400 hrs of Trail Maintenance
in preparation for the
FAIR HILL CLASSIC
Sunday June 18, 2004
Elkton, MD - Fair Hill Natural Management Area

Rain Date is Sunday August 22, 2004

If you have ever raced the Fair Hill Classic put on by the Delaware Trail Spinners you know that you can expect to race on some of the fastest, well maintained singletrack in the country. It is a blend of tight, twisty singletrack, fast paced rolling hills, mild and not so mild climbing with very little double-track. This is not a lap race but a single loop. The Sport and Expert/Pro races will utilize just about all the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area has to offer (certainly all of the best trails). Todd Forrest is Race Director (as he has been for the last several years) and knows probably better than most how to choose the most fun yet challenging singletrack for the different skill levels. Todd is an Expert racer himself and has many impressive results including First place at Greenbrier in the Singlespeed Race in 2000. Few people have dedicated so much time and effort to the sport. I rode most of the course last week and I think this year's 400 hours of work has the trails more race ready than ever! I don't think I was hit by a single piece of overgrowth even on the tightest trails!

The facilities for this race are as good as it gets.......... ample parking convenient to the start area and registration, running water, flush toilets, indoor awards/results area, and there are grandstands at the finish line. There will be a children's race as in previous years (this is the 8th Annual) so bring the family! The Expert/Pro loop will be 26 miles, Sport - 22 miles, Advanced Beginner 15 miles, 1st Time Beginners - 9 miles, Clydesdales - 22 miles and Single Speed - 26 miles.

This race is part of the Classic Series presented by Trek which in addition to the individual race promoter's prizes gives cool mtn bike trophies to the top three finishers in each category. The team competition is hotter than ever as the first place Bike Line Corporate (large team) is just TEN POINTS behind second place Wooden Wheels Racing. Yellow Breeches Racing is in third place. In the small team competition Tailwind is first place with close competition between the 2nd through 4th place teams. First Capital Velo, Trek / VW East Coast, and Y's Guys. It'll be interesting to see who wins the team competitions.

The trails at Fair Hill were mostly built from scratch by the Delaware Trail Spinners (Thank you Bill Bowen and Ken Robinson - club founders) and are maintained by their responsible club members who keep giving of their time and effort year after year so that all of us have GREAT singletrack to ride. Here is a list of club officers:

Click here for just ONE EXAMPLE of all the amazing trail maintenance this club does for our area.

Bridge moving slideshow - April 18, 2004

Here is a statement of intent from their homepage at http://www.trailspinners.org/ -

We are mountain bicyclists of all abilities joining together to enjoy and promote the sport of mountain biking. Mountain biking is a privilege; therefore, we seek to balance our enjoyment of riding with responsible trail use. We are committed to preserving access to trails through education and advocacy. We volunteer significant time and effort to construct, preserve and improve trails for shared use.

Here are the International Mountain Bike Association Rules of the Trail from the Delaware Trail Spinners website:

1. Ride On Open Trails Only. Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
2. Leave No Trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
3. Control Your Bicycle! Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
4. Always Yield Trail. Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.
5. Never Scare Animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
6. Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling. www.imba.com

Don't miss this epic event........... if it's the ONLY race you do all year you will be glad you chose this one! July 18th, 2004 THIS SUNDAY!!
A FINAL DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO USE THE RAIN DATE WILL BE MADE SATURDAY July 17th at NOON. Check this website if weather is questionable.