Gravel Race Must Keep Racers in Line, Plus Trail News in Milwaukee and Ontario

Ranchers in Steamboat Springs push back against a gravel race plus more mountain bike trail news across North America.
Photo: SBT GRVL

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.

Colorado ranchers push back against Steamboat gravel race

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Ranchers in Routt County are raising concerns about the SBT GRVL race in Steamboat Springs, per reporting by The Colorado Sun. The race started in 2019 with 1,500 riders and now hosts about 3,000 riders on several different courses. Ranchers have discussed the amount of littering, defecation on course and interference with agriculture operations.

SBT GRVL responded with an action plan which will alter start times, increase motorcycle marshals, communication to the Steamboat community, and the number of trash receptacles and port-a-potties on course. Race organizers will also implement signage communicating the distance to the next port-a-pottie.

Registered riders will need to agree to a zero tolerance policy and an oath agreeing to use the right side of the road, practice kindness, and not relieve themselves on private property or the side of the road.

Bike park fundraising goal reached

Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Triangle Hill Sports Area recently received a $35K donation to complete the bike skills park. The project, designed mainly for kids and new riders, is set to open this spring.

Changes to Colorado Springs Trail

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Riders in Colorado Springs, Colorado are pushing to sanction a long-time rogue trail and have it become governed by the City of Colorado Springs. The Captain Morgan trail in North Cheyenne Canyon would be the first double black diamond rated trail in the Colorado Springs’ network, according to KOAA. The trail is expected to be adopted this year.

Bids open for 6-mile trail in spite of tight construction timeline requirement

Iron Mountain, Michigan

The Iron Mountain City Council recently opened bids for trail construction at Pewabic Hill. With over $250K in committed funding for six miles of trails, some are concerned that the contract requirement that construction be completed in just 60 days is unreasonable.

“North of the Nith Trails” proposed

Ontario, Canada

A trails group in Ontario is proposing a new trail network, dubbed the North of Nith trails. The network would sit near existing trails, but the club says there aren’t trails designed or sanctioned or optimized for mountain biking in Brantford and Brant County. The organization also wants to build a parking lot and nature park.

Trails proposed in Milwaukee park

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Washington County Park Department in Milwaukee is hosting a public input session to discuss new mountain bike trails at the Heritage Trails County Park. The meeting will consist of small and large group discussions to inform potential new trails.