Get Involved
Trail Work Party a Success!
Thanks to everyone who showed up on the 17th to clear the trail starting at Koura and Miller. It's a great trail--go out and use it!
Take a look at Rick Gordon's photos of the event.
Instructions for all adult volunteers working with high school students
Gear Grinders welcomes the support and involvement of parents and other adults in supporting the high school team and its activities. Since it operates under the rules of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, there are certain rules we must obey. Fortunately the process to get approval is easy. The steps involved are:
1. Email Gordon Black (gordonblack1984@gmail.com) with name and phone number, stating type of interest: rides, logistics, race support etc. There's lots of information on www.nationalmtb.org on team requirements.
2. Upon receipt, Gordon will add you to the volunteer roster and you will receive an invitation to join NICA. The annual fee is $25.
3. You must then complete a background check. Here is the link to do so: https://www.tclogiq.com/fivestep/intro.php There is a one-time fee of $25.
4. Then complete a NICA liability waiver form (click here to print one out)
5. Deliver those to Gordon
6. Start getting involved.
First aid/CPR certification
Earlier this year we set up a 1st Aid/CPR class on the island to allow folks to obtain certification as part of the process of obtaining a ride leader license through NICA. The Seattle branch of the Red Cross puts on classes around Puget Sound regularly (plus certain employers, such as school districts) but if it would be more convenient to put on a class here specifically for folks who want to get started on the ride leader license approval, let me know (gordonblack1984@gmail.com).
The instructor we used last time - Robert Law - is available to conduct custom classes. However, we need at least six people signed up to share the cost of his teaching time.
If you are interested in a class or need to renew your current certificate (which is good for 2 years only), let me know (gordonblack1984@gmail.com) and I can figure out if we have enough people to set up a custom class on the island. We'd likely set it up for a weekend day.
GearGrinders is a new organization as of late 2011. We value your input, your time, your energy, creativity and, yes, some of your money, to make this effort sustainable. We have a steering club of folks who are helping the association get established – but there is room for more people.
We’ll be organizing meetings, trail repairs and other activities. And we’ll need competent riders willing to lead rides. If you want to lead rides, email Gordon Black at gordonblack1984@gmail.com).
There is also a need for committed volunteers to help with the high school club. There are specific requirements for leading youth rides, however. More info...