“don’t show up with paper thin brake pads, pizza cutter sprockets, tires that resemble road racing slicks with mumps or other marginal mechanical issues” bounty of shopping opportunities in scenic downtown Renfrew. 2) Be prepared Most Boogie riders are admirably well versed on this but there are always the few who just don’t get it. If you’re planning to do all the options then you are in for a long hard day and your bike needs to be in top condition. So don’t show up with paper thin brake pads, pizza cutter sprockets, tires that resemble road racing slicks with mumps or other marginal mechanical issues. After the riders meeting is not a good time to be changing wheel bearings. Yes. This actually happened. Carry the proper tools for your bike and appropriate spares. Make sure you have tire changing gear and a tube in case of flats. And be sure to backpack some spare fuel if you are irresponsible enough to ride a scooter that can’t do 100 trail kilometers; that’s considered the minimum standard in Calabogie. Sweepers are there to help in an emergency but they have very low tolerance for unprepared riders who, with a minimal amount of planning, could have fixed their own problem and got going again. 3) Keep moving The Boogie is not only a great ride but a great social event also. It’s fun to catch up with the people that you may only see once a year. But socializing at the end of every trail section is not a recommended practice. Riders tend to take far too long getting through Saturday morning trails which means that the opportunities for Saturday afternoon will be diminished as the options may be closed to get everyone in before dark. And here’s a helpful hint for this year’s event; most of the hardcore options are going to be after lunch on Saturday instead of the morning. If you want to attempt them you have to be there in a reasonable time frame. 4) Don’t overestimate your ability Since we dirt riders are a stubborn lot who seem to enjoy heaping physical abuse upon ourselves it becomes an unofficial badge of courage to complete all the brutal Calabogie options. But every year
sweepers are forced to deal with riders that have riding skills barely above novice level and who have decided, in their infinite wisdom, to attack the expert options. This is a bad idea. The key to really enjoying the Boogie is to not push your limits too far. The options are clearly marked with a difficulty rating and every rider will receive a route sheet indicating that rating also. Choosing options wisely can be the difference between having a challenging but fun day and an unhappy death march. 5) Be courteous Using the old noggin’ for more than a good place to carry your helmet can go a long way to ensure that the BMA continues to have areas available to us to put on the Boogie. Make sure your ride is quiet; if Joe and Jane Public can’t see or hear us out on the trails then they won’t have much to complain about to the local council. Slow down and get off the gas passing hunting camps and cottages. In fact, smile and wave and say g’day. Joe and Jane probably will quickly forget the 99 polite dirt riders who passed their property but they will remember for eternity the ass on a bike who tore through at full throttle and roosted gravel all over the grass. And those EZ markers are up for a reason; obey them. You’re welcome.
A giant hole has been ripped into the heart of the BMA with the passing of Steve Garnsey. Some of you might remember him as Saturday’s Trail Boss last year. I am fortunate enough to have ridden with Steve on both dirt and ice and considered him a friend as well as a gentleman and a leader. He will be greatly missed by both myself and many others in the club. So please excuse a few long faces and misty eyes at the Boogie this year. It just won’t be the same without him. - Kevin Traction