FATRAC's annual bike tour of the tasting rooms of Dry Creek Valley and mountain bike campout weekend will be happening the weekend of May 7-9 this year. The date is printed in FATRAC's winter newsletter in incorrect.

The Trail Gnome Flu epidemic of 2009 is officially over. More than 60 volunteers showed up at Granite Bay on Sunday, Jan. 10 to help out at the Mad Cat-sponsored trail work. We had coffee and bagels to get us warmed up on a cold, foggy morning, but we warmed up quickly as we broke into teams of five to start the dirt work. There were a number of gullies being created by flowing water that needed to be redirected. Pay attention next time you ride the trails at Granite Bay because we fixed a lot of erosion spots from Twin Rocks to the top of the hill.  We also had a crew out with hedgers cutting back the poison oak and other brush. Thanks to Mad Cat for sponsoring the event and to Phred at Hammerin' Wheels for bringing in lots of volunteers. Everyone had a great time and took home a little swag. Keep your eye on the calendar for our next trail work in February and join the trail gnomes.

We had great weather and a huge turnout for our monthly club ride this Saturday. We carbo-loaded on Chocolate/Zuchini Bread and coffee and then broke into three groups so that everyone could ride at their own speed.  Everyone did at least the full loop, with some adding extra miles on the Connector. The trail was in perfect shape after our last trail work to fix some drainage issues. Franke made us warm chili and cold drinks for after the ride. Where else could you have such a beautiful ride, good food, good friends and shirt sleeves weather in December? Join us next month for our Try the Divide.

This weekend was another active one for FATRAC.  We rode a short and steep 13 miles on Saturday and then worked on the FDLT on Sunday.   We got a sprinkle of light snow while we worked on the trail. We did a little dirt work to keep the water from puddling on the trail. Be sure to come out on Jan. 10 to Granite Bay for our next trail work. These trails do not fix themselves!

On Saturday, Oct. 31, 13 riders braved the scary trails around Bullards Bar Reservoir to work off candy calories in advance. It was a crisp fall day and a relatively fast group showed up for the ride. Most of us did the entire 25 miles though a few had to bail out early to get their halloween costumes together.