All Medicine Wheel Members,

 

Although we did not get everything we wanted I believe we have won a huge battle, and we are still in a great position to continue advancing our sport. Granted, it appears as though the proposed 'hiking only' trail presents a blow to cycling, and it does, but it is certainly not a death blow. The entire hiker only designation still only amounts to about 7% of the available trails in the park. Contrast the remaining 93% of proposed bicycle available trails that we will have access to, to the less than 10% (144 acres out of 1600+) of the Garden of the Gods process of ten years ago. Please understand, there are many of us that to this day that have given up literally miles of trail for the last ten years to further the advancement of off road bicycling in the Pikes Peak area. It was those cyclists willingness to sacrifice during the Garden of the Gods Master Plan exercise that set the stage of credibility for these current negotiations. I fully believe that what you have accomplished today at RRC is the fruit of our collective efforts. This proposed outcome is far more than a just substantial statement to the presence of responsible off road cycling in the Pikes Peak Region, it also continues to validate and legitimize our presence. And most importantly it leaves the door wide open for us to continue our pursuit.

 

Furthermore, the process of turning the existing dirt roads into challenging singletrack is not just a pipe dream, but it is definitely doable. Past history within Parks and Recreation has proven (Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park, and Stratton Open Space) that they are willing to follow through with their promises, but it is up to Medicine Wheel to be part of that process. The exercise has only just begun. This is where we need to step forward for the long haul and assure these trails accommodate all user needs through the coming years.

 

My recommendation is that Medicine Wheel officially adopt RRC. There is no better way to protect our sport and educate other user groups about sustainable trails, than by leading the way. It is totally within the realm of possibility to partner with other user groups in an ongoing effort to build a vibrant recreational community, and quite frankly, that is what Medicine Wheel is all about.

 

Furthermore, consider the icing on top of the cake, and that is the fact that RRC is providing the first designated Freeride area in Colorado Springs. This is huge!

 

Group, please join me in congratulating Jim Yount and all of you off road cyclists that participated for your tireless efforts in professionally representing mountain biking and the Medicine Wheel.

 

Happy trails,

josh