Trail Flow is a roundup of all the mountain bike trail related news of the week including new trail builds, advocacy, and planning. Do you have trail news? Email [email protected] for possible inclusion.
Shadow Mountain Bike Park Update
Two years ago we reported on a proposed lift-service bike park just outside of Denver, Colorado. The Shadow Mountain Bike Park, formerly the Full Send Bike Ranch, had a solid plan and opening for the park, but it hasn’t been without hurdles.
This month, we received an update from Shadow Mountain that their special use application was officially with Jefferson County for review. Shadow Mountain says they’re hopeful the review will take about 100 days, however there are variables. If the plan is approved, Shadow Mountain hopes to start building this summer, while raising more capital and working on construction permits.
NEMBA Partners with Bent Water Brewing
The New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) has partnered with Bent Water Brewing. While partnerships between MTB orgs and breweries aren’t necessarily new, this is more broad and will apply to the organization’s events for the entirety of the year, including NEMBAfest, the Mountain Bike Adventure Series, and other NEMBA events.
La Grande Pump Track Fundraiser
The Blue Mountain Singletrack Trails Club (BMSTC) is running a unique fundraiser to build a pump track in La Grande, Oregon. Donors can purchase a sticker, with 100% of the proceeds going toward the project. A white sticker costs $10, a holographic version is $100, and a glow in the dark sticker is priced at $500.
Trailhead improvements proposed for Ballinastoe
Ballinastoe already has world-class singletrack trails, and now there’s a proposal for a proper trailhead featuring a cafe, bike rentals, restrooms, and more. Local officials are hoping an enhanced trail-center type experience will result in a boost to area tourism.
New Colorado Springs downhill-only bike trail
A new downhill-only bike trail in Colorado Springs is lifting the energy of local riders. The trail was approved years ago in the Austin Bluffs Open Space master plan, and though relatively short, is significant for riders. The trail drops about 200 feet over a quarter-mile, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. The trail is currently being called Black Sheep, an homage to area’s herding history and the technical nature of the trail.
U.S. Forest Service acknowledges MTB trails in plan to invest in recreation
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is planning to invest more resources into recreation with an eye toward reinvigorating local economies. The agency signed a memorandum of understanding in the fall of 2022, according to a January press release, that it will collaborate with other U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies to develop outdoor recreation economies in “gateway communities” near national forests and grasslands. Toby Bloom, the national program manager for travel, tourism, and interpretation with the USFS highlighted mountain bike trails in Ironton, Ohio as an example of successful outdoor recreation tourism, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
New half-mile trail opens in Jacksonville, Florida
SORBA Jax partnered with the local Girls and Boys Club to build a half-mile trail at the Baxter E. Luther Facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The non-profit PedalUp provided funding for the project, and Singletracks spoke with Jason Finnell about the group and its mission back in 2020.
