See it now...here. The segment is middle third of the show.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Are We There Yet?
FAST has been in the news a couple times since the neighborhood meeting. Both articles chose headlines highlighting the “fretting” of the neighbor(s?) over the coming together of the cycling community to improve healthy recreational opportunities in Sioux Falls.
The Argus Leader story is here.
The KELO story is here.
The best response to this media coverage is to share support for singletrack in Sioux Falls with the Parks Department. Do that through their website devoted to FAST and this project, which is here.
--
In the meantime communication remains open between FAST and the parks department. They are gathering feedback and doing their best to address the concerns of the neighborhood. It sounds like the FAST proposal will go before the Parks Board in the early part of next year.
We are not there. Yet.
The Argus Leader story is here.
The KELO story is here.
The best response to this media coverage is to share support for singletrack in Sioux Falls with the Parks Department. Do that through their website devoted to FAST and this project, which is here.
--
In the meantime communication remains open between FAST and the parks department. They are gathering feedback and doing their best to address the concerns of the neighborhood. It sounds like the FAST proposal will go before the Parks Board in the early part of next year.
We are not there. Yet.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Neighborhood Meeting Complete
Wednesday Chris presented the FAST proposal to roughly 40 people. Many in attendance were residents living near Leaders Park. There were lots of really good questions. There was plenty of support for our proposal. There were a few folks who were not supportive.
The Park and Recreation people continue to solicit feedback from the public through their website. Please visit the page here and leave some feedback.
The next step for the proposal is a review by the Park's Board. They will review the feedback and weigh the feedback...
The Park and Recreation people continue to solicit feedback from the public through their website. Please visit the page here and leave some feedback.
The next step for the proposal is a review by the Park's Board. They will review the feedback and weigh the feedback...
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Leaders Park Public Input Meeting
Yesterday's meeting was well attended. Participants were engaged and excited for the possibilities.
The big announcment was the scheduled Leaders Park Public Input Meeting.
December 2, 5:30 to 6:30pm, Kenny Anderson Community Center, 3701 E 3rd St
The City is also inviting public input through this webpage.
The big announcment was the scheduled Leaders Park Public Input Meeting.
December 2, 5:30 to 6:30pm, Kenny Anderson Community Center, 3701 E 3rd St
The City is also inviting public input through this webpage.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Meeting Of The Minds
On Saturday November 21st, beginning at 10 AM, at the Caille Branch Library meeting room, (4100 Carnegie Cir. on W 49th Street) we’ll be having a Meeting of the Minds.
During this meeting you’ll be given an update on all that’s transpired with the singletrack project, we’ll talk about the upcoming neighborhood meeting, and we’ll discuss other things such as the future of FAST. We’ll also touch on trail building itself including the Spring Kick-Off.
During this meeting you’ll be given an update on all that’s transpired with the singletrack project, we’ll talk about the upcoming neighborhood meeting, and we’ll discuss other things such as the future of FAST. We’ll also touch on trail building itself including the Spring Kick-Off.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
50/50 Chance Of Cyclocross!
Sioux Falls' first ever cyclocross event occurred Saturday morning. 19 riders were available enough and game enough to come out and enjoy the opportunity to ride in 0.4 mile circles with others.
What you don't see there is 40ft of climbing. Yeah, that's right, I said 40.
Cyclocross is known for its special flavors. We’re all pretty new at this so there were no men or women in skirts, no bonfires at the top of the climb, and no bacon hand-ups.
There was also no trouble with the neighbors, parks officials, or police.
...and we secured a lost dog too. Oh yes, we’re that good.
Here is some of the special sauce at our event.
--
First, Snakebite. Who one day thought, hey, let's do cyclocross and suddenly there were people riding around in circles. He has a way of doing that.
Jason Harms showed up early and said he was there to help - and he was - and he did.
--
Adam rode his bike through town with a 10 pound sledge in one hand after the hammer we were using to place barriers malfunctioned.
--
One racer tied a cowbell to his handlebar because, especially at cyclocross, there is no such thing as too much cowbell.
--
Before the race we took a moment to observe THE MONOLITH. It’s an electrical utility.
--
Antknee filled the role of the guy with no hair and a beard that goes to 11.
--
It’s important to have an Irish Guy in a Team Ireland kit.
That’s Kathy on the left from the Sioux City contingent. Tammy One-Speed chased her around the course all day. How about a special shout out for Madeline the youngest (12) participant! YES!!!!!!!!!
--
No, this is not Team Ireland carrying his brand spanking new Surly 1x1 Anniversary Edition with Large Marge rims and even larger tires because he didn’t want it to get dirty. The most striking feature of cyclocross is the torturous placement of barriers on the course. That’s a barrier he’s stepping over.
*photo Chad Pickard
--
Thankfully we didn’t need his professional skills (no last rites?) on the course. It’s always nice to have a minister on hand. Any chance we’ll make tomorrow’s sermon Rev?
*photo Chad Pickard
--
At the end it’s good to have a lot of cold, sweaty, drained people being held up by their bikes. The Muscle was a long way out in fourth, clawed his way back to 2nd and finally landed in 3rd after succumbing to Kyle’s tactics.
--
At least one team photo, it’s winner of the B event Peter on the right. 2nd place in the A event Kyle is second from left.
--
I’m ever so pleased that heretofore unknown to us, 15-year-old Zack from Crooks, SD rode away from everybody and won the A event. The enthusiasm of his family was warmth.
--
See Saturday's article in The Local Daily.
See Sunday's article in The Local Daily.
The Local Daily's photo gallery of the event is here.
See The Hooterville Mayor's photo/video montage on his blog.
What you don't see there is 40ft of climbing. Yeah, that's right, I said 40.
Cyclocross is known for its special flavors. We’re all pretty new at this so there were no men or women in skirts, no bonfires at the top of the climb, and no bacon hand-ups.
There was also no trouble with the neighbors, parks officials, or police.
...and we secured a lost dog too. Oh yes, we’re that good.
Here is some of the special sauce at our event.
--
First, Snakebite. Who one day thought, hey, let's do cyclocross and suddenly there were people riding around in circles. He has a way of doing that.
Jason Harms showed up early and said he was there to help - and he was - and he did.
--
Adam rode his bike through town with a 10 pound sledge in one hand after the hammer we were using to place barriers malfunctioned.
--
One racer tied a cowbell to his handlebar because, especially at cyclocross, there is no such thing as too much cowbell.
--
Before the race we took a moment to observe THE MONOLITH. It’s an electrical utility.
--
Antknee filled the role of the guy with no hair and a beard that goes to 11.
--
It’s important to have an Irish Guy in a Team Ireland kit.
That’s Kathy on the left from the Sioux City contingent. Tammy One-Speed chased her around the course all day. How about a special shout out for Madeline the youngest (12) participant! YES!!!!!!!!!
--
No, this is not Team Ireland carrying his brand spanking new Surly 1x1 Anniversary Edition with Large Marge rims and even larger tires because he didn’t want it to get dirty. The most striking feature of cyclocross is the torturous placement of barriers on the course. That’s a barrier he’s stepping over.
*photo Chad Pickard
--
Thankfully we didn’t need his professional skills (no last rites?) on the course. It’s always nice to have a minister on hand. Any chance we’ll make tomorrow’s sermon Rev?
*photo Chad Pickard
--
At the end it’s good to have a lot of cold, sweaty, drained people being held up by their bikes. The Muscle was a long way out in fourth, clawed his way back to 2nd and finally landed in 3rd after succumbing to Kyle’s tactics.
--
At least one team photo, it’s winner of the B event Peter on the right. 2nd place in the A event Kyle is second from left.
--
I’m ever so pleased that heretofore unknown to us, 15-year-old Zack from Crooks, SD rode away from everybody and won the A event. The enthusiasm of his family was warmth.
--
See Saturday's article in The Local Daily.
See Sunday's article in The Local Daily.
The Local Daily's photo gallery of the event is here.
See The Hooterville Mayor's photo/video montage on his blog.
Friday, June 26, 2009
FAST Visits LaCrosse
A few FASTies spent a weekend under tutelage of the International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Care Crew in LaCrosse, WI. They logged some classroom time, some trailbuilding time and some ride time.
They're back and heavily armed with knowledge and vision.
You can and should read Snakebite's report.
They're back and heavily armed with knowledge and vision.
You can and should read Snakebite's report.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Time's Up To Catch Up
February 21 FAST hosted the open house in a library meeting room. Many people visited. Many people indicated they'd volunteer to build singletrack.
February 22 Snakebite's Bike Swap occur ed. It was a great success. Many people paid their admittance. Many goods were swapped. FAST had a table at the swap and many people indicated they'd volunteer to build singletrack.
For the weekend 50 people indicated they'd volunteer to help build singletrack. Practically an army of trailbuilders.
February 24 a couple FAST Folks met with representatives in the highest levels of the parks department. They gave us and our proposal a good reception and they put up a few hoops to jump through before we could begin moving dirt.
March 4 FAST met to review the results of the parks meeting. Volunteers were selected to move forward and a plan was set.
Primary task - put together a presentation for the neighborhood surrounding the proposed site. We are moving forward on this. We met April 11 and May 11 to review what we have. We're getting close.
Finally, with donations and bike swap money FAST is sending a few folks to LaCrosse, WI mid-June to an IMBA Trailbuilding School. While there they'll hopefully make friends with IMBA and gain valuable knowledge.
February 22 Snakebite's Bike Swap occur ed. It was a great success. Many people paid their admittance. Many goods were swapped. FAST had a table at the swap and many people indicated they'd volunteer to build singletrack.
For the weekend 50 people indicated they'd volunteer to help build singletrack. Practically an army of trailbuilders.
February 24 a couple FAST Folks met with representatives in the highest levels of the parks department. They gave us and our proposal a good reception and they put up a few hoops to jump through before we could begin moving dirt.
March 4 FAST met to review the results of the parks meeting. Volunteers were selected to move forward and a plan was set.
Primary task - put together a presentation for the neighborhood surrounding the proposed site. We are moving forward on this. We met April 11 and May 11 to review what we have. We're getting close.
Finally, with donations and bike swap money FAST is sending a few folks to LaCrosse, WI mid-June to an IMBA Trailbuilding School. While there they'll hopefully make friends with IMBA and gain valuable knowledge.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Meeting #4 – January 31
We convened at Monk’s House of Ale Repute at noon. They agreed to open early and make use of their video projection system if we agreed to consume $50 worth of product. It’s a deal!
We enjoyed the goods they had to offer as we viewed the US Forest Service’s not quite award winning yet very informative DVD “Building Mountain Bike Trails – Sustainable Singletrack.” The DVD is available to taxpaying Americans for additional viewing pleasure from this Federal Highway Administration website.
We talked a lot about the details of the park design that was nearing completion. They say there could be 2 miles of singletrack begging to be loosed upon the community.
We approved a plan to host a small open house to invite the bicycling community in on what we’ve been up to and hopefully engage a few volunteer trailbuilders. The date was coincidentally and quite strategically set the weekend of Snakebite’s first ever Bike Swap. Posters were made available for distribution to select venues.
Finally we completed the read through of the proposal. We placed a plan to complete final edits of the proposal and deliver it to our contact within the parks department in mid-February.
After 3 hours we adjourned.
We enjoyed the goods they had to offer as we viewed the US Forest Service’s not quite award winning yet very informative DVD “Building Mountain Bike Trails – Sustainable Singletrack.” The DVD is available to taxpaying Americans for additional viewing pleasure from this Federal Highway Administration website.
We talked a lot about the details of the park design that was nearing completion. They say there could be 2 miles of singletrack begging to be loosed upon the community.
We approved a plan to host a small open house to invite the bicycling community in on what we’ve been up to and hopefully engage a few volunteer trailbuilders. The date was coincidentally and quite strategically set the weekend of Snakebite’s first ever Bike Swap. Posters were made available for distribution to select venues.
Finally we completed the read through of the proposal. We placed a plan to complete final edits of the proposal and deliver it to our contact within the parks department in mid-February.
After 3 hours we adjourned.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Meeting #3 - January 11
Another meeting at Caribou.
We spent most of the time reviewing the first draft of the proposal. Draft one isn't as much a proposal for a land management agency as it is a proposal for our group. It's the way to indicate to each other what we're working toward.
If the proposal isn't sold to the group, how can the proposal be sold to anybody else?
We identified four key ingredients that need to be planned around before we advance the proposal beyond our group: volunteers, training, cost/financing, design.
The next meetign was locked down - Monk's House of Ale Repute. We'll view a trailbuilding DVD on their projection system and finalize our reading of the proposal.
We spent most of the time reviewing the first draft of the proposal. Draft one isn't as much a proposal for a land management agency as it is a proposal for our group. It's the way to indicate to each other what we're working toward.
If the proposal isn't sold to the group, how can the proposal be sold to anybody else?
We identified four key ingredients that need to be planned around before we advance the proposal beyond our group: volunteers, training, cost/financing, design.
The next meetign was locked down - Monk's House of Ale Repute. We'll view a trailbuilding DVD on their projection system and finalize our reading of the proposal.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Open House 2/21
After a few months of getting our story straight FAST is ready to tell it. You're invited to an open house Saturday February 21 from 1pm to 4pm at the Caille Branch Library. We'll be there to answer questions, we'll have a relevant DVD on display. Little bits of food too, while they last.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Meeting #2 - December 14, 2008
Meeting #2 was December 14 - 7 people turned up in the afternoon at Caribou.
We talked a lot about the International Mountain Bicyling Association (IMBA) and their trail building service Trail Solutions. Various scenarios were imagined with varying levels of IMBA/Trail Solutions involvement.
We also reviewed documents from regional groups who have had some success in achieving singletrack within their particular cities. Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) worked with the city of Omaha to create singletrack in Tranquility Park. Minnesota Off-Road Cycling Advocates (MOCA) have done a great job documenting their efforts leading to singletrack in Minneapolis Theodore Wirth Park.
We left this meeting knowing that a couple of us would work together before next meeting to create a rough draft proposal that we would expect to eventually deliver to our city.
We talked a lot about the International Mountain Bicyling Association (IMBA) and their trail building service Trail Solutions. Various scenarios were imagined with varying levels of IMBA/Trail Solutions involvement.
We also reviewed documents from regional groups who have had some success in achieving singletrack within their particular cities. Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) worked with the city of Omaha to create singletrack in Tranquility Park. Minnesota Off-Road Cycling Advocates (MOCA) have done a great job documenting their efforts leading to singletrack in Minneapolis Theodore Wirth Park.
We left this meeting knowing that a couple of us would work together before next meeting to create a rough draft proposal that we would expect to eventually deliver to our city.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Meeting #1 - November 23, 2008
On November 23 ten people gathered to discuss their desire to attain singletrack trail within the city. Much discussion occured. Stories of past experiences were told. Ideas of what, how and where were shared.
The meeting adjourned with a hopeful outlook and a second meeting set.
The meeting adjourned with a hopeful outlook and a second meeting set.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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