Behind the Bars - May

It was 40*... then we got 3" inches of rain and flooded everything out... and now it's 90* and (as I type this) the trails are mostly in pretty good shape!  It's just a lot right now, right?  We feel it too.  As previously restricted businesses and activities start the long journey towards getting back to whatever sense of normal we can hope for, the local mountain bike community is facing our typical spring/summer transitions, too.

Been to the trailhead lately?  Trail usage is way up when the trails are in condition to be open. WAY. UP. This is both a blessing and a curse in that we take lots of pleasure and pride in helping make mountain biking possible for everyone in Central Ohio but also a curse in that trails are taking a beating with all the extra tires rolling through.  This presents some pretty big challenges, especially in those critical first couple of days after the rains stop.  To give the Trail Stewards a hand, we're trying out something new with our TrailPods (check out the video below for more info).

If you're taking the time to read this, we assume you're a responsible trail user so this might be preaching to the choir but please check trail conditions before heading out and respect trail closings!  The number one thing we can do to get trails open sooner and keep them in great shape is to let them dry properly following big rains.  Thank you all for doing your part!

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A Message from Heidi

Hello Friends,

I hope you were able to get out this month and enjoy some of COMBO’s trails.  At times our trails were a perfect retreat from this crazy world, complete with hero dirt and nice long sight lines.  Recently a kayak might have more success than a mountain bike on our single-track. (Please don’t try this!) These storms brings huge amounts of rain and the trails are going to need some time to dry out.  We will need your help!  Trail Pods will be at each trail and we will start to have small group trail days in June.

Like you, I’d rather be on the trail but when the rains move in and trails are drying out, other forms of riding like neighborhood and gravel rides are going to have to do for a little while.  Lately, I’ve been having fun practicing skills like track stands and wheelies at a local park.  Any skill building you do now will certainly help you on the trail.

Speaking of skills, Dirt School registration will open up next week and will be limited to 7 students.  Make sure to visit combomtb.com for trail conditions, trail days, race updates and Dirt School registration.  

Just keep pedaling,

Heidi Coulter

COMBO President

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RACE UPDATE

Mountain Bike Racing! When will it ever happen again?! We can't be sure yet. As much as we want to get back to normal, safety during the COVID-19 pandemic is the top priority. Rest assured that any future events we plan will comply with State and Local guidelines as well as make it through the COMBO Board of Directors. We are constantly thinking about ways to have a safe race while practicing social distancing. Enduro, seems a little easier than say a mass start six hour race.  More details will be provided soon, you can check https://www.combomtb.com/races periodically for updates.  Outside is the safest place to be right now so when monsoon season ends get out and ride!

-Mike

Introducing our TrailPod Pilot Program

In the absence of group trail days, we've had lots of messages along the lines of, "love to help, just let me know when & how". Here's your answer!  Volunteer when you want, as little or as much as you'd like!

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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.

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

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