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The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, April 30th 2024 at 7PM at the Streamliner Restaurant in Rochester, which is at the corner of 9th and Madison Streets. All are welcome! Come and see what's happening with our great trail.
More photos from Jackie and her camera!
Beautiful-looks like a place I’d like to be right now😊
Awesome pictures 📸
Celebrate Trails day is coming up Saturday, April 27th. We will have a table set up at the Breakaway Bike and Fitness in Peru from 11 - 2 on that day. Stop by and say hello. We will have some free stuff to give away as well.
Jackie, our trail photographer shared these photos from the flower box on the trail. Spring has sprung for sure.
NPT volunteers Tim and Bill spruced up the WALLICK ROAD trailhead yesterday.
Thank you Bill and Tim!
Thank's guys! I'll be back in June to help!
Thanks live on wallick on the corner of Ellis and wsllick
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you.
Thanks
Next Meeting April 30, 2024, 7PM at the Streamliner Restaurant in Rochester, 9th & Madison
Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail Meeting Minutes
March 26, 2024
Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Ted Cox, David Cota, Ron Mofield, John Cleaver, Dennis Grossnickle, Myke Wilson, Bill Shewman, Tim Gerardot, Doug Martin, Phil Hart, John Cleaver, Micah Johnson, Dan McCarthy.
Meeting brought to order by Mike at 7:01 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
February minutes were approved.
Mike gave a brief rundown of our income and expenses for March. There wasn’t too much activity during the month of March. No questions. Ron motioned to approve the financial report, Dan seconded, motion passed.
Question: Why is it more expensive to buy a tire pump every year.
Mike gave a briefing on weed/brush control and what is planned for 2024. Ted and Tim discussed the intersection clearing and the effect on improved safety that this is providing. There is a huge difference that has been noticed since we’ve started clearing. Mike explained how we cleared under the Wabash bridge in the past and is asking for suggestions and volunteers to clear this area out this year.
Mike gave an update on the MAC trail. The paving should start around June 2024. The cost was around $1 million. We are waiting on the state for all the approvals. Mike is getting bids for fencing along the MAC trail to better define the property lines. Engineering is almost completed for the tunnel near Bunker Hill. The focus is now shifting to the extension from Bunker Hill to the Grissom Museum.
Dan discussed how to adopt a segment along the trail. There are spots open near Peru, and Rochester if anyone is interested. You can contact Dan McCarthy or go on our website to sign up for adoption. (Nickelplatetrail.org)
Dan brought up the challenges we have for loaning out tools and how to better serve the volunteers.
Dennis Grossnickle talked about the Porta Jon in Rochester. It is not known as of now whether we will be able to supply it this year. We are looking for ways to make this happen. In the past, we’ve had one from May to October. It was noted that riders from out of town really appreciate the availability of it. The approximate cost is 160-170 per month.
Mike spoke of the sign walls and how we can better get advertisers. Mike has different pricing from $90 to $5,000 per year. These signs are located from Rochester to Kokomo. To find out more, contact Mike Kuepper.
Dan discussed other ways to raise money. Example: organize a trail ride to help support, t-shirt sales. All help and suggestions are welcome.
There is a national trails day on April 27 that we could use suggestions on what we can do to boost this event. Contact Mike Kuepper.
If you need a ride from the Peru area for next month's meeting in Rochester, you can contact Phil Hart. (1st come, 1st serve)
Motion to adjourn by Ron, Dan 2nd. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
Answer: Inflation
Thank you for the post! I have not officially adopted a section of the trail, so I'll have to look into that 😉
Critters on the trail. This little guy was basking in the sun while I rode by. Any herpetologists here to give us an ID?
Is this near Macy? I ran over one once--- thump thump.
Harmless Garter Snake.
A garter snake. One of the snake species that gives birth to live young.
Don't remember it, but it looks like a garter snake.
Nope rope!
Aww we were on the trail yesterday and didn't see any 😔 Normally we see garters & rat snakes
I saw a similar one on the Nickelplate heading south out of Peru!
I would have screamed I am terrified of snakes
Garter. At this time of year probably looking for a mate.
We ran 12miles beginning in Rochester to the north...only wildlife we saw was the resident Greeter it stayed with us for over a mile and was back at its original spot when we returned (Snake would have been cool too)
Gary Smith Judy Burkhart Marilyn S. Kimsey remember this?!
Pet the snek
Garter
The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, March 26th at 7:00 PM at the old Firehouse at 12 N Miami Street in Peru. All are welcome! Come and see what's happening with our great trail.
Is this a regular event on the 4th Tuesday of the month or the last Tuesday of the month?
Has anyone looked into extending the trail to the north? I saw a map once that showed it going all the way to Plymouth.
Nickel Plate Trail Minutes
Next Meeting March 25, 2024, at the old firehouse in Peru
February 27, 2024
Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Ted Cox, Jeff Kassebaum, Bill Click, Steve Gough, Tom Bennett, Tim Finster, David Cota, Ron Mofield, Tom Bennett, John Cleaver, Dennis Grossnickle, Myke Wilson, Bill Wilson, Kevin Kennedy, Ron Hanson, Bill Shewman, Mark Henry, Tim Gerardot, Scott Ash, David Cota, John Nystrom, Doug Martin
Meeting brought to order by Mike at 7:03 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
Q. What do you call a therapist for cyclists?
Introductions were made all around.
Bill Click motioned to approve the minutes, Ron Mofield 2nd, January minutes were approved.
Steve Gough presented the financial report for February. There was not too much action in February. There was a $600 grant and 266.14 in expenses. YTD income 9300.35, expenses of 301.61. MAC budget balance is 69,288.48. We are a little under budget for the MAC trail. Bill motioned to accept. Bill W. 2nd report approved. There was a question about using excess funds if there are any for a building in Bunker Hill. Mike reported that we wouldn’t know for about a year.
Jeff Kassebaum reported on the clearing of intersections on the north trail and explained how the clearing is being accomplished. Jeff also discussed how we will be using the spray program around the intersections. Jeff requested help on the south trail intersections. Mike mentioned that we can reach out to the Kokomo bike club for help. Tim mentioned that he might be able to help. Jeff also mentioned an interaction with a landowner along the trail which had a positive outcome and the importance of maintaining good relations with the landowners.
Mike reported on the MAC trail. The paving has been awarded. The paving is expected to start in June. Mike is looking for a contractor to put fence in on the MAC trail if anyone has someone in mind.
Dennis would like to get some feedback on trail users and what type of activity they are using the trail for. Dennis would like to use the information to perhaps get some help with maintenance on the trail.
Bill Click reported on marking the trail in Peru. Bill still has a shed full of signs that need to be reinstalled. Bill also reported about using proper protective gear when using chainsaws. Bill gave examples of accidents involving chainsaws without protective gear (face protection and chainsaw chaps.) The volunteers that currently are using protective gear are Mike Kuepper, Bill Percy, Jeff Kassebaum, and Bill. If you have safety gear, please use it. If not, consider purchasing the gear. This is a safety issue.
Bill Wilson has adopted the intersection of Wabash Rd and the trail.
Bill made a motion for the April meeting to be at the Streamliner in Rochester (April 30,) Steve 2nd, motion passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn by Bill, Dennis 2nd. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
A: A cycologist.
You guys are really getting me all turned around! I left work early, so I wouldn’t forget the meeting was today. The 25th, Monday! Yeah I know it’s last Tuesday of the month… but I thought maybe something came up and you needed to move it forward a day. I pull up at the old fire station early and decided to check Facebook again because no one is around but me. Looks like the meeting is tomorrow… the 26th! Tuesday! One the bright side I didn’t miss it! 😂🤣🥳
The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, February 27th at 7:00 PM at the old Firehouse at 12 N Miami Street in Peru. All are welcome! Come and see what's happening with our great trail.
We would love to have more people attend our meetings and we would really like to get your ideas. The best way to volunteer to help is to attend these meetings, see what the issues and opportunities are and help us with your suggestions.
Hope to see you there!
Friend of the Nickel Plate Trail Meeting Minutes
Next Meeting February 27, 2024, at the old firehouse in Peru
January 30, 2024
Attendees: Ted Cox, Jeff Kassebaum, Bill Click, Steve Gough, Dan McCarthy, Tom Bennett, Tim Finster, David Cota, Ron Mofield, Tom Bennett, John Cleaver
Meeting brought to order by Bill at 7:00 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
Introductions were made all around.
Jeff Kassebaum motioned to approve the minutes, Ron Mofield 2nd, November minutes were approved.
Steve Gough presented the financial report for January. Treasurer’s report was approved.
Dan reported that there is a meeting with the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District on February 12, 2024.
Q: Why can’t a bicycle stand up on its own?
Ted spoke of future maintenance on the north trail that will be accomplished this year.
Jeff discussed the areas of major concern that have been taken care of and the areas that we will address this year. 2 areas, Deedsville, and a spot around Birmingham. Jeff also discussed what it will cost to resurface a large area. He got a quote to give us an idea on what it will cost to resurface an area. The quote was for around 60K per mile.
Dan discussed the trail extension that is in process at Rochester. He explained the area where it will be extended and how it will happen. The construction is supposed to start later this summer.
Dan presented new information on the progress of the MAC trail. It looks like the paving it is going forward from Bunker Hill to McGrawsville. Bids for the paving will be accepted on February 8, 2024. A discussion followed about some of the problems that still exist on the MAC trail.
Bill Click discussed the “chain saw crew” and how it is working. Bill discussed how it is important to keep the trail clear for emergency vehicles to pass. More help is needed on the south trail on the chain saw crews.
Dan discussed a grant from the Fulton County tourism Commission. Dan explained how the money was gotten for the port-a-pot at the north end of the trail.
Tom Bennett asked about the trail markings that go through Peru and when it will get marked again.
Ted asked for input from riders to report any problems that exist or may cause a problem soon. Things like trees about to come down, trash, culverts, leaning trees, anything that you may see as a problem. It can be reported via our Facebook page, the NPT website, the chainsaw text crew, Dan McCarthy’s email address.
Motion to adjourn by Steve, Ron 2nd.Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
A: Because it’s two-tired.
Jeff, Ted and Dan are working to make the intersections safer by clearing brush that can block the view.
You guys are so good at keeping the trail safe. Thanks
Good job boys
Great work 👏 thank you 😊
Thank you!!!
Great work!! That’s definitely appreciated!!
Thanks for keeping our trail safe!
Great work guys! Thank you!
Excellent job, guys!!
A huge thank you to all that are involved in keeping our trails a safe place to ride and enjoy our passion of Cycling.
Nice job guys! 👏
Thank you to the volunteers. Your work is very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Thank you!! That will definitely make it safer for vehicle and bike traffic alike!!! 😊😊
Met them guys on the trail there a few years back they're always doing something they're hard workers on that trail and we appreciate it
Thank you!
Very much appreciated ✨thank you
You guys are simply amazing.
Thank you!
Huge Thanks for your hard work
Thank you for all your hard work!
Thanks for your hard work .
Thank you
How do we donate to help them pay for equipment fuel?
Thank you for your hard work!!!
The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, January 30th at 7:00 PM at the old Firehouse at 12 N Miami Street in Peru. All are welcome! Come and see what's happening with our great trail.
We would love to have more people attend our meetings and we would really like to get your ideas. The best way to volunteer to help is to attend these meetings, see what the issues and opportunities are and help us with your suggestions.
Hope to see you there!
The Streamliner Restaurant in Rochester and Webb’s Family Pharmacy in Rochester have Nickel Plate Trail t-shirts for sale with all profits going toward the trail. $15.00 each. Thank you!
Ted Cox I need one!
Joel Wilson and his dad helped out on their adopted section of the trail today south of Rochester. Joel, who owns A+ yard service used his equipment to cut back invasive bushes and push back the debris that was crowding the trail.
Thank you
Thank you Joel and Jay for sharing your time and gifts for our trail.
Thank you, guys!
It's wonderful to work with volunteers who care about the health of others through this fantastic trail. And praise God for a chance to see so much of His beautiful creation on the trail. My dad, Jay Wilson and I are happy to help.
Your labor is much appreciated God bless you
Your works and most of all your attitude of service are appreciated. Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you very much!
Thanks guys!
You guys are great. Thanks
Thank you for all your hard work!
Thank you for doing that
Thank you Joel Wilson and Jay Wilson.
Thank you
Thank you!!
Thank you !!! From putnam county
Thank you gentleman!!! 👏👏
thank you
Thanks so much for all you do!!!
GOOD JOB WILSON GUYS‼️👍🥰❤️👏✅
Very nice
