Alright everyone, we're closing in on MAR soon and with all the moving parts starting to work smoothly together it's time to do some work on the property where it will be held in order to get it ready for the first event there.

The dates for the work weekends are as follows:
15-16 August
29-30 August
12-13 September

I've been doing recon of the property for basically the past two months and to be 100% honest, I still haven't found all the trails that already exist-but we're building a comprehensive picture of what's there, and what needs to be done and the first work weekend will be productive I'm confident of that. In terms of anticipated work for the first one, I am leaning towards some light chainsaw/gas powered weedeater clearing of the existing trail networks and the easy to clear connectors that exist. The potential for virgin trial creation exists but as you will see when we get there, may not really be necessary even at this early stage of development.

In order to have a concept of how many people are interested in throwing in to help out, as the events come I ask that you post here but also hit my email: ray.gerber @ gmail.com. I will likely use email distro as the primary means of passing coordinating instructions (link up times, locations, etc)

I had some experience toward the tail end of the Pearl's Pond experience with work weekends and found them, like the smaller rallys, to often be quite compelling for different reasons than the MAR. Investing the time to make the property better is satisfying, and quite frankly knowing the terrain you're wheeling on by getting out there ahead of time is nice too.

Feel free to ask questions, drop a line, comment, etc.
Attached are some pics I've pulled from the recon to whet your appetite for what is to come.
r-
Ray

I am planning to attend the 2nd and 3rd weekend. I am in Loudoun - not far from Arlington.

I have a small chain saw, limb loppers, and other hand tools.

He makes a mean bacon sandwich as well.

count me in for all work week ends.

Brian

If the weather and the farm work cooperate I am in to help out! Currently the 15th is looking pretty good.

Rejoining the Rover world and ROAVa after a few years... would love to come out and help one weekend.

I'm out for the 15th, but at least one day of the other two weeks are open for me.

In Richmond so not too far - plethora of tools/equipment

Also cure my own bacon...just saying is all

Ray,
I should be good to go for all the Saturday days. Please e-mail times and directions to: pellewel @ henrico.k12.va.us
Paul Llewellyn

Paul, send me the directions after you get them......

All-
I'm thinking the best thing to do to lead folks in is just meet at the truck stop on the N side of the 104 exit off 95 at 0900...if people can't make that and need lat/long, MGRS, or an address for later hit me up and we'll work from there-otherwise the magnificence of the truck stop on Sat am it is...

Looking forward to seeing everyone, and more so to show everyone the property.
r-
Ray

Ray, I wont be coming from Richmond so I will be needing the address so that I can best plan my trip. Thanks

Mike-
No worries-in terms of format how do you want the address? If you're using google earth or the like, the best intersection I can give you is that of Perimeter Road and Locust Hill Road in Caroline County.

Another way of expressing it is to say that you need to come up/down 301 and turn east on Sparta Road (there are signs there for R&D campground). After going down Sparta for approx 1.1 miles you'll turn left onto Perimeter Road and follow that for approx 2 miles, the intersection of Locust Hill is unmarked, but there is a gate at the edge of that Cornfield and a road there. Chuck or I will likely post a sign there as a rally point for those coming independently.

I'll also be monitoring both CB Ch 4 and FRS Ch 4 so we've got primary and secondary radio nets covered. A tertiary method would be cell: 703.317.7281, depending on where on the property we are dictates level of service.

More to follow.
r-
Ray

Thanks Ray, I am going to try a back way in so that I do not have to go all the way to Richmond first.

Rendevous point at 9 AM is:
Pilot Oil Corporation Truck Stop
23845 Rogers Clark Blvd
Ruther Glen, VA 22546

From that point to Broaddus Farm (aka Airy Hill Farm):
take Rt 207 (Rogers Clark Blvd) North,approx. 4 miles to Nelson Hill Rd, turn right (East).
go approx 1 mile to Antioch Rd., turn right.
go approx 1.5 miles to Rt 301, turn right (South).
go approx 3/4 mile to Sparta Rd. turn left (East).
Broaddus Farm entrance approx 1.2 miles on left...look for sign.

Looking forward to it Gents. I'll be getting in late Saturday and camping the night. Hopefully there is work and wheeling left for Sunday.

cheers,
Carl
96 disco

Got some exploring done today, will be at the Broaddus shop at 9 in the morning with Ray to get back at it.