New Dirt Connections on the Great Divide MTB Route and a New Bike Park in Tennessee [Trail Flow]

Bikepacking Roots unveils new connectors between the GDMBR and Western Wildlands routes while new trails and upgrades are coming to Canada, New Zealand, and across the US.

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.

Intermountain Connectors are RTR

Bikepacking Roots has teamed up with the Adventure Cycling Association — creators of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route — to create seven Intermountain Connector routes that are ready to ride. According to a release, “The Connectors are non-technical riding that is mostly off-pavement, created with wide-tired mountain bikes rather than skinnier-tired gravel bikes in mind. The northern Connectors are relatively short links, while the southern Connectors are notably longer and can offer grand adventures in and of themselves. Several of these also allow for easy access to major public transit hubs in Salt Lake City, Denver, and Tucson.”

Whakarewarewa trail network gets $7M upgrades

Whakarewarewa aka Whaka in New Zealand has long been a popular riding area among mountain bikers, and recent upgrades promise to make it an even bigger tourism draw to the region.

5.7mi trail planned for Hawkins Range Reserve in Boise

The City of Boise is helping fund construction of a singletrack multi-use trail in the Hawkins Range Reserve. Plans call for a parking area with restrooms and the project is being supported by Ridge to Rivers.

Back 40 trail project gets funding go ahead

Phase 1 of the Back 40 trail project in Ludlow, Vermont was recently awarded $10,000 in matching funds to build a beginner loop and skills area behind the local elementary school.

Fresh dirt at Vietnam trails in Massachusetts

Volunteers with NEMBA/Blackstone Valley in Massachusetts have been hard at work this spring. The group says, “Lots of fresh dirt and a new skinny at 1 Nemba Square. Many thanks to everyone who came out and helped today!”

Open house for Colorado Springs pump track project

The city of Colorado Springs is hosting an open house for residents to learn about a new pump track and skills trail that’s being built in Cresta open space this summer. The meeting is being held Thursday, May 12, 5-6:30p at Skyway Elementary school and is open to the public.

Unaka Bike Park ribbon cutting

Map: Unaka Bike Park Facebook page.

Unaka Bike Park officially opened in Erwin, Tennessee recently. The trails were constructed by Barry Smith Trails and were funded in part through a $10,000 IMBA Dig In grant. Two miles of trails are rated for beginner and intermediate riders.

New advanced trail in Huntsville, Ontario

The Huntsville Mountain Bike Association in Ontario recently opened a new trail. According to the group’s Facebook page, “Lance’s new advanced trail I’m Quill Standing is open and ready to ride! Features multiple steep and rocky sections both up and down. Ride with caution and be prepared to stop and inspect features!”

 

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