Keep Prison Hill as it is, reader says

I get mail and here's one letter that makes a lot of sense to me.

"Although we are not skiers, we read your column especially during the warm months. As much as we enjoy your articles about local hikes and walks, we, the unofficial Prison Hill Walking Society, beg of you to leave Prison Hill out of your write ups.

"Those of us who use Prison Hill every day do not wish to see more people there, especially those who let their dogs run loose and have no control over them. It is a wonderful early morning walk and those who utilize this pleasant area know the unwritten rules on the hill: Share the trail with runners and bicyclists, have your dog(s) under either voice control or leash, clear your dog's waste off the trail and say 'Good Morning' or Hi.

"We have asked the city to not throw away money in improving the facility. Leave it as is " a nice, convenient, pleasant walk in a rustic environment.

"I know, I am being selfish.

"One thing that really bothered me was the city's plan to "improve" the access and trails. Of course there is no money right now, but their plan presented at the BLM hearings has little or no merit. The city's idea of putting information kiosks and restrooms, water etc. would soon give way to the ravages of vandals and become a hangout for all sorts of gang activities. We have seen it happen in other places in Reno and Sparks. ..." " Bob Hilderbrand

Well said. Often as I have hiked Prison Hill from both sides, I have usually found the trails to be clear but dog-waste plentiful. And saints preserve us from "improvements" to the trails. People can hike the Capitol grounds if they want improvements (not that I have anything against the Capitol grounds; they are lovely and an easy walk for those so inclined).

I fear what the BLM and the city have in mind for the Silver Saddle Ranch and Prison Hill. There are plenty of information posts on Dead Man's Creek; let's leave Prison Hill natural.

RENO TOUR DE NEZ

If you're a biking fan (and who isn't these days?), the 17th annual Mighty Mighty Tour de Nez bicycle classic brings the hand-cycling Omnium championship June 19 to the week's schedule presented by IGT in Downtown Reno.

A field of up to 50 participants is expected to battle it out on the streets of downtown Reno for the Stars & Stripes National Champion's jersey. National Championships will be awarded in both the men's and women's categories.

In addition to the hunt for the national title, the hand cyclists also will contest a three-day Omnium of their own, with criterium races in downtown Truckee Thursday, June 18 and through the Village-at-Northstar Resort on Saturday, June 20.

The Mighty Mighty Tour de Nez begins Wednesday, June 17, and runs through Saturday, June 20. See www.tourdenez.org.

And, for mountain bikers, hikers and sightseers, Northstar-at-Tahoe mountain resort will be running chair lifts Friday, June 12, with access to miles and miles of biking and hiking trails. Bikes for rent are there and the lifts open up miles of riding for those of us who need help getting up the hill.

YES, WE'RE STILL SKIING

Last week I stopped at Mammoth to get one more day on the snow. I stayed up at the posh at Mammoth Lodge, just a few steps from the lifts and Gondola. Snow was excellent. Planned on getting out early the next morning and on my way to the L.A. area, but when I checked out of the hotel at about 8:15 a.m. I saw the lifts were running and decided "one more run," which of course stretched into several. No ski wear, just jeans and a vest in the bright sun. Even stopped on the way out to check the run at the big parking lot base below the top.

And found out some very good news for some of us " Mammoth will keep the lifts running into mid-June, the very nice hotel desk people told me. Tempting, but I did my last run of the season and I have my hiking boots (and sneakers) out and ready to go.

- Contact Sam at sambauman@

att.net or 841-7818.