GORC News Archive - Timeline
This page is now used for archival purposes. Check out News Blog that integrated on the home page. You can click this link to search our older news items from the news blog.
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02/09/09 - Extended Through Feb. 18th!
Custom GORC Gear Bags Through Dogfish
Dogfish is giving back to GORC members. They are offering 3 different gear bags - the Ultimate gear bag, a backpack, and messenger bag with a hard backing for laptops. The bags are embroidered with the GORC logo.
All profits from sale of bags will be donated back to GORC. Dogfish Racing would like to thank all GORC members for all their diligent work.
01/12/09 - SIUE Map Updated
GORC has updated the SIUE trail map. It now includes trail 5 and the designation of trail 2 extension has been changed to "trail 6." - Trail Information
01/02/09 - Creve Coeur Map Added
The trails built to date at Creve Coeur Memorial Lake Park have been GPSed and a new GORC trail map is now available here.
01/19/09 - North Trace Creek Cleared
Twelve GORCers cleared 14 miles of the Trace Creek portion of the Ozark Trail this past weekend. It's clear from the Council Bluff connector to Hazel Creek Campground. The trail is completely free of unrideable deadfall, and in great shape. You can almost always ride down there, usually even on days where the winter weather won't allow you to ride in our area.
We have another workday scheduled down there for March, so keep your eyes on the forum for info.
02/01/09 - Bike Swap 2009 Recap
GORC members promoted trail advocacy over the course of the 2009 Bike Swap held in Collinsville, IL. Some members sold several bike parts and everyone had a great time. Many shops literally blew out their old stock with 50-75% savings over retail! We raffled two of our new hoodies and raised a modest amount of money that will go towards the construction of two switchbacks on the DeClue extension at Greensfelder County Park.
12/17/08 - Indian Camp Creek Map
GORC has created a brand new trail map for Indian Camp Creek. Trail Information
12/17/08 - Bike Patrol Information
The website now has a section dedicated to our Bike Patrol efforts. We are affiliated with IMBA's Bike Patrol program. Find out more information in our new section.
11/13/08 - Castlewood Trail Steward Needed
GORC is taking applications for a new Trail Steward in Castlewood State Park. Sam Mitchell has done this since 1994, and wants to move to Batchtown, IL and take up new duties.
--Trail Stewards develop good communications with the Park Superintendent, and the people associated with maintenance, planning, and development.
--Stewards must be members, and have good relations with the GORC board and membership, and keep them informed about their work.
--Stewards should use the trails often.
--The work effort is to make and carry out plans for work days, and possible new trails or features.
(This position is filled).
11/23/08 - Weekend Workday Report
Thanks to all that attended the ICCP (Indian Camp Creek) workday. A job well done with 30 people in attendance! We completed the connector trail across from shelter #6 and got a great start on the new ridge trail. Neither trail is open to ride yet, St Charles County has some minor dirt work to do on the connector trail transition. Still a lot of work to do on the ridge trail...
Over 100?! folks made it out to the Creve Coeur Park (CCP) workday and finished the 1.2 mile loop. Everyone worked hard and had a good time. The benchcutting went smoothly since it was the easiest trail ever to work on - pure dirt with few roots and no rocks in sight. Many thanks to Momentum Bicycles and REI for providing the schwag.
11/11/08 - GORC Appreciation Day Slide Show
The GORC club has (and is currently) working very hard on all the local trail systems. Each year we put together a day of appreciation for all the volunteers.
Greensfelder County Park was the host this time around and over 30 people showed up. A strong crowd launched a noon-time ride covering both the DeClue and Dogwood loops.
Burgers and beer were on tap post-ride and eventually all the beer disappeared. The Schlafly APA and Stout complimented the GORC Cake and nobody was left out in the cold - we burned at "capacity" all afternoon long. Finally, a trials bike and wheelbarrow made the rounds but luckily no one got pummeled.
Here's to a great 2008! Cheers! Below is a short slideshow. Roll over the image to read the caption or click on it to view it larger.
11/13/08 - Berryman Race Recap
You can say I'm ahead of schedule now. Here's the write-up, a quick and dirty limited-edition, limited-edited op-ed piece by me. On the Blog...
11/12/08 - Middlefork Loop Map Added
There's a new epic loop gaining popularity. It's longer than the Berryman and smack in the middle of Ozark singletrack bliss. It's the Middlefork I'm talking about. Yeah, I know it's an out-n-back but some keen mountain bikers found a way to string a bunch of gravel roads almost back to the start. This loop is 38 miles long and packs a punch. After riding 25 flowy singletrack miles you're faced with an additional 13 mile ride home that includes a couple of taint-chapping climbs. This map base came from the Ozark Trail website and the directions were pulled from Route 66 Bicycles out of Rolla, MO.
For more information go to the middlefork page.
11/20/08 - GORC-Related Digital Photos Requested
GORC is requesting anyone with digital photos of the club/members in action! This includes:
--Take a kid biking day
--Trail Workdays
--GORC Events (Appreciation Day, Festival, Etc.)
--Races
--Trips
--Anything Else!!
Please bring a CD or flash drive of the "raw" original images (not cropped or compressed) to any monthly GORC meeting.
We will have a laptop on hand to dump the images from your flash drives or CDs. The photos do not have to be recent, either.
The club is compiling all the images to archive and for potential use in brochures, flyers, the website, etc.
You can also email Lisa, our designer, at ltroehler at yahoo.com to arrange other alternatives to sending images. Please do not email photos without contacting her first.
Thanks, Matt
11/18/08 - Indian Camp Creek & Creve Coeur Park Trail Workdays This Weekend
There's two different GORC workdays this Saturday. Pick one and come help us build some new trail! There's more info on the message board and be sure to let us know you're coming.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
When: Saturday November 22th 2008, 9am - 1pm
Where: Creve Coeur Park - Dorsett Rd. & Streetcar Dr.
Directions: From Hwy 270 & Dorsett Rd. (Exit 17) - Take Dorsett Rd. West 1.4 miles to Streetcar Dr. (upper entrance to Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park.) Make a right on Streetcar Dr and follow the signs to the meeting spot.
What to bring: Gloves, Sturdy shoes, eye protection, and something to drink on the trail.
Please R.S.V.P. to Sue Kuhnert skuhnert@stlouisco.com or 314-638-2100 so we can get a count for lunch.
GORC & St. Louis County Parks provide: Trail building tools, instructions on trail building, and safety guidelines
We hope to finish this phase on this workday. Please bring a friend. This is an all dirt trail with no rocks. We will be grubbing and bench cutting so the more help the sooner we complete this phase.
Indian Camp Creek
Saturday, November 22, we're having a workday at ICCP, and all interested people are invited. You don't have to be a mountain biker - the trails are also open to hikers, equestrians, and trails runners.
We'll supply the tools, lunch, and trail building instruction. Please bring something to drink/snack on during the workday, wear sturdy shoes (boots preferred), and bring your bike and gear if you want to ride afterwards.
Who: GORC peeps, friends, and trail users that aren't going to the Creve Coeur workday.
What & Where: Workday @ Indian Camp Creek Park. It's approx 7 miles North of I-70 on 40/61. (Turn left on Dietrich Rd roughly .6 miles after passing W.) We'll be meeting at shelter #6, NOT the trailhead parking lot.
When: Saturday (11/22/08) 9:00 til 1:00, with lunch provided by St. Charles County Parks. Please RSVP to the SCCP's office (636-949-7535) or through the WebTrac registration system on the parks website www.stccparks.org. or post here.
Why: To give yourself more trails to ride, and experience what it's like to build some sweet singletrack. We'll be trying to finish the connector that goes down the hill from shelter #6, and hope to start work on 1 of the 5 "fingers" of new trail that are planned.
11/6/08 - TWO WORKDAYS and the GORC
2008 Appreciation Day THIS WEEKEND ! ! !
Double workdays this Saturday, this time at Greensfelder and Klondike Park. Both begin at the usual time- 9 am. More info on the Greensfelder Workday can be found here, and on the Klondike one here.
The Greensfelder workday is particularly important. We have identified areas that are especially prone to damage an this will go a long way to making the Dogwood and DeClue trails much better places to ride.
and don't forget ...
GORC 2008 Appreciation Day THIS WEEKEND at Greensfelder Park
What is it?? This is when GORC thanks you, the volunteer, for coming to our workdays.
Once a year we try to come together for riding, food, and beer. BEER!
Where: Greensfelder (stay tuned for which shelter)
When: November 9th, this Sunday
12 noon at the Muckerman Shelter
Ride around noontime, eat and drink thereafter!!!
One detail to mention, it would be great if you could bring a side dish. If not, no biggie.
Bring your bike and camera!
RSVP
10/28/08 - Durango Trip Slide Show
As winter approaches, we look back at the awesome trip this past August.
10/14/08 - The Burnin' Was Here
This past weekend two GORC teams battled it out to score the 1st place single speed title. Teams LOL (John D, Larry K, Carey E.) and Council Bluff Tourism Board (Bryan A, Matt H, Mike B) rounded the lake 10 times over 12 hours with Matt, Bryan and Mike claiming victory. Other notable events include Chris Ploch destroying the previous best time and clocking in at an insane 59:59 and Mesa Cycles stepping up and using timing chips. I gotta say that the timing system was light years ahead of the dowel stick and proved quite robust.
The GORC bike patrol monitored the course and kept everyone safe from harm. Many voiced their thanks and felt reassured that the Bike Patrollers had their backs.
See you out there next year.
10/14/08 - Greensfelder Workday Cancelled
Due to a scheduling conflict, the workday for this Saturday to work on Declue maintenance is canceled. We will plan on doing this work on the November 8th workday.
However, St. Louis County Parks is still planning on having a lunch (Noon to 1) at Muckerman Shelter to discuss the "Share the Trail" program. They would like to have as many cyclists there as possible. This is a good chance to express your opinions on how the program is going. Please RSVP by calling 314-615-8822.
See you on November 8th.
10/7/08 - Berryman Race (unofficial) Map
Here's a map of the upcoming Berryman race Oct. 25 weekend. It's not 'official' as someone simply rode the route and marked it up on a contour map.
This 55 mile race is sure to snap your wrists and sear your knees as it encompasses the Berryman and parts of the OT. It will start and finish at Bass River Resort so I'm sure there will be an after-party.
09/7/08 - Durango Gallery Up (Winter Park, TOO!)
A few choice photos from our Durango trip have been posted to the gallery. Check 'em out...
In a better-late-than-never move the web admin guy felt guilty enough after posting Durango live that he culled some of the best Winter Park photos, and over a year later, posted them up. Enjoy.
9/2/08 - GORC Fall Workday Schedule
You don't need any training before hand, just a willingness to work hard for a couple of hours (we limit the workdays to 4 hours time). Keep an eye on the Advocacy and Trail Maintenance section of the forum for details about each upcoming workday.
Please post on the Forum if you have any questions. Thanks.
Aug. 30th: Klondike
Sep. 27th: SIUE
Oct. 18th: Greensfelder
Oct. 25th: Creve Coeur Park
Oct. 25th: Indian Camp Creek Park
Nov. 8th: Greensfelder
Nov. 8th: Klondike
Nov. 22nd: Creve Coeur Park
Nov. 22nd: Indian Camp Creek Park
Dec. 6th: Lost Valley
Dec. 20th: SIUE
09/2/08 - Burnin' At the Bluff 5 - Details
From Mesa Cycles:
Hard to believe but year five is upon us. We've made some changes for this year that should really make the event even better. We're pleased to announce that we'll be utilizing UltraMax Events chip-timing and finish-line services for the scoring. We are adding a 6 Hour Men's and Womens Solo race and a new Beginner race (Burnin' Virgins). For prizes, 1st place teams and solo riders will receive a stainless steel and copper belt buckles. There is $600 in cash prizes as well for the 12 Hour Solo Men and the Wicked Fast Team category. ($150/$100/$50) in each of those categories. They're still be plenty of good schwag all around as well.
Registration and waiver, etc:
http://mesacycles.com/burnflyerV.pdf
General Info:
http://mesacycles.com/events.html
See you there!
07/20/08 - Bangert Island Map Added
The trails built to date at Bangert have been GPSed and a new GORC trail map is now available here.
07/20/08 - GORC Headed to Durango, CO
http://www.durango+gorc+bikes=good*times!!
The GORC posse is returning to Durango. Trip dates are August 2-9. You need to set up your own condo/hotel or email the people talking it up on the forum. We are staying at the Ferringway Condos. http://www.ferringway.com 1-800-624-9714 mention GORC when reserving.
Look for post-ride web updates.
04/21/08 - The Midwest Mountain Bike Festival is Coming May 2-4
http://www.pambamtb.org/festival/
Some of you visited us for this event in 2007 and we'd like to make sure to extend the invitation again for 2008!
IMBA will be hosting the Advocacy Summit on May 2nd. This will include club care seminars, advocacy leadership round table discussions....and...of course... RIDING!!!
There will be tons more displays, games, food, BEER, movies, camping, and rides, Rides, RIDES!!!!
LIVE MUSIC returns for 2008!! 3 folksy, bluesy acts on the main stage... well it's the only stage... but you get the jist.
Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Blue, Dakine, Skullcandy, Jamis, Kona, and MORE!!
Leinenkugel's will once again be providing adult beverages for the event... AND there will be a Midwest Premiere of the new Radical Films flick Cackle Factor!! On a huge inflatable screen...in HD!!
check it out at: http://www.pambamtb.org/festival/
THANKS!!! and hope to see you there!!!!
02/11/08 - Recycle Your Innertubes
REI, Mesa, A & M, and the Hub have gotten together on an inner tube project. They just shipped 825 lbs of tubes to Mississippi to help rebuild playgrounds. Please donate your used tubes to one of these fine establishments.
02/07/08 - Mesa Cycles Becomes First Bike Shop Member
GORC and Mesa Cycles together have collaborated on many mountain bike-related projects. We are proud to have Mesa Cycles become our first bike shop "member." Their monetary donation is greatly appreciated and will help in the building and maintaining of quality singletrack. Check out Mesa Cycles.
02/07/08 - Mesa Cycles Becomes First Bike Shop Member
GORC and Mesa Cycles together have collaborated on many mountain bike-related projects. We are proud to have Mesa Cycles become our first bike shop "member." Their monetary donation is greatly appreciated and will help in the building and maintaining of quality singletrack. Check out Mesa Cycles.
1/27/08 - Club 10 Year Anniversary T-Shirt Now Available
The club's 10 year anniversary t-shirt is now available for sale at $15/each. We have sizes ranging from small to x-large and will be available at the next GORC meeting. Get yours today because they are selling very quickly.
01/27/08 - The Sixth Annual Bike Swap Recap
GORC had a large showing at this year's bike swap. Thanks goes out to all those who could show up and help out. Some great stuff was sold at blowout prices and we had close to 20 GORC renewal/sign-ups. The 10 year anniversary t-shirt also sold quite well.
01/14/08 - Interactive Trail Locations Map & Forecast Posted
I discovered a sweet new Google Maps tool and ran with it. GORC now has an (in progress) overall and comprehensive map of the region's bike trails and parks.
Some features include:
- Icons related to the map highlight
- Clickable icons to display descriptions, links to the GORC or other applicable downloadable maps, and links to get directions to the site
- 4 modes of viewing, +map, +satellite, +terrain, +or traffic
- Ability to view the map in Google Earth
- Ability to move around map, zoom in, etc.
Look for it to expand in the coming weeks as new items are added. A new forecast mini-application has been added to the home page. This is for the benefit of all trail users and hopefully will aid you in your decision-making whether to ride the dirt or not.
Check it out on the Trails section.
01/11/08 - The Sixth Annual Bike Swap Meet
Jan 27, 10-4pm
The St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation’s sixth Bicycle Swap Meet and Classic Bike Show is gearing up and we need you to sell your bicycles and anything bicycle related.
GORC will be hosting a big booth at the Swap Meet and all GORC members are welcome to come and sell your parts and make some cash or trade them for other stuff that you need.
When: January 27th 10am-4pm
Where: Gateway Center, One Gateway Drive in Collinsville, IL 62234
What to bring: Stuff you want to sell, an envelope with your name to hold money and $7.00 admission
More info: http://stlbiking.com/bike_swap_2008.htm and on the GORC Board.
12/14/07 - GORC Now Offering PayPal Payments
GORC is now offering new and renewing members to submit their payment to the club via PayPal. This secure online service will save you the time and postage of writing a check and sending it in to the club's headquarters.
Join GORC now or renew your membership now...
12/15/07 - Spring '08 Workdays & Events, A Bright, Strong Future.
We're planning a very active and productive Spring workday schedule. Parks include Greensfelder, SIUE, Rockwoods Range (our first one there!) and many others that I can't remember at the moment. Tentative events include an Ozark Trail outing and attending the St. Louis Bike Swap. Stay tuned to the message board for more details.
As the club continues to grow we are continually facing new challenges concerning trail (project) management, event planning, communication and workday management/participation. We hope to see you at the monthly meetings and especially at our many workday outings.
2007 was an awesome year of trail design, workdays and events. Let's hope for even better next year.
See you in 2008!
12/14/07 - GORC Appreciation Party Dec. 8th Wrap-Up
Well, it was cold and rainy. But the teeters were built and two rock drops were installed at Klondike. The weather kept many people away but the die-hards made it out. Between the multiple crockpots of awesome chili, sweet treats and singletrack birthday cake - with a mini-teeter installed on top, no less - everyone ate very well. We even got to see the free-range goat that roams the park, appropriately named Klondike.
11/25/07 - Greensfelder Workday Moves Trail Progress Forward
GORC turned out in force for the last Greensfelder workday of 2007. Upwards of 50 people showed up including high school volunteers and an equestrian club. Some previously built sections were fine-tuned and polished while almost a quarter to half-mile of new trail was built. One large rock had to go via sweat and sledgehammer. Finally, schwag was provided courtesy of REI
Here are some new workday photos.
09/29/07 - Take a Kid MTB'ing Day
Gateway Off Road Cyclists ( GORC ) with St Charles County Parks invites children (8-14) and parents to celebrate International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA ) sponsored “National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day”. Free bicycle/helmet safety inspection, instructions on riding techniques, a skills practice area, and guided trail rides tailored to different age groups and skill levels. Participants should bring a bike and an approved helmet. Limited Number of Demo Bikes/ Helmets from local bike shops will be available.
When: Saturday, October 13, 2007 ( 10am – 2pm )
Where: Broemmelsiek Park in St Charles County
So come out and bring a kid with you for some good, clean fun in the dirt. Bring plenty of water and an adventurous spirit.
Schedule of Events
10am – 11am - Registration
10am – 11:30am - Helmet Fit / Bike Safety Inspection
10am – Noon - Skills Building Area available
11am – 1pm - Trail Etiquette and Guided Trail Rides
1pm – 2pm - Drinks, Snacks - Prize Drawings
Advanced Registration is recommended, but not required. For More Information or to register: Call St Charles County Parks at 636-949-7535 (first 100 registered receive goody bags)
Directions To Broemmelsiek Park located on the GORC message board here...
Mike Dunston
St Charles County Trail Steward
10/13/07 - Mesa's Burnin' at the Bluff IV Rocks
Mesa Cycles' own Burnin' at the Bluff 12 hour race continues to grow. Upwards of 180 people competed in the fast and fun race that circles around Council Bluff Lake. Awesome awards and tons of schwag were handed out and the after party went into the wee hours.
Four GORC single speed teams took home 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th place out of 10 teams in the class and rocked out some wicked fast lap times.
Many thanks goes out out to Steph and Bryan, Josh and Tammy, Mari, Lisa and everyone else that made the event run smoothly and efficiently. Thanks to Rick for supplying his very own microbrew to the thirsty GORC campers.
To see all of the race results head over Mesa Cycles. Be sure to click the bottom tabs to see individual lap times.
08/24/07 - GORC Back From Winter Park
Twenty-three GORCsters landed in Winter Park for a week long trip of epic mountain biking. The weather cooperated the whole week and everyone had a great time. Look for a write-up in the future.
04/16/07 - Greensfelder Workday April 21 - Sat.
The proposed Greensfelder DeClue lengthening/reroute project continues this Saturday! This project is huge and we need YOUR help to make this sweet singletrack. The more people that can come out and build trail, the sooner the new trail extension will open. Even if you have never built trail before we can use your assistance. One of our trail crew leaders will show you the ropes and make it fun at the same time.
Meet at the Tower Parking Lot ( the first lot on your right coming up Allenton Road from Hwy 44). Lunch and tools will be provided and we will ride afterwards provided the trails are not too muddy.
See you Saturday!
04/02/07 - 2007 Midwest Mountain Bike Festival
http://www.pambamtb.org/festival/
2007 Midwest Mountain Bike Festival!
May 4th-6th...Cinco de Mayo weekend!!
This year's event is hosted by PAMBA and will be centered at Farmdale Reservoir, boasting some of Illinois' finest singletrack, as well as a downhill course and MTX/dirt jump area!
Activities Include:
- SIX area trail systems!
- Advocacy & Trailwork classes
- Group rides & guided rides
- Music, Games, Food & Drink
- Demo bikes
- Night Ride Poker Run!
- Movies under the stars
- Much more fun and general debauchery
2006
Midwest Mountain Bike Festival Website (Archived)
03/22/07 - Gary Fisher In Town March 31st
-- Taken From the Trek Store Press Release --
Not to toot our own horn too loudly but...
This is also the same day as the first Greensfelder workday (there's only 2 scheduled for this Spring) and WE could definitely use the help. This will be a LENGTHY ADDITION to the DeClue trail that will be flowy and technical. Without your help, it won't get done this year. You heard it right. Without you, we have No Chance - it's that long of an addition.
Now back to the press release...
We have exciting news for all of you! On March 31st from 6pm-9pm we are hosting Customer Appreciation Night 2007 in the shop. You do NOT want to miss this!
We will have:
- Manufacturers, Reps, and Specials from Trek, Lemond, Gary Fisher, Pearl Izumi, Serotta, Yeti, and Shimano.
- Various prominent cycling groups and organizations.
- A raffle benefitting the wonderful guys and gals with GORC (Gateway Off-Road Cyclists).
- Local St. Louis musician strumming his guitar and setting the mood.
- Plenty of hors d'oeuvres and beverages.
- Introduction of the new Midwest Cycling Community.
- THE godfather of mountain biking - Gary Fisher. He will be giving autographs and spreading mountain bike karma.
Also, the Trek Ride the Best Demo will be held in Castlewood State Park on Saturday, March 31st (the day of the Customer Appreciation Night) and Sunday, April 1st from 10am-3pm both days. Gary Fisher will be hanging out at the demo on Saturday. The Demo will include both mountain AND road bikes, so bring whatever shoes you have.
Jessica Meyer
Trek Bicycle Store of St. Louis
Event Coordinator
13922 Manchester Rd.
St. Louis MO, 63011
(636) 394-2453
03/21/07 - GORC Media Kit
We have a new Media Kit section up and running to highlight our publicity and to allow the press to grab our files for use in their articles (with permission, of course).
03/13/07 - Chubb Workday Huge Success - Trail completed in one day...
A huge thanks to the 40+ volunteers that came out to West Tyson County Park on a sunny, balmy Saturday afternoon.
Here's some photos of you working out there...
Over .4 miles of trail was built - flowy, technical trail, at that. We finished it in one day and are already receiving compliments on it. It links up the Flint Quarry trailhead to the Chubb trailhead, so now you don't have to ride pavement anymore!
03/13/07 - Chubb Map / New Trail
An updated trail map of Chubb has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format and is a 2 page document outlining the entire trail system, including the NEW CONNECTOR TRAIL. Look for it on the updated map. Another fine job by Ron.
And another fine trail addition by the GORC crew! Ride it now.
03/11/07 - All Trail Maps Updated
All of our maps have been updated, if needed, and are now posted to the trails section. Look for an expanded trails area in the future and stay tuned.
03/09/07 - Updated Castlewood Map / New Trail
An updated trail map of Castlewood has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format and is a 3 page document outlining the entire trail system, including the NEW TRAIL called the Rollercoaster. Look for it on the updated map. Another fine job by Ron.
And another fine trail addition by the GORC crew!
03/03/07 - SIU Map Updated
Ron has updated the SIU trail map to now inclue Trail No. 4. Check it here...
02/06/07 - Greensfelder DeClue Tree Cleared
Tom, Matt, Glenn and Mari hiked into the DeClue to clear a large tree that had fallen from the ice storm. The rest of the day was spent walking the hillsides seeking out the perfect lines to extend DeClue. Details to follow.
01/03/07 - New Year, Better Trails
GORC had a great 2006 trail building year and we're hoping to build and maintain even more trail in '07. However, we need volunteers (that means you) because we can't increase our workload without additional trail volunteer support. Come check us out at either one of our workdays or monthly meetings and seriously consider becoming a member of the best MTB club in the midwest.
See you on the trail!
11/19/06 - GORC Volunteer Party Success
GORC held its volunteer appreciation party at Greensfelder a few weekends ago. Over 40 people attended the event. Schlafly kegs, chili, hotdogs, hamburgers, candy and cake was served throughout the day. A large group ride was launched around noon and made a figure eight loop out of the DeClue and Dogwood trails. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the party lasted until dusk. Hope to see you at the next one!
11/11/06 - South Trace Content Added
Trail information regarding South Trace Creek has been added to the Trails page. Maps can be found on the Ozark Trail website. They have some great high-resolution topographical maps.
10/18/06 - Midwest SS World Championships
CANCELLED! THIS EVENT IS VAPORIZED!!! QUERY THE BOARD FOR MORE INFO...
The Bonktober weekend is (CANCELLED) approaching (Oct. 28) so dust off your singlespeeds because it's time for the midwest single speed championships. At the Berryman. Ready, set, grind. Check back for more info.
10/17/06 - Quail Ridge Trail Map Added
A new trail map of Quail Ridge has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format outlining the entire trail. Still, and continues to be . . . another fine job by Ron.
09/15/06 - Silver Lake Trail Map Added
A new trail map of Silver Lake has been posted on the brand new Silver Lake trail page. It's in Adobe PDF format and Ron continues to create terrific maps. This trail is in Illinois, too. Check it out.
09/12/06 - Council Bluff Map Added To Trails Page
A new trail map of Council Bluff has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format and is a 2 page document outlining the entire trail. Another fine job by Ron.
09/12/06 - Burnin' at the Bluff #3 - A 12 Hour Race
Well kids, it's that time of year again. Time to get your butts down to Council Bluff for the Mesa Cycles 12 hours of Burnin at the Bluff. Details can be found on the downloadable .pdf on www.mesacycles.com. Print one off and bring it up to the shop or just come up and fill one out here. See you down there, furry animal costume optional.
08/21/06 - 24 Hours of Landahl
Granny Gear is hosting a 24 hour race at Landahl Park in KC the weekend of September 16. Featuring 4 man teams, co-ed, solo and throwing in a rigid ss class, it'll be a blast. There's talk around town of a couple of teams forming to represent St. Louis. If you're interested, give us a shout over on the message board.
For more info check out the message board.
08/31/06 - GORC Clears Council Bluff Trail
Council Bluffs is ready for action. There are two trees left on the loop and 5-6 left on the long connector. It's one of the best trails around and great weekend camping. Huge thanks to: Bryan, Mike Donais, Ron, Greg, Kent, John McR, Kirby and everyone that came down to help.
Everybody worked hard and was damn tired by the end of the work.
Get ready for the 12 hour Burnin' at the Bluff coming in October sponsored by Mesa Cycles.
08/12/06 - Chubb Trail Map Added To Trails Page
A new trail map of the Chubb Trail has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format and is a 2 page document outlining the entire trail. Another fine job by Ron.
08/12/06 - IMBA Summit @ Whistler Gallery Posted
Kirby, JohnnyD and Roy travelled to BC in June to attend the huge IMBA summit. Many compliments were tossed about concerning how GORC is a great asset to the MTB community. Here's a few photos from their trip.
07/6/06 - GORC Receives REI Grant
GORC was awarded a grant from REI this past week. The club will be receiving $3448, most of which will be allocated for signage and kiosks at SIUE. Many thanks go out to the hard working volunteers at GORC who made this possible.
05/24/06 - Greensfelder DeClue Reroute Finished
The long DeClue reroute is at last complete and rides awesome. If you like technical rocks, "alternate" lines and a lengthy swoopy downhill then check it out!
05/24/06 - Festival Gallery Posted
Check out the new MMBF photo gallery. Email me if you have online galleries you would like GORC to link to.
05/11/06 - Castlewood Trail Map Added
A new trail map of Castlewood has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format and is a 3 page document outlining all available trails. Another fine job by Ron.
05/11/06 - Kirbyland Century Approaches
May 21, Sunday, 100 road miles, you know, a century
It's fun, it's not fast and it ends with food and beer. Hit up Scott Whitaker (Kirby) for the details over on the message board.
Tunnel vision. That's all you need to know.
04/12/06 - Festival is Best One Ever
The kids at GORC worked overtime this year to make sure that the 2006 MMBF was the best it could be. And it made the grade, according to all the emails and compliments.
Look for a gallery page and brief write up in the coming weeks as we compile the snapshots.
If you have digital photos you'd like to send in, email me
05/11/06 - Berryman Trail Map & Information Added To Trails Section
A new trail map of Berryman has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format. Many thanks (again!) to Ron for compiling the data and creating the final document.
03/16/06 - Lost Valley Trail Map Added
A new trail map of Lost Valley has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format and is a 2 page document outlining all available trails. Another fine job by Ron.
03/10/06 - Klondike Trail Map Added
A new trail map of Klondike Park has been posted. It's in Adobe PDF format and is a 3 page document outlining all available Klondike trails.. Many thanks (again!) to Ron for compiling the data and creating the final document.
GORC Membership Online System & New Renewal Policy
Beginning January 1, 2006 ALL GORC members owe their annual dues of $10 UNLESS you are a new member and have joined between October 1 and December 31.
Please note that "everyone" in the system is listed as a non-member for the time being. Beginning Jan 1, 2006 this will be updated. Please email us or post on the Forum under Q/A -> Membership.
This policy is being put in place to relieve everyone of "remembering" when they need to pay up and to keep the GORC higher ups from having to keep track of renewals. Life will be much simpler.
We need you to check your existing profile and update it accordingly so we can accurately keep track of your volunteer hours and to ensure you receive our mailings.
03/18/06 - South Trace Visited
A few chose to explore the often neglected South Trace portion of the Ozark Trail. It's really a section of the overall "Trace Creek" OT trail but us MTBers like to split it up into North Trace and South Trace. It's a modest gallery but it's a start.
03/07/06 - Some Berryman Photos
Only a few from a great ride this past Saturday before the rain settled in.
Visit the new permanent Berryman Gallery
03/06/06 - GORC Arkansas Trip Approaches!
Several GORC members are going south to explore the Syllamo trail system the weekend of March 18th. We'll be staying at a very nearby motel so contact us if you would like to go and need more info. Mountains, rocks and roots, you'll love it.
More info on the trail on the tourist website
02/25/06 - Updated Mesa Bicycles Discounts
As a card carrying GORC member Mesa Bicycles will discount 15% on all merchandise and 5% on all bikes and frames. Click here for more info.
02/23/06 - Updated Matson Hill Map Posted
Yes folks, another quality map by Ron and Sam. Check it out in the Trails Section.
02/16/06 - Trail Maps Section Updated & SIUE Map Posted
A new trail map of the current SIUE trail system has been posted. Many thanks to Ron for compiling the data and creating the final document.
The Trails web page address has changed so updated your bookmarks accordingly. The main Trails page now features the Rules of the Trail.
The GORC site in general has been shifted in sections so be sure to update your bookmarks if you discover any broken links.
02/16/06 - GORC SITE INTERNAL REORGANIZATION & MINOR COSMETIC UPGRADES
As the GORC website continues to grow it was high time that the internal page structure be fine tuned. Instead of a pile of pages lumped in one directory they are now categorized in subfolders.
What this means for you is that:
1. Your bookmarks are broken except for the home page.
2. You must re-establish any internal GORC webpage bookmarks by surfing to the page once again and bookmarking it.
Let me know if you find broken links by emailing me or posting to the message board.
Also, a few cosmetic upgrades have been implemented as I'm sure you'll soon discover. An image randomizer has been placed on the masthead to rotate 7 different photos GORC has taken over the years. There's no limit to the amount that can be randomized but I need your best photos ever.
02/02/06 - Updated Festival Trails Map
Bryan put together this map of all the trails you can ride when you come to the Midwest Mountain Bike Festival April 7-9
Overall St. Charles County Park View - High Res Map (128KB)
01/25/06 - Updated Greensfelder Map Posted
Thanks to the hard work Ron put into this project! He has created a new Greensfelder Park map pertinent to mountain bikers. Visit the maps section for more information and to download to hi-res versions.
01/17/06 - Midwest Mountain Bike Festival Website Up and Running
The 2006 Midwest Mountain Bike Festival website is now up! Formerly called the "Midwest Advocacy Summit" or just "Summit" this new name reflects the event's evolving theme. It will be held at Klondike Park the weekend of April 7 - 9.
Online registration will be available in the coming weeks.
12/18/05 - SIU-E Before/After Photos Posted
A GORC member took these before and after photos to show how we turn ordinary forest into sweet singletrack. Nice photos!
12/04/05 - SIU-E Photos Posted
The 12/3 SIUE day attracted 46 volunteers who committed themselves to digging in the dirt. Despite the cold temps and dampness the workday went better than anticipated.
11/27/05 - Chubb Maintenance Workday
The Chubb trail received some much needed grooming on the North side this past weekend. Honeysuckle was removed from the scenic lookout (which can now once again be considered scenic), trail was debermed and water channel diversions were implemented.
11/13/05 - Greensfelder Dogwood Loop Complete
Thanks to everyone who came out to the last Greensfelder workday this season! We wrapped up a lengthly, but well deserved reroute of the Dogwood Trail. We've extended the original trail by traversing the hillsides multiple times as opposed to shooting straight down (like it used to).
By the end of Spring it should be packed down nicely. Now, get out there and ride this huge new addition to Greensfelder County Park.
11/08/05 - SS Worlds Gallery
I never said I was fast but here you go - a gallery of all the pics from the SS Worlds back in August. There aren't many because we were too busy partying.
10/30/05 - IMBA Trail Workday at Shawnee Natl. Forest, Southern IL.
Many thanks to the GORC volunteers who made it down to the IMBA sponsored trail workday at Shawnee. If you haven't visited there yet or think Illnois is flat and isn't worth your time, take another look. Technical trail on par with Chubb awaits your kneecaps. Here's a few photos of the trails being constructed.
10/30/05 - Greensfelder Workday Results
We had a great turnout at the workday. High school and college students helped build a great new section of the Dogwood trail. Fifty-nine people worked hard to nearly complete the reroute (which is so long compared to the rerouted section of trail that it feels more like a whole new loop at Greensfelder!) and we're thankful.
Hope to see you at the next GF workday in two weeks!
10/27/05 - GORC OTA MegaEvent Success!
The GORC folk built some great trail this past weekend to further complete the Middlefork section of the Ozark Trail. This trail section is nearly complete!
09/27/05 - Local Shops Getting on Board with GORC - New Member Discounts
We're currently lining up several area bike shops that will offer GORC members discounts on their products or services.
Stay tuned for more specific information. We have Wild Trak, Momentum, Mesa, and Granada on tap right now.
09/27/05 - REI / Ozark Trail Association Mega Trail Event a Good Time for All
Over 150 volunteers added some serious man hours to the already sweet Middlefork section of the Ozark Trail. A few GORC members made a strong showing and represented.
A GORC specific OTA trailbuilding event will be held the weekend of October 22nd. Build trail, ride and have a party. Stay tuned.
