Our very own Ryan Hanser will be on the Kim West Radio Show this sunday at 5:30 p.m. If you miss the show you will be able to check out the podcast. But you WON’T have the chance to win a swell radio show t-shirt if you wait for the podcast!!

Make a note of these numbers to call into the show: 515.284.5966 or toll-free at 866.333.5966

In preparation for the launch of Walnut Creek connector construction, we’ve removed bridges on J-11 (that trail just south of the railroad tracks).

Sounds like a maximum of 50 days to finished asphalt in there.

Ride safe.

CITA would like to thank the following people for their hard work:
Brian Pottorff
Brian Sheesley
Steve Fuller
Pete Basso
Kent Carlson
Ryan Hanser
Steve Parvi
Zac Bitting
Pete Parvi
Sam Lopez
Al Boone
Mother Nature
Charlie, the Bobcat operator
& Jason Parkin from KCCI
These people helped CITA build trail two days in a row. Squirrel led an effort Friday afternoon to get some work done at Denmans. A much-needed re-route was constructed on the south exit of Denmans and about two miles of trail were mowed as well. On Saturday morning we headed to Boone Summerset for some berm construction. We were lucky to sign on Charlie at the last minute to bring out his Bobcat to move some dirt around for us to build some berms in a couple strategic places. I’m not sure once the work began if Charlie really knew what he was getting himself into, but in the end it all worked out really well and we got two huge berms built. That was definitely some of the hardest work the guys have ever done as a lot of dirt was moved and sculpted.

Shooting down the face into the right corner:

Same story for a left corner:

Justin’s excellent, growing photoset is here.

Jason Parkin from KCCI was kind enough to come out and talk to us about building trail, film a bit of trail work and some local boys riding on the south-end Riverside Trail.

Only one day of trail work remains, May 24. All that remains is some bench work on the interior of the trail and bridge installation. So, bring your gloves, eye protection, sturdy footwear and your bicycles, because when we’re done Banner North will be rideable. And if that isn’t reward enough (well, it is) we’re also going to be handing out prizes, including a couple pair of Oakleys and a trip to the Big Wheeled Ballyhoo in Decorah. Remember, for attending a day of trail work, racers get free entry to the June 29 IMBCS race at Banner (plus a sneak peek at the challenging singletrack that awaits). We’ll also be serving up some grub afterwards. Somebody mentioned buffalo burgers…

See you in two weeks!

Join the revolution!

Your $20 membership ensures continued stewardship of the trails you love to bike, hike, walk & run.

Get your hands dirty. Come help us build new trail at Summerset State Park & maintain classics, like Center Trails in the heart of Des Moines.

And when you’ve done your part come join us for a ride (or run) at some great events held on CITA-built trails, including Taco Rides, The Des Moines Dirty Duathlon and IMBCS races.

And just so you know we’re serious about taking over the world, we’ve created our own Facebook Group. Get social with the CITA crew!

Happy trails!

A great group helped us finish up corridor work at Banner. All that remains is a few yards of bench, building some berms, bridges and jumps and we’ll be ready to race June 29! Next work day is May 10.

Thanks for all your help:
Corey Faller
Brian Sheesley
Steve Parvi
Pete Parvi
James Boyd
John Wayne (?!)
Zac Bitting
Scott Wilson
Randle Boyd
Sam Lopez
Ryan Hanser
Justin Bruce

Don’t forget our monthly meeting, Monday, 8.00pm, at Caribou on Ingersoll.

Time to finish the corridor clearing and begin the dirt work at Summerset State Park. We’ll meet at the first/entrance parking lot and then roll over to the east side of the park to hike in.

(note also that the DNR is hosting a kids fishing clinic at the lake from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and rainbow trout will be stocked in the south lake. So, bring the family this weekend…)

As we look at the remaining work to open this new singletrack…

We have about 250 yards of corridor left to open; we can get that done quickly with good help and the right tools. We’re especially in need of chainsaws, so please bring yours if you have one. Loppers, machetes and handsaws are good, too; we’ll provide some of these. Even gas-powered hedge trimmers are welcomed in Saturday’s effort…

Additionally, despite the rains, we should be able to start the bench cutting this weekend. We have about 100 yards of bench to cut this spring, so we need to get started.

After that, there are still a few berms, jumps and a bog bridge to construct… Lots to do.

We need your help.

In return, we offer prizes, food and the satisfaction of riding on trails that you helped create.

Join us this weekend.

The Center Trails here in town are still a bit sticky and slimy as of Sunday afternoon. Remember: if you make marks you shouldn’t be there. But with temps in the seventies again tomorrow the trails should be ready for a dirty commute home from work. If you are out today be sure to thank all the hard-working Earth Day volunteers who are picking up trash along the trails in Greenwood Park and in the J-11/Westwood area. Scattered showers are in the forecast for Tuesday, but Wednesday appears to be a good day for a Taco Ride!

Form a Trail Restoration Sculpture

Saturday, April 19^th from 9:00-11:00a.m.
Greenwood and Ashworth Parks

Useful and beautiful, clever and meaningful, join experienced artist Sandi Gustafson in building a surprise eco-sculpture in the woods. Central Iowa Trail Association volunteers are diligently tending to our trails to keep them safe and erosion-free, and in the process having to reroute trail users to more sustainably built trails… Artists and want-to-bes, take this unique opportunity to contribute your talents to a good cause. Meet in the parking lot of the old Science Center building. All ages welcome. Call 237-1386 for more information. Co-sponsored with the Central Iowa Trail Association.

See you all there; Mayor’s Ride to follow…

Starting in May, thee 2nd Friday of every month will be a designated “Tune Up” day for our Center Trails. What, when & where too meet will be posted here. Stay tuned.

Peace

John Conlan road the Center Trails last night and came back saying the whole trail system is good and ready to be ridden.

Roll On!

Peace