Vassar Farm Work Day - 8/21

[Ranger Danger]

Mark your calendars for a tentatively scheduled trail work day at Vassar Farm on Saturday, August 21st!

Details to follow...
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[Ranger Danger]

It's official: We will be having a work day on Saturday August 21st from 10 am to 1 pm to help clean up Vassar Farm.

Meet in the parking lot by the barns at 10, bring gloves & water (we should have some free Clif bars for attendees) and a wheelbarrow if you've got one. Bring your bike too - that way we can save some time getting out to the work site.

If you've ever complained on this forum or quietly to yourself about the condition of the trails at Vassar - this is your chance to do something about it or forever hold your peace. It is very important that people come out to this day to show Vassar that we are serious about being stewards of this unique open space. [/b]

See you there!
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[edgeworker]

I will do my best to be there. Depends on when my wife decides vacation is happening.

[bike this]

Aren't most of the trails closed for biking. I thought only the main loop around the back was still open for bike usage. Did anything change??
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Shut up and ride.!

[Ranger Danger]

Only the marked trails are open (to all users) but among those trails, its unclear where different trail users are allowed.

Here's what is clear: PIZZA. That's right, if you come to the work day, your hard work will be rewarded with the best recovery food ever invented.
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[bike this]

Sorry I will be in Schenectady that day, but save me a slice ..please.
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Shut up and ride.!

[Tim845]

[jmagik172]

I'll be there with a poor excuse for a wheel barrow. Anything else? Saws, clippers, wrenches to take down the no biking signs (just kidding)?
Post up what you need.
Also, if we are supposed to clean up the old stunt area, a better place to park would be the old IBM 704 building on Boardman Road or the HVFCU lot.
Post back what/where we will be working.

[MetalMike]

I will do my best to be there.

[SeanO]

Going to try to make it. Have a double birthday party at home for my 2 kids starting at 1. Hopefully can help out for the first hour or two.

[Ranger Danger]

Woot! I'm psyched to hear some interest in this

Tools we'll need: wheelbarrows, maybe a couple hammers, pry bars, hand saws and leather gloves.

I'm pretty sure we have to park at an official parking lot as opposed to a closer access point that's not Vassar's property. If we ride our bikes to the work site it'll be quick and fun (we will be riding bikes).
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[Ranger Danger]

Update: It's on!

We'll meet in the lot by the red barns at 10 and Jason from Vassar will unlock the gate so we can drive to the field station building and park there (closer to the work site).

Be there or be square.
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[ez rider]

IF I can make it I will be riding there. I hope to see you then. On a side note, it was nice bumping into you

[Forest_biker]

Last I remember was Vassar saying since it was private property they could do as they please as far as it goes with trail closings, which is true, but what burns me is supposedly they wanted our input, which turned out to be BS and a waste of my and others time.

So I would think they should get their physical plant guys out there to do the work.

If others ride there it's good for them to help maintain where they ride, but my trust in anything that comes from Vassar representatives is gone.

[Tim845]

It would help their cause if the people who want stunts, bmx jumps etc, could show up -obviously the old way doesnt work with land managers
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Pedal, b*tches!!

[Ranger Danger]

Mountain bikers and Vassar have each done things in the past to make each other angry.

We are taking steps toward mending the relationship in a way that's mutually beneficial.

We can sulk about the bad things and leave land managers to think of our user group as irresponsible OR be active about fixing the problems and leave land managers thinking, "hey, those mountain bikers were the only user group who offered to help clean this place up. They must actually be responsible stewards".

3 hours of one Saturday gets you good karma, time outside with friends and free pizza. I'll take that over staying angry any day.
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[edgeworker]

Right on Jill. Looks like I will be there.

[Chico]

I miss the good 'ol days of Vassar... Count me in...

I'll bring a wheelbarrow, hand saw and other random tools that may be helpful.

I just picked up a Stihl MS250 chain saw... I'm itching to use the monster but I'm guessing it won't be necessary, correct?

[Forest_biker]

An email from the Vassar representative to the Fats explaining their change of heart after we previously offered help and we're ignored and then banned from quite a few of the trails would go a long way towards mending my distrust.

I just think it's a waste of time to help when Vassar hasn't sent a open statement about engaging in any mutually beneficial relationship.

[Ranger Danger]

Chico - I'm probably as psyched about the fact that you have a new chainsaw as you are but sadly, I don't think our insurance covers work with power tools.

Forest Biker - Your opinion is dually noted. The point of my previous post is that we have to make nice and someone has to make the first move. In this case it's us.

Just trying to keep it positive.
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.