The Campaign to turn much of the roadless land in CA to Wilderness is forging ahead with letter writing and meetings with local Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Supervisors and Senator Barbara Boxer's staff. We need to show that we care about these areas also.

GROUSE RIDGE (also known as GROUSE LAKES) is an area in Northern California, half way between Nevada City and Truckee that many of the locals have kept a secret from people across the state. It provides a kick ass rock hopping experience hard to find in most places. If you haven't yet ridden there, pack up your bikes and head for the high country. With luck, you have a month before the first snow falls.

At this time, Grouse Ridge is a key target for wilderness designation. We know that hundreds of you have ridden there or will be riding there soon, and all of you should write a letter as soon as possible.

You can help protect your access to these fantastic trails. Below is a sample letter. Write your own or edit it as you see fit. The important thing is to send your letter to the entities below. The time to act is now.

A word of advice for people that want to ride it for the first time, this is a rocky technical trail system. The Beyer Lake trail is one of the hardest, don't try it till you have ridden a few other of the trails.

For updates on this issue, visit the BONC website.

Sample letter (Please personalize it!):

Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Senate Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3553

Dear Madam/Sir: As an avid bicyclist, I am concerned about proposals to designate the Grouse Ridge area in the Tahoe National Forest as a federal wilderness area. This area offers cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts unparalleled recreational opportunities. Bicyclists throughout Northern California use trails in the area as a means to experience the High Sierra in a manner that is respectful of the environment and healthful. Designation of this area as wilderness would eliminate any and all such recreation at Grouse Ridge. In addition to the loss of opportunities for cyclists, other users would suffer as well. Under the stewardship of the National Forest Service, local bicycle clubs have for years built and maintained trails at Grouse Ridge for all to enjoy. This has helped prevent trail erosion and other hazards. There are other designations and plans the federal government can enforce to protect this area. These other strategies involve the benefit of environmental protection, without needlessly eliminating access to those who seek to enjoy the area. Please do not limit access to Grouse Ridge. It means a tremendous amount to visitors of the area, including bicyclists. Sincerely,

Also send a copy to:

Tim Blumenthal
IMBA
1121 Broadway Ste 203
P.O. Box 7578
Boulder, CO 80306

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