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February 21, 2023, 7 p.m. Frog Hollow Bikes, Middlebury Board Members: George Lawrence- President Ashar Nelson, Moosalamoo Andrew Hirsch, Middlebury Trail Manager Alan Hebert Carl Robinson, Treasurer Seth Beck, Bristol  Ben Hatch, Vergennes Merideth McFarland Eric Berg Sue Hoxie, Administrator Alex Takoudes, Middlebury College Bold indicated people in attendance Others in Attendance:  Erik Remsen George called meeting to order at 7 p.m.  REGULAR BUSINESS Accept meeting minutes from November 15 and January 17. Alan made a motion to approve; Ashar seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried.  President’s Report $500 donation from the Copeland Family Charitable Fund for trails in Midd area Free Onx Maps https://www.onxmaps.com/ subscriptions for 3 people, let Joe@VMBA.com know by 2/23 Q1 Trail Grant applications due March 1. Do we want to apply? (there are opportunities to apply each quarter in 2023). We’ll let this quarter’s opportunity pass. Tim Steele has groomed New Leaf twice with the new Snowdog. Stickers (yet to be applied) have been provided by Ranch Camp.   Pump track: three contenders. All have appropriate equipment. A & B have done pump tracks before. They all have time to do the work in Summer 2023. George to write RFP and request proposals back. Give area dimensions. Basing bid on lineal footage and we’ll work on exact design once bid is won.  Tom Lepesqueur – Lepesqueur and Daughters Brooke Scratchard – Sinuosity. Could potentially build in April if ground is dry enough. Otherwise August.  Dana Cabrera – Mountain Trailworx – started at Cochran’s By what criteria do we want to choose? Availability/timing Cost Experience What else Treasurer’s Report Assets: $21,443.97 Expenses: $422.61 to George Lawrence (Snow Dog equipment), $252.00 (Leah Klatzer, Round up food), $6998.00 to/for Snow Dog. Income:  $646.80 Fat bike Roundup, $500 (donation), $6510.30 (Better Places Grant) Membership Report  (one new member since last report) 2022/2023 (as of 1/27/23) 2021 Primary Memberships/Individuals 91 / 175 80 / 161 Add-on Memberships/Individuals 16 / 21 21 / 31 Sue to send email to members mid-March for membership renewal Social Media Report – Alan Hebert  The following topics were posted in the last month:  #1 MTB state Membership reminder Pics & video from RoundUp We’re getting a couple of new people with each photo. FB posts are also posting to Instagram. Middlebury College – Alex Takoudes Club fair held on February 21st for incoming Feb students. Next club meeting is scheduled for February 28th, 4:30 pm, with new members. Ashar & George will attend at 5 pm. The club will prioritize other projects instead of slalom track, such as bike rentals.  Trails Report Middlebury – Andrew Hirsch  Ashar still needs to do landowner agreement for Chipman Hill lands. Trails Report Moosalamoo – Ashar Nelson  Connector Trail landowner agreement signed, in hand, complete for next 5 years anyway. The USFS has the Trail project open for public comment. Additional information is available here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61909 Trails Report Bristol – Seth Beck  We have had the new Ranch Camp Snow Dog out at New Leaf learning the intricacies of grooming. Tim Steele has been taking the lead in operations with a support cast of snowshoers to pack down the upper loop. Unfortunately […]

January 17, 2023, 7 p.m. Frog Hollow Bikes, Middlebury Board Members: George Lawrence- President Ashar Nelson, Moosalamoo Andrew Hirsch, Middlebury Trail Manager Alan Hebert Carl Robinson, Treasurer Seth Beck, Bristol  Ben Hatch, Vergennes Merideth McFarland Eric Berg Sue Hoxie, Administrator Alex Takoudes, Middlebury College Bold indicated people in attendance Others in Attendance:  Stu Bennett, Waltham resident REGULAR BUSINESS Approve meeting minutes from November 15: Sue didn’t circulate November’s minutes in advance, so approval will be on the next meeting’s agenda.  President’s Report Pump track: We have exceeded our fundraising goal of $6000 (we are are currently at $6628), aiming to raise an additional $2000 for bike racks and netting to keep soccer balls out of the pump track VMBA 2022 Naming Grant: We won the $3500 grant from Ranch Camp to buy a Snowdog. Land Air is holding one for us while they fabricate the grooming attachments. A hitch rack to transport the Dog has been ordered. Logos from ACBC and Ranch Camp will be applied to the Snowdog. Split time between New Leaf (Seth) and Eric’s shed. TBD who would groom in Middlebury–someone on FB expressed interest.  VMBA Strategic 5 Year Plan–Sue sent to board and it’s scheduled be finalized the week of Januiary 23rd. Prepping trails for Fat Bike Roundup at Rikert Jan 28.–Two social media posts; two email blasts still ready to go. VMBA is looking to create central depository for fat biking conditions.  Goals for 2023 discussed at November’s meeting  Bristol – A. Johnson Lumber 200+ members Targeted video for future landowners. Sue to contact VMBA and Northern Forest Center for their materials, if any. What can ACBC do for the youth team? ACBC should be a sponsor of the team with its emblem on the jerseys.  Have club host monthly group rides. Bryan Grundon  – ride/food More partnerships Move the meetings around – one in Vergennes and Bristol–Sue has a conflict with another organization’s board meeting from 5:30 – 7 pm.  Treasurer’s Report Assets: $21,399.47 Expenses: $132.75 to Maple Run Marketing Income:  $3500 from VMBA Grant All Money is now with the National Bank of Middlebury.  The M&T Bank account is closed. Membership Report (No activity to report) 2022 (as of 12/31/22) 2021 Primary Memberships/Individuals 90 / 174 80 / 161 Add-on Memberships/Individuals 15 / 20 21 / 31 Social Media Report – Alan Hebert  Alan reported that there’s been great traction with posts on FB and Insta for the pump track, snowdog, and fatbike roundup. A few more likes as a result. Another fatbike will go out 1/18. Alan will use 2022 accomplishments for more upcoming posts and make a video. Alan to tag other groups, such as Rikert and Frog Hollow Bikes,  so they cross post. Middlebury College – Alex Takoudes Alex reported that the club is currently figuring out jerseys and sponsors for its upcoming season. He’ll provide update on slalom track at next meeting. A work day will be scheduled to include Midd students.  Trails Report Middlebury – Andrew Hirsch  Andrew reported: In late December I met with John Derrick from MALT to discuss a reroute on the steep climb just […]

November 15, 2022, 7 p.m. Frog Hollow Bikes, Middlebury Board Members: George Lawrence- President Ashar Nelson, Moosalamoo Andrew Hirsch, Middlebury Trail Manager Alan Hebert Carl Robinson, Treasurer Seth Beck, Bristol  Ben Hatch, Vergennes Merideth McFarland Eric Berg Sue Hoxie, Administrator Alex Takoudes, Middlebury College Bold indicated people in attendance Others in Attendance:  Jon Bowdish Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. REGULAR BUSINESS The minutes from the October 2022 board meeting were reviewed. Andrew made a motion to approve; Seth seconded. No discussion. The minutes were unanimously approved. President’s Report Pump track: A stormwater permit may be required for the project. The committee is sorting it out with the state. Per Ashar: permitting for the entire school site may be considered. Might be easier to subdivide .25 acre. Otter Creek Engineering has been retained by the school. The skateboard park will likely have the same issue.  The $5,000 payment for the Cabot grant has been received and deposited to the old M&T account. Carl will transfer funds to the new NBMVT account.  The club sent out an email notice of no raking/blowing in Middlebury this fall. Perhaps made the trails too slippery? Make note of that if we send similar notice for next year. VMBA 2022 Trail Grants are due December 2nd. Potential ideas:  Seth would like to see 2 or 3 more trails at New Leaf. One could be done professionally. Seth to consider and let George know.  George is now serving on the Trail Grants committee VMBA dinner in Richmond on December 9th. Andrew will go as George’s plus one. No biking at Rikert until they are open for on-snow riding. George will be grooming the singletrack again. Rikert trails have been pulled off of TrailForks at college’s request. MTB not a proposed use of that land when conserved. College is doing an evaluation. George met with Rikert’s new manager, Robert Drake–OK to keep grooming at Rikert.  Discussed goals for 2023:  Another place to build trails in Bristol. Sue sent introductory email to Bill Sayre; George followed up. A. Johnson Lumber is the largest landowner in Vermont.  200+ members Stu Bennett – 75 acres of trail on his private land, but may be willing to open them to the public. Seth will contact him, show him around New Leaf.  Targeted video for future landowners.  What can ACBC do for the youth team? ACBC should be a sponsor of the team with its emblem on the jerseys.  Have club host monthly group rides. Bryan Grundon  – ride/food More partnerships Move the meetings around – one in Vergennes and Bristol  Eric Berg: No report Treasurer’s Report Assets: M&T account: $7,000.92 NBMVT account: $6,257.30 Will move M&T funds to NBMVT +/- $3K for Vergennes grant Expenses: VMBA services/tools – $134.28 New Expenses October – $272.25 Maple Run Marketing – 42.34 Go Daddy Income:  Memberships Carl will close M&T account in November. QR code for PayPay for memberships.  Membership Report (Activity from 10/11/22 to 11/15/22) New memberships (0) Individual  (0) U25 (0) Family of 2 (0) Family of 3 (0) Family of 4 Returning memberships (1) Individual (0) U25 (0) Family of […]

October 18, 2022, 7 p.m. Frog Hollow Bikes, Middlebury Board Members: George Lawrence- President Ashar Nelson, Moosalamoo Andrew Hirsch, Middlebury Trail Manager Alan Hebert Carl Robinson, Treasurer Seth Beck, Bristol  Scott Hardy, Vergennes Merideth McFarland Eric Berg Sue Hoxie, Administrator Alex Takoudes, Middlebury College Bold indicated people in attendance Others in Attendance:  Ben Hatch, Jon Bowdish REGULAR BUSINESS Board Members:  Alex Takoudes was unanimously elected to serve on ACBC’s board. Welcome!  Scott Hardy has resigned from the board. Ben Hatch, a member of Vergennes’ Recreation Committee, assumes Scott’s responsibilities on ACBC’s board Carl made a motion to accept these changes to the board slate; Seth seconded; the motion was unanimously approved President’s Report The grant application to Press Forward (snow dog) was unsuccessful.  The grant application to Cabot Cheese/Agrimark for the Middlebury pump track was approved in the amount of $5,000. Nick Managan is the contact at Cabot.  George is working with Erik Remsen. Going to selectboard meeting on 10/25.  Erik is creating a fundraising website Design & build by Jay Rosenbaum (Killington) Cabot will want a volunteer day, pictures, and article Name it Cheesy Street? Landowner agreements: Agreement approved with Jeremy & Liz Parker. VMBA structure, 10 year agreement A motion was made to support George’s efforts to contact landowners. The motion passed unanimously.  Cindy: complained about bikes in Means Woods Closed to bikes No bikes sign: Bikes with arrow  Remove MW1 trail from TrailForks Middlebury College: Ashar to contact Marc Lapin Eric Berg: Outreach opportunities Airbnb on real estate – door stickers (example Slate Valley decal) UVMHN Wellness Fund Rikert, fat bikes George will connect with new Rikert director, Robert Drake Treasurer’s Report Assets: M&T account: $7,000 NBMVT account: $6,571.89 Will move M&T funds to NBMVT +/- $3K for Vergennes grant Expenses: VMBA services/tools Maple Run Marketing New checks Income:  Memberships Other:  VMBA membership payments have been mapped to NBMVT Erik Remsen will direct fundraising payments to NBM account (for pump track match) Membership Report (Activity from 9/5/22 to 10/11/22) New memberships (0) Individual  (0) U25 (0) Family of 2 (0) Family of 3 (0) Family of 4 Returning memberships (0) Individual (0) U25 (0) Family of 2 (0) Family of 3 (0) Family of 4 (0) Family of 5 2022 (as of 9/10/22) 2021 Primary Memberships/Individuals 89 / 173 80 / 161 Add-on Memberships/Individuals 15 / 20 21 / 31 Status of VMBA’s Add-on-a-thon from Krysy Steckler: We unfortunately haven’t been seeing the increase in Add-Ons since the start of our add-on-athon on Oct. 1st. We’ve seen about a dozen come through in total – however we have been seeing the messaging across all of the Chapters and their channels (thanks for sharing/posting!). Our current plan is to ramp up the messaging a little more and see where we land closer to the end of the month. If we still aren’t close to our target, we’ve talked about extending the messaging or even adding an incentive, such as a prize, to all members that have added on this season (still in discussion about that). Social Media Report – Alan Hebert – No report Middlebury College – Alex […]

September 20, 2022, 7 p.m. Frog Hollow Bikes, Middlebury Board Members: George Lawrence- President Ashar Nelson, Moosalamoo Andrew Hirsch, Middlebury Trail Manager Alan Hebert Carl Robinson, Treasurer Seth Beck, Bristol  Scott Hardy, Vergennes Merideth McFarland Eric Berg Sue Hoxie, Administrator Bold indicated people in attendance Others in Attendance:  Alex Takoudes (Midd College student), Jon Bowdish. Via Zoom: Ben Hatch, Ben Cook, and Robert Wheland A quorum was not met.  REGULAR BUSINESS President’s Report VMBA membership posters – Have posters been put out in Middlebury?  Battell Trust: George and Carl met with Caleb Kenna – good meeting, a first step to working together.  Caleb wasn’t aware of any work on Middlebury’s Town Forest plan. We will invite Caleb to future monthly meetings.  Restaurant gift certificates for have been delivered in lieu of a comped membership for 2022 to landowners.. Bridge to access Battell Woods from Buttolph Acres still needs to be replaced. George and Andrew will find an agreeable time this fall. with a wider one.  Sue brought a sample tee from Mitchell’s. Liked the shirt’s quality (Gildan Performance). Hopefully Seth will have a design(s) to present at October’s meeting.  VMBA tool order: We’ve tried again and they may be out of stock again.  George met with the Middlebury College Bike Club. Reviewed trail networks and pitched VMBA membership. Alex Takoudes (‘24.5) took over the club last year. MTB races in the fall;  road biking in the spring, plus club group rides. The college club rides Middlebury’s trails a lot–there’s potential help in building trails. 200 members in a group chat and 40 members in the club’s first meeting. The club hosted a road race in the spring–a money losing proposition with all the required support services such as traffic control.  The board discussed making Alex a full-fledged board member. A board vote via email will follow to make it official. Alex will be added to the board email list.   George met with Jeremy Parker to see if we can get a landowner agreement in place. Jeremy is reviewing the agreement.  Discussion regarding the Brewster River bridge lawsuit: The club is being sued by a neighbor – not contiguous. A bridge was rebuilt and permit is in question. The neighbor takes issue with having riders in the road. Brewster River Club (Underhill, Cambridge) has allocated $5K for the suit and it won’t be enough. Should ACBC be more careful about replacing bridges? George suggested that VMBA create a fund to fight lawsuits.  Landowner agreements: It’d be good for ACBC to get formal agreements with land owners. Make it a priority for the winter–protect our resources. Marc Lupin, at college, has sent us an agreement. Ashar to review and sign.  VMBA Add-on-athon: Add a chapter–money goes right to the chapter. October promotion. Add-ons down this year for the club. ACBC’s memberships on par with 2021, but still has five months to go in the membership year.  George discussed that ACBC should host an in-person VMBA meeting. No additional action requested. Treasurer’s Report August bank statement: Balance = Peoples Bank $11,960.92     National Bank of Middlebury – $2000.00 Expenses = $108.00  to […]