Thanks to over 32 ROMP volunteers for making the ROMP Coe IMBA Epic a success. We proved that “organized-mountainbike-ride” is not an oxymoron.
ROMP hosted an IMBA Epic in Henry Coe State Park on Seot 20-21st: A day of trail work, camping overnight, and another day with an Epic ride. It was as incredibly fun as it was hot.
Over 55 people attended and contributed. 34 vehicles were driven into the park to a remote location usually closed to public vehicle access. 7 miles of trail were brushed out. 37 people attempted to ride a daunting 24 mile/5,000′ course of Coe steeps. Of these 14 super-heroes finished the entire ride.The course was designed to allow for “bailouts” and shorter loops and incorporated SAG support, water caches, and the incredible three tented Sunshine Bikes Aid Station. 8 riders resorted to taking rides from the SAG. Low temperature at Bell Station was 41, and high temperatures out on the trail exceeded 105.
The National Mountain Bike Patrol assisted with 7 patrollers. Fortunately there were no medical emergencies. People got hot, but no one suffered more than that. Considering the conditions, it was amazing to see all the work that was accomplished, and all the incredible climbing and cool single track getting covered by cyclists. Everyone left Coe safe and sound. There were no accidents.
Over 70 burritos were served. Two kegs of beer were donated to the event: An ice-cold Hefeweisen from El Toro Brewing of Morgan Hill and a frosty Octoberfest Bock from Lagunitas Brewing of Petaluma. Over 400 hundred gallons of water supported us. Additional water was cached in remote locations on the course. Santa Cruz donated T-shirts and wool socks to give away. Coe Park maps were available for discount. Clif Bars, Bakers Cookies, HammerGel and other commestibles in abundance were given out to support riders and trailworkers. Gallons of sweat were poured.
Mountainbikers came from as far as Colorado, San Diego, Ventura, Fresno, Auburn, Novato, and Berkeley to find out first hand what Coe is all about.
Rattlesnakes and tarantulas were evidently attending the festivities as well, drawn to all the hub-bubb around those free-flowing kegs. The Supervising Ranger showed up at the same time.
So here’s what we achieved. Trail workers shuttled out to remote trails. The majority were dispatched to brush out Dutch’s trail, which was completed to the bottom where it meets the Yellow Jacket Trail. Another group went out to brush Tie-Down Trail, which needed only minimal brushing in comparison, but was needed. Another group was sent down Mack’s Corral.The trails down to and back out of Purple Pond were brushed as well.
The North Fork Trail was accessed on the Sunday ride. Because of the sensitive riparian habitat and the fame it gained in recent controversey, we were especially concerned. Thanks to the coincidental planning for the IMBA Epic with the Dams in Coe protests, the North Fork Trail was defined and showcased. The efforts of the Epic Ride committee have made the North Fork Trail by defining the route and assuring hikers and riders stay on course.
You might feel lucky that you missed this one, but there will be more events like this in the future. So stay tuned, and I’ll see you next time!
Regards,
Paul Nam, President ROMP
