Behind the Bars - March

No good deed goes unpunished.  A full race calendar, Dirt Schools, Trail Days... we had it all planned out.  Planned out well, too.  I even had a draft of this newsletter all ready to go weeks ago.  We were going to be rallying the troops for a big push into better weather, getting the trails in perfect shape for spring riding.  BIG GROUPS of trail volunteers! Yeah.  Change of plans.

Looking back on the past few weeks, all that seems like a very, very long time ago. Almost a different world.  But maybe not that different when it comes to what we do.  See for many of us, the trails are an escape.  It's about getting away from things for a little bit.  Maybe a little alone time.  And that's what's needed at a time like this.

So that's what we're still working toward: getting the trails in the best shape possible so when the weather allows the trails to dry, we'll all have an opportunity to spend some time in the woods and have just a small sense of normalcy amid all the craziness.

We still have trail stewards working on spring prep, just not large, public work days where we invite everyone out to help.  We're excited to get on the trails soon and we'll be sure to let you know when it's OK to ride.  Until then, be safe, train solo, take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

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A Message from Heidi

Hey friends, buckle up those chin straps and get ready. Spring is quickly approaching with a chance of muddy trails and a pandemic. Never fear the sun is sure to come out, our trails will only close due to weather and bad trail conditions.

Fortunately, singletrack is immune to the corona virus.  It won’t cough or hack in your face.  Get a face full of dirt and well you will just be dirty.   Our trails can offer you a refuge to get out of your house and breathe deep.  Lose yourself for a few hours and let the stress roll off with each pedal stoke.  Did you know that by riding your bike on a regular basis you have warded off many of the factors that make you more at risk for the Corona Virus to turn deadly? Cycling strengthens your heart and lungs giving you healthy cardiovascular and respiratory systems.  It also burns gobs of calories that can help keep you at a healthy weight, warding off obesity and all the health problems that come with it.  Fresh air, exercise and reducing stress all boost your immune system.

Don’t panic, be smart, use precautions no one wants to get sick or lose a loved one.  Do yourself a favor, go ride your bicycle!  

Just keep pedaling,

Heidi Coulter

COMBO President

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STAY AT HOME CLARIFICATION

Ohio's Stay at Home Order does NOT prevent you from going to your local trail.  Residents are permitted to visit local parks and/or go for a walk, jog, bike ride, etc.  During these activities, social distancing recommendations should still be followed: allow at least 6 ft between yourself and others.  Groups of any size are NOT permitted so it's all solo efforts for a while.

Click Here for Current Ohio Coronavirus Info

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Update on Races & Events

Mike & the COMBO Race Crew really did a great job setting up the calendar for an amazing year of racing on your local trails.  All of that is now on hold.  Fortunately though, all of those plans are prepped and ready to go as soon as it's safe for groups to start getting together again.  Like you, we're anxious to return to normalcy and for a lot of our community, that means getting out and racing your bike.  Hang in there & we'll keep you informed as our plans modify to account for everyone's safety.

COMBO is a 501c3 non-profit that relies on the generosity of donors like you who support the local mountain biking community.  From Trail Projects to Races to Beginner Education, COMBO is committed to building and enhancing riding opportunities in Central Ohio.

Click Here to Contribute

Copyright © 2020 Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization, All rights reserved.

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