Jan 21 Trail Maintenance is POSTPONED due to concerns of park access from the heavy snowfall. We are rescheduling this maintenance day from January 28th at 8am in the West Parking lot. See everyone there.

WT Smith
Outback Trail Vice President/Trail Steward

 

2012 T-Shirts Are Available soon with your 2012 Membership Application <----  click here.  This year the offering is a lightweight wicking shirt for those hot days on the trail.

Check em out:


 

Saturday, Jan 21 will be the regular scheduled maintenance for Outback Trail.  We have an aggressive schedule of improvement on tap this year to improve access, decrease the maintenance requirements and improve flow.

First on tap is the an access corridor near the trailhead to provide contour trail back into Spaghetti Hill and form a beginner loop that where newbies can get started ... and where we can warmup.  The new contour trail will be on either side of a gravel fall line.

Tools to bring: nippers, handsaws, shovels.  But if you don't have them, we have plenty.

Meet at the West Trailhead at 8AM for a short walk to the worksite. See you there.

 

The results of the Board of Directors election and subsequent Exective Committee election are as follows:

2012 Board of Directors:  (2-year term)
Will T Smith (2011)
Lyle Kaye (2011)
Pat Wallace (2011)
Ryan Sullivan (2011)
Mike Kehle (2012)
Keith Duvall (2012)


2012 Executive Committee:
President - Pat Wallace
Vice President - Will T Smith
Treasurer - Keith Duvall
Secretary - Mike Kehle


 

All Friends of The Outback Trail Commission,  Figure Eight Brewing is doing a PhilanthroPint fundraiser for non-profit groups. The Outback Trail Commission will be the recipient for the month of January. Figure Eight will be donating to our group a portion of their sales on pints of Where Lizards Dare IPA when ordered in the tasting room. Please go in and have a pint of Where Lizards Dare and take a growler home with you. Where Lizards Dare - a single India Pale Ale created from a simple blend of malts and an overabundance of centennial bitters, finished with cascade and more centennial for a crisp, citrus hoppy taste (4 % ABV)
        
Lyle K. Kaye

 

We will be working on Bench cuttings a section of trail to eliminate a fall line trail.
meet in the East parking lot. 8:00 am .We have all the tools for this job.

IF we get to much rain this job will be pushed back. Trails are dangerous to walk when muddy.

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

J/O

 

Remember Regular Board/Officer Meetings are the Second Thursday of every month and Trail Maintenance is the 3rd Saturday of every month.  Of course the public is welcome to attend.

 

All, I noticed we had not published PDF maps for printing convenience. Problem solved click here to go to the maps page and underneath the map you can download either color or B&W optimized PDFs for easy printing.

Enjoy the map. It's been evolving since 2004 and since Jamie's original. I think others are going to take a stab at it now. I'm excited to see what they come up with

WT Smith - President Outback Trail
(Former Secretary/Webmaster, Vice-President, Treasurer) ;-)

 

MEETING LOCATION CHANGED

The Outback Trail Commisssion will be meeting at the Blue Spruce Building at Woodland Park in Portage for the forseeable future.  The public is welcome.

Sorry for the late notice, we were waiting on room reservations.

Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7pm to 9pm (ish). Yes, there are many things to discuss.

WT Smith

Outback Trail Commission Meeting is on Thursday Night @ 7 PM at El Pueblo Mexican Restaurant on U.S. Hwy 6 - west side of Portage. Great Mexican food and Dos Equis on tap! Lot's to discuss regarding the direction of the trail, maintenance items, signage, and SPD vs CB pedals. — at El pueblo.

 

Big thanks go out today to TJ Simms, Andrea Lehr and Shaggy. I can't remember a group of volunteers who built trails like a pro with so little prep. We put in a great reroute and tackled the monster deadfall in Bobol Ridge.

Remember we always need new volunteers. We will have more trail projects in coming weekends. Stay tuned for details.

 

We are once again planning a jersey for 2012. We are giving our members an opportunity to come up with the design we use. Whoever comes up with the winning design receives a free jersey. All submissions must be in a print ready format. Shoulders, back pockets & some of the front & back will have sponsors logos on them. So start brainstorming about how you think they should look. More info later.

  Lyle K. Kaye
  Vice Pres. Outback Trail Commission
************************************************************ 

 

Wear a HELMET and glasses.  We still see riders without helmets.

Well, we all have noticed new changes to the trail.  Trees removed, trees cut off 6" high to potentially fall onto.  Tonight we had a serious accident due to "dirt jumpers" creating a considerable "lip" addition to the fast downhill rise in Broken Arrow.

This is a safety reminder to everyone who uses the trail that conditions can change from day to day.  Please report any unauthorized changes to the forum or webmaster right away.

mikecazzx
 

Congrats to the Outback Racers who traveled cross-state and rode Franke Park (adjacent to Fort Wayne Zoo) on Sunday Sept 18.  Good showing against some new competition!

NIMBA season finale is Sunday October 2 at Potato Creek.  A fun event at a nearby venue...get in a race before the leaves fall...and enjoy the camaraderie!

1st	Andrea Lehr
4th	Mike Kehle
2nd	Keith Duvall
10th	Tim Stephenson
2nd	Pat Wallace

See complete Franke Park Results at: http://www.nimbaseries.org/Results/2011Results/6FrankeParkXCResults.aspx .

 

OK, we tried it.  There are better facilities and our bathroom is on the East side.  Bottom line, it's too hectic over there with soccer practice. It's not our mellow little tree lined hollow. 

So the 1 week experiment with Mid-Week on the East side is OVER.  We'll still hold events over there when it's available.  But our decrepit little gravel lot on the West side is best for us.

Midweek Mountain bike madness is moving back to the West trailhead.

 

Shout Out to Club Members who raced at Bluhm last Sunday.  Bluhm results are below.  Next race is Sunday September 18 at Franke Park (new venue) in Fort Wayne.  Join the race gang for a road trip.....Experts start at 10A EDT and Sport/Beginners go off at 1P EDT (over and back same day possible).  Cross-country start!:

See complete results at http://www.nimbaseries.org/Results/2011Results/5BluhmZoomTT.aspx .

Racer	Finish
Ed Serrat	1st
Rick Mezo	1st
Andrea Lehr	1st
Mike Kehle	2nd
Kevin McMahon	2nd
Keith Duvall	3rd
T.J. Simms	9th
Richard Cunanan	10th
John Donlin	2nd

 

Was asked to post reminder that this afternoons group ride at The Outback Trail @ Imagination Glen will meet at the east parking lot off of In. State Rd. 149 by the soccer fields, you turn at the Portage BMX Track. Groups start going out around 5 pm. Introduce yourself and let someone know if its your 1st time out there, we love showing people around.

Lyle K. Kaye
V.Pres. Outback Trail Commision

 

This years Bluhm County Park Time Trial was a little slick due to the rain but our volunteers helped solidify a fun day in Westville. Pat Wallace our Race Director for the day did a fantastic job and I would like to thank all the other volunteers Phil May, T.J. & Wendy Sims, Will & Emily Smith & Diane Martin, Jamie & Bonnie Owens, J.D. & Lori Donlin, Kim & Gareth Kaye, Mike Cassello, John Marquart and Kathy Serrat. Thank you one and all.        

Lyle Kaye
Vice Pres. Outback Trail Commission
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    


                                                      

To see the photos - CLICK HERE
Please follow this link

 

Midweek MountainBike Madness will be at BLUHM next 3 weeks.

Trail Maintenance Days added at Bluhm in advance of "Bluhm Zoom" Race on Sept. 4 (Labor Day Sunday, always)

Valpo Night Ride (road ride) added for Saturday Aug 27 - a hoot!

Also check the MESSAGE BOARD for updates about the BLUHM ZOOM Race.

Ride On,

Pat

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/mikecazzx/OutbackTrailNimbaTimeTrial08072011#

My personal favorite is Go Joey Go.

 

Race day Sunday was a grueling, hot, humid, wet, greasy and muddy experience shared by 106 riders, a new record for The Outback Trail.

We got just enough rain to turn the trail into a slick and sometimes muddy challenge. 

It was great to see some younger riders really turning in great lap times as well.  Many thanks to those who made it happen!  They are all the volunteers who prepped the course, shoveled a lot of dirt, timed the race, taped the course and handled all the logistics of the actual race.

 

Results are in, see http://www.nimbaseries.org/Results/2011Results/4OutbackChallengeResults.aspx on nimbaseries.org.

Please join us for our September 4th Bluhm Zoom race at Bluhm County Park, in Westville, IN.  Check http://nimbaseries.org/2011Venues/5BluhmZoomTimeTrial.aspx for time, course and registration information.


 

Outback Challenge (NIMBA #4, IHRS #7) - Sunday August 7th 

First, next Sunday August 7th is the Outback Challenge cross country race in conjunction with NIMBA Series and Illinois Homegrown Series.  For the most comprehensive info check the NIMBA Series website at http://www.nimbaseries.org/2011Venues/4OutbackChallengeImaginationGlen.aspx.  Register before Friday at 7pm for $5 off your registration and quicker same day registration.  

Remember the race will start on the Dark Side by the soccer complex.  Rules are NIMBA Series (not USA Cycling), but points will count for both Illinois Homegrown Race Series and NIMBA Series (Exception, IHRS has no singlespeed classes).  Both series break normal race categories down by 10 year increments.  

NOT RACING????  We still need volunteers to work the event.  Email willtsmith@comcast.net.
RACING?  Depending on your start time, you can race part of the day and volunteer the other.  The more course marshalls we have, the smoother things will go.  So please volunteer.

 

Hey everyone! MMM is still scheduled for tonight. Usually a group leaves at 5:30 and another at 6:30. If you are thinking of coming out PLEASE bring prenty of water and snackage. It is going to be dangerously hot and we do not want anybody getting hurt out there.

Also, try not to ride alone. The heat can sneak up on you quick. Make sure to stay with another rider whenever possible. Look forward to seeing everyone! Ride Safe!

MK

 

Congratulations to the OTC Members who raced last today in NIMBA Series #3 at Potato Creek: 

Ed Serrat         2nd     Expert/Elite M 35 +
Rick Mezo        1st      Expert/Elite M 34 U
Andrea Lehr     1st      Expert/Elite W
Kevin McMahon  6th    Sport 30-39
Terry Macchia    3rd    Beginner M 20-29     (joined today!)
Keith Duvall     3rd      Beginner M 30-39
Pat Wallace     2nd      Beginner M 50 +
Mike Kehle      6th       Sport Singlespeed
Blake Mezo     5th       Beginner Men 11-19      (Rick's son!)

Next NIMBA Series Event is at *our house* Imagination Glen on Sunday Aug 7. Race info at www.nimbaseries.org. Join the fun!

 

Well we had an amazing group ride yesterday, for the 1st time all year we were able to ride the entire trail. Over 20 riders showed up for a great ride, the trail was really fast today. We also signed up a new member. Lyle K. Kaye a.k.a "Steelworx" Vice Pres. Outback Trail Commision

 

Hard effort today to get the building process started on making the Far Creek Run rideable for larger portions of the year. 1st) Thanks to Keith Duvall for letting his garage be used to fabricate our new boardwalk. Keith & Mike Kehle spent a lot of time this last week picking materials up and building in that garage. Thanks guys for stepping up. 2nd) it was a hot, humid, mosquito filled Trailwork Day & the guys that worked so hard so that riders can enjoy our trail are as follows. Jamie (been doin this a REALLY long time) Owen, Keith Duvall, Mike Kehle, Ron Sandberg, Mike "The Marshall", Alex Cornwell & Myself. We started something today that hopefully one day will allow us to ride Far Creek Run much more during the wet Indiana Springtime. If you like what you see come out for our next Trailwork Day and see what it takes to make Outback Trail so much fun for "YOU", The Riders. Thank you to Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant for providing our lunch today. Show up next Trailwork Day to see who who else Ron has on board for feeding hungry trailworkers.

Lyle K. Kaye  a.k.a "Steelworx"
Vice-Pres. Outback Trail Commission

 

We will be boardwalking portions of the Far Creek Run this Saturday! The intent is allow us to open that section of trail earlier after rain events. Follow the link for more details!

Dont forget to bring your bikes for a fun ride afterwards!

MK

 read more ...

Congrats to the hearty souls!!!  Pictures shortly:

BIB	CAT	LAST NAME	FIRST	CITY	STATE	TIME
48	Sport	McMahon	Kevin	Valparaiso	IN	50:58
51	Sport	Duvall	Keith	Valparaiso	IN	54:37
49	Beg	Simms	T J	Porter	IN	1:06:31
45	Beg	Smith	Will T	Valparaiso	IN	1:13:40
47	Beg	Graeber	Richard	Portage	IN	1:18:02
50	Beg	Richmond	Jeremy	Valparaiso	IN	1:18:55
46	Beg	Daussy	Aurelien	Hammond	IN	1:19:26
44	Beg	Cerezo	Milton	Hammond	IN	1:20:09

 

*********REMINDER***********

June 12th - Outback Club Fun Race and Cookout (Members only)

First annual Club Fun Race and Cookout. 10:00A Cross-Country Start. Timed Event. All Riders ride one lap.

3 Divisions (Awards):
Expert/Elite: ("Way-Too-Serious")
Sport: ("A Good Workout")
Beginner: ("Making-Room-For-Lunch")

Awards will also be given for
* Coolest Jersey
* Best-Looking Legs
* Shockiest Socks

Following the race....all are treated to a family-style cookout - so bring the family whilst you re-hash your victorious ride.

Members - Race entries will be emailed to you by June 5th.
If not a member - please join us by clicking on "Join US" under "Trail Info"

or

visit us on Active.com at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1956870 

 

moves to 6:00P CDT beginning June 1.

See you then at the gravel lot.

Nobody left behind.

Ride On!

 

Bud Hettrick, Will Smith, Ron Sandberg & Myself Got the weeds cut down on the Far Creek Run all the way from the Dark Side Drop-In to the climb back up to The Balcony. Far Creek still has some pretty muddy spots and with more rain coming its a good idea to ride the high ground only. If you're one of the riders that ride no matter what the status is, Please, at least hike a bike over the muddy spots. Tomorrow some more of us will be going out to do some more prep work for the upcoming Trail Run X-Treme on Memorial Day. Check back here or on our Facebook Group for more info. Our group would like to thank Portage Quizno's on Willowcreek Dr. for donating lunch for our trail crew. Please stop in and order some sandwiches and support their business.

Lyle K. Kaye
O.T.C. Vice Pres.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Congratulations to the OTC Members who raced last Saturday May 7 in NIMBA Series #1 at Winona Lake:

Mike Wheeler 7th     Expert/Elite M     35 +
Rick Mezo 1st          Expert/Elite M     34 U
Andrea Lehr 1st       Expert/Elite W
Keith Duvall 1st       Beginner M         30-39
Pat Wallace 4th        Beginner M         50 +
Mike Kehle 6th         Sport Singlespeed

Next NIMBA Series Event is Sunday June 5 at TK Lawless in Cassopolis MI.  Race info at www.nimbaseries.org. Join the fun! 

 

Congratulate yourself if you were one of the brave souls riding in the heat and humidity.  You are truly hardcore.  We had a good turnout and 4 groups riding at different speeds.  The heavens thundering above proved to be a good motivator to keep pedaling and we all made it back shortly before the rain dumped down.

If the showers were as short lived as they appeared, the trail will soak up that rain easily.  Cross your fingers, more storms coming.

Avoid the basement and dismount far creek as needed.

mikecazzx

 

We had 6 guys show up this morning for the building of the alternate route Will had flagged out. Will Smith, Pat Wallace, Rick Mezo, Mike Wheeler, Ross Faulk and Myself spent the morning clearing, benchcutting and packing in the new singletrack. It will give riders & runners an alternate route in the section where you make that quick drop after you climb out of The Basement & then make the short right hand turn followed immediately by a climb back up; it's before the Trailer Run. Muggy and Humid and at times rainy we got the work done without falling on our faces or cans in the mud!
 
Pictures of this workday can be seen in our Pictures Gallery under "2011 Trailer Ramp Bypass".

Lyle K. Kaye
V.P.- O.T.C.
 

Yep, it's finally time.  Since the frost is gone and the trail is pretty good condition (with exceptions noted later) Imagination Glen is officially OPEN .... for now.  Rains may spoil our parade.  But lets get the season rolling Thursday.  A group is going out riding at 4:30pm.  Come join us.

There are some exceptions.  One, the Far Creek Run has a section in the middle which still has a lot of drying to do.  So lets stick to the high-dry out and back.  Please don't go down there and look unless you mean to turn around and come back once you get into the muck.

Second, as usual The Basement and Trailer Run lags in drying time from the rest of the trailer.  So please stay out of these areas and allow them extra time to dry.  Remember, moving through these areas drives moisture deeper and increases the amount of time it takes to dry.

Third, there are a Few deadfall trees out there still.  So keep your eyes peeled.  We're all looking forward to a great season.

 

It's a terrible shame that the weather turns nice before the trail is ready to ride.   In March 60° F weather just means mud.  Mud and LOTS more mud.

So yes, there is the snow that melts.  But then there is all the snow from the entire winter that melted, entered the soil and then froze.  Not just that, it's all the moisture from fall as well.  So, as you can see it's a lot of water to dry.  And with 40°F temperatures more frequent then 60°F, it takes quite a bit of time for things to dry.

Now consider the consequences of riding the trail in this quite fragile state.  True, one tire tread isn't going to do much harm.  But when you run through the mud, you mix it up and drive the water deeper.  This means it takes even LONGER to evaporate.  Further, the frost layer may not have melted yet and this means there is no drainage underneath the trail.  Your little harmless fun will delay the opening of the trail.

Believe me, the dedicated volunteers of the Outback Trail Commission are as eager as anyone to start riding.  After all, we're so enthusiastic that we build and maintain the Outback Trail.  So please trust us.  We're not hogging it all to ourselves.  WAIT TO RIDE, we'll let you know when it's ready.

WT Smith
President - Outback Trail Commission

  

• There are 7 races, 4 Time Trials and 3 Cross Country Races.
• 2 new venues have been added (Winona and Ft. Wayne).
• We have 19

  

Some of you may not be aware that the Outback Trail Commission has newly elected officers for 2011.

President / Webmaster:    Will T. Smith

Vice Pres.:    Lyle Kaye

Treasurer:    Ron Sandberg

Secretary:    Ryan Sullivan

 2nd V.P.: Pat Wallace

I'm sure they will do a fine job.  After 12 yrs of trail maintenance & 4 yrs as President  I'm done.       Many of you have been of great help in the past.  I can not thank you enough for creating some of the most fun trails in NW Indiana.  We have super sign-age, well constructed bridges, nice looking kiosks and unique features.  Will helped create some great maps & he will continue to advance the Outback in many ways in the future. 

Some of you have stood by & watched things happen.  Now it's your turn to setp up and dig in when needed.  The new guys will need people to help out when you are able.  Please contact Will & his new officers via the Outback site, email or Face Book if you can assist in any way.
 

Best of Luck to the new guys,

No-air Bud