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.
COMBA moves on from IMBA
The Colorado Mountain Bike Association announced Tuesday that it will move on from its longstanding partnership with IMBA in an email to members and that they will take a “final step to secure 100% of your membership donations for local advocacy and trail building efforts.” COMBA previously paid $10 per membership back to IMBA.
COMBA is converting memberships over to a new system and COMBA/IMBA memberships will expire at the end of February. Over the past few years, the IMBA Local model has changed in, and mostly, it’s paid off for them. Even the San Diego Mountain Bike Association rejoined IMBA three years after striking out on its own though as an affiliate rather than a chapter. But, it seems that some organizations feel they’re capable of handling the membership and administrative portions themselves.
Legacy Trails Grants awarded across U.S.
American Trails has chosen recipients for a total of $1.35 million to 33 different projects around the U.S. under the Legacy Trails program. meant to restore, protect, and maintain watersheds on National Forest lands. Eighteen of these 33 projects benefit mountain bike trails, according to IMBA, and address deferred maintenance, trail construction, and improvements like bridge and culvert building. See the full project list at the IMBA website.
Trek launches scholarship applications for high school MTB athletes
Trek Pathfinders Scholarships are designed to get students of color connected with NICA teams in their communities, and applications for fall 2023 recently opened online. In addition to covering league and race-entry fees, selected students will receive a new Trek Marlin mountain bike plus a helmet, shoes, and jersey.
EXT is building a trail for suspension testing at the Rocallaura Bike Park
European suspension company EXT Racing Shox is collaborating with the Rocallaura Bike Park in Spain to develop a new trail for suspension testing. The trail “will feature many elements we find interesting in riding and testing,” said a release by EXT. Interested riders can demo EXT suspension at the park on its collection of trails. No opening date was included for the new trail mentioned.
Brattleboro, Vt will see a new pump track
A new pump track is being planned for Brattleboro, Vermont at the Living Memorial Park, according to the Brattleboro Reformer. The track was approved by a local board though the plan will have to be reviewed by state regulators because of Vermont’s Act 250, a comprehensive land use and development law.
Vail, Colorado area trails planning trail improvement projects for the spring
The Hardscrabble Trails Coalition and the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance, based around Eagle and Vail, Colorado are planning some major improvement projects this spring, per the Vail Daily. When the trails dry out and seasonal wildlife closures end, the groups are planning environmental surveys and seeking community feedback for changes to the Hardscrabble trails. The changes include a new connector trail and decommissioning illegal trails in the area, as well as creating information hubs at trail intersections and regular maintenance.
