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.
Rock Solid finishes work on Powers Bluff trails in Wisconsin
Wood County (Wisconsin) Parks & Forestry says the Powers Bluff trails are open for riding and that additional downhill runs will open in the spring. Rock Solid Trail Contracting constructed the 3.5 miles of trail, including rock and bridge work. Ride the open trails now before the trail fee kicks in for 2023!
Weigh in on the future of Fruita’s trails
The Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) is looking for feedback on the future of the Kokopelli Trail System. COPMOBA said there are approximately 18-22 miles of trail coming that should enhance the experience of the system and the connectivity.
Ride Fruita often? Give COPMOBA your opinion on the new trails here.
13-mile trail network opens in Cook County, Illinois
Over 13 miles of singletrack have opened on the Paul Douglas Preserve in Cook Country, Illinois, which spans 1,800 acres. An official opening ceremony was held earlier this month. The new trails compliment singletrack down the road at the Palos Forest Preserve.
“For years, the extensive single track trail system in our Palos Preserves has been the premier mountain biking experience in Cook County. Now Paul Douglas Preserve is the newest destination for riders, runners and anyone looking for a more immersive natural experience in Northwest Suburban Cook County,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle told Fox 32 Chicago.
The trails also have a calendar management system for runners and mountain bikers with, both moving in opposite directions and switching between days.
All Summer 2022 Dig In trail grants received maximum matching funds
IMBA and Shimano recently announced that all seven summer 2022 Dig In projects received maximum matching funds in the amount of $2,000 per project. For the next round, running January 1 – March 31, 2023, matching funds up to $5,000 will be available. Applications open in November.
Cliffs bike park opens in Ohio
A new bike park opened in Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio with a paved pump track and jump line and a youth “bike playground.” The public park also has a “competition course” with rollers, berms, and a tunnel. The park was made possible with “generous support from The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation,” the city said in a release. A press release from Cleveland Metro Parks cited a study that bicycling was one of the fastest growing activities for Cleveland Metroparks visitors with more than 10% saying that biking is the main reason for a park visit.
While some mountain bikers may not be excited about the paved jump lines, it should help keep maintenance minimal for the park.
$2.5M bike park project approved in Northern Colorado
The Overland Mountain Bike Association gave Northern Colorado riders good news last week. The Town of Berthoud, just south of Ft. Collins and Loveland approved a new $2.5 million bike park that will cover nearly 20 acres. Plans are in the works for a UCI-level pump track, dirt jump lines, XC trails, a “bicycle playground” and a start hub. OMBA didn’t share additional information yet, but said there is more to come.
The Pit at Fairland Bike Park officially opens
A ribbon cutting is scheduled for this weekend to officially open the Pit at Fairland Bike Park in Maryland. The Pit has progressive wooden trail features constructed by the Montgomery Parks trail crew and American Ramp Company.
