The June trail workdays were completed as scheduled, with two large projects taking place.  National Trail Day was on June 2nd and a large group of forty plus people were well represented from like-minded outdoor organizations at the West Gloucester sight.  The Thompson Street Reservation land is owned and managed by the Essex County Greenbelt Association.  North Shore NEMBA, Essex County Velo, Diesel Bikes, the Waring School and the Greenbelt all worked together to complete three big projects.  The large group of volunteers spread out to complete a board walk and two trails were reroutes along a steep hillsides that required almost full benching or rock armoring to complete.  A few of the hardy folks stayed after lunch and put the trail to the test.  This trail gives access to the greenbelt area from Route 133 and connects to the Bruce and Toms trail network.  A much smaller group attended the Ward Hill trail day on June 16th they were able to complete a tremendous amount of work with a small group.  Workers installed 96 feet of boardwalks then a 16-foot boardwalk and a large rock armoring was completed to top it off.  This will make the five crossing trail much more enjoyable to ride now that the wet areas can be avoided.

The next trail days are scheduled for the cooler fall weather so mark your calendar for Saturday September 15th and Sunday October 14th.  The June chapter meeting was held on the 21st and was well attended.  A quick thunderstorm in the middle of the ride cooled everyone off from the summers heat, as we peddled around Willowdale and Bradley Palmer State Parks.  The business at the meeting included suggestions for upcoming trail work and discussion of a worthy beneficiary for the Wicked Ride.  The August meeting was held in Rockport and included a ride through Dog town and a cook out at Fred White’s house.

As always please check the North Shore web site for the latest up dates and some great photos of all the trail days.  Kirk is doing a great job keeping this web site updated so thank him when you see him on the trail!

Frank Lane - North Shore Chapter President - July 6, 2007