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February 2001

2000 Trail Maintenance Overview

  During 2000 the GCMBC had four (4) major trail work days and numerous minor work projects in the Issaqueena Clemson Forest area.  The purpose for these volunteer work projects were to give care to the forest resource, to enhance awareness of the privilege we have to use this forest, and to improve the trails for more enjoyable riding.

 

 

GCMBC Volunteer Hours for 2000

 

Trail Work Days

Date

Volunteers

Hrs.

Total Hrs.

2/6

14

1.75

24.5

5/7

11

1.5

16.5

9/24

10

1.5

15

12/3

9

2.75

24.75

 

 

 

 

Minor Work Projects

2/20

1

2

2

3/17

1

7

7

3/23

8

2

16

3/25

1

3

3

5/22

1

2.5

2.5

5/23

1

3.5

3.5

5/24

1

4.5

4.5

7/18

1

2

2

9/4

1

2

2

9/5

1

1

1

10/11

1

5

5

10/16

1

2.5

2.5

10/18

1

2.5

2.5

10/19

1

0.5

0.5

10/20

3

1.5

4.5

10/21

5

1.25

6.25

11/12

2

2

4

2000 Total Hours

149.5

 

 

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!!!

 

 

 

Waterfall Trail Reclaimed (Workday Report)

On Sunday December 3, GCMBC volunteers worked to reclaim and reroute the portion of the Waterfall Trail that had been lost due to recent logging operations.  Thanks to the following people for their time and effort:  Eric Seaverson, Eric Singleton, Scott Snape, Geoff Chambers, Tim Rowell, Amy Wilcox, Catherine Paul, Todd Thompson, and Ian Davidson.

 

GCMBC Christmas Social at Amy’s

We had quite a pot luck feast at Amy’s house on December 16th. Thank you, Amy, for hosting.

 

Annual Meeting

The GCMBC annual business meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st, at 7:00 p.m. at the Clemson-Central Library.  Club officers will be elected, and any business related topics will be discussed.

 

Membership Renewal

Thank you for your membership during 2000 and supporting our efforts.  It is now time to renew you membership for 2001.  Your membership is current for 2001 if you renewed or joined during the last quarter of 2000 (Oct., Nov., & Dec.).

 

New Members

Dickie Selfe, Eric Longino, Billy Jenkins, Tom Lechner, Tonia Lechner, Katie Lechner, Keith Jensen,

Ed Hausladen, Catherine Paul.

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March 2001

 

2001 Officers and Duties

 Chairman:  Ian Davidson

Duties:  Representative to University Trail Advisory Committee, directing trail maintenance, and newsletter editor.

 

Vice Chairman:  Scott Snape

Duties:  Web page manager and directing trail maintenance.

 

Local Representative:  Carmen Talley

Duties:  Promoting club membership and projects, and miscellaneous administrative duties.

 

Local Representative:  Tim Rowell

Duties:  Maintain club roster and secretary.

 

Local Representative:  John Millon

Duties:  Promoting club membership and project, and miscellaneous administrative duties.

 

Local Representative:  Jim Glose

Duties:  Facilitator of IMBA affiliation, projects and grants.

 

Local Representative:  To Be Determined

Duties:  Promoting club membership and projects, and liaison to University Cycling Club.

 

Administrative Support Staff:

Chuck Rice – Treasurer

Eric Seaverson – Newsletter formatting

 Thank you to these club members for taking duties to lead the club in 2001.

 Clemson Experimental Forest

The purpose of the Clemson Experimental Forest is to provide opportunities for research and education.  Having a trail system and riding mountain bikes on that trail system is a privilege that we can enjoy.  Riding these trails is not a right or a required use of the forest.  By reminding ourselves and others of this fact, showing respect and appreciation for the forest, using the trails in a conscientious manner, and supporting the forest through volunteer trail maintenance, we can enhance our opportunity to continue enjoying access to these trails.

Importance of Membership

It is important and effective to have many people supporting the GCMBC through membership and assisting with club trail maintenance projects.  We need many voices and input from mountain bikers when discussing trail projects and issues with the University.

2001 Membership Renewal

Thank you for your membership during 2000 and for supporting our efforts.  It is now time to renew you membership for 2001.  Your membership is current for 2001 if you renewed or joined during the last quarter of 2000 (Oct., Nov., & Dec.). See renewal form on back.

New Members

Wes Rochester

 2001 GCMBC Steel

John Millon

2001 GCMBC Friends

Mike Carls, Ian Davidson, Amy Wilcox, Scott Snape, Cheryl Stevens, Dickie Self, Keith Jensen.

 

Become a Sponsor!

 

$25-  GCMBC Friend

$50- Steel donor

$75- Chromoly donor

$100- Aluminum donor

$250+ Titanium donor

 

Send your donations with your application to the address on the application.

 Thank you for your support!

 2001 GCMBC Events Calendar

 

Sunday April 1st                                     

Workday

Sunday May 6th                                         

Workday

Sunday June 3rd                  

Ride and Picnic

Thursday September 6th                 

Board Meeting

Sunday October 14th                   

Workday

Sunday December 2nd              

Workday

Saturday December 15th            

Dinner/social

  

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May 2001
 
Recent Trail Maintenance
Although there has not been a need for a major organized trail work project, there have been numerous trees blown down and across trails lately during windy days.  By the end of April there was a rather high number of fallen trees blocking trails in the Issaqueena area.  Due to two work sessions the trails are now fairly clear including some minor trail improvements.  On Sunday April 15th thank you to Wes Rochester, Catherine Paul, Scott Snape and Ian Davidson for their time and work clearing fallen trees.  On Wednesday May 2nd thank you Wes and Ian for their work on fallen trees and minor improvements.
Future Trail Maintenance
There are still a few trees down that will need to be removed.  Please keep Ian and Scott informed of new fallen trees by phone or e-mail.

Some sections of trails will need pruning of encroaching growth sometime between now and the end of June.  Examples of such trails are:  clear cut section of Double Fork Tree Trail, section of Triple Creek Trail between Anthill and Burning Car Road, and sections of the trails in the Waterfall Trail area.  Please consider assisting with these projects.  Contact Ian for instruction, or to get together for an hour of pruning.

Ride and Picnic
There will be a picnic at 1:00 pm on June 3rd at Wildcat Creek in Issaqueena.  Come ride before or after, whatever you choose.  GCMBC will provide hamburgers and hot dogs.  Items that you will need to bring include chips, condiments, drinks, cups, plates, and desert.  PLEASE RSVP TO TIM ROWELL at trowell@clemson.edu or 653-7324 so that quantities can be determined.
Importance of Membership
It is important and effective to have many people supporting the GCMBC through membership and assisting with club trail maintenance projects.  We need many voices and input from mountain bikers when discussing trail projects and issues with the University.
2001 Membership Renewal
Thank you for your membership during 2000 and supporting our efforts.  It is now time to renew you membership for 2001.  Your membership is current for 2001 if you renewed or joined during the last quarter of 2000 (Oct., Nov., & Dec.). See renewal form on back.

THIS WILL BE THE FINAL NOTICE

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August 2001

“TRAILS CLOSED”

One Yankee’s Views

 

When I arrived at my favorite place to ride here in Boston, that is what I read.  I could not believe it.  I rode the trail anyway, and was stunned when I made a quick turn to find new houses on top of the hill where before there were only trees and a water tower.  Private land once used for mountain biking was now being recovered to build houses with a great view of Boston.  This too can happen to you.  Issaqueena Forest is Clemson University land, and at any time, mountain biking, and any other activities, can be discontinued.  GCMBC officers, and other members, take the time to maintain the relationship with Clemson to promote trail usage.  You too can help by joining/maintaining you membership and participating in trail maintenance projects.

I knew it while I was in Clemson, but never truly appreciated how wonderful it was to have someone like Ian around who cares about and continuously maintains the trail system.  If you didn’t read the newsletter, you probably would not even know about the several trees that fall each month, and the encroaching growth along the trails.  At the trails I ride here around Boston, there is no such person.  Trees fall across trails and remain for months.  Plants encroach trails, making them unrideable.

 Thanks to the GCMBC officers for maintaining the relationship with Clemson, and Ian and other volunteers for their time maintaining the trails during and between the scheduled workdays.

-submitted by Eric Seaverson, previous Clemson

grad. student/rider, who returned to Boston

after graduation in Dec. 2000

Your Membership Dues at Work

 

During 2001 we have purchased a couple pieces of equipment to aid in trail maintenance.

 Chainsaw :  $400

Weed Eater:  $200

 

Recent Trail Maintenance

July 1st:  Fallen trees and minor trail improvements on the Right Loop of the Waterfall Trail.  2 hours.

July 18th:  Cleared encroaching growth in “field” section of Anthill Trail and continuing on Triple Creek Trail to dirt logging road.  3.5 hours.

August 11th:  Cleared overgrown trail and encroaching growth in “clearcut” section of Double Fork Tree Trail in the Doyle Bottom Road area.  Also removed huge fallen tree farther along trail.  3.5 hours.

Thank you Ian Davidson for his work on the above-mentioned trail maintenance projects.

Trail Workday

 We will have a trail workday on Sunday October 14th at 1:00 p.m. for 1.5 to 2 hours.  Tentatively we will plan on meeting at Doyle Bottom Road and using loppers to trim back encroaching growth on various trails.  Final details to be announced.

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October 2001

Hunting Season Starts October 1st

 

Be aware that hunting season starts much earlier this year.  Check for updated information at parking area bulletin boards or check DNR web page at WWW.DNR.STATE.SC.US.  Hunted areas should be posted with signs as “Wildlife Management Area” or “WMA”.

 

Issaqueena Area

Although there is no hunting permitted in the “interior” of Issaqueena, which includes the areas north of Dam Road and east of Old Seneca Road, there is hunting on lands outside of the boundaries.  The lands that are hunted are south of Dam Road and west of Old Six Mile Road including Triple Creek/Wilderness and Doyle Bottom trails.  Also hunted lands are west of Old Seneca Road.  Hunting season:  October 1st to December 22nd.

 

Fants Grove Area

For all practical purposes the entire Fants Grove area is hunted.  Hunting season:  October 15th through December 7th; rifle hunting season:  December 8th through 22nd.

 

It is your responsibility to know the dates of hunting season and where it is safe to ride.  It is recommended to stay out of hunting areas during the hunting season for your safety and for respect for the hunters during their season in the woods.  There is no hunting on WMA lands on Sundays, so that would be a good day to ride the trails that are in the hunting areas.

 

Trail Workday – Sunday October 14th

We will work on trails for 1.5 to 2 hours on Sunday October 14th beginning at 1:00 p.m.  We may divide into several groups to cover several areas that need work.  Possible work projects include: (1) clearing encroaching growth on Hunting Arrow and Left Loop, (2) reclaiming trail from recent logging between Logging Road #1 and #2, and (3) reclaiming trail from recent logging on Right Loop in Waterfall area.  We have a lot of work to do so make plans to contribute and bring someone with you.  Loppers and small bow saws are tools you should bring.  Most important, bring yourself.  Meet at Doyle Bottom Road at 1:00 p.m.

Recent Trail Maintenance

 

September 16th:  Trimmed down weeds and applied round-up to power line section of Hunting Arrow trail and miscellaneous other sections; 2 hours.

 September 29th:  Cleared fallen trees and miscellaneous trees encroaching trail, and minor trail improvements in Waterfall trail area; 3 hours.

September 30th:  Cleared fallen trees and miscellaneous briars in Waterfall trail area; 3 hours.

October 1st:  Cleared fallen trees, miscellaneous encroaching growth trimmed, and minor trail improvements on Spotted Horse Logging Road, Pig-Horse trail, and Potbelly Pig Logging Road; 2.5 hours.

Thank you Ian Davidson for his work on the above-mentioned trail maintenance projects.

 

Your Membership Dues at Work

 

During 2001 we have purchased a couple pieces of equipment to aid in trail maintenance.

 

Chainsaw:  $400

Weed Eater:  $200

 

2001 GCMBC Aluminum

Perry Gravely

 

2001 GCMBC Steel

John Millon

 

2001 GCMBC Friends

Mike Carls, Ian Davidson, Amy Wilcox, Scott Snape, Cheryl Stevens, Dickie Self, Keith Jensen, Tom Proshuto, Mark Klapperich, Larry Korn,

Chuck Rice, Jim Glose, Eric Seaverson, Frank Pochiro

 

Become a Sponsor

 

$25-  GCMBC Friend

$50- Steel donor

$75- Chromoly donor

$100- Aluminum donor

$250+ Titanium donor

 

Send your donations with your application to the address on the application.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

2001 GCMBC Events Calendar

 

Sunday October 14th                                 Workday

Sunday December 2nd                         Workday

Saturday December 15th                 Dinner/social

 

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November

Trail Work Report

 Thank you to the volunteers that worked on the trail maintenance projects Sunday afternoon October 14th.  We divided into two groups.  The first group walked the entire length of the Hunting Arrow Trail, cutting back encroaching growth.  Working in this group was Tim Rowell, Amy Wilcox, and Mike Carls.  The second group reclaimed and rerouted the Double Log Road Connector Trail which had been recently lost due to logging operations for pine beetle control.  They also closed an eroded creek crossing and rerouted the trail 150 yards upstream to a more suitable crossing site.  This group was Paul Fisk, Chuck Rice, Billy Jenkins, Bob Bolick, Todd Thompson, Heather Kline, Josh Shaffer, and Ian Davidson.  34.5 hours of volunteer trail maintenance work was given on this afternoon.  Thank for their efforts.

 

Additional Trail Maintenance

 October 22nd:  Cleared fallen trees and minor trail improvements to the following trails:  Chain Breaker, Wildcat Technical, Wounded Knee, Loopty, and Lake Trail.  Closed unnecessary extra trails at Willow Springs bridge.  Blocked eroded cut-through at Indian Creek stone stair.  4 hours.

 October 23rd:  Reclaimed Right Loop in Waterfall Trail area.  2.25 hours

 Thanks to Ian for his work on these projects.

 Hunting Season Through Dec 22nd

A reminder that it is your responsibility to know the dates of hunting season and where it is safe to ride.  It is recommended to stay out of hunting areas during the hunting season for your safety and for respect for the hunters during their season in the woods.  There is no hunting on WMA lands on Sundays, so that would be a good day to ride the trails that are in the hunting areas.

 Refer to GCMBC web page or October newsletter for additional information.

Trail Workday – Sunday Dec 2nd

We will work for 2 hours on Sunday December 2nd.  More detail will be distributed later.  Plan to attend this last trail workday for the year 2001

Your Membership Dues at Work

 

During 2001 we have purchased a couple pieces of equipment to aid in trail maintenance.

 Chainsaw:  $400

Weed Eater:  $200

  

New Members

Greg Batt, Laurie Roland, Douglas Hix, Michael Johnson

2002 Renewals

Bob Bolick, Herb Clark

 2001 GCMBC Aluminum

Perry Gravely

 2001 GCMBC Steel

John Millon

 2001 GCMBC Friends

Mike Carls, Ian Davidson, Amy Wilcox, Scott Snape, Cheryl Stevens, Dickie Self, Keith Jensen, Tom Proshuto, Mark Klapperich, Larry Korn,

Chuck Rice, Jim Glose, Eric Seaverson, Frank Pochiro

 

Become a Sponsor

 

$25-  GCMBC Friend

$50- Steel donor

$75- Chromoly donor

$100- Aluminum donor

$250+ Titanium donor

 

Send your donations with your application to the address on the application.

 Thank you for your support!

 2001 GCMBC Events Calendar

 

Sunday December 2nd                         Workday

Saturday December 15th                 Dinner/social

 

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December 2001

Pine Beetle Effecting Clemson Forest

 

Many pine trees have died or are dying in the Clemson Forest due to the pine beetle.  Cutting down the infected trees is on means of attempting to control the beetle and avoid further losses.  The following is information from the South Carolina Forestry Commission and their web page:

 As of October 31, 2001, the South Carolina Forestry Commission reports that this year's beetle losses at $76 million with 18 counties now in epidemic status.  This year's losses are the second highest on record and almost all the damage is concentrated in the upstate.  Just five counties-Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, Pickens, and Laurens account for more than three-quarters of the value lost.  

The outlook for the epidemic is uncertain. According to Forestry Commission scientist Andy Boone, significant losses can be expected in many areas through next summer.  Boone said natural predators are beginning to take a toll on beetles in some counties, but other areas still have strong beetle populations.

 

New Trail Proposed

 The University is considering the approval of a new trail proposed by GCMBC.  The new trail was proposed as a means to enhance safety between trail users and automobiles on Dam Road.  There are many documented incidents between trail users and automobiles traveling too fast on Dam Road.  The new trail, if approved, would begin at the corner of Dam Road and the horse parking lot loop, and would parallel Dam Road, connecting to Rocky Logging Road and possibly further toward the dam.  Trail users would be encouraged to use this new trail and avoid automobile traffic.  Sounds like a good idea.  We will know by January if approval has been granted, and if approved, we will design and build it as soon as possible.

Hunting Season Through Dec 22nd

A reminder that it is your responsibility to know the dates of hunting season and where it is safe to ride.  It is recommended to stay out of hunting areas during the hunting season for your safety and for respect for the hunters during their season in the woods.  There is no hunting on WMA lands on Sundays, so that would be a good day to ride the trails that are in the hunting areas.

 Refer to GCMBC web page or October newsletter for additional information.

 

Recent Trail Maintenance

October 30th:  Reclaimed trail from recent burning and bull dozing in the pine tree stand of the Waterfall Trail.  1.25 hrs.

 November 6th:  Cleared trees and minor trail improvements to the Triple Creek Trail.  1 hr.

 Thanks to Ian for his work on these projects.

 

GCMBC Social

GCMBC will have a Christmas dinner on Saturday, December 15th at 6:00 p.m.  Refer to GCMBC web page for information, or call Tim Rowell at 653-7324.

 

Your Membership Dues at Work

During 2001 we have purchased a couple pieces of equipment to aid in trail maintenance.

 Chainsaw:  $400

Weed Eater:  $200

 2001 GCMBC Aluminum

Perry Gravely

 2001 GCMBC Steel

John Millon

2001 GCMBC Friends

Mike Carls, Ian Davidson, Amy Wilcox, Scott Snape, Cheryl Stevens, Dickie Self, Keith Jensen, Tom Proshuto, Mark Klapperich, Larry Korn,

Chuck Rice, Jim Glose, Eric Seaverson, Frank Pochiro

Become a Sponsor

 

$25-  GCMBC Friend

$50- Steel donor

$75- Chromoly donor

$100- Aluminum donor

$250+ Titanium donor

 Send your donations with your application to the address on the application. 

Thank you for your support!

 2001 GCMBC Events Calendar

 Saturday December 15th                 Dinner/social

 

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