One last thing I forgot to mention – if you can’t attend tonight and still want to make comments, please get them in by Nov.1.  They plan on then using the next few months to formulate a “preferred” plan and will then bring that before the public at meetings in Feb. of next year.

 

 

I attended last nights meeting in Woodland Park and I wanted to pass along some additional information that might be helpful:

 

-          although it is an open house, they do split people into groups and go over some basic concepts at the beginning onf the meeting, so if you can be there @ 6pm, that would probably prove to be useful.

 

-          They unveiled 3 concept plans (they don’t have a preferred one) – I’ll mention some main points I came away with, but by no means are these snippets complete regarding everything in the plans:

 

o        The first has substantial amounts of new multiuse non-motorized singletrack trails that do a pretty good job of linking everything together.  It also had substantial amounts of new motorized trails at the Rainbow Falls motorized area, which I think is probably a good thing.  There were no new motorized trails anywhere else in the area being covered.

o        The second had new motorized emphasis in 2 additional areas to the Rainbow Falls area, but dropped off the new non-motorized singletrack.

o        The third had the mountainbike emphasis area discussed below, but also left out most of the new non-motorized singletrack.

 

I came away thinking that I’d like to see the best of all three rolled into one:

 

- Plenty of new non-motorized singletrack trails linking everything so you can do some nice epic rides from Manitou to Woodland Park to Monument, etc.  I also emphasized that links from communities to the trail network are important.  Specifically that liks to Manitou and Cascade should be included (make the Williams Canyon and Mt. Pyramid Trails that link Cascade and Manitou to the Waldo Canyon Trail official forest service trails).  I’m not as familiar with the trails further north, so maybe those attending tonight can voice similar opinions regarding other communities (Monument, Palmer Lake, etc.)

                        - I liked the fact that they were trying to accommodate the motorized users by including new trails, both singletrack and wider, with “challenge” areas for rockcrawling, etc.

                        - The mountain bike emphasis area is a good idea – not that it be exclusive to mtb use, but that the trails be planned with that user group as the main target.  The trails that they had designated for this use were current roads, so it is a good idea to emphasize that new singletrack is greatly preferred for that use over existing roads.

                        - I also echoed Jim’s thought below that all trails should be inclusive of all non-motorized users.  Properly designed trails can be shared without conflict.  User-specific trails can have their place, but in general it opens a can of worms that may eventually lead to mountain bikes being excluded from the trails we love.

 

 

Don’t forget, if you want any current trail that is not a “forest service designated” trail to be recognized by the USFS as “official” or if you want any new trail to be constructed (even if it’s just to link existing trails), now is the time to speak up.  It is virtually impossible to get this done on a trail by trail basis since every change has to have an environmental study done (go through the NEPA process).  The great thing about the current Management Plan process is that all of the changes will be done under one large NEPA process.  The down side is that another might not be done for this area for another 10-20 yrs.  SO SPEAK UP NOW!

 

And don’t forget to thank the employees of the Forest Service for all they do for us!

 

 

 

I attended last nights meeting in Woodland Park and I wanted to pass along some additional information that might be helpful:

 

-          although it is an open house, they do split people into groups and go over some basic concepts at the beginning onf the meeting, so if you can be there @ 6pm, that would probably prove to be useful.

 

-          They unveiled 3 concept plans (they don’t have a preferred one) – I’ll mention some main points I came away with, but by no means are these snippets complete regarding everything in the plans:

 

o        The first has substantial amounts of new multiuse non-motorized singletrack trails that do a pretty good job of linking everything together.  It also had substantial amounts of new motorized trails at the Rainbow Falls motorized area, which I think is probably a good thing.  There were no new motorized trails anywhere else in the area being covered.

o        The second had new motorized emphasis in 2 additional areas to the Rainbow Falls area, but dropped off the new non-motorized singletrack.

o        The third had the mountainbike emphasis area discussed below, but also left out most of the new non-motorized singletrack.

 

I came away thinking that I’d like to see the best of all three rolled into one:

 

- Plenty of new non-motorized singletrack trails linking everything so you can do some nice epic rides from Manitou to Woodland Park to Monument, etc.  I also emphasized that links from communities to the trail network are important.  Specifically that liks to Manitou and Cascade should be included (make the Williams Canyon and Mt. Pyramid Trails that link Cascade and Manitou to the Waldo Canyon Trail official forest service trails).  I’m not as familiar with the trails further north, so maybe those attending tonight can voice similar opinions regarding other communities (Monument, Palmer Lake, etc.)

                        - I liked the fact that they were trying to accommodate the motorized users by including new trails, both singletrack and wider, with “challenge” areas for rockcrawling, etc.

                        - The mountain bike emphasis area is a good idea – not that it be exclusive to mtb use, but that the trails be planned with that user group as the main target.  The trails that they had designated for this use were current roads, so it is a good idea to emphasize that new singletrack is greatly preferred for that use over existing roads.

                        - I also echoed Jim’s thought below that all trails should be inclusive of all non-motorized users.  Properly designed trails can be shared without conflict.  User-specific trails can have their place, but in general it opens a can of worms that may eventually lead to mountain bikes being excluded from the trails we love.

 

 

Don’t forget, if you want any current trail that is not a “forest service designated” trail to be recognized by the USFS as “official” or if you want any new trail to be constructed (even if it’s just to link existing trails), now is the time to speak up.  It is virtually impossible to get this done on a trail by trail basis since every change has to have an environmental study done (go through the NEPA process).  The great thing about the current Management Plan process is that all of the changes will be done under one large NEPA process.  The down side is that another might not be done for this area for another 10-20 yrs.  SO SPEAK UP NOW!

 

And don’t forget to thank the employees of the Forest Service for all they do for us!

 

 

 

Please note that the correct date for TONIGHT's open house in the previous email is THURSDAY, October 15, not Wednesday, as it was announced.

 

Doh!

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Hi All,

 

There is a US Forest Service Open House tonight regarding the South Rampart Travel Management Plan and we're asking as many riders as possible to attend.

 

·         What is it?  The Forest Service is required to implement a plan governing who uses what trails and roads and where in the national forest.  This means that if mountain bikers don't show up and provide their input, then mountain bikers may be shut out.

 

·         What area does the plan cover?  This particular plan covers the Pike National Forest and Rampart Range from roughly Garden of the Gods north all the way to Rainbow Falls, bordered on the east by the front range and by Highway 67 on the west.  This includes Rampart Reservoir, Shubarth/Deadman's, and the trails around Monument.  Together, it's some of the best riding within an hour's drive of the Springs.

 

·         Where's the meeting?  Colorado Springs Utilities, Leon Young Service Center, Pikes Peak Room (2nd Floor), 1521 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO (Google map link here)

 

·         What's going to happen?  This is the second set of meetings in which USFS will be presenting their thoughts and the outcome of the first meetings which happened in June.  This is an "open house" type format, so you can show up any time between 6:00 and 8:00 and provide your feedback.

 

·         What's our position?  While we have suggested that the area from Rampart Reservoir to Mount Herman Road is an excellent mountain biking area, MWTA's position is that mountain biking should be allowed on all trails that are open to non-motorized uses.  In particular (and this is the main point we want to get across), we don't want separate trails for separate non-motorized uses, i.e. "hiking only" or "horses only" or "bikes only".

 

For more information, you can visit the USFS web site here.  I have also attached a couple of documents from USFS with more information.

 

During the first set of meetings, while we had a good response from USFS, there were some people who wanted "less mountain biking access" or "separate hiking or horse trails".  It's important that we don't let that happen!

 

Thanks for your support in helping keep access open for everyone.

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Here's a great opportunity to keep mountain biking opportunities available for all in the Pike National Forest.  This involves the area roughly from Rampart Range - Garden of the Gods area all the way to Rainbow Falls.  Please plan to attend.

 

 

 

Three Vital Issues for Colorado Mountain Bikers: Apex Park, Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal and Roadless Protection 1) Ask Jefferson County to Reconsider Its Strategy for Apex Park On Sept. 3, 2009, Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) released its recommended, revised management plan for improving visitor experiences at Apex Park. IMBA and its local affiliate the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA) believe the plan needs substantial revisions before it will be fair and equitable to mountain bikers. If adopted in its current state, the JCOS plan would be a huge loss for the mountain bike community. It would also represent a dangerous precedent for JCOS, and potentially other public lands across Colorado. The only travel restrictions imposed by this plan are against cyclists' interests. Please join us in asking JCOS to improve its management strategy for Apex. 2) Update on the Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign is a proposal to greatly expand Wilderness areas in central Colorado. IMBA-affiliated clubs, including the Roaring Fork Valley Mountain Bike Association (RFMBA) and the Summit Fat Tire Society (SFTS), have expressed strong concerns about the plan. While mountain bikers support protections against development and resource extraction, we also know that Wilderness designations -- which eliminate bike use -- are not the only tool for protecting public lands. Please visit the RFVMBA advocacy webpage for comprehensive information about the Hidden Gems plan. 3) Tell Governor Ritter to Support Strong Roadless Protection in Colorado What's the common factor for the 401 Trail, Rabbit Ears Pass and Monarch Crest? They all include Forest Service lands known as "roadless areas." There are more than 4 million acres of Forest Service roadless areas in Colorado, all of it open to mountain biking. The state is looking for input on how all these wild lands should be managed -- they need to hear from mountain bikers. IMBA has been working with its collegues at Outdoor Alliance to make sure roadless areas in Colorado are protected and remain open for all of us to enjoy now, and in the future. Click here to file your comments. Want to get a better sense of what roadless protection really means? Check out this online video.

 

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While not technically a MWTA project, we're happy to support the visit of the Trail Care Crew to Canon City.  Want to learn more about building trails?  Here's a good way to do it:

 

Trail Enthusiasts,

 

The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visit is fast approaching.  The following is the schedule of events for the weekend.  We hope to see everyone there, and please bring a friend or two.  Let’s show the BLM there really is interest in local trail-based recreation in the Cañon City area.  If you can only make to one event, plan on attending the Saturday August 22^nd Trailbuilding School and field session.

 

Friday, August 21^st 7:00pm

Pizza Madness: Informal Social with LAMBA and IMBA Trail Care Crew

 

Saturday, August 22^nd 9:00am until noon

IMBA Trailbuilding School – Garden Park High School (201 North 6^th Street)

 

Saturday, August 22^nd 1:00pm until 5:00pm

Local BLM land: IMBA Trailbuilding Field Session

 

Saturday, August 23^rd 7:00pm

Whitewater Bar and Grill: Informal Social with LAMBA and IMBA Trail Care Crew

 

Sunday, August 23^rd

Group Ride: location and time tbd

 

IMBA has set up a registration page at:  www.go.imba.com/canoncity

Please use the IMBA page to let us know you’re coming or drop me a quick email so we can have enough chairs, tools, equipment… etc.

 

As an added incentive (beyond trails in our backyard), Pizza Madness is offering $7 pitchers of New Belgium Friday night, and the Whitewater Bar and Grill will provide one free beer/soda to everyone that comes out for the Trailbuilding School.

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

We're almost finished with Zipline!

 

This Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30 pm, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is holding a trail building day near Bear Creek Canyon in Colorado Springs.   We've been working on the trail since May and, while Zipline now connects through, there's a lot of detail work still to be done.  Please come down and help us finish up.

 

No previous trail building experience is needed. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will provide all the tools and trained crew leaders.

 

Please meet us on Bear Creek Road, just up from the large green water tank, starting at 5:30 pm.   Click here for a Google Map to the parking area.

 

PLEASE RSVP to jim@... if you plan to attend.

 

We look forward to working together with you to finish this newest trail addition to the city parks.

 

NOTE: Due to Safety and liability concerns we ask you to please leave your children and dogs at home (or another suitable location that will care for them while you’re out having fun building trail)

 

Project Background

The Zipline Trail in West Bear Creek Park

In early 2009, the City of Colorado Springs granted Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. the approval to build a new trail at the far west end of Bear Creek Park. This new trail will provide users with a great way to connect a number of other trail systems in the area with little or no use of surface roads. It also eliminates the need for users to be on one of the narrowest parts of Gold Camp Road while transitioning between trails. Plus, the new trail has incredible views and some very interesting sandstone rock features.

 

The area is located at the far west end of Bear Creek Park (which is owned by El Paso County) where a chunk of land tucked into the crook of Gold Camp Road is actually owned by the city of Colorado Springs. This property lies at the junction of several critical trails: Bear Creek Canyon, the Section 16 trailhead, Bear Creek Park, the Chamberlain Trail, and Gold Camp Road. The basic idea is to tie all these elements together with a couple of miles of new multi-use trail, designed with mountain bikes, hikers, runners, and long-term sustainability in mind.

 

For a map of the trail click here

 

For more details on the MWTA web page, click here

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

We're almost finished with Zipline!

 

This Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30 pm, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is holding a trail building day near Bear Creek Canyon in Colorado Springs.   We've been working on the trail since May and, while Zipline now connects through, there's a lot of detail work still to be done.  Please come down and help us finish up.

 

No previous trail building experience is needed. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will provide all the tools and trained crew leaders.

 

Please meet us on Bear Creek Road, just up from the large green water tank, starting at 5:30 pm.   Click here for a Google Map to the parking area.

 

PLEASE RSVP to jim@... if you plan to attend.

 

We look forward to working together with you to finish this newest trail addition to the city parks.

 

NOTE: Due to Safety and liability concerns we ask you to please leave your children and dogs at home (or another suitable location that will care for them while you’re out having fun building trail)

 

Project Background

The Zipline Trail in West Bear Creek Park

In early 2009, the City of Colorado Springs granted Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. the approval to build a new trail at the far west end of Bear Creek Park. This new trail will provide users with a great way to connect a number of other trail systems in the area with little or no use of surface roads. It also eliminates the need for users to be on one of the narrowest parts of Gold Camp Road while transitioning between trails. Plus, the new trail has incredible views and some very interesting sandstone rock features.

 

The area is located at the far west end of Bear Creek Park (which is owned by El Paso County) where a chunk of land tucked into the crook of Gold Camp Road is actually owned by the city of Colorado Springs. This property lies at the junction of several critical trails: Bear Creek Canyon, the Section 16 trailhead, Bear Creek Park, the Chamberlain Trail, and Gold Camp Road. The basic idea is to tie all these elements together with a couple of miles of new multi-use trail, designed with mountain bikes, hikers, runners, and long-term sustainability in mind.

 

For a map of the trail click here

 

For more details on the MWTA web page, click here

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

We're almost finished with Zipline!

 

Next Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30 pm, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is holding a trail building day near Bear Creek Canyon in Colorado Springs.   We've been working on the trail since May and, while Zipline now connects through, there's a lot of detail work still to be done.  Please come down and help us finish up.

 

No previous trail building experience is needed. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will provide all the tools and trained crew leaders.

 

Please meet us on Bear Creek Road, just up from the large green water tank, starting at 5:30 pm.   Click here for a Google Map to the parking area.

 

PLEASE RSVP to jim@... if you plan to attend.

 

We look forward to working together with you to finish this newest trail addition to the city parks.

 

NOTE: Due to Safety and liability concerns we ask you to please leave your children and dogs at home (or another suitable location that will care for them while you’re out having fun building trail)

 

Project Background

The Zipline Trail in West Bear Creek Park

In early 2009, the City of Colorado Springs granted Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. the approval to build a new trail at the far west end of Bear Creek Park. This new trail will provide users with a great way to connect a number of other trail systems in the area with little or no use of surface roads. It also eliminates the need for users to be on one of the narrowest parts of Gold Camp Road while transitioning between trails. Plus, the new trail has incredible views and some very interesting sandstone rock features.

 

The area is located at the far west end of Bear Creek Park (which is owned by El Paso County) where a chunk of land tucked into the crook of Gold Camp Road is actually owned by the city of Colorado Springs. This property lies at the junction of several critical trails: Bear Creek Canyon, the Section 16 trailhead, Bear Creek Park, the Chamberlain Trail, and Gold Camp Road. The basic idea is to tie all these elements together with a couple of miles of new multi-use trail, designed with mountain bikes, hikers, runners, and long-term sustainability in mind.

 

For a map of the trail click here

 

For more details on the MWTA web page, click here

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Just a couple of photos from Phase II of the Red Rock Canyon freeride area.  Many thanks to the folks from the city who moved all that dirt in just a couple of days!

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Just a reminder that we will be holding a trail building session tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15, at 5:30 pm at the Zipline trail in Bear Creek canyon.

 

We will be meeting at the bottom entrance (not where we have met before), on Bear Creek Road, just up from the water tank.  For a map, please see google maps here.

 

Please reply if you plan to be there.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Surprise!  The city called last week and told us that they were ready to proceed with moving dirt at Red Rocks for the freeride area phase II.  So, work on the downhill jump line is underway! 

 

Right now, we need some water to help with compacting the jumps.  Does anyone on the list have a water truck or trailer (think landscaping) that can be volunteered to help get Phase II done?  If so, please shoot me an email and I'll get you the details.

 

And as a heads up, in c couple of days we may be looking for a few folks to help with the final shaping (moving dirt) once the rough work is done with Phase II.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

We're Almost There!

 

This Sunday, June 28, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is holding our next trail building day near Bear Creek Canyon in Colorado Springs.

 

The Zipline Trail in West Bear Creek Park

In early 2009, the City of Colorado Springs granted Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. the approval to build a new trail at the far west end of Bear Creek Park. This new trail will provide users with a great way to connect a number of other trail systems in the area with little or no use of surface roads. It also eliminates the need for users to be on one of the narrowest parts of Gold Camp Road while transitioning between trails. Plus, the new trail has incredible views and some very interesting sandstone rock features.

 

We've has several build days so far, and we're getting close to finishing!

 

Help Us Finish It! - Sunday June 28

 

No previous trail building experience is needed. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will provide all the tools and trained crew leaders. On Sunday, June 28, we are planning three shifts of four hours each, and volunteers can sign up for one or more shifts. Trail building will start at 10:00 am, Noon, or 2:00 pm on Sunday June 28.

 

Please meet us at the main parking lot and construction entrance, located off of Gold Camp Road, at one of our session start times, 10:00 am, Noon, or 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 31. Click here for a Google Map to the parking area.

 

PLEASE RSVP to jim@... if you plan to attend.

 

We look forward to working together with you on June 28 to help make this stunning piece of trail into reality.

 

NOTE: Due to Safety and liability concerns we ask you to please leave your children and dogs at home (or another suitable location that will care for them while you’re out having fun building trail)

 

Project Background

In late 2006, we had a vision while riding up Gold Camp Road near Bear Creek Canyon. It may have been lack of air. Who knows? Anyway, we went to the city and asked if we could build some really interesting new trails that would also fill a need. So, here we are in early 2009, the city has given their blessing, and we are under construction.

 

The area is located at the far west end of Bear Creek Park (which is owned by El Paso County) where a chunk of land tucked into the crook of Gold Camp Road is actually owned by the city of Colorado Springs. This property lies at the junction of several critical trails: Bear Creek Canyon, the Section 16 trailhead, Bear Creek Park, the Chamberlain Trail, and Gold Camp Road. The basic idea is to tie all these elements together with a couple of miles of new multi-use trail, designed with mountain bikes, hikers, runners, and long-term sustainability in mind.

 

For a map of the trail click here

 

For more details on the MWTA web page, click here

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Good Morning All,

 

The US Forest Service is holding an open house TONIGHT, Wednesday June 24,  from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to discuss the South Rampart Travel Management Plan.  This plan covers the area from essentially the Blodgett Peak area north into Douglas County, east of highway 67 to the edge of the Front Range.

 

The Travel Management Plan is intended to address motorized and non-motorized uses (trails and roads) in the area and will have a lasting impact on the future of this area.

 

Medicine Wheel has suggested to the USFS that the area from Rampart Reservoir north to Mt Herman Road be considered as a "recommended mountain biking area", which may even include closing some access to motorized uses.  This suggested area includes the trail around the reservoir, but also extends to Shubarth trail, the Deadman's area, Stanley Reservoir,  and potentially connects all the way to the town of Monument and the Mt Herman trails.  If you haven't seen or ridden this area, it's definitely worth a trip, as it contains some of the most spectacular and un-crowded alpine terrain within a short drive of the Springs.

 

Please show up at the open house and support the designation of this area for mountain biking use.

 

It's an open house format, so you can attend at any time from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  It's at the Coronado High School, Commons, 1590 W. Fillmore St.

 

You can see a copy of the scoping letter outlining the process here:   http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/projects/pp_ramp/final_scoping_rampart.pdf

 

Thanks!

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Hi All, I forgot to mention that if you want to arrive early (say 5:00 pm) and bring a bike, I highly recommend riding the trail we have built.  You'll learn a ton about what works and what needs some more adjustments.

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Just a quick reminder that we will be building more of the Zipline Trail tonight starting at 5:30 pm.  For more information and a map to the meeting place, please click here

 

See you there!

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Happy Friday Everyone!

 

We had another great build day on Wednesday.  The trail is now built almost to the "section 3-section 4" junction (click for map).  We're about halfway there!  Once we make it to the "fin" at Turn 3, we'll be starting some very interesting rock work.  A nice change from all the scrub oak!

 

We have juggled the schedule a bit accommodate some changes.  The folks from SRAM will be coming out for a private build day in about a week and a half, so our public trail building dates are now Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30 pm  and Sunday, June 28 at either 10:00 am, 12 noon, or 2:00 pm.  Please see our web page for more details.  PLEASE NOTE that we have cancelled Wednesday the 24th.

 

Also, we are proud to announce that the Women's Mountain Biking Association of Colorado Springs www.wmbacos.org will be partnering with MWTA to help out with trail building on Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 pm. WMBACOS seems like a great organization, so stop by their web site & check them out.

 

If you would like to attend any of the public trail days, please send me an email.

 

Have a great weekend.

  

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Hi All!

 

We had an amazingly successful trail building day last Sunday, with about 30 volunteers showing up for a full day of building the new Zipline trail.  We estimate that the trail is now about 30% complete.

 

A good time was had by everyone and we have pictures posted on the MWTA Facebook page at  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=62658489040&ref=ts .

 

OUR NEXT BUILD DAY IS THIS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, AT 5:30 PM until dusk.  For the rest of June, we have another Wednesday evening on the 24th, then an all day Sunday on the 28th of June.  For more details go to http://www.medwheel.org/bcw.html .

 

If you plan on attending any of these, please RSVP to jim@... so that we can plan accordingly.

 

And finally, thanks to everyone who has helped out so far:  Allen Beauchamp, Amy Peabody, Brant Ford, Brian Linthicum, Chris Roberts, Cory Sutela, Dave Nothstein, Doug Bursnall, John Gadbois, Mark Foster, Mary Hoyle, Mike Neustedter, Ryan Knipe, Sean Mullally, Jeremiah Boobar, Harry Hamill, Ron Bollenberge, David Pico, Jon Severson, Tim Lynch, Stephen Masopust, Helen Masopust, Dan Downs, Denise Downs, Kraig Deschaine, Jaren Bryant, Mandy Green, Mark Martinez, John Pressprich, Craig Carroll, Jeremy Rickard, Scott Kubina, Chue Her, Paul Vana, Blake Wilson, William Hogrefe, Anthony Bujak, Nick Thelen, Rob Lucas, and Bruce Walker.

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

ps - if I missed anyone or spelled your name wrong, please let me know.

This Sunday, May 31, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is holding a trail building day near Bear Creek Canyon in Colorado Springs.

 

The Zipline Trail in West Bear Creek Park

 

In early 2009, the City of Colorado Springs granted Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. the approval to build a new trail at the far west end of Bear Creek Park. This new trail will provide users with a great way to connect a number of other trail systems in the area with little or no use of surface roads. It also eliminates the need for users to be on one of the narrowest parts of Gold Camp Road while transitioning between trails. Plus, the new trail has incredible views and some very interesting sandstone rock features.

 

Help Us Build It! - Sunday May 31

 

No previous trail building experience is needed. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will provide all the tools and trained crew leaders. On Sunday, May 31, we are planning three shifts of four hours each, and volunteers can sign up for one or more shifts. Trail building will start at 10:00 am, Noon, or 4:00 pm on Sunday May 31.

 

Please meet us at the main parking lot and construction entrance, located off of Gold Camp Road, at one of our session start times, 10:00 am, Noon, or 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 31. Click here for a Google Map to the parking area.

 

PLEASE RSVP to jim@... if you plan to attend.

 

We look forward to working together with you on May 31st to help make this stunning piece of trail into reality.

 

NOTE: Due to Safety and liability concerns we ask you to please leave your children and dogs at home (or another suitable location that will care for them while you’re out having fun building trail)

 

Project Background

 

In late 2006, we had a vision while riding up Gold Camp Road near Bear Creek Canyon. It may have been lack of air. Who knows? Anyway, we went to the city and asked if we could build some really interesting new trails that would also fill a need. So, here we are in early 2009, the city has given their blessing, and we are under construction.

 

The area is located at the far west end of Bear Creek Park (which is owned by El Paso County) where a chunk of land tucked into the crook of Gold Camp Road is actually owned by the city of Colorado Springs. This property lies at the junction of several critical trails: Bear Creek Canyon, the Section 16 trailhead, Bear Creek Park, the Chamberlain Trail, and Gold Camp Road. The basic idea is to tie all these elements together with a couple of miles of new multi-use trail, designed with mountain bikes, hikers, runners, and long-term sustainability in mind.

 

For a map of the trail click here

 

For more details on the MWTA web page, click here

 

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

This Sunday, May 31, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is holding a trail building day near Bear Creek Canyon in Colorado Springs.

 

The Zipline Trail in West Bear Creek Park

 

In early 2009, the City of Colorado Springs granted Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. the approval to build a new trail at the far west end of Bear Creek Park. This new trail will provide users with a great way to connect a number of other trail systems in the area with little or no use of surface roads. It also eliminates the need for users to be on one of the narrowest parts of Gold Camp Road while transitioning between trails. Plus, the new trail has incredible views and some very interesting sandstone rock features.

 

Help Us Build It! - Sunday May 31

 

No previous trail building experience is needed. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will provide all the tools and trained crew leaders. On Sunday, May 31, we are planning three shifts of four hours each, and volunteers can sign up for one or more shifts. Trail building will start at 10:00 am, Noon, or 4:00 pm on Sunday May 31.

 

Please meet us at the main parking lot and construction entrance, located off of Gold Camp Road, at one of our session start times, 10:00 am, Noon, or 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 31. Click here for a Google Map to the parking area.

 

PLEASE RSVP to jim@... if you plan to attend.

 

We look forward to working together with you on May 31st to help make this stunning piece of trail into reality.

 

NOTE: Due to Safety and liability concerns we ask you to please leave your children and dogs at home (or another suitable location that will care for them while you’re out having fun building trail)

 

Project Background

 

In late 2006, we had a vision while riding up Gold Camp Road near Bear Creek Canyon. It may have been lack of air. Who knows? Anyway, we went to the city and asked if we could build some really interesting new trails that would also fill a need. So, here we are in early 2009, the city has given their blessing, and we are under construction.

 

The area is located at the far west end of Bear Creek Park (which is owned by El Paso County) where a chunk of land tucked into the crook of Gold Camp Road is actually owned by the city of Colorado Springs. This property lies at the junction of several critical trails: Bear Creek Canyon, the Section 16 trailhead, Bear Creek Park, the Chamberlain Trail, and Gold Camp Road. The basic idea is to tie all these elements together with a couple of miles of new multi-use trail, designed with mountain bikes, hikers, runners, and long-term sustainability in mind.

 

For a map of the trail click here

 

For more details on the MWTA web page, click here

 

 

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

 

May 21, 2009

 

City Bicycle Advisory Subcommittee Seeks Volunteers

 

The City of Colorado Springs¡¯ Citizens¡¯ Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB) is seeking applicants for the recently created Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC).  The CTAB is an advisory board to the City Council on transportation issues.  One of its assignments is to address bicycle transportation issues, so CTAB has formed a Bicycle Advisory Committee to help it address these issues. There are 7 positions available.

 

The purpose of the Bicycle Advisory Committee is to:

 

¡¤         Review key bicycle transportation issues brought before CTAB and make recommendations to CTAB on the resolution of those issues;

¡¤         Provide input on prioritizing bicycle transportation projects;

¡¤         Review and advise CTAB on emerging bicycle transportation issues; and

¡¤         Provide advice to CTAB on bicycle transportation matters in the City¡¯s Intermodal Transportation Plan (ITP).

 

The Bicycle Advisory Committee will be comprised of the following representatives:

 

¡¤         Two members from CTAB (one CTAB member is designated the chairperson)

¡¤         Seven additional members serving at-large

 

The Bicycle Advisory Committee has been established as a special subcommittee to CTAB; meetings will be scheduled upon the request of CTAB to discuss bicycle transportation issues as CTAB needs input.

 

Candidates should have an interest in the bicycle transportation issues faced by the City of Colorado Springs, the ability to attend meetings and, most importantly, be able to work on problem solving and contribute to meaningful solutions to the issues addressed.  NOTE: BAC applicants must be residents of the City of Colorado Springs because CTAB is an advisory board to the Colorado Springs City Council.

 

Since this subcommittee is being filled for the first time, four of the at-large member appointments will be made for a two-year term and three of the at-large member appointments will be made for a one-year term.  BAC members can be appointed to a maximum of two consecutive terms of service.

 

Please submit a letter of interest with your complete contact information by Monday, June 15, 2009 to:

 

CTAB Bicycle Advisory Committee

¨G City of Colorado Springs

Attn:  Sharon DeWitt

P.O. Box 1575, MC 410

Colorado Springs, CO  80901-1575

sdewitt@...

 

Please include any particular experience with bicycling you have.  Likewise, if you are applying to represent a specific bicycle-oriented organization/business, please note this in your letter.

 

Interviews will be held with a selected number of applicants after which a slate of candidates will be recommended to CTAB for appointment to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.

 

For more information on the BAC, contact Kristin Bennett (385-5908 or kbennett@...) or visit the City¡¯s BAC web page at www.springsgov.com/BAC.  For more information on the CTAB, please visit the advisory board¡¯s web page on www.SpringsGov.com (under ¡°Commissions & Committees¡±).

 

-end-

 

Hi All,

 

Well, it looks like Summer is upon us and Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is proud to announce our newest singletrack trail project - the Zipline Trail at the entrance to Bear Creek Canyon.

 

Our first public trail building day is scheduled for Sunday May 31.  We're trying something new this year and going to have three, four hour "shifts" throughout the day.  If you'd like to come down and help out with the new trail, you can show up at either 10:00 am, Noon, or 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 31.  No experience is needed.  We'll have crew leaders standing by to guide you and MWTA will provide all the tools.

 

You can find more information, maps and details at the web site here.

 

So SAVE THE DATE.  We'll be sending out more details soon.

 

Jim Schwerin Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Inc. Phone & Fax - 719-633-0025 jim@...

 

 

Help Enhance the Famous Crested Butte-Gunnison Trail System    IMBA urges mountain bikers to protect and enhance the legendary trail system of Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado. The Forest Service and BLM are in the process of designating all trails as either open or closed to bicycle use. This is your opportunity to ensure bike access to a fun, sustainable singletrack network. IMBA asks mountain bikers to support proposals from the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) and Gunnison Trails that would enhance this spectaular riding destination by creating better loop options and more all-day epics. Take Action! Tell the Forest Service and BLM you value mountain biking in Crested Butte and Gunnison. Individualized comments are most effective: Use IMBA's simple template and customize your letter with your own thoughts. Your support directly benefits well-known trails like 401, 403, Teocalli Ridge and more! Proposals for Better Riding Green Lake Trail - Under the Forest Service Proposed Alternative, this trail would be closed to mountain bikers, open only to hiker/equestrian users. This trail is one of very few trails that can be acccessed right from town. It is both a world class climb and an amazing downhill, with great views of high mountain lakes and vistas over the picturesque town of Crested Butte, and it has been enjoyed by mountain bikers for years. CBMBA would like to see the Forest Service manage this trail according to their Alternative #4, which keeps this important trail open to mountain bikers.   Carbon Creek Trail - Under the Forest Service Proposed Alternative, this trail would be closed to mountain bikers, open only to hiker/equestrian users. This is an excellent mountain biking trail near town, yet with the feel of a wilderness experience. It's rocky, it's tough, and it's more technical than the more famous trails of Crested Butte. Carbon Creek Trail, along with the Green Lake Trail, is an integral part of a trail network that offers several loop options for varying distances. Included in this network is the proposed trail from Crested Butte to Gunnison. CBMBA would like to see the Forest Service manage this trail according to their Alternative #4, which keeps this important trail open to mountain bikers.   Teocalli Ridge Trail - Under the Forest Service Alternative #3, which is under consideration by the Forest Service, this trail would become decommissioned and closed to all trail users. Teocalli Ridge is a world-renowned mountain biking trail. It has been featured in several mountain biking magazines, recently for its breathtaking uphill, and more often for its hair-raising descent. This trail is a true Crested Butte legendary ride. CBMBA would like to see the Forest Service manage this trail according to their Alternative #4, which keeps this important trail open to mountain bikers. Snodgrass to #403 Trail (proposed) - CBMBA has proposed this new trail which links the ever popular Snodgrass Trail to one of Crested Butte's most infamous downhills, the #403 trail. Currently a rider must spin for miles up a steep, dusty road to reach the #403 trail, or shuttle a car to each end of this popular descent. CBMBA proposes building this new singletrack trail to allow mountain bikers to enjoy a better riding experience and to reduce vehicle traffic in the Crested Butte valley. CBMBA would like to see the Snodgrass to #403 Trail, which is currently on the Forest Service Alternative #4, be included on the Forest Service Proposed Alternative.   Mt. Crested Butte to Gothic Trail (proposed) - CBMBA has proposed this new trail which links the town of Mt. Crested Butte to the town of Gothic which is the start or finish to the #403 trail, Deer Creek Trail, and the extremely popular #401 trail. The road to the town of Gothic, where the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab is located, sees an incredible amount of vehicle traffic due to the many recreational opportunities that exist near this town, including the trails mentioned above. Creating this new trail would greatly reduce the vehicle traffic on this road. CBMBA would like to see the Mt. Crested Butte to Gothic Trail, which is currently on the Forest Service Alternative #4, be included on the Forest Service Proposed Alternative.   Crested Butte to Gunnison Trail (proposed) - Gunnison Trails has proposed this new trail linking the world famous singletrack trails of Crested Butte to the undiscovered but unequaled trails of Gunnison. This trail would become the new standard for epic rides in the nation. Not only would this trail provide an excellent single track experience for locals and visitors alike, it would help ensure healthy tourism for the Gunnison Valley for years to come. CBMBA would like to see the Crested Butte to Gunnison Trail, which is currently on the Forest Service  Alternative #4, be included on the Forest Service Proposed Alternative.  Amazing vistas and epic singletrack define the Crested Butte-Gunnison area. Photo: David Ochs. Three Things You Can Do 1. Take Action! 2. Help save trails like these around the country by donating to the IMBA Legal Advocacy Fund. 3. Tell your friends to take action! Epic Areas at Stake This planning process will shape one of the country's most famous trail systems for the next 15-20 years. Rides like 401, 403, Hartman Rocks, Teocalli Ridge and more have made Crested Butte-Gunnison a destination--let's keep it that way.

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Just a heads-up on the open house that the USFS is having at Co Spr Utilites tomorrow evening.  The proposed area of thinning covers a lot of the Pikes Peak region and may or may not impact trails (I’m curious about the potential impact.  Any new road cutting for access?  Any new trails that might have to be cut for access?  Will old roads or trails be regraded/widened?   If you are curious as well, show up and ask questions).  Unfortunately I can’t make it due to prior commitments, but I will be calling them with questions and determining how else we can make comments on the project.  Here are the open house details: 

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

The U.S. Forest Service will hold an open house 5:30 to 7:30 p.m . April 23 on a proposal to thin or burn 25,000 acres of forest on Pikes Peak. The meeting will be at the Leon Young Service Center, 1521 Hancock Expressway, in the Pikes Peak Room.

Below is the Gazette article on this and here’s a link to the map of proposed thinning area (area to be thinned in green (it’s huge) - red is area of highest fire risk): http://video.onset.freedom.com/colgazette/khx307-0411forestmap.pdf

 

 

There is some additional info at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/projects/ - see “Pikes Peak District - Catamount Project” under the “Fuels Treatment Projects” heading on the right of the page.

 

 

Jim Yount

jyount@...

719-540-1505

************************************************************

Fire danger brings call for action on Pikes Peak

April 10, 2009 - 5:16 PM

R. SCOTT RAPPOLD

THE GAZETTE

The U.S. Forest Service wants to thin or burn 25,000 acres of overgrown forest on Pikes Peak and surrounding foothills, areas where fire suppression has created "unnatural forest conditions prime for catastrophic wildlfire," the agency said in a news release Friday.

It would be the largest tree removal project on the peak since 1890s loggers left wide swaths of the mountain bare to meet the demands of Cripple Creek's gold rush.

Officials say thinning and burning is needed because a major fire on the peak would pose a threat to the lives and property of the many people who live adjacent to the peak's forests, Colorado Springs' water system, a tourism industry that depends on 500,000 visitors to the mountain each year and the nearby outdoor recreation that is the reason many people live here.

The Forest Service will hold an open house April 23, as part of an environmental assessment on the thinning project. Colorado Springs Utilities, which operates a network of reservoirs and pipelines and owns 15,000 acres on the peak, is also taking part.

It is unclear when the work would occur. The environmental review would last into 2010. A Pike National Forest official could not be reached Friday.

The project grew from a study last year, the 2008 Catamount Landscape Assessment Report, that found large parts of the peak have become overgrown because humans have suppressed fires that would otherwise clear foliage and keep stands of trees from becoming too dense.

"The result has been a transformation of forest stands moving from open park-like areas into more dense stands," the report said. Among the ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and Gambel oak, which make up most of the peak's forests between 6,000 and 10,000 feet of elevation, large fires historically occurred every 50 to 60 years, and smaller ones more frequently.

But after the area was logged in the late 19th century, fires have been suppressed.

The study says 160 fires occurred from 1974 to 2006 in the project area. Most, 120, were less than one-quarter acre, 37 were between one-quarter and 10 acres, and only three burned more than 10 acres. The total area burned by the fires was 145 acres.

The study said 46 percent of this area, known as the montane zone, has a moderate fire risk, and 50 percent has a high risk. Most of the high-risk areas are along Ute Pass, on both sides of U.S. Highway 24, the lower slopes of Pikes Peak west of Colorado Springs and along Colorado Highway 67 south of Divide.

The report said 16,600 acres of the most overgrown areas could be thinned by hand and machine, but on 9,000 acres, the slope is too steep, and controlled burns could be used.

While the Forest Service has increased tree-thinning and controlled burns in Pike National Forest since the 2002 Hayman fire, little has been done on Pikes Peak, just a 150-acre project last year to remove trees killed by beetles along Ute Pass, and sporadic clearing around campgrounds.

The Colorado State Forest Service has thinned 600 acres of Utilities land around reservoirs.

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

The U.S. Forest Service will hold an open house 5:30 to 7:30 p.m . April 23 on a proposal to thin or burn 25,000 acres of forest on Pikes Peak. The meeting will be at the Leon Young Service Center, 1521 Hancock Expressway, in the Pikes Peak Room.

 

There are large efforts afoot among the some of the hiking/equestrian/wilderness communities to see that this does not occur.  Please take the time to submit comments to help make it a reality.

Happy Holidays,

 

 

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has proposed an important rule change that will make it easier for parks to open trails to mountain biking. IMBA urges mountain bikers to register comments in support of the new rule. We have been asking the NPS to make this change since the 1990s — we now enter a 60-day commentary period to make the change official. Take Action Now! We know that several groups are working hard to defeat this proposal. It will take thousands of comments supporting the NPS to ensure the rule is approved. Please lend your voice to the discussion today. Bicycling broadens recreational offerings in national parks and helps Americans get much-needed exercise. It connects people with the natural world and is a fun, low-impact activity. Observers of national parks worry that the NPS is losing relevance with today's youth — bicycling can help address that problem. Mountain biking is a great way to help kids fall in love with parks. According to the Outdoor Industry Foundation, bicycling is a leading “gateway activity” that gets kids outside and interested in outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, camping and fishing. Many trails will not be good candidates for bicycle use. IMBA recognizes that bicycling will not be considered in Wilderness Areas or Wilderness Study Areas, and that many historic parks and battlefields will not be suitable for mountain biking. We also know, however, that shared-use trails have proven successful in thousands of locations, including many federally managed parks. The most promising properties offer a combination of non-Wilderness lands and underutilized facilities that make them good candidates for expanded mountain biking opportunities. IMBA-affiliated clubs can assist the NPS in identifying the best locations for mountain biking. If the local NPS staff agrees an opportunity exists, our clubs stand ready to provide park staff with volunteer resources. As the proposal explicitly states, none of the NPS procedures for environmental review — or opportunities for public commentary — will be diminished by this rule change. What it achieves is a more manageable system for adopting mountain biking trails. The proposal states, "As a general matter, the proposed rule provides park superintendents with a more efficient and effective way to determine whether opening existing trails to bicycles would be appropriate in the park unit they manage." Thanks for taking action,   Mike Van Abel Executive Director International Mountain Bicycling Association Please Take Action Now!       Top: Youth experiencing Fort Dupont Park by bicycle. Bottom: IMBA volunteers at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. You can read IMBA's white paper analysis of the proposed rule change and view the entire text in the Federal Register online. We believe that this measure will enhance national parks and deserves your support — please file your comments and help bring responsible, sustainable mountain biking to America’s most treasured places. Don’t underestimate the importance of supporting mountain biking in National Parks. State and local land managers look to these places to guide their access considerations. Maybe you don’t have a unit of the National Park Service in your backyard, but many of IMBA’s 700 clubs do. They need your help today!

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