Given that we're in the first 16 days of the new year, I think it's time to start planning out what we're going to do this year - both wheeling and for club related activities.

I'm looking for feedback / input, but here's what I'm thinking.

We have - at a minimum:
ECXC
B2S run.

The first is 6 months away and the second is 8 months away. To me, that's not enough time doing things to my truck that most would run scared from.

I'm proposing that we fully engage in NEA activities this year, especially since we're paying for the priviledge of being in that organization and we have yet to do anywhere near as much as the next, barely active, club.

I would like to know, from this group, who's prepared and equipped to participate in trail clearing / trail maintenance type work. This will normally mean that you need gloves, long pants, a saw / chainsaw and a desire to get out, have a good time, wheel and open up some trails that we can go back and visit other times.

I want names, ideas and constraints.. So, post up if you are willing to put in some time behind the wheel and maybe getting a little dirty.

I'd be more than happy to help with some trail work (within an 1-1 1/2 hour drive) and I have a chain saw.


I know I'm not the King of attendance but, it seemed like there wasn't much going on last year. There weren't as many mod days or trail trips as usual.

What about camping, Mt Washington, pool/bowling, dinner? Maybe a Red Sox/Yankees game? Just some ideas.

Those are great ideas too..
Maybe we could combine them and find a way to do some trail work, camp (I'm always up for camping) and then do dinner or some other activity that could be fun.

I'd be willing to do some trail work (within an 3 hour drive) and I have a chainsaw.
I'd be willing to run an event for the club at Rausch if there is interest.
I?d enjoy a trip to Fenway for any game if I do not have a prior commitment but I doubt that would be an option due to the cost and ticket availability. A ticket for Sox/Yankee game at ether park would be a tough find for any size group.
The hiking, camping stuff is not my thing.
Bar, pool, bowling, M&G dinner thing is only good for me if it?s in NYC.

Ok.. so, Tom, you're in for a drive - as long as you can sleep in a 'queen' bed at the end of the day.

As for Rausch... I think it's time to start setting up those trips. In looking at Mapquest, if I left at 5p (with truck in tow), I'd get to a hotel by 8:30p, which means that I'd be able to wheel on Saturday, go out with friends and be home on Sunday by 12p.

That's a good use of a weekend.

Is your truck running now or in pieces.

My truck is running, but in a week, I think it'll be in pieces.

I expect it to be down for 6 weeks on the outside.

But, I have tools and will ride bitch if needed to get out on the trail and help out

I can't do long trips for wheeling - with school, the limited working hours - I just can't afford to travel to Rausch, much less pay for a tow and repairs if things go badly.

Anything locally on weekends, for the forseable future I can do. I can also help out with any NEA meetings in my area.

I'd like to see a bunch of dates (Sunday/saturday) set up for trail runs locally - even if we have to figure out a place later, rather than at the time we plan the run.

Say one day each month - starting in March or April - easy trails until the ground thaws (The Gutter with all that ice wasn't much fun) and getting harder as we approach and exit ECXC.

Gremlin Graveyard, The Gutter, Moose Mountain, Carnage Hil (and the class VI's around it)..all the NEA trails are booking up right now.

Sundays aren't a huge issue - but then repair places aren't open, and many auto parts stores have limited hours on sundays too.

What about that easy trail you guys hit last year? For a snow run?

i would be interested depending on how far of a drive and date. i have a chainsaw and other equipment

Freetown? Or another place? - that could easily be done

I think our issue with runs and activities isn't the where - it's the when.

You know, a softball game in June, July, or August might be a lot of fun.

I think it was Assonet, MA?

I agree that having a calendar out is a good exercise. My concern is that, if we book Date A, but don't have access until a later date, then we may end up reworking those dates.

I will start making a list of items that are thrown up here and see if a first pass of a draft calendar can be put together

I like the idea of a good, easy run.

An easy run might go over well. I think a lot of people are worried about an expensive repair, thanks to the wonderful economy...money is tight. I know I'm broke! haha