April turned out to be a nice month to ride after a long winter.  The trails dried out quickly and the sun was out many days.  The North Sore Chapter has been rolling along with Trek Bicycle/NEMBA trail days, group rides and chapter meetings.

Sunday April 20th kicked of the first trail day at Harold Parker SP with two new boardwalks and rebuild/ repairs to others.  The trail referred to as the camp ground trail is not used a lot by mountain bikers in the summer months, but come the Wicked Ride this area see a lot of action as the return loop from the west side of the park.  The trail now has four boardwalks and a bridge to keep people out of the mud.

The May 1st chapter meeting was held at Riverside Cycle in Newburyport.  A group ride took place at Willowdale SF and Bradley Palmer SP prior to the meeting.  Twenty plus people took part in the tour of two parks with staff and friends from the bike shop joining chapter members.  The meeting included a tour of the newly expanded bike shop.  A quick update on chapter business followed some pizza and a chance the checked out all the cool merchandize.

For the second year in the row the North shore Chapter teamed up with Diesel Bikes and Sinister Bikes.  Working together on the Essex County Greenbelt property referred to Thompson Street Reservation.  Last year the same group started a trail that runs from Rte 133 to Bruce and Tom’s, the trail like the group mixes Free ride with some cross-country.  Completing the trail this year on May 4th, the group battling through heavy rains and a rocky hillside producing some interesting lines that including some rock ledges, rolls and a nice log event.

On Monday nights the chapter has kicked of a weekly fun ride geared toward new riders and those looking to improve their skills.  Meeting at Bradley Palmer SP each week at 6:00pm riders will explore the trails in the area.  Please check the web site for more details.

Up coming events include new single track at Willowdale/ECGA on National Trail days June 7th.  The Trek Bicycle Trail care series will continue again on June 16th.  It is off to Harold Parker SP for the next chapter ride/meeting on Thursday June 19th.  There will be plenty of daylight for good long ride before the meeting so come out and join the fun.  As always please check the NSNEMBA.org for all the lasted details.

Frank Lane - North Shore Chapter President