently has around $32K in funds, after paying for 2019 insurance. This is a good amount to continue operations for a couple years, just in case other income sources dry up, while having money available for trail projects.
• The Wildcat grooming sled, previously used at River Bends, will be donated to Addison Oaks for their use grooming the Fat Bike trail next season. The Exciter snowmobile will remain in CRAMBA's possession, and both it and the Snowdog will be stored in the Snowmobile Trailer. Roger Class will be making arrangements for the donation.
• As previously approved by the board (via Basecamp), Jeremy Verbeke will be renting a mini-excavator for use at River Bends to continue work on the CK Canal Loop.

National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• At the First National Ski Patrol (NSP) training for National Mountain Bike Patrol members is 30-Mar-2019, CRAMBA will be covering lunch (likely box lunches from Jimmy John's or so).
• The next NMBP New Member Oorientation will be held in April 13, 2019.
• NMBP will be hosting a Outdoor First Care course in May, CRAMBA will cover lunch for this as well.
• Jeremy Verbeke gives the board a heads-up that NMBP will be needing consumable equipment (tubes, first-aid items, etc) and that he'll be putting together a request for the CRAMBA Board.
• Currently there are around 39 patrollers, but this is expected to increase after the next New Member Orientation.

January 2019 CRAMBA Board + Addison Race Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's January 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Shelby Township Fire Station #1 at 7pm. This was a joint meeting with the Addison Oaks Race Committee.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Roger Class, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau present for the CRAMBA Board. (Ivan Krasnov and Mike Reeves were excused absence.) Also present were Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator) and Chris Westerlund (Addison Oaks Fall Classic Race Organizer, Membership Committee Chair).Board Items:

• Chris Westerlund has introduced both Business and Club support for CRAMBA, at $100 and $50 each, respectively. Metro Detroit Mountain Bikers and Guinness Bikers are two of the first supporting organizations.
• Steve Vigneau is working on new water bottles. We are currently out of stock of water bottles.
• Steve Vigneau has been working with Stephen Spry on stocking hats to be sold at Ay CRAMBA. The order is under way and delivery expected at the end of January.
• Brian McPherson handled Massive Fallout in 2018, but may not have the resources to run it all this year. Wade Robbins and Brian will be working on this together in 2019.
• Trail marking supplies as requested by TCs will be delivered 11-Jan, Steve will kit the orders up and make them available to TCs.
• Jeremy Verbeke is working with Shelby Township on mitigating local resident concerns about the proximity of the newest phase of the CK Canal Loop at River Bends Park. Requested changes will result in a loss of ~200' of trail, but will maintain a visual barrier between a local neighborhood and the single track.
• Roger Class is looking into new venues for the Chapter Membership Meetings.
• Brian and Steve are meeting with Gary Hopp at Stony Creek Metropark on Saturday, January 5, 2019 to discuss fat bike access to the single track.

Addison Oaks Race Items:

• CRAMBA is considering a new route that's more of a loop with an alternative first climb. Makes for a better hole shot and no two way traffic. Chris will be taking this up with the park.
• Food planning for the race is a concern, due to lack of volunteers.
• Sponsors are currently being pursued, much earlier this year than in the past.

National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• First National Ski Patrol (NSP) training for National Mountain Bike Patrol members is 30-Mar-2019.
• NMBP new member orientation will be held in April, 2019.
• Jeremy Verbeke asks the CRAMBA board to cover $25 (per member) cost of NSP training. Board approves this expense, for up to 30 people. (Maximum $750 outlay.)
• Jeremy is looking into a winter-time NMBP end-of-season thank-you event and would like CRAMBA to fund this event. (Item was not voted on.)

January 2019 CRAMBA Membership Meeting.

Board members present at the meeting were Brian McPherson, Steve Vigneau, Wade Robbins, Roger Class, and Mike Reeves.The meeting was called to order at 7:05 by Brain McPherson and approximately 38 people were in attendance.Steve Vigneau talked briefly about the purchase of the Snowdog Trail Groomer for $4300.00.  The old snowmobile is to go to Holdridge for the Wilderness loop and the old groomer is likely going to Addison Oaks.Several of our CRAMBA trails purchased signage and those signs should be in this Friday (1/11/19).Jeremy Verbeke stripped the CRAMBA trailer of the old outdated wrap, and put our new CRAMBA logos onto the trailer.  It looks great, thank you Jeremy.Stony Sheldon Trails redevelopment update.  CRAMBA and the Metro Parks have been working together for a few years to redesign the trails at Stony Creek.  Applied Trails Research out of State College Pennsylvania, put together their proposal for the project and we are waiting for final approval.  The design should begin in the spring and the build should be done by the end of 2019.  The trail will be a series of linked, loops, that increase in difficulty.  Much of the old trail will be retained, some of the difficult to maintain sections will be eliminated.  Keeping the skills area is something CRAMBA is trying to workout with the park.  It is ultimately the parks decision to make, CRAMBA is trying to give them options to keep it if they ultimately choose to do so.Bike Patrol update from Jeremy Verbeke.  Transition to National Ski Patrol is about halfway complete.  The 2019 roster is down to 35 from 70.  Out of the 70 patrollers last year, only 39 were active.  The rest either did not patrol, or did not report their patrols.  March 30 is the first training for non-ski patrollers on the roster.  April 13 is the training date for new patroller. Any questions, or if you are interested in bike patrol, email Jeremy at bikepatrol@cramba.org.Ay CRAMBA It's Cold Out is scheduled fro February 2nd, 2019 at noon.  It's the 6th Anniversary of the event, which is a great opportunity to come out and test ride fat bikes at River Bends.  If the conditions aren't good, the makeup date is set for February 16th.  We will have CRAMBA stocking/ski hats for sale at the event for $20.  40% of the hat proceeds go back to CRAMBA .  Also KLM will be sponsoring a membership drive at the event, covering $20 of the fee.The fall 2018 membership drive was very successful.  We are at 413 members currently.  November was the best membership month CRAMBA has ever had.  Also, family memberships are the same price as individual memberships.  So, go to the website and add your family members.  This will assist us with our overall numbers.  "Strength in numbers" very much applies with advocacy.The Addison Oaks XC Race will be held on September 8th, 2019.  This year it very well may be the last race of the CPS series.  Waiting final confirmation of the CPS Schedule, hopefully later this month or in February.Massive Fallout will be the last weekend of September.  We will need volunteers to mark the route, and someone to lead the project.  We will be working with the local parks and communities to hopefully have more permanent signage put up, to make the prep for the ride every year easier.River Bends will be having its first ever Mountain Bike Race.  It will be a kids MISCA race.  CRAMBA is very excited about this.  CRAMBA has only assisted with route suggestions for the race, and is not officially hosting the event.  Go to MISCAbike.org if you have kids interested in racing.Steve Vigneau offered his Treasurer's Report.  Our current balance is at $32,320.  This is after the $3,200 for signage at Pontiac Lake, River Bends, Bloomer, Stony Creek, and the Clinton River Park Trail.  This balance also includes the $4,300 for the snowdog.  CRAMBA received a $500 donation from the MOVE IT Fitness organization.  Big thank you to them!  The big upcoming expense this spring is our annual insurance payment of around $6,000-$7,000.  The Addison Oaks race brings in around $6,000 annually.  We have been fortunate and have had good weather, and a good turnout most years.  If we have a bad year we would lose a significant portion of our income.  It is important to remember that we need to keep a "cushion" for possible situations like this.TRAIL UPDATESRoger Class stated that Addison will be groomed when we finally get snow.Columbus Park is continuing to tweak the single track when they can.  Weather and conditions are not cooperating at the moment.Pontiac Lake is receiving new signage, and the new changing station project is moving along.  Plans have been submitted to the park management and we have a good lead on funding (possible corporate donation).River Bends has work progressing on the new CK Canal Loop (red).  1.6 miles were added over the summer of 2018, and another 1.1 miles is ready to be built out.  @ new bridges were built with a donation received by Wade Robbins.  A couple residents have complained that parts of the new trail comes to close to their property.  The trail is 60-80 feet from their property, and has a rail road track and bed between their property and the trail.  Jeremy is working with Shelby Twp to come up with a solution to make everyone happy.  Watch for trail days to be listed on Facebook.We are working with Stony Creek to find a way top allow fat biking at Stony Creek.  Stay tuned.Holly High School trail is still available to ride, and plans are made for 8 miles of trail to be built in Lapeer.  This trail will be near the jail/prison, the DTE solar panel field, and I-69.Meeting adjourned at 7:45.

CRAMBA Board Meeting 12/13/18

Sorry this is so late getting posted.  I got busy with the holidays and forgot to post.The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm at Steampunk in Utica.  Attending the meeting were Steve Vigneau, Wade Robbins, Brian McPherson, and Mike Reeves.Finances for the chapter have been set up on Quickbooks and our balance as of 12/13/18 was $34,958.92.Snowdog Groomer has been purchased and we are still awaiting snow.Stony plan is in, and they are working on final approval.MMBA Seven Lakes Project- MMBA was given $20,000 for the project.  The money was not set aside as directed, and was spent.  Jason Aric Jones was working on the project and has stepped down after the MMBA 's mismanagement of funds.The January membership meeting will once again be held at CK Diggs.  We are aware of the difficulty for us to hear last time, so we have worked with the owner of CK Diggs and we have a microphone set to run through the speakers in that room.  This should solve the problem.Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.

October 2018 CRAMBA Board Meeting

The October CRAMBA Board Meeting was held at Steampunk in Utica.  Present at the meeting were Steve Vigneau, Brain McPherson, Ivan Krasnov, Mike Reeves, Wade Robbins, Roger Class, and Kristen Barry.  The meeting began shortly after 8:00 PM and we discussed the following topics:New Board Positions are as follows; Brain McPherson Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson Roger Class, Treasurer Steve Vigneau, Secretary Mike Reeves, and Wade Robbins and Ivan Krasnov will be Members-at-Large.Trail Section Adopter Program (TSA) is a program that we are considering implementing on a trial basis.  It is a program that would have several different people responsible for different sections of trail, and overseen by the Trail Coordinator for that particular trail.  Poto has done something similar in the past.  Pros and Cons of this program were discussed, more to come in the future.The Howlin' at the Moon event at Stony Creek has been moved to the spring time.  We will let everyone know when a date is set.Stony Creek has a new Co-Trail Coordinator.  His name is John Huff and will be focusing his efforts on the Skills Park that is in much need of some attention.Ay CRAMBA It's Cold Out! February 2nd 2019 at River Bends.  Bike shops will be at the event with Demo bikes to ride.  Uncle Peter's Pasties and Fries will be on site.  Beer and wine is allowed at River Bends, but remember liquor is not allowed.  More to come on this event as things develop.Thank you to Jeremy Verbeke for working hard on the tool trailer and getting new decals on it.

CRAMBA FALL 2018 MEMBERSHIP MEETING AT CK DIGGS

October 2018 CRAMBA Membership meeting at Ck Diggs in Rochester Hills.  The meeting was called to order by Steve Vigneau at 7:15 pm.  Board members present at the meeting were Steve Vigneau, Kristen Barry, Brain McPherson, and Mike Reeves.Stony Creek Update:Applied Trails Research is finishing up, and will be seeking approval later this year.  The project is estimated to run around $250,000.Howlin at the Moon event is coming up at 6:30 on 10/27/18, bring lights.  It is a fundraiser for the new trail project.  It includes something for all the major user groups.  Hiking, Running and MTB.  We are looking for volunteers to lead rides by people that are familiar with the Sheldon Trails. Addison Oaks Race update:The race was successful even with the threat of poor weather.  Around 300 racers entered the event and is our major fundraiser for the chapter apart from the dues and individual donations.  The race generated around $6,000 for the chapter.  A new start finish route was utilized this year and it worked out great. Aye CRAMBA It's Cold Out!:This event is coming up February 2nd with 2/16 has a make up day.  It is a demo day with local shops being on site at River Bends.  We are in search of volunteers for this event.  Please contact Kristen Barry if you are interested in helping out. Massive Fallout update:Brian McPherson spent a lot of time setting up the course due to a lack of volunteer support.  The weather was not good and Brain stated that only 4 people actually completed the whole route.  Despite the weather there was a pretty big turn out considering the weather.  Next year we may try and coordinate Massive Fallout with the Rochester Octoberfest.  There are some logistical struggles such as parking.  If you have ideas please consider coming to the January membership meeting and sharing, or contacting a board member. Membership update:Chris Westerlund reports we have around 450 paid members at the moment.  Please renew your membership.  The IMBA is sponsoring a membership drive where you can win a Yeti Kit plus a $2,000 JensonUSA shopping spree, a Western Spirit cycling trip for two and a bike flights shipping voucher for two.  This is good for the month of October only. Kristen Barry's treasurer report:Kristen states that we are in good shape financially with about $36,000 in the bank with no further major expenses coming up this year.  Last year at this time we had about $30,000.  As a board we decided to set aside $10,000 for trail improvements.  We let the various trail coordinators know that they could have up to $1,000 for projects, and to let us know.  We have around $12,000 a year in operating expenses which includes such things as $7,600 for insurance ($1600 for race and $6000 for chapter insurance),  and $600 for the storage unit. Addison Oaks Update:Working on an agreement with the park that will allow us to have large scale trail days, above and beyond the great work that Paul does out there.  They are going to try and improve the trail grooming process this winter, so look for groomed fat biking at Addison this winter. Bald MountainNo report Bloomer Update:There will be a fall project, not sure what it is yet, so more to follow.  Continuing to try and peacefully coexist with the other trail users and making sure all parties are happy.  Looking to for a volunteer and a truck to pickup a large amount of flagstone and bring it to the park. Clinton River Park Update:everything is going good at CRPT and look for improved signage in the near future. Columbus Park Update:Approximately 1 mile of new trail and continuing to work with the park for more trail. Holdridge Update:No report. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Update:No report. River Bends Update:New CK Loop about half done and will hopefully be completed this fall.  The temporary bridge accessing the new loop will be replaced soon and will be about 6 feet wide with railings.  The new loop will also be included in the fat bike grooming process this winter. Stony Creek Update:The major Sheldon Trails Project is really the only news here. Night Riding Etiquette:Make sure the particular park is open for night riding.  And if you are riding backwards please yield to the riders going the standard direction. Bike Patrol Update:No report from Jeremy Verbeke at this time.  However we ill report that Jeremy passed the medical certification process and is the mountain bike patrol director.  This transition is on going and look for more news in the future. CRAMBA Board Update:Steve Vigneau can no longer be the chairperson (Term limited), but will be staying on the board in come capacity.  Kisten Barry can no longer be the treasurer (term limited), and will be stepping down from the board and will be the CRAMBA volunteer director.  Mike Reeves and Brian McPherson will also be staying on the board.  Eric Mile will be stepping down from the board.  Thank you to Wade Robbins, Ivan Krasanov, and Roger Class who volunteered to be on the board. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.

CRAMBA Board meeting 9/13/18

The September board meeting was held at Steampunk in Utica.  In attendance were Steve Vigneau, Brain McPherson, and Mike Reeves.  Meeting was called to order at 7:15.-We had discussion about Massive Fallout and the need for volunteers.  We also discussed the route and signage.  The route will not include Bloomer this year due to a running event.  However Bald Mountain North and South will be included.-We also discussed the need to follow the various MOU's at the different trail systems.  A violation of the agreements may result in loss of trail access.-Steve attended a meeting at Stony Creek reference the new trail.  Also in attendance were folks from different user groups and people with historical knowledge of the area.  Things seem to progressing well and we look forward to the process continuing along on schedule.-The Stony Creek, Howlin at the Moon event is on for 10/27 at 6:30 pm!  More info to be found here:  http://www.metroparks.com/howl-Lastly we discussed the upcoming board elections at the next meeting.  If you are interested in joining the CRAMBA Board, please let one of us know and attend the next meeting.  Which will be held at 7:00, October 16th at CK Diggs in Rochester Hills.Meeting adjourned at 8:32

July 2018 CRAMBA Board Meeting

The July 2018 CRAMBA Board meeting was held at River Bends and began with a 10 mile ride on the singletrack trails.  Present at the Meeting were Steve Vigneau, Mike Reeves, Kristen Barry, Brian McPherson, and Diana Skinner. The meeting was called to order by Steve Vigneau at 8:15 PM.  Steve updated the progress at Stony Creek.  Stating that Applied Trail Research will be in town from 8/22 thru 8/31 and we may be able to meet with the company for input.  DTE has had a change in upper management and it appears they MAY not be donating money to the project, however, ITC could be interested in funding the signage for the project.  On 10/27/18 Stony Creek is hosting "Howlin at the Moon" event a the park.  It is an event focused on getting multiple user groups (Runners, Hikers and Mountain Bikers) together to enjoy the trails.  In other news, please contact the board if you are available to help in anyway with Massive Fallout, food, registration, signage, etc.  The meeting came to a close at 8:42 PM.

July 2018 CRAMBA Chapter Meeting

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes 7/17/18The meeting was held at Rochester Mills Beer Co. and was called to order at 7:02 by Steve Vigneau.30 members were in attendance.Previous meeting minutes were not read.STONY UPDATE-Applied Trail Design has been selected for assessment and design of trail work at Stony Creek.  Scheduled to be built in 2019.-Planning stage is funded, the build phase will be approximately $250,000.-Still waiting on an exact date and time, but look forward to a Bike/Hike/Run event in October around Halloween.-Trail should be prime as it was recently trimmed.ADDISON RACE-Chris Westerlund sated that registration is open on BikeReg.  We are looking for sponsors and volunteers for food, marking course, etc.  If interested please email race@CRAMBA.org.RIVER BENDS REPORT-There is 1.1 miles of new trail at River Bends, please help ride it in.  The direction is counter clockwise.  An additional 2 miles of trail will be built out in the fall when the leaves fall and site lines are better.  A lot of money has been spent on bridges and machine rental, thanks to a generous donation.-The new bike park plans are held up at the Township level and a lot of good work has been put in by Jim Vanker and Ben Snyder to present the plans.ADDISON REPORT-New section of Addison trail is on hold due to a reported siting of a missisauga rattle snake.  More to come on the new trail and no other news to report.CRPT REPORT-There has been good feedback on new bridge and trail work with some tweaking planned to dial things in.-Recognition to all responsible being sought with the City of Sterling Heights so that people know who is responsible for the building and maintenance of the trail system.-The large stone within the CRPT trail has been approved to be used as a new feature on the trail.  Look forward to that in the future.BIKE PATROL-Membership is up to 70 members now.-IMBA has dropped the program and the National Ski Patrol has picked it up.  There will be no noticeable difference to any trail riders.-An application has been submitted to become a "patrol" level organization with National Ski Patrol.  Our bike patrol will now be dual trained for bike and ski patrol.MASSIVE FALLOUT-The date is October 6 and we are looking for help with food etc.  Please contact Brian McPherson if you are interested in helping.-Bloomer may not be included due to conflict with a running event.CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS-We will be looking for more/new chapter board members at the next meeting.  If interested please let someone know.BALD MOUNTAIN-No reportBLOOMER-Trimming to come soon and looking for help with TC work.PONTIAC LAKE-Trail day this Sunday 7/22/18 at 9 am.  The trailer will be there and they may be doing a reroute.HOLDRIDGE-Trail day this Saturday 7/21/18 at 9 am with a BBQ after!COLUMBUS PARK-2 miles of trail have been opened up from over growth and they are working with the park to build more trail in the future.MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:37

March CRAMBA Board Meeting

Meeting was held at Steampunk.  In attendance were Steve Vigneau, Kristen Berry, Brian McPherson and Mike Reeves.Meeting was called to order at 7:08 PM by Steve Vigneau.-Trail Days are currently being established.  Look for them to be added to the calendar in the very near future.-Steve V. is kind of taking the lead on figuring out the Golden Volunteer program to see how we can best utilize it.  Look for more on this later.-We are looking into the possibility of using Trail Forks for trail conditions, etc.  Other chapters are successfully using this.-Stony Creek Metro Park trail improvements continues to move forward!-Bike park project at River Bends also continues to gain momentum, now with Shelby Twp. on board.Meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM

February CRAMBA Board Meeting

Meeting was held at Steampunk.  In attendance were Steve Vigneau, Kristen Berry, Eric Mile, Brian McPherson and Mike Reeves.Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Steve Vigneau.-Discussion was had about signing IMBA Local Program document.   Waiting for final draft with corrections and it will be signed.-Kristen mentioned that we have to renew our chapter insurance policy.  This will be done soon.-AY CRAMBA It's cold out! was a success.  Discussion was had about minor improvements for next year.-Stony Creek Metro Park is considering a fund raiser for the new trail improvements at the park.  It would possibly be an evening ride in the fall.  More to come!Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM

November 2017 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board minutes.11/30/17Board members in attendance: Steve Vigneau, Erick Mile, Brian McPherson, and Mike Reeves.Meeting was chaired by Steve and was called to order at 7:00 pm at Steampunk in Utica.-Board approved Chris Westerlund to receive a CRAMBA Jersey and Pint glass to giveaway during a membership drive.-Board approved $3,000 towards the planning phase of the Sheldon trails at Stony Creek Metro Park.-Board approved putting old trailer, previously used for the snowmobile, on Craig's List for $100.-Board approved to support a new structural proposal by MMBA. CRAMBA will remain a club member at this time.-The board also discussed the Addison XC race, with nothing new to report at this time.Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM

August 2017 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Minutes8-17-17This meeting was held at the Fitzpatrick Irish PubBoard members in attendance, Nick Shue, Marty Shue, Kristen Barry, Mike Fitzpatrick, Steve Vigneau, Jeremy Verbeke, and Chris WesterlundNon board members present, Roger ClassSteve chaired the meeting. It was called to order at about 7:10 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the previous meeting were not read.General Discussion

• MMBA Survey. Steve filled the survey in but thought it was of little consequence.
• MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). Steve will attend the September 14 Parks Board Meeting to answer any final questions and (hopefully) sign the MOU
• Wrong Way Signs for Stony. CRAMBA has the signs. Steve will get with Peter Kresmery and together work out the most effective locations for the signs.
  • Off grid connector trails and most “bandit” trails will not be affected
• Safe Night Out Event – Steve’s Report
  • Steve set up the CRAMBA tent kiosk
  • Collected $16.00 in donations
  • No new members signed up but still a good public relations awareness event for CRAMBA
  • Kristen got the group ride to show up
• Massive Fallout – Chris’ report
  • Everything is basically on-track
  • Bald Mountain needs a copy of our insurance certificate
  • Stony Creek has not responded, Chris will call
  • Chris will send Mike the directional-sign layout
  • Mike will get 30+ printed up with wire frames
  • Moose-Jaw has volunteer to SAG (i.e. respond to a come-and-get-me call)
  • Conklin road connector has been mowed by the DNR (yes!)
• Holly State Recreation Area General Management Plan
  • Thursday August 31
  • Question as to what involvement CRAMBA should have
  • Steve will contact Ron Arnott and/or Cori Chesnutt to find out more
• GOT Clinic
  • Marty reported the she has 18 women signed up.
  • Held at River Bends on Sunday, August 18
  • Will try classroom in the morning and trail in the afternoon
  • In the future “no refunds” will be written prominently on flier
• Membership Committee
  • Chris reported that we have currently 465 active and lapsed down from our peak of 480
  • Mike briefly talked about flier tear-offs for CRAMBA that will be posted at each trail head
  • Chris will help with an update to CRAMBA hang-tags.
• River Bends now has officially closed the Orange (aka swamp) loop
• Addison Oaks – Roger Class’ report
  • Roger reported that all systems are go for CRAMBA’s Fall Classic race
  • Roger reported and excellent working relationship with Addison’s land manager, Katie
  • Steve and Roger are working on some trail re-routes to avoid the high speed asphalt parts
  • Mike offered to donate the cost of a winter groomer for Addison

 Next month’s board meeting will be on September 21, at the Fitzpatrick Irish Pub Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 

July 13, 2017 Chapter Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes7-13-17This meeting was held at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. There were about 15 people in attendance.Steve Vigneau chaired the meeting. It was called to order at about 7:44PM.Minutes of the previous meeting were not read

• CRAMBA signed the 2.0 Chapter agreement with the IMBA
  • Dues are now split 50/50 with IMBA
  • Doesn’t really affect us that much
  • CRAMBA now has our own 501c(3) as a prudent safety-net measure
  • CRAMBA supports the MMBA and their efforts but we (CRAMBA) will maintain a wait and see posture as to our further affiliation
• Shelby Township Award
  • CRAMBA has received the “Better Place to Play award from Shelby Township
  • Jeremy Verbeke will receive the award on behalf of CRAMBA
• MMBA Bike Festival Cancellation
  • The MMBA has officially canceled the MMBA Bike Festival at Boyne Mountain
  • Registered riders will get a full refund
• Metro Parks Information
  • Steve reported that he will be meeting with the interim director of the Metro Parks
  • He will be discussing the MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) and getting it signed
  • Improvements to the current trail system
  • Hiring a professional trail builder for design of new trails
• Board Elections
  • Steve announced that CRAMBA will have openings for new board members at our next election
  • Election for new board member will be at our October 19 meeting
  • Jeremy Verbeke noted that volunteers for committees need not be board members and indeed, ideally they are grooming for eventual board membership
• CRAMBA receives REI garnt
  • Jeremy Verbeke announce that CRAMBA received a $5000.00 grant from REI
  • CRAMBA used this money to build two new trail kiosks, one at Pontiac Lake and the other at Holdridge
• Blitz Day report
  • Mike Fitzpatrick said the Blitz day was a measured success with a net of 42 new or renewed members
  • CRAMBA had 13 station set ups at 12 trails with 33 total volunteers
  • All original and summation documentation has been recorded in Basecamp for next year
• Trail updates
  • Ron Arnott said the Meadows at Holdridge has been bush-hogged and is in good shape
  • Cori Chesnutt said they are holding a Beginner Information ride on July 29 between 10:00 and 12:00 at Holdridge to introduce new riders to the mountain bike experience.
  • Zandra reported they had a successful trail day with good participation and bermed some need sections of trial
• Bike Patrol
  • Jeremy Verbeke reported that CRAMBA now has 58 Bike Patrollers (up from 49 at April’s meeting). Good job Jeremy!
  • The Bike Patrollers have received generous donations from different sources totaling about $1550.00
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking
  • No formal report but Mike Fitzpatrick reported that attendance was up over last year’s very successful event
  • Well organized with food, waivers, helmets, bike numbers, Bike Patrollers as guides
  • No injuries
• Treasurer’s Report
  • No formal report but our balance after expenses is about $17,000.00
  • Our balance is a bit better than this time last year
• GOT Clinic
  • Scheduled for August 20
  • Restricted to 18+ riders for liability reasons
  • Marty Shue will be the instructor
• Addison Oaks Classic
  • Roger reported everything is on track
  • Still looking for title sponsor and number sponsor
• Massive Fallout
  • Chris Westerlund showed a sample of a direction sign that will be used this year.
• Winter Grooming at Holdridge
  • Cori Chesnutt is exploring winter grooming at Holdridge
  • They pack with snowshoes now
  • Looking for a groomer
  • Have access to a snowmobile

Next chapter meeting will be October 19, Thursday, at 7:00 PM at Addison Oaks

• Elections for board
• Pre-meeting ride (bring lights)
• barbecue provided
• .

June 15, 2017 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Minutes6-15-17This meeting was held at the Fitzpatrick Irish PubBoard members in attendance, Nick Shue, Martha Shue, Kristen Barry, Mike Fitzpatrick, Steve Vigneau, Jeremy Verbeke, and Alice JacobsNon board members present, Dean FitzpatrickSteve chaired the meeting. It was called to order at about 7:04 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the previous meeting were not read.General Discussion

• IMBA Chapter Charter Agreement
  • Following a brief discussion, Nick motioned to accept the latest (6-1-2017) IMBA Chapter Agreement as written. The motion was seconded by Jeremy Verbeke. The vote was 6 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 abstention
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking Success
  • Preliminary results indicate that participation was double last years with 100+ participants
  • Handed out 4 adult helmets to non-wearers
  • Had excellent weather
• Basecamp
  • Steve gave our Trail coordinators access to Basecamp
  • Steve put our tax exempt status paperwork on Basecamp
• Membership Blitz
  • Mike reported that everything is on track.
  • We have received written approval from all parks

Next month will not have a board meeting in lieu of our chapter meeting on July 13, at Pontiac LakeMeeting adjourned at approximately 8:37 PM. 

May 18, 2017 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Minutes5-18-17This meeting was held at a River Bends pavilionBoard members in attendanceNick Shue, Martha Shue, Chris Westerlund, Kristen Barry, Mike Fitzpatrick, Steve Vigneau, and Jeremy VerbekeSteve chaired the meeting. It was called to order at about 7:40 PM. (This was an outdoor, informal format meeting)Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the previous meeting were not read.General Discussion

• 501(c)3
  • Steve reported that CRAMBA has their own, IRS approved, 501(c)3
  • Our tax exempt status does not interfere with our IMBA sub-chapter 501(c)3
  • This is a safety net for us just in case, on the off-chance, IMBA dissolves their chapter program we (CRAMBA) keep our own assets.
• Royal Oak Bike Park
  • Ben Snyder from People for Bikes is supporting the Royal Oak Bike Park
  • CRAMBA supports this initiative but our involvement is yet to be determined
• Michigan Mountain Bike Festival, August 25-27 at Boyne Mountain, Boyne City
  • Steve said he’s heard little of the event
  • Chris said about 22 people have signed up
  • Mike said he distributed Festival fliers to every table at the Hopcat event
• CRPT’s 150 foot board walk
  • Due to poor weather, the construction of the board walk was moved to may 27
• Financial Status
  • Kristen reported that we have $15,666 after all bills are paid
  • Jeremy said to expect a $5000.00 check from REI soon
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking
  • Still looking for volunteers for Saturday, June 3^, at River Bends
  • Mike said he will volunteer and is donating 5 small, and 5 medium helmets
  • Need help with food
• Massive Fallout
  • Chris said he has contacted all the parks
  • He will contact Katie at Stony to confirm a free pavilion
  • Signage will be much better this year
  • Maybe a BYOB planned and advertised get-together after
• T-shirts
  • Marty said she is in contact with Armadillo for CRAMBA T-shirts.
  • Maybe a limited – 2 to 3 weeks – on line store so items can be printed in one lot
  • Free trail-work t-shirts are in the works
• Membership Status
  • Chris presented a current update on membership
  • CRAMBA stands at 387 current (up 52 from 1-10-17) and 38 lapsed
• Membership Blitz
  • Mike reported that we have approval from all parks with written approval/permission from Ruby Campground and Bloomer expected soon.
  • Blitz day training is set for June 8 at the Fitzpatrick pub
    • A one hour meeting
    • Training on using a smart phone for sign ups
    • Training on sales-friendly approach
    • Leave with a kitted-box of Blitz day supplies
• Board Continuity
  • Kristen offered her concern about succession. She is term limited as treasurer. No understudy is apparent at this time
  • Mike said that this would be his last year on the board
  • Nick said it would be good to get back up to 12 board members
• ICP (Instructor Certification Program)
  • Marty will hold an ICP training on August 11 and 12
• Marty proffered that trail day volunteers may be the key to getting volunteers to be more active in chapter business. The term “Trail Mom”, or a coordinator to talk to, get names, barbecue, etc. to deliver on this idea.

Next board meeting will be June 15, Thursday, at 7:00 PM at the Fitzpatrick Irish Pub.Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM. 

April 2017 Chapter Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes4-13-17This meeting was held at the Rochester Mills Beer Company. There were about 50 people in attendance.Jeremy Verbeke and Steve Vigneau chaired the meeting. It was called to order at 7:03 PM.Minutes of the previous meeting were not readAward Presentation: Jeremy Verbeke, on behalf of CRAMBA and the entire local mountain biking community recognized Mark Senyk with an appreciation award for his many years of volunteerism maintaining the trails. Pete Kresmery, CRAMBA’s TC from Stony Creek added this, “Mark is my "Go-to" guy. He always seems to be available to lend a hand, even when it's too hot to be out there in the woods, he's there. I'm able to "bounce" ideas off of him, especially while we're riding the trails.”

• Major Trail updates and Trail Day Announcements
  • Addison Oaks County Park
    • Roger Class is our new TC for Addison
    • Please note, June 4^th the trails will be closed to mountain bikers due to a trail running event.
  • Bald Mountain
  • Clinton River Park Trails
  • 150 ft board walk over marshy area will be constructed by volunteers from LL Bean funded in part by LL Bean and Back to the Beach.
    • May 6 is the first trail day
  • Columbus County Park. Don Miller III has volunteered to be CRAMBA’s trail coordinator for this trail. Thank you Don!
  • Holly-Holdridge. Cori Chesnutt said the first trail maintenance date is June 10. They may have one prior to that depending on trail conditions and will promote it once the date has been set.
  • Orion Oaks County Park.
  • Ortonville Recreation Area
  • Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
  • River Bends Park
  • Ruby Campground
  • Seven Lakes State Park
  • Stony Creek Metropark. Steve Vigneau introduced Katie Kowalski. He updated these minutes as follows: "CRAMBA is working with Huron-Clinton Metroparks on Stony Creek in support of reaching the goals outlined in the five year plan. Katie Kowalski, Volunteer Services Supervisor, was in attendance at the meeting, and we are working closely with her on this project. We are looking to grants, including those from REI, to support this work. Mountain bike trail supporters, who turned up at the Stony Creek Master Planning meeting a year ago, were key in getting these improvements in the Master Plan which should be good for all of us."
  • Sony Creek Skills Park. Dave Schall has done a good job with cleanup and housekeeping on this younger age usage trails.
  • Foundation Trail – Holly High School
  • Genesee County Park
• Bike Patrol
  • CRAMBA has 49 active bike patrollers for 13 trails
  • Spring training event tentatively set for April 29 (full day – CPR, first aid, trail ride)
  • For more information go to CRAMBA-IMBA, Mountain Bike Patrol page
  • Email at bikepatrol@cramba.org
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking
  • Saturday, June 3 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at River Bends
  • Bike Patrol will help direct riders throughout the trail system
  • REI will be on-site to teach children basic bike maintenance, as well as do safety checks on bikes
  • Spare helmets will be available
• IMBA, Steve Vigneau gave a brief update
  • CRAMBA accrues a significant benefit from our affiliation with IMBA and MMBA
  • $39 annual membership will begin June 1, 2017.
  •  50/50 revenue split on individual and family memberships with IMBA/CRAMBA
• MMBA is sponsoring an Expo/Festival in Boyne City on August 25, 26, for the expressed purpose of funding our ED’s salary.
  • Good news: due to sufficient sponsor subsidies the cost for an individual was dropped to $100.00 for the weekend.
  • The Expo/Festival will have rides, races, training, etc.
  • Held at Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, MI
  • From the MMBA website: Featuring: Women's Skills Clinic, Hands on Trail building Clinic, Advanced Jumps and Berms Clinic, Wheelies & Lifts Clinic, Kid's Skills Clinic, Demo Fair @  Avalanche Trail, Saturday evening show featuring The Ragbirds, Sunrise Breakfast on the Trail
  • Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/mmbf17
• Membership Status
  • Mike Fitzpatrick reported that we currently have 440 paid and lapsed members which is a net increase 40 members in the last 3 months (really good because the first quarter is our slow season)
  • Of note: R2R social ride group joined and so did Macomb Bike
• Membership Blitz on June 17, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Planning on all 13 trails being represented
  • 2 volunteers at each trail head – we currently have 29 volunteers!
  • Feather signs with CRAMBA and logo purchased and ready to go
  • Some trail poster signs in the works
  • Complimentary T-shirts for all volunteers
  • Only have 3 trails to go for written permission – thank you Chris Westerlund
  • Smart phone sign-ups are easiest (actually got 4 new members from this chapter meeting via phone)
  • Stretch goal of 100 new members from this one day event
• Marty said that CRAMBA jerseys are now available and reported the following:
  • Jerseys are produced on demand and will take 7 business days to ship
  • CRAMBA receives 15% of the retail cost.
  • Orders $75 or more will receive free USPS shipping.
  • Currently offering club and trail jerseys. If we get enough orders, we can add more items (like shorts!).
• Massive Fallout was a big success last year with about 300 riders
  • Chris Westerlund said this year we will have better trail and directional signs
• CRAMBA pint beer glasses are in and will be available.
• Treasurer’s report
  • Balance of $19,509 after pending expenses are paid.

Next chapter meeting will be July 13, Thursday, at 7:00/7:30 PM at Pontiac Lake

• Pre-meeting ride – BTW, this is an intermediate + trail (newbies plan on 1.5 hours)
• barbecue provided
• BYO beverage

Meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM.

3-16-17 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Minutes3-16-17This meeting was held at the Fitzpatrick Irish Pub.Board members in attendanceNick Shue, Martha Shue, Chris Westerlund, Kristen Barry, Tony McGee, Mike FitzpatrickAlso in attendanceDean FitzpatrickKristen Barry chaired the meeting. It was called to order at 7:00 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 1-10-17 chapter meeting were read and approved as readOld/New Business

• Mike gave Kristen a check for $100.00 from Macomb Bike for our participation at Ladies Night.
• Rochester Rotary Club Invitation to CRAMBA to speak
  • Mike Fitzpatrick said he would contact Rodney Hulbert from the RRC and set a date
  • Mike said he would make a PowerPoint presentation and have the board review it first
  • All present board members agreed to this approach
• Michigan Mountain Bike Festival, August 25-27 at Boyne Mountain, Boyne City
  • Marty will print promotional fliers and have them at our April 13^th Chapter meeting at the Rochester Mills Brewery
  • Marty to post the flier on our Website
  • Should be posted on all trail head kiosks (who?)
  • Mike will take fliers to bike shops in the area
• LL Bean to build board walk
  • LL Bean contacted CRAMBA and, through Aaron Burgess, will build a board walk
  • On May 6, volunteers from LL Bean will build a board walk along M53
• REI introduction of Co-Op bicycles event – CRAMBA invited
  • March 25, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Troy store
  • Tony and Mike said they will attend
  • Mike will contact Jeremy Kozak (REI employee) and ask what we are allowed to bring (literature, signs, etc.)
• Hang Tags
  • Nick lead a discussion on hang tags, history and their usage
  • Marty will send Mike a sample of the old tags
  • Nick said the bike shops liked these and it was a good source of new memberships
• Independence Township Trail
  • Chris asked about the email from Independence Township to build a new trail
  • Nick said that this needed to be address at a higher level and was referred to Melissa for her review
• Instructor Certification Program subsidy
  • Mike asked if CRAMBA could offer a $200.00 subsidy for Alice to take her ICP training
  • This idea was discussed and turned down
• Tony said our custom CRAMBA glasses are ordered
• Financial Status
  • Currently have $25,856.00 balance
  • Pending expenses of $9,374.89 (includes $5,847.00 for insurance)
• Insurance
  • It was decided that a detailed insurance discussion was not in order because Alice and Steve weren’t present - they know the most about our insurance
  • It was agreed that the insurance must be paid and any adjustment later will result in a pro-rated refund
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking
  • Sunday, June 4^th at River Bends
  • Going forward regardless if IMBA is not supporting
• Fund Raising
  • Kristen that CRAMBA could make better use of title sponsorship for fund raising
  • Maybe a shirt sponsor for Massive Fallout
  • Kristen will contact Ross from MDMB for information on their success in pursuing sponsors
  • Kristen said CRAMBA needs to define what are the perks of a platinum, gold, silver, etc. level of sponsorship, maybe borrow from MORC?
• Membership Status
  • Chris presented a current update on membership
  • CRAMBA stands at 387 current (up 52 from 1-10-17) and 38 lapsed
• Membership Blitz
  • Mike reported that we now have 23 volunteers for June 17 on our way to 26+
  • On display in the Pub were 4 Stony Creek 24x36 posters that are typical of the ones we will be using on June 17. Thank you Pete Kresmery and Dave Schall
  • Mike demonstrated the use of our QR code for getting to the correct sign-up page on a cell phone quickly
  • Kristen said that she would send Mike a current inventory list of our literature
  • Chris reported his progress on getting written permission from the land managers for Blitz Day and a few contacts are yet to be made.

Next board meeting will be April 20, Thursday, at 7:00 PM at the Fitzpatrick Irish Pub.Meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM. 

Chapter Meeting Minutes 1-10-17

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes1-10-17This meeting was held at the Rochester Mills Beer Company. There were about 50 people in attendance.Steve Vigneau chaired the meeting. It was called to order at 7:05 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportNo minutes of the previous meeting were available Old/New Business

• Bike Patrol
  • CRAMBA has 44 active bike patrollers for 13 trails
  • Patrollers put in 2642 volunteer hours in 2016 with over 13,800 miles logged
  • Spring training event tentatively set for April 29
  • For more information go to CRAMBA-IMBA, Mountain Bike Patrol page
  • Email at bikepatrol@cramba.org
• Winter Grooming
  • Successfully using a 1979 Yamaha snowmobile pulling a new groomer
  • River Bends, Addison Oaks, and Bald Mountain South are groomed
  • Jeremy made a side comment that, after a thaw, groomed trials are icier than a non-groomed trail
• Leaf Blowing Protocol
  • Please contact your trail coordinator prior to leaf blowing any trails. There are two schools of thought as to the efficacy of leaf blowing and according to Nick Shue “both are right”
• IMBA
  • Melissa Werkman our ARD (Assistant Regional Director) from IMBA has her salary funded for only a couple more months. MMBA has hired her as our ED (Executive Director.
  • MMBA is sponsoring an Expo/Festival in Boyne City on August 25, 26, for the expressed purpose of funding our ED’s salary.
  • The Expo/Festival will have rides, races, training, etc.
• Membership Status
  • Mike Fitzpatrick reported that we are sorting out exactly what our membership is but it looks like officially we have 335 paid members – up 100 net members last year.
  • CRAMBA is planning a Membership Blitz on June 17 consists of”
    • 13 trail head set ups
    • 2 volunteers at each trail head – will need 26 volunteers total
    • Credit card readers at each station
    • Goal of 100 new members from this one day
    • This trail will be listed officially as a CRAMBA trail soon

Next chapter meeting will be April 13, Thursday, at 7:00 PM at the Rochester Mills Brewery.Meeting adjourned approximately 7:55 PM.