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Singletrack Around the Boulder Reservoir
The Boulder Parks and Recreation Department is revisiting its master plan for Boulder Reservoir. We'd like to see a proper trail network circumnavigating the reservoir for mountain bike racing, cross country running races, triathlons, and to give us all one more place to play. Don't forget that this area ties into the Boulder Valley Ranch trails. Unlike the Open Space Department, which bans competetive events on all Open Space Lands, this area could and does host races because it is run by the Parks Department. Please comment on line here. Tell them that you'd like to see an "well-designed natural surface trail network" circumnavigating the reservoir. Personalize your comment as you'd see fit, but if you do not have time, simply cut and paste the following sentence into the on line comment form:
I'd like to see the Parks And Recreation Department update the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan by including plans for a well-designed natural surface trail network circumnavigating the reservoir.
We also encourage you to attend a public meeting to determine the future of Boulder Reservoir. Keep your message positive and emphasize the opportunity this presents and the low cost nature of these improvements.
Monday, July 13, 2009
5:30 - 8 p.m.
New Day Covenant Church
2801 Jay Road |
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Boulder to Lyons Feeder Canal Trail
Rough Going Ahead
BCPOS held an open house regarding this trail on June 23. Staff has been studying options for trail alignment and has presented the public with 3 main options. After reviewing the three alternatives, Alternative C is our preference. While not perfect, C is most like a trail. Alternatives A and B both follow roads for far too long to be really be considered trails. BMA will be submitting comments about the plan to BCPOS and we encourage you to study the plan and associated alternatives and submit your comments as well. The project webpage can be found here.One important and critical aspect that must be acknowledged; the existing road that Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) employees use along the Feeder Canal is not an option for public use. We must make use of the 'other side of the canal', which is not entirely public land at this time. So without willing landowners, some of this trail may end up quite away from the canal. The rumor mill has started and many land owners fear the county will use eminent domain. This is simply not the case; without willing sellers, BCPOS will not be able to put the trail next to sections of the feeder canal and we will need to connect the dots by riding dirt roads. Boulder County has never used eminent domain to acquire land for recreational use, and we don't see them changing their tune for this project. Rather than seeing this trail as both an asset to their families, to their property values, and to the community as a whole some residents have formed a "No-Trail Alliance". Due to fear and misinformation this group of local landowners is paranoid that the County is going to ruin their lives by condemnation and recreation. They are opposing any trail regardless of alignment. We want BMA and you to stay on the positive side of this argument. Our suggestions for the county involve three key points (feel free to use these in your comments):
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Get this project done. As a community we voted for the trails and transit tax and this project was a key selling point in passing this tax.
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Focus on alignments that give us a trail - not a road or a trail immediately next to a road.
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Work with the land owners to quell the fear and rumors that are creating unreasonable opposition to what will be a great community asset for all county residents.
This recreational/commuter trail has been on the books for over 20 years and is part of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. This plan includes a trail plan that links the communities of Boulder County with each other. This is the plan of "where we want to be". If you are a Boulder County resident, it behooves you to become familiar with this plan and how it affects you, your neighborhood and community. |
New Open Format for Tuesday Night Ride
Our Turesday night ride, previously catered to newbies, is now opened up to all levels. If you're a beginner definitely come out to learn some new skills and enjoy a no-pressure ride. If you're advanced, come out get a good ride in. Jared Berg is a pro racer & endurance coach so you may get special workout assignments to keep it interesting! If the group is gelling we'll just turn the pedals and rail the trails. |
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BMA Girl's Ride July Awesomeness!
Hoot frickin' Hoot! The Skills Session held by the BMA Girls Ride was an incredible success, drawing out over 30 women riders from first timers to old timers. If you couldn't attend last time, come on out to July's skill session on the 9th or join us for our weekly No Drop women's ride where it's all fun and games until... well, it's really just all fun and games.
Which brings us to...(implied rimshot)... July's schedule of rides has just been released! Notice the addition of regular beginner friendly routes for those who are more interested in picking up a few skills and meeting other riders than joining a death march. So, what are you waiting for? Join us for good times, even better rides, and the bestest post-ride bevvies around. Ride details and smile inducing recaps can be found on the blog!
July 9 - Skills Session (TBD)
July 16 - Beginner/Intermediate Ride at Springbrook Trail
July 23 - Intermediate Ride at The Dots/West Magnolia
July 30 - Intermediate/Advanced ride at Ceran St. Vrain |
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SSV Trail Day Full
Thanks to all who'd signed up for the South St. Vrain Trail reroute trail days this weekend. We've got as many folks as we can use! Stay tuned for our next project, and make sure to sign up early so you can come out and play in the dirt! |
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Dave Wiens Tonight at REI
Come visit with Dave Wiens tonight at REI. Don't know Dave? You should! Six time champion of the Leadville 100, including a win over the one roadie you may have heard of six or seven times. Swing on by tonight to chat with one of our sport's best! |
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BMA at Crankworx
Winter Park July 30th - Aug 2nd
Crankworx Colorado is the largest gravity-fueled mountain bike festival in the United States. The best riders in the world compete in Slopestyle, Big Air, Downhill & Dual. The riding is insane and the scene is a blast. Click for more info, and make sure to come by the BMA booth and say hey... |
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Fundraiser for benefit U23 & Junior Riders
Visit Boulder's Tokyo Joe's on Monday, July 13 when fifty percent of the day's profits will be donated to benefit U23 and junior Mountain Bike racers who aspire to race at the international level.
Several Boulder U23 and Junior Mountain Bike racers have already had the opportunity to attend USA Cycling Development camps in Germany and race in Swiss Racer Bikes Cups (formerly Swiss Power Cups) and Bundesliga races. Several others are planning on attending Canadian World Cups. The Ultimate Goal: Mountain Bike World Championships in Canberra, September 1-6. Help us help them achieve their goals! |
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Ride A Mile In My Boots
Last month, BMA members participated in a Boulder County Parks and Open Space event called Ride A Mile In My Boots. We joined members of Boulder County Horse Association (BCHA), Boulder Trail Runners (BTR), Boulder Area Trails Coalition (BATCO), and Redstone Cyclery.
We share the trails with horses, runners and hikers. A few reminders about our friends on the trail:
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Horses have a good memory. If a horse gets spooked by a bike coming behind it, it will be spooked by all bikes for a LONG time, maybe forever. Horses are used to human voices, so identify yourself verbally by saying, "Hello!"
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Horses are paranoid. Makes sense when you're a prey animal. That leaves horse riders at the mercy of everything on the trail that could scare a horse.
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Runners can be faster than bikes . Let them pass on the uphill as you would another bike rider.
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Runners get in "the zone". Make sure they hear you on the downhill BEFORE you pass. A trail runner falling down can lose just as much skin as a mountain biker.
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Hikers. Generally don't mind stepping over to let you pass, when you let them know you're there and they have a safe place to step to. It is a courtesy to let them know if there are more in your riding party or even if you know there are a few more riders back.
Ultimately, this event validated what we all already know - that all trail users have the same goal: FUN. Our means and modes differ, but we are out there because we like it. Remember:
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Courtesy is key. Everyone knows the rules - bikes yield to everyone; everyone yields to horses; downhill yields to uphill. Like it or not. But don't let that ruin your day. Say hello, yield the trail, move on to enjoy the ride.
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Yield the trail. Stop. Pull over to the edge of the trail and tip your bike away from the corridor. DON'T ride off trail to pass. That damages the resource and turns our singletrack into a road. It also damages the reputation for bikers in general.
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Communication. That is the best tool we have for all groups to safely and enjoyable use the trail. Use your friendliest words! | |
