It’s Trail News Friday and we’ve got the latest news for you on trail happenings around the country. Southern Utah gets the green light on nearly 60 miles of new singletrack, trails in California rebuild, and Sun Peaks Resort in BC is going to sink a lot of money into their trail network. Check out the latest below.
Colorado trail proposal supported by bikers
The Forest Service is considering a proposal to build a natural surface trail near the town of Redstone, Colorado and the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association has asked its members to submit comments in support of the project. This Aspen Times article notes, “The public comment period isn’t regarded as a popularity contest, said Forest Service spokesman David Boyd. Instead, the agency wants specific comments on issues raised in the environmental assessment.” Mountain bikers, take note for future advocacy efforts!
Deer Valley resort announces $20M investment, promises bike park expansion
Deer Valley resort in Park City, Utah recently announced plans to expand and improve their offerings. A press release says, “In partnership with Gravity Logic, international experts of bike park design, trail development and longstanding partner of Deer Valley, the resort will build an intermediate flow trail and additional expert trail on the lower mountain, Bald Eagle. Creating more trails on the lower mountain expands the bike park offering between our Snow Park and Silver Lake areas and provides additional options for riders looking for a variety of terrain.”
Fundraiser to build trail in memory of 13-year-old mountain biker in Nanaimo, BC
An online fundraiser for a new trail in memory of 13-year-old mountain biker Matthew Jeromkin is gaining steam, with $11,800CAD raised so far. On the GoFundMe page they write, “We would like this trail to be a place where family’s can go and celebrate life and health. Where young people can work on their skills and learn to love this sport. Where kids can make healthy connections and build on self esteem. Where a passion for mountain biking just might save a life.” Click to read more and to make a donation toward the $40,000CAD goal.
Griffith, New South Wales seeks public input on bike park grant application
The city of Griffith in New South Wales, Australia is asking for community feedback on a proposed bike park project. Riders and community members can fill out this survey to show support which in turn should help with the city’s grant application for funding.
Missouri expands bike access in hundreds of natural areas
On February 28 the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) opened select service roads and multi-use trails to expanded bicycle and e-bike use in more than 300 managed areas. The MDC says, “cyclists are expected to follow appropriate trail etiquette, including yielding to pedestrians and horseback riders, maintaining a safe speed, staying on designated trails or service roads, and avoiding damaging trails by not riding in wet conditions.” A full list of MDC locations and access information is available here.
Pisgah Area SORBA clean up
Anyone lose a set of truck tires? We’ve seen a number of trail groups complete forest cleanups over the past several weeks, and this is one of the most impressive hauls yet. Volunteers with Pisgah Area SORBA hauled all kinds of junk out of the forest in the North Mills River area last month which should have the trails looking good for spring.
Redwood Trails Alliance organizes “Bring Boggs Back” fundraiser
The Redwood Trails Alliance is raising funds to restore the trails at Boggs Mountain State Demonstration Forest in California that were damaged by wildfire in 2015. The group is hoping to raise $100,000 via individual and corporate donations.
Sun Peaks resort announces major MTB expansion
Sun Peaks resort in British Columbia recently announced a $1.5M investment in the area’s trail network. The upgrade will include a second summer chairlift taking bikers up Sundance Mountain along with six new trails totaling 19km in length.
Trail Alliance of Southern Utah announce approval of 55+ miles of trails in Pine Valley area
The Trail Alliance of Southern Utah announced on Instagram that the Spring Hollow and Grass Valley trail systems have been officially approved. “If everything goes as planned we will have over 55 miles of new trails in our area!” These trails will still take several years to complete and would sit higher and just north of the St. George and Greater Zion area.
Washington State DFW seeks comment on 10-year recreation plan
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is urging members to read through the proposed Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife 10-year recreation plan and to provide feedback about the types of trails riders want to see. The group has set up an online comment portal to make it easier for mountain bikers to submit comments.
West Virginia announces funding for trails
The state of West Virginia recently announced millions of dollars from the Federal Highway Administration will fund trails, bike paths, and sidewalks in the state. Existing trail systems like Hatfield-McCoy and the Greenbrier River trail will receive funds along with new bike trails at Cacapon State Park.
