This one is KID FRIENDLY – and – Its free!

• What: Bicycle Ride on the Columbia Trail from High Bridge to Califon and back 14 Miles round trip and lunch.
• When: Saturday, June 4, 2011, 9:00am

IMPORTANT – please let me know if you will be joing us for lunch so that appropriate reservations can be made

Please join us for a bike ride on this beautiful scenic trail that starts in High Bridge, NJ. The trail is an old railroad path that has been converted into a pedestrian and bike trail. The trail is flat, hard packed fine white gravel and suitable for beginner to advance bike riders. It is recommended that you use a mountain or hybrid bike. Friends of Craigmeur Ski Club are welcome to join us. The trail is free! After the trip we will meet at Casa Maya Mexican Resturant in High Bridge for food and refreshments.  It is a BYOB so plan accordingly.

Please click here if you would like to learn more about this easy to bike trail.

Columbia Trail driving directions:

• Take Rt. 80 to 206 South to Rt. 24 (Chester).
• Right onto take Rt. 24 West.
• Continue approx 20-25 minutes
• RIGHT onto CHURCH ST.
• LEFT onto Main Street.
• QUICK RIGHT  into the municipal parking lot where we will meet.

Or, if you have a GPS use address 79 Main Street , High Bridge NJ – it’ll bring you right to the lot.

Please give yourself ample driving time to reach High Bridge. From Chester NJ, High Bridge is about 25-30 minutes driving time.

You may contact me via email by clicking here (preferred) or via cell 973-713-9169 if you have any questions.

Events, Welcome | No Comments »

REGISTRATION FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE WITH PRICES!  See below!  Also Camping for Dummies!

Some of us have been shoveling snow, others have been skiing, while some are wondering if the warmer weather will ever get here; other’s still, have been working on setting up the makings of good times with friends . . . 

The first day of spring is behind us and that means its time to start filling in the calendar with all of this years summer events. Well, don’t forget to mark July 15, 16, and 17^th, 2011; the date for this years annual camping / canoe / rafting trip on the Delaware River. This will be 6^th year and in keeping up with “bigger and better every year” some of the highlights for this year will be:

An all new facility (for us) at the Narrowsburg location of Landers River trips, who did such a great job for us last year, approximately 20 minutes further up route 97 from previous years. The tent sites are more wooded and also some sites will be next to the river. As always, there is access for travel campers and trailers too. Another great addition for this year will be a pavilion for Oliver to set up his wonderful food services in . . . . a catered camping trip ? ? ? . . . . . only Craigmeur travels in this kind of style!!  Also on Saturday evening after a fun filled day on the water, and full stomachs from the Bar-B-Q, we will have live entertainment in a pole barn just across the way from our sites and of course the bon fire!

Saturdays float will be approx 5 miles down to the TMR landing (approx 2.5 hour float), with the option of going another 10 miles for those that want the extra time on the water (approx 4 more hours) to the Minisink Landing . Landers will be shuttling everyone back up to the camp ground from either location and we’ll have a couple of member vehicles at the end to bring up any personal boats that people bring along. Rental options are: rubber river rafts, canoes, or kayaks. Life jackets and paddles are supplied with all rentals, but feel free to bring your own if you like. We should be on the water around 9:30am after getting our boats and safety speech, wrapping up in the early after noon depending on distance, water level, and stops along the way. Please do not bring glass containers out on the river. Coming up for just the float and BBQ is an option also.

The registration form and payment directions are now available!  Please click on the links below to print your copies! 

2011-Craigmeur-Rafting-Registration-Form
2011-Camping-for-Dummies

Don’t forget to bring your water gun! Also, I am getting a list of prospective bands together for Saturday night and would like to hear from any and all interested so please reach out to me if you know of anyone that we should consider.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!!!!

Events | No Comments »

Dear Members,

As the 2010/2011 season comes to a close and the EBoard transitions to the newly elected officers please join me in thanking this past year’s volunteers.  Officers: Mike – ensuring all membership records are up to date and accurate, and covering for me on my few absences; Lee – filling for Mike during membership renewal; Christine –meticulously tracking of the clubs finances; Amy – writing entertaining minutes and uplifting essays; Diane – keeping the entire membership informed of Club business; Mark – making sure we stay in accordance with the club’s bylaws; The trustees (Bob, Adele, Maryanne, Hans, Kim, Justin, Larry) – providing insight and wisdom making sure the EBoard decision are always in the best interest of the Club and Lodge;  all the event hosts and Website contributors. Regarding the website, there are very few that realize the effort that goes into keeping it up and running so that the contributors have a place to post the Club’s happenings and information. Larry, I’ll  take the liberty of speaking for all the members on this one – Thank you.

As the new EBoard starts this Wednesday, May 4, 2011 we are short one officer: Corresponding Secretary.  If you are considering getting more involved in the Club; I, the EBoard, and membership urge you to join the Board.  This is a great position to start; you would become the voice of the Club to all the members.

THINK SPRING!

Craig DeSantis

President, Craigmeur Ski Club

Events, Newsletters & Club News, Welcome | No Comments »

May 14th
Another Split Rock Beginner Biking event since the last one was so much fun!

Split Rock Beginner Ride # 3:
Back by popular demand we are doing another beginner mountain bike ride! A true mountain bike is required for this 8 miles out and back ride. We will again stop at the overlook 4 mi. in while the better riders do an additional single track loop before we all ride back out.

Riding tips will be given until you tell me to shut up. On the last ride people were riding terrain on the way out that they walked on the way in. When we returned to the parking lot they were beaming with pride. BEAMING I tell you! I got all misty eyed.
We will meet at the Rockaway Mall in order to car pool at 9:00 A.M. Parking is limited so try to make it. For those who are running late here are the directions.

DIRECTIONS:
Rt 80 to exit 37 Hibernia Rockaway
513 No.
6.3 mi. right on Upper Hibernia Rd.
.9 mi. left on Split Rock Rd. ( turns to dirt )
1.5 mi. to parking lot on left

Events | No Comments »

Mayhem @ Mahlon

Rookie Mt. Bike Ride at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation at Saffin Pond Parking Lot – Jefferson Twp. NJ

May 21st 2011 at 9AM

Chuck Emery will be a leading this ride. The loop will be designed to give folks who always wondered what this sport is about a decent taste of Mt. biking.  We’ll start on a flat fire road for about a mile (good warm-up). From there the ride will be on rocky double tracks and twisty single tracks with a fair amount of climbs and downhill runs. We’ll slowly graduate the difficulty of the trails with about three bailout points, as people get tired. For experienced riders, this loop would be about 1.25 hours. With rest stops, riding a slower pace and keeping the group together, it’ll probably take about twice that.

There are only a few rules:

1)  You must wear a helmet & bike gloves.

2)  You must ride a Mt. Bike. Hybrids won’t be able to handle these trails. We’ll try to come up with some extra bikes from friends of ours.

3)  You must bring water or a sports drink, a couple energy bars and a spare tube.

That’s about it. Some of our friends will join us so there will be enough experienced riders to help. If the group starts forming into A&B riders, we can split up so everyone has fun at their own level.

This is a great chance to have a goal for a winter workout plan. You’ll want to work mostly on cardio.  Being fit is a key ingredient to having fun on the bike.

Only one word of caution – Although we’ll do everything to keep you safe, Mt. Biking, like any extreme sport, bears the potential of getting hurt. Falling onto a rocky surface is part of the sport. You take this ride at your own risk!

For additional information Please click here to contact me

Hope to see a bunch of you @ Mahlon.

Below are some samples of terrains you may expect

Events, Welcome | No Comments »

All Riders Welcome:  Yes, YOU

WHERE: Wellsboro, PA  (Grand Canyon of PA)

WHEN: June 24, 25, 26

DISTANCE: 180 miles to the Canyon

COST: $103.50 for the weekend if you share a room.

ALL STYLE OF BIKES WELCOME!

CONTACT: Please click here to contact Justin Stone

Events | No Comments »

CRAIGMEUR SKI CLUB ANNUAL CLAMBAKE
SATURDAY AUGUST 20^th, 2011, 12 NOON – WHENEVER
AT THE LAKE  FOREST YACHT CLUB
RAIN OR SHINE

ACTIVITIES:  Swimming, Fishing, Horseshoes, Softball and Volleyball

MENU:  Clams, Burgers, Steaks, Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Salads, Refreshments, Soda, Snacks, Desserts and Much More!!  See below for our “COOK OFF CONTEST!”

DEADLINE FOR SIGNUPS – AUGUST 3^rd:

Member Adults -$15.00
Non-Member Adults – $30.00
Children Ages 13-20 - $10.00
Children Ages 0-12 - $FREE

HELP IS NEEDED FOR SET UP AND CLEAN UP OF THIS EVENT.

SALADS & DESSERTS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED.  THIS YEAR WE WILL HOLD “COOK OFF CONTESTS.”  People’s Choice Awards for:

CONTEST #1 – Salads/Sides/Main Dishes
CONTEST #2 – Desserts 

Please contact GLENN DESANTIS to volunteer your time at 201-294-5003 from 7:00am to 3:00pm.
You may also contact BOB APGAR to volunteer your time at 973-627-7500 from 7:00am to 3:00pm.

Please contact AMY STEWART to participate in the “COOK OFF” Contests at any Club Meeting.

Please sign up with BOB APGAR or GLENN DESTANTIS for this event by attending any Club Meeting.

Club Meeting dates for signups are at THE EXCHANGE in Rockaway:
May 4^th, May 18^th, June 1^st, June 15^th, July 6^th, July 20^th or August 3^rd.

All Attendees MUST sign up in person at a meeting by August 3^rd.  Due to capacity restrictions no walk-ins will be permitted and we may cutoff prior to August 3^rd if the capacity is reached.

Please click  here to email Craigmeur Ski Club

Events, Welcome | No Comments »

            Jay Peak during the last week of March was INCREDIBLE.  Conditions were winter fabulous and those who attended were pleasantly pleased.  Kudos to Mark Smith for putting together this incredible trip for all 18 of us.  There were 5 Highlife Ski Club members who were part of our pack and they were an incredibly friendly and cordial addition. Being on this trip taught us that there is something to be said for slopeside condos. The convenience of popping into and out of the units made for quick and easy lunches, siestas, bathroom breaks and even wardrobe changes into dry clothing.  This trip was inexpensive to start with (all things considered), but having access to your own food during the week made it even more so.

            Lessons, Lessons, Lessons!  The majority of us took lessons, which is extraordinary considering we had such mixed levels.  There were glade blasters on ski and boards as well as an individual who had never seen snow before.  Hey, if Olympic champions have coaches, trainers and teachers, it is evident that we all could use a little help from a qualified professional.  The resort was so empty that most of us had private lessons, and what wasn’t a lesson ended up being a mountain tour showing the best spots in the glades, some of which weren’t even on the map, and the softest snow on the mountain.  Not, of course, that soft snow was difficult to find.

            We got the fluffiest, softest snow ever at least 3 out of the 5 1/2 days with winter temperatures.  Only about a day and a half was “springy” when the snow got a little soft.  The views were dazzling and the runs inviting.  Jay is known for its trees.  There were learning wooded areas with only slight steepness with scattered, thin, bendable trees.  Most other glades were tight at the top which opened down below so it was possible to pick your point of entry based on your ability.  For those who like steep, the face of the mountain under the tram would have satisfied the most aggressive of the bunch.

            All in all, Jay was a huge success. Great people, wonderful mountain and fabulous conditions left us with hopes of returning soon.  Thanks again Mark, for all of your work.

Events | No Comments »

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 30, 2011, 10:00 AM.

This bike ride will start at 10:00 AM sharp, at the Kingwood Boat Launch just one mile south of Frenchtown on Route 29. Rain or Shine!

Here are some important highlights of this bike ride:

• This bike ride will be on flat ground on a defunct rail road that is now a trail (rails to trail).
• We will be riding on the historic Delaware & Raritan trail.
• The scenery will be awesome. Along the way we will be able to view the serenity of the Delaware River and canals that are parallel with the trail. We also stop along the way to rest and view interesting sites like the Prallsville Mills.
• An interesting bit of history – George Washington crossed the Delaware River just south of where we will be.
• Our destination will be Lambertville for the annual “Shad Festival,” which starts at 12:30pm.  The festival features the area’s finest artists and crafters, great food, and family entertainment.  You are on your own at the festival once your arrive, BUT WE WILL MEET AT 2PM at the ”Beverage Garden” under the bridge along the river for a GOODBYE GET-TOGETHER.  Then you may ride back to your cars at the Kingwood Boat Launch at your leisure.  Please click here to learn more about the Shad Festival.

This bike ride will be on flat ground on a defunct rail road that is now a trail (rails to trail).  Motorized vehicles are not  allowed to use the trail and there are only a few places where cars cross the trail. The ride is a comfortable 24 mile round trip and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.  It is also a moderate tune up bike ride if you are planning on participating in the  NY Five Boro Bike Ride. I recommend mountain bikes or hybrid bikes for this ride since the trail is composed of hard packed dirt. There will be plenty of food at the festival. Be sure to bring an ample amount of cash.

Please bring the usual necessities for the bike ride e.g., water, rain gear, sun blocker, bike lock, and a good sense of humor.

Approximate driving time from Morristown to the Kingwood parking lot is 45 minutes.  Directions for Kingwood Boat Launch parking area:

Please GPS or Map Quest this address:

Cycle Corner
52 Bridge Street
Frenchtown, NJ 08825
908-996-7712

After you get to the Cycle Corner bike shop and assuming you are passing it on the left, make an immediate left on Route 29 South. From there travel about one mile and lo0k for the Kingwood Boat Launch parking area on the right side. The trail itself is conveniently next to the parking lot.

Please contact Olivier Monod if you have any questions.

Events | 1 Comment »

Well this past Saturday we had the annual Craigmeur ski club race @ Pico, Vt and we had a 61 racers. This year’s race was on ‘B” slope, which made the race more challenging then years past, but still a fun day. We had a threat of rain but the ski gods held the rain off until the race was completed by all. So thanks to all the racers for coming out and making the club race a big success.

The Barbecue was decide in the morning to be held at the lodge and let’s just say Oliver out did himself with burgers, dogs, chicken, pasta, ribs, pork loin, etc.. So a big thanks to Oliver!

Mike Rachmiel Race Chairman

2011 Craigmeur Ski Club Race Results

Events, Racing, Welcome | No Comments »