bmstone

Since my name was dropped a couple times I thought I'd reply. Probably the first thing worth mentioning is all the projects highlighted were done outside of the rainy season this summer or after the rain stopped falling. Can't do much trail work without moisture. Although the progressive community is a vocal one highlighted here in nearly all our member and public surveys they represent a small minority of riders (all our survey results are public). To be clear this does not mean we don't advocate for progressive trails but it is challenging. We live in an area with the most federally endangered species, the most state endangered species and the most federally recognized tribes. The challenges are vast and we probably have some of the most well funded conservation groups in the Country working against us at every turn. We have learned to get pretty quiet about efforts since Orosco Ridge. Things are in the works across the County and the process is admittedly slow. The most successful efforts are generally spearheaded by volunteers and assisted by our staff. I get messaged or approached often about how to take over maintenance of a trail or build a new trail. I explain in detail the process and I'd say most people never reply back to me. The truth of the matter is nothing comes easy here. I've heard people complain about sdmba before I was an employee, before I was a board member and before we had employees when I just volunteered occasionally. Sdmba is only as good as the people who step up and volunteer their time. I won't come back here to reply to any comments but perhaps everyone who complained here could also email or call their elected officials? We generally have a real hard time convincing them of the importance of mountain biking because they never hear it from their constituents. Elected official means City Counicl, County Supervisor, State Assemby, State Senate and even your federally elected reps.