"No Hands" Bridge UPDATE

[Larry Suddjian <wstf@foothill.net>]

More GREAT news for fans of the Mountain Quarries "No Hands" Rail Road
Bridge over the American River near Auburn, CA.

I am pleased to report that the invitation to bid the final repairs to
the Historic Bridge dear to the hearts of many persons from throughout
the world has been issued by the US Bureau of Reclamation.  Bids will be
received on JUNE 2, 1998 with a stipulated completion date on or before
NOVEMBER 1, 1998.  The construction period will be 109 calendar days
with the Notice to Proceed expected on JULY 15, 1998.  Specific
instructions to the bidders are that the Bridge MUST be available to the
riders of the Western States Trail Ride ~ "Tevis" ~ on August 8 & 9.

Again, our hats are off to Congressman John T. Doolittle (R) Rocklin, CA
and Steven Anderson, USBR, for their continuing effort to repair the
Bridge for the enjoyment of all.

Stay tuned for updates and keep your fingers crossed that the bids will
be well under budget.  Let's all hope the Wendell is up there watching
over the bid process and encouraging the bidders to "sharpen their
pencil".

See you all at the 44th Anniversary of the WSTR on August 8, 1998.

Larry Suddjian, Ride Director
WESTERN STATES TRAIL FOUNDATION
http://www.foothill.net/tevis