a message from Joe & Vicki Price

I got the below email from Joe & Vicki Price so I figured I would send the info to everyone I know in Florida & post it here. If you haven't seen them you certainly should make a point of it when you get a chance. Joe was voted into the Iowa Blues Hall of fame in 2002for his down-home Delta-styled Blues, played on a steel-bodied resophonic guitar. They will be playing at Oskar Blues again on June 29th.

Chad
Joe and I are doing an east coast tour in March and need some help getting the word out. If you know anyone close to any of our shows please pass on the information. This is especially important in Florida. It is our first tour down there and we need some folks to show up so we can go back. We especially want to go back in the winter!!!!!

Well here is a list of the shows, we appreciate any help you can give!!!!!

3/13 The Bobcat Cafe Bristol, VT 8:00
3/11 Langton Street Cafe Montipelier, Vt 8 to 9
3/15 Castlerock Pub Sugar Bush Resort Warren, VT 3 to 6 in the afternoon.
3/16 Borders Books in Burlington, MA 2:00 in the afternoon.

3/19 The Luna Star Cafe North Miami, FL 8:00 $7 at door.
3/21 Bodega Blue Vero Beach, FL 7:30 to 10:30
3/22 The Purple Moon Dunedin, FL 8 to 11
3/23 Beach Shack Bar Cocoa Beach, FL 6 to 10

Thanks for all your help,
Joe & Vicki Price
http://www.joepriceblues.com

Paper Dream Productions

Lyons locals & good friends have gotten their comic book vision off the ground. www.paperdreamproductions.com is up & running with insight into their idea's & work. Click HERE to check out a seven page preview of their first offering, Short-Stack: Tales of a Super Human Plumber. The first project was written by Jay Sternitzky & illustrated by his brother Drew. Here's PDP's description of the project:
SHORT-STACK: TALES OF A SUPER HUMAN PLUMBER IS A TWENTY-FOUR ISSUE COMIC BOOK SERIES FOLLOWING HARRY TRUFONT, A FORMER SUPER-HERO WHO FAKED HIS OWN DEATH AFTER INCORRECTLY DISARMING A BOMB AND KILLING OVER ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE, ATTEMPTING TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE.
OUTED BY A LONG-TIME FAN, BESET BY THE MEDIA AND THE PRESSURES OF SOCIETY , HARRY IS FORCED TO MAKE THE TOUGHEST DECISIONS OF HIS LIFE WHILE WHAT LITTLE HE BUILT CRUMBLES AROUND HIM.
FEATURING BREATHTAKINGLY UNIQUE ART, SHORT STACK: TALES OF A SUPER HUMAN PLUMBER, WILL CHALLENGE YOUR EYE AND THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THE MEDIA AND SOCIETY.

Catch the boys from PDP at Heroes Con, in Charlotte N.C.June 20-22 & Wizard World Chicago IL, June 26-29

Demo tour heads to Texas

Spend the extra day of your intercalary year on a Spot Brand Carbon Drive System. The Sound of Revolution Demo Tour heads to Mad Duck cycles in Gravevine, TX with full access to our trailer of demo toys all day Friday, February, 29th.

From there we will be rolling on to spend the weekend at the Texas Championship Mountain Bike Series Race #2 @ The Breaks at Bar-H Mountian Bike Ranch in Saint Jo, Texas. Saturday offers an Expo Area for bikes and non-bike related items. Spot will have more demo bikes & DPA available, the event will also include live entertainment. Racing starts on Sunday morning at 8:30 & will continue all day.

BMA February 22nd Newsletter

BMA's Third Annual Gala Banquet
The St Julien Rocks Out
with the 2008 BMA Hero

A room full of City Council members, land managers, County Commissioners, BMA business members, and riders just like you. Add some fine brews from Oskar Blues and an auction with incredible items and we have a formula for a really great party. Click here to see pictures from the event. During the event, the BMA Board of Directors announced the creation of the BMA Hero Award, given to an individual that best exemplifies the the ideals we admire:

"A BMA Hero works tirelessly on behalf of responsible recreational access to our public lands. A Hero furthers that which binds all BMA members together – the desire to ride sweet singletrack, to push our physical and technical limits, and to enjoy the outdoors. But a Hero does more than that. A BMA Hero goes beyond the call of duty in recognizing the benefits of recreation to our entire community. Recreation is how we bond with nature and renew our land ethic. Recreation provides us with a healthy outlet to relieve stress, exercise our bodies, and renew our spirit. A BMA Hero furthers this vision. A BMA Hero can be an advocate, a land manager, a politician, or one of you. What separates a Hero from the rest of us is that a Hero has improved all of our lives through his/her support of our passion. It is this passion that drives the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, and it is with this passion that we recognize a BMA Hero."

The 2008 BMA Hero is Mike Patton, Director of the City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks Department. Mike's job of implementing the Visitor Master Plan can certainly be characterized as heroic. Changing both the culture of his department and the expectations of visitors to the lands he is charged to manage has been a herculean task. We thank Mike for his efforts and look forward to working with him and all of OSMP as we continue to roll out the VMP.

Mountain Bike Advocacy Needs Volunteers for Planning Processes

There are a two highly significant advocacy efforts that need to volunteers now to prepare for trail planning opportunities over the next year. We need people that will do their research and homework. They will need to attend meetings and engage members of the community and staff representing BMA and the needs of cycling.

What's coming?
The City of Boulder's West Trail Study Area - basically all trails in the mountain backdrop between Eldorado Springs Road up to Mount Sanitas are up for discussion later this year. There is no reason why we can't expand biking opportunities in this area - if we work for it. If you are willing to lead this effort or play a significant role, contact BMA's policy committee guru Jason Vogel .
A revisit to the 1985 Betasso Preserve management plan, which now includes the Benjamin property. This process could significantly increase recreation opportunities as well. Boulder County needs to hear from the biking community early and often that expanding recreation in this area is extremely important. If you are willing to lead this effort or play a significant role, you can contact BMA's president Mike Barrow .
We are collecting lists of interested advocates from scratch, so even if you have previously expressed interest, please send an email to Jason or Mike with your contact information, including phone number, so we can launch these critical trail advocacy efforts ASAP.


Trail Crew Leader Training in 2008
We Need YOU!

In 2008, we are looking to break the mold of how we plan and execute trail work events. Some of the actions already taken:
Scheduling crew leader training to expand our base of volunteer crew leaders. There is one set for April, and maybe another in May.
We are talking with the agencies NOW about getting hard dates months in advance.
We are working with OSMP and BCPOS on how to creatively expand our efforts and get more done
The biggest limiting factor that keeps us from doing more trail work is the lack of a crew leader pool. We need to have enough qualified trail crew leaders so nobody has to attend too many events. We are working with BCPOS and OSMP, along with REI, to schedule two trail crew leader training sessions. The first session is already full, but we have a second session in the May timeframe that is still available.

If you are interested in hearing more about this program, contact BMA Trail Work Director Jenn Archuleta at bma_jenn@yahoo.com.

BMA in the News

Read the article in the March 2008 issue of Bike Magazine

Betasso Management Plan Revisit
Starts February 26
BCPOS is ready to tackle the Betasso Managment Plan, first written in 1985. This also includes the acreage know previously as the Benjamin property, which was purchased and closed to the public last year. This is the first real opportunity that Boulder County has had to create a quality mountain bike experience for City of Boulder residents that would not involve the use of a car. Come out and give your input to staff at two open houses.
February 26, 2008
Boulder County Clerk and Recorders Office
Houston Room
1750 33rd St, Boulder, CO
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.


Come Meet Will Shafroth
Democratic Candidate
Congressional District 2
Hear about his plans for the environment, health care,
and education and how we must end the war in Iraq.
Wednesday February 27, 2008
5:30pm – 7:00 pm
Join Host Doug Emerson at University Bikes
9th and Pearl Street
Boulder, Co
Please RSVP to Kevin@shafrothforCongress.com or by calling 303 681-6333
by Monday February, 25th.
Please also forward this on to anyone in the area.
To Learn More About Will Shafroth visit www.ShafrothForCongress.com

NOTE: This is not an endorsement from BMA. Will wants to meet BMA members, and we want you to make up your own mind.

BMA Loves Our Business Members!
Redstone Cyclery
Blue Sky Cycles
High Gear Cyclery
Oskar Blues Restaurant & Brewery
Performance Bike Shop
Cutting Edge Sports
University Bicycles
Sports Garage
Rocky Mounts
Full Cycle
Maverick
REI
Bitterbrush Cycles
Boulder Cycle Sport
The Fix
GEICO Local Office
Two Dog Diner in Prospect
Wonderland Hill Development Company
Botsy Phillips/Colorado Landmark Realtors
Copy Experts

Brian Sundberg/REMAX of Boulder
Bike-n-Hike
Athletic Excellence Training Solutions
Bicycle Village
Bikes Belong
Deuter USA
Boulder Beer
Cateye
Boulder Business Products
Bob Maynard/Wright Kingdom Real Estate
Kustom Kar Audio

You don't have to be in the cycling industry to be a business member, These businesses understand the direct benefit of being part of BMA. Hey, they ride too!


Welcome to our newest business member
Catalyst Communications

MEMBER Benefit! Just mention that you are a BMA member at Bicycle Village and get 10% off any bike purchase through March 31!

We are grateful to all our supporters in the business community and look forward to years of "getting things done on the trails".

We have a lot going on these days, and a lot of it requires money to make it happen. Our volunteer trail work events with food and schwag, tool storage, website... it all adds up quickly. BMA has a business membership program to fund these needs. So you will start to see BMA stickers on your favorite bike shops and other businesses. If you see it displayed, be sure to mention that you are a BMA member/supporter and you appreciate their generosity and stewardship. And if you don't see a BMA sticker in your favorite shop, ask them why! And those of you who own a business, send mtnbikemike@gmail.com an email if you haven't heard from us about this program! You don't need to be a bike shop to be a business member, just interested in making better mountain biking in Boulder County.

BMA thanks those of you who have used the online membership functions to keep us afloat. And thanks to those of you who use snail mail too!

Be Part of the Solution! Join BMA NOW! Click Here
Thanks to the people that have joined or renewed since our last newsletter:

John Guillaume
Robert Ohl (Big Wheel!)
Julie Mallon
Pilar Prostko
Jason Vogel(Family)
Bryan Helstad

What's On the Horizon
National Trails Day - Picture Rock Trail - June 7


Tired of seeing trails closed to mountain bikes in Boulder County? Then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!! Join the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and join the fight to open trails. Send a $25 check to BMA, PO Box 4954, Boulder, CO 80306, or join by using our online Paypal webpage by clicking HERE

Dellys Starr Repeats

www.cyclingnews.com
Both National Champion Cross Country Olympic winners, Dellys Starr and Chris Jongewaard, backed up last weekend's national championship wins another victory at today's National Mountain Bike Series final held in the Alpine district at Mt Beauty, Victoria.

Starr's win last week obtained her a position on the shadow Olympic team for Australia, while Jongewaard is already one of three males on the shadow team.

For the Australian fans it will be the last time they see their potential Olympians at a national event before August. In mid-January the UCI announced that Australia would have one position for a female and one for a male at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

24 Hours in the Old Pueblo

We arrived to Tucson flip-flops in hand & ready for a break from the Colorado winter. We were greeted with flurries & rain, Sunshine State my a**! To be fair the clouds did break up leaving a race course that was super fast, tacky & ready to be charged by thousands of insane 24 hour racers of all types. The course was really fun, twisty, turny & flowing single track weaving in & out of Cactus. We had two laps with double flats as the goal of night laps was simply to stay away from cacti that had been spread throughout the course from people running into them. It is inevitable that you will absolutely, 110% guarantee, have some form of cactus absorbed into your body if you do this race.

The team was out in full force, we had a Solo Single Speed Super Woman(Chelsea McGowan), a 4 person open Single Speed team (Jen Gersbach, Megan Monroe, Gavin Hayes & Chad Melis) as well as a men's Duo team (Scott Fleigleman, Nick Howe). We rolled in SOOO PRO with both rigs, a ton of brew & the excitement that only the first event of the year can provide. The Spot Brand/Dales Pale Demo tour truck was the pit spot in the 24 hour village while we had the OB RV dominating the camping area. Between these spots we had it going on, we even had a chance to watch movies during our down time...man that's nice, I mean R E A L N I C E.


Not only can Brett turn a wrench, he found time to write the first single for our summer tour: "Big Rigs & Beer". Release date TBD
Scott get's his run on to start the two four. Nick waits for another lap The bikes drew a lot of attention as they waited for another Hot Lap. Women's Single Speed Solo winner Chelsea heads out for another lap, way to go girl!
There was a sweet Cactus sculpture made out of old bike rims, flat tubes were hung on it to be recycled after the race.
Need I say more????? I Didn't think so!

One successful trip is in the books with many more to come. We'll see you out on the trail or at the races!

Big Rigs & Beer,

CM

Oskar Blues Brewery Video Tour

I found this video tour on youtube from grizzlygrowler.com. I feel like they caught the vibe pretty well, grab a brew & take the tour.

Cancer Research Fundraiser (Livestrong08 in Moab, UT)

Hi friends,

It's time again for me to humbly ask for a small donation for the LiveStrong Cancer Research Fund. I will be riding 135 road miles and 46 mountain miles during the 3 days of the Skinny Tire Festival (March 1-4). Again, this year I am riding the event in memory of David Black for Prostate Cancer Research. The group of riders that attend are just a fantastic group. We have so much fun for such a good cause.

Here's the website with my passioned plea.....

http://www.active.com/donate/livestrong08/askdrbryan

Every dollar my friends donate will be marked specifically for Prostate Cancer Research in Dave Black's name. The folks at LiveStrong (ie: Lance) were very impressed with our effort last year, we raised $175,000.

Please take this opportunity to help reserachers find a Cure (and YES, it is possible).

Your friend,


Bryan Helstad
Boulder, CO
www.askdrbryan.com

24 hrs in the Old Pueblo: Preparation

prep·a·ra·tion [prep-uh-rey-shuhn] –noun
1. a proceeding, measure, or provision by which one prepares for something: preparations for a journey.
We're hitting the road to start the journey known as a cycling season in mid February...we just can't wait any longer. We rallied the troops at the new SPOT Brand headquarters yesterday to brainstorm, collect team kits, bikes, travel plans, grocery lists & check out the progress of our new rig. Wheeeew Dooogggy, the rig is super P I M P ! They were working on getting the graphics package done while we sipped on Old Chub, a pretty cool process to watch. There's nothing like getting all the equipment in one day, it's something that would even make Kris Kringle blush. The Dales Pale Ale/Spot Brand/Gates Carbon Drive System's "SOUND OF REVOLUTION DEMO TOUR" kicks off in grand fashion as we be goin' down south where the chilly wind don't blow. I Hope you can head for the border & grab a brew with us, cheers!





Willie knows best, it's that time...On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world be turnin' our way
And our way
Is on the road again

Oskar Blues February Music Calendar

Oskar Blues cruises through winter with a handfull of national & front range talent in February. Be sure not to miss my personal favorites, Papa Mali, Buckskin Stallion, Erica Brown Band, Sally Van Meter as well as K.C. Groves hosting bluegrass scramble in addition to the usual tuesday night bluegrass pick.

BMA 3rd Annual Banquet

The Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance celebrated another fantastic season of increased trail access, volunteers & opportunity with a bang on February 8th. St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder hosted this years SOLD OUT event. Mountain Bikers & politicians rubbed elbows over free Dales Pale Ale & a 3 course meal while details of 2007 where celebrated & plans for a bigger & better 2008 were announced. The evening included a silent auction, live auction & a door prize for a beautiful room at the St. Julien. Lyons had a good crew in the house including donated beer from Oskar Blues & silent auction items from local supporters. Redstone Cyclery donated a complete Redline Monocog 29er & Bitterbrush Cycles provided a Sinister DNA dirt jump frame for auction. Thanks to everyone for coming out & creating a magnificent evening, we are all looking forward to continued success, support & fun!