Website:  www.trailbusters.net                                                                      November 2006

Early October snowstorms in Buffalo and Inlet! Hope this is a sign of an overdue snowy winter for us this year. There is much going on within the club! First, we are honored to introduce our new vice president, Dennis Hesse. He was elected at our last meeting to replace Dave Flanagan, who left the area. Dennis is a very energetic and knowledgeable member and we are fortunate that he accepted this position. We’re sure you will be hearing from him via emails, informing you of trail work locations, etc.

Several members have spent weeks putting together a bridge over the washed out culvert on Gulf Road, northeast of Rome. This was no small project. The bridge was completed (14’ wide by 50’ long) and placed over the ravine. Then last week’s rains caused running water down the hill to erode one corner of the bank, so the bridge was lengthened by 20 feet. The bridge is steel with wood decking and now measures 70 feet long. The group that worked this project is to be commended for their expertise in bridge building and for the hours they put in to make this crossing a reality. For fear of leaving someone out, names are not listed; however, credit must be given to Larry Casalenuovo for his leadership in the project and John Schoff who did all the welding. Thanks Larry and John and ALL who contributed their time and efforts during very inclement weather. This bridge now allows our trail to continue on to join the Penn Mt trail at Camroden Road north of Westernville.

The bridge located behind the barn on the Tuthill property on Cemetery Road was moved to a new location off of Marsh Road and will be used on the new trail planned to Lee Center. This was another challenging project using a backhoe and excavator to lift and transport the 42 x 14 bridge to the road where it was placed on a flatbed (in the rain and mud, of course). The move was successful with nothing broken in transit.

There is a trail change on the north trail heading south from the power lines/Beartown Road North where the Penn Mt trail joins ours. A sharp curve was eliminated and the trail continues into the woods then bends south. A lot of tree cutting, brushing and bulldozing was done here. This change was requested by the landowner. Another 32’ long bridge is under construction along the Mohawk River off of State Route 46N. There is a minor trail change there. Culvert installations and trail signing still remain to be done.

Contact Dennis or Mark at numbers listed above to volunteer to help with trail work.

SAFETY COURSE: Course is scheduled to be given on Friday, December 1, 2006 from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturday, December 2, 2006, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM at our groomer building on Sly Hill Road. Reservations are a must. Classes fill up quickly so if you have a child who will be at least 10 years old by this date signup soon.
Call John Beggs at 337-0359 as soon as possible to register. The course is free and lunch will be served on Saturday.

MEMBERSHIPS: With the two-tier registration in effect, our club membership has grown considerably. There still are, however, several members who have not yet renewed. Send in your dues and the necessary voucher, which is required for the $45.00 registration rather than $100.00 fee, will be mailed to you. A membership application form can be printed from our website or current members only need to mail in their $25.00 check and advise if there are any changes in address or phone number. Add your email address if you have one or advise if it changed so newsletters and other reports can be emailed to you.

CLUB WEBSITE: We have a club member who has volunteered to run our website. Check the site often as we promise to have more activity on it soon

TRAIL PARTY SCHEDULED: Sunday, January 21, 2007 at noon at the groomer barn. Mark your calendars.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!