April 27 -2008 - Mtbr.com teamed up with Trailworkers.com to work on Soquel Demonstration Forest in Santa Cruz, CA. Where normal volunteer crews have 8-10 people, Mtbr was able to help recruit a group of 30 people to work and enjoy the day together. It is rumored that food, beer, and swag were used to aid the recruitment effort

The crew was so big that elaborate planning had to take place to get the workers and all the equipment deep in the forest. With the main access road closed, head Foresters Thomas Sutfin and Edgar Orre had to get creative and use private roads to drive everyone in. Let’s just say the drive alone was a four-wheeling adventure.

The trail workers were broken up into several groups to take advantage of the team size. The crew worked on a two-mile stretch of Ridge trail to Sawpit Trail. Some of the work done were:

- cutting water drainage

- pruning branches and shrubs

- removing sharp and dangerous obstacles

- creating access routes for the Forester’s ATV utility vehicle

- improving flow and rideability of the trail

- and of course creating berms and fun obstacles and features

The day was not only rewarding but extremely fun as well. The crew worked hard and enjoyed each other’s company. Lots of smiles were had and lots of photos were taken. After the trail work, the group had a huge picnic and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon eating and product testing the new Mtbr Pint glass by Soquel Creek.

With our busy lives, there’s a million reasons not to do trail work. Mtbr wants to make it rewarding and fun. It should be an easy decision. It should be a commitment that we look forward to. Trail systems like the Soquel Demo Forest are worth every ounce of effort we put into them.

Check the report and dozens of photos here:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=406899

Water buffalo, typhoons, and happy kids:

After dreaming about a cycling trip to Vietnam for years, I finally did it this year. I went with a group through REI adventures. It was amazing. We started in Saigon, and via bike, bus, train and boat, made our way through the country to Hanoi. What follows are a few of the photos that I took, and a few words.

Scooters are the main mode of transport, serving as passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and taxi. 5 seems to be the max number one can fit, although more often it’s 3 or 4.

Biking in the mountainous town of Dalat

Road Hazard

Tony Climbs

Misty Mountain

Ancient Champa temples, circa 14th century

Rice paddies are everywhere

A series of typhoons, or hurricanes, hit Vietnam during this trip. The bull doesn’t seem to mind, but I’m not sure where the owner went to.

Kids love to come out and say “HALLO!”

Kid and boat

Woman and bike

The bar on the tiny Whale Island, which is a minimalist eco-resort. Here we stayed in huts on the beach steps away from the surf.

Paul and kids

Monument at the site of the My Lai massacre

Dog in Hoi An

Self portrait in the streets of Hoi An, and ancient port town that retains much charm

Hoi An flowers

Shopping

Hoi An got pretty flooded from the typhoons. The water here had actually receded quite a bit already. It had been 7 feet higher a week before. Shops were open nonetheless.

Bike on boat

Fishing on the river next to Hoi An

Bikes double as carts and strollers

Biking up Hai Van Pass

Citadel at Hue, site of a huge battle during Tet offensive

Noon time in the country, the roads are taken over by school kids going home to eat lunch

Water Buffalo coming. They make the funniest noise, almost like a squeak

The army was mine sweeping along this road as we biked past, but the officers wouldn’t let me take a picture of them.

Relaction view

The kids had fun racing us on their way home from school

Hanoi

Fragile Load of ceramics

Thanks for looking. Many more photos here!