Noho Water District Riding-Don't Do It!

[Superbman]

Hey Everybody,

I just got this from someone at the Northampton Water District-just so you're all forewarned-NEMBA doesn't maintain a member Bail-fund.

Mr. O'Brien (that's me),

Please inform all of the members within the New England Mountain Biking Association that riding mountain bikes is not a permitted activity on land in and around the City of Northampton's Reservoirs.

This includes the tracts of land located between Dry Hill Road in Whately and Henhawk Trail in Williamsburg, on both the North and South sides.

The City's ranger spoke with @ 8 riders from your organization last night (Thursday). Their cars were parked alongside the road (creating a dangerous situation) and they were using studded tires on their bikes to ride through the watershed.

If they are caught there again, the police will be notified and action will be taken.

Please note, it is a FEDERAL offense to trespass on water supply property.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Paulette L. Kuzdeba

[Jisch]

Not to be a wise guy, but if a ranger or cop stops you, I would assume you would know just about immediately that you were in trouble for where you were riding. Why would you identify yourself as a NEMBA member? I don't see too much harm one way or the other, its just curious to me that someone would identify themselves that way.

John

[Superbman]

that very topic has been recently discussed...

[hammerhead]

Probably one of the group had a nemba sticker visible on their car or bike. I don't think anyone would say, 'but officer I paid my NEMBA dues so I can ride anywhere I want!'

[wannabee]

I wonder if this 'rule' has been posted at trail entrances, for the other riders (not NEMBA just members)? I ride in several state parks that have large reservoirs/lakes that are used for town/city water and have never run into this situation, nor are they posted with this 'rule'.
The only posting that I have seen very local is "no outboard motors" because of the motor oil.

[hammerhead]

Some of the Snowmobile trails around the Northampton Reservoirs are marked 'No Wheeled Vehicles'.

Not sure if that is what they are hanging their hats on or not. I am trying to find out.

H.

[Yeti_Ken]

It may be a Homeland Security issue. There are many resevoirs across the country that have become off-limits to everyone since 9/11 and it is a "federal offense" to tresspass (as the lady stated). The ones I am aware of are completely gated off, however. Not sure if this pertains to the resevoir in question, though. Just thought I'd bring it up.

Ken

[hogboy]

it depends on the town. where I live they let you ride all around the res.

[bullitfreerider]

I'm sure it was the "studded tires" that was the deal killer for the riders. :^)

[Superbman]

Couple of things

1. Not a homeland security issue-just a rules issue-there are several authorized uses of this area (snowmobiles among them)-but I was told the problem was "biking is not an authorized use on this property"

2.Yes, the Studded tires were an issue-I know we all see the humor in that-the person making the complaint is not a biker and definitely has a very different image of what a 'studded' tire entails (think of those motorcycles that chased Roger Moore on skis in the Spy who loved me). To non-riders the idea of riding 'snowy-icy' trail, at night no less, just seems like an extreme and highly risky sport. Again, this issue here will be education and assurance of the sustainability of biking on these lands and NEMBA's commitment to providing responsible use and parternership. There is good precedence for this on other watershed lands in Massachusetts.

To this end, Harold Green (NEMBA President) and myself are working on establishing riding priviledges (seasonally based) on these lands-a bunch of folks have come forward to me and let me know they've been riding here for many, many years without incident (many are homeowners whose land abuts these regions) so, we're going to make an effort to achieve some level of legal access here. Stay posted!

it's been a while since we've had an access issue in the Pioneer Valley-I guess it's time to earn my pay again :D!

Liam

[wannabee]

Spiked bicycle tires vs. steel imbedded cleated snow mobile treads. Which does the more damage?

Could the problem be human powered bicycles vs motorized bicycles, aka dirt bikes? It maybe only a difference in definition.

[hammerhead]

The way I have read the correspondence to date is. SAM has secured permission, the bikers in question were poaching their trails.

We need to request permission and see where it goes from there. We have started the process.

H.

[hogboy]

Spiked bicycle tires vs. steel imbedded cleated snow mobile treads. Which does the more damage?

Could the problem be human powered bicycles vs motorized bicycles, aka dirt bikes? It maybe only a difference in definition.

the matter could be wheeled vehicles, which can create ruts, which can create
more silty runoff, which can add to the expense of treating town water

if that is the thought process behind it, it may not go over well.

if not, then don't bring it up :D

[hammerhead]

Hogboy

The tracks left by snow machine skis are pretty rutty (if that's a word). I suspect we won't have to have that discussion. Saw a bunch of that on my morning ride today - they like the trails soft, I like them firm.

Plus bikers are smart enough - generally - to stay off the trails when they are soft.

H