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Valmont Bike Park Update

$500,000 Fundraising Goal Met
 
When we started this project back in 2008, we set a lofty fundraising goal of a half million dollars. It seemed like an enormous stretch, but we took aim and went to work. In less than two years, we've reached this milestone with cash donations, grants, and other gifts. To everyone who played a role: THANK YOU.

The community support has been simply awesome. Our biggest thanks go to the Great Outdoors Colorado grant program, which awarded a $200,000 chunk to our effort. But all donors big and small deserve a slap on the back. The funds will be used to supplement the City's budget for bike trails and terrain. The partnership between BMA and the Parks Department is stronger than ever and everyone is extremely proud of what we've accomplished together.
 
Construction Update
 
Many of you are asking, "When is the park going to open?" As with any large construction project, it is difficult to pinpoint a completion date. Our goal remains to open the park as soon as possible. At this stage, we are realistically aiming at late this summer or early fall for the first phase to be ready to ride. Rest assured, City staff and BMA volunteers are working diligently to keep this project moving.

The City is now preparing the final construction bid documents and we hope to select a group of contractors quickly and commence building later this spring.

The Parks Department originally hoped to build the park in one push. However, due to budget constraints and the complexity of the project, the strategy now is to build the park in phases as City funds become available. The good news is that a large portion of the bike park is scheduled to be built this year in 2010 - about two miles of cross country and cyclocross trails, the downhill slopestyle trails for all abilities, the race start/finish lane, and the kid's learning loop.  The Parks Department is working hard to secure as much funding for the 2010 construction season as they can, and we'll add more trails and technical terrain as soon as possible.

When the park planning process began, our goal was to begin construction in 2009. We met that goal with a ceremonial groundbreaking and by completing the major earthmoving. But the sheer complexity of the project required many more steps navigating the City of Boulder's Land Use Review process than anticipated, and the primary construction got pushed into 2010.

On the plus side, in 2009 we held two awesome volunteer workdays, a super fun groundbreaking and 'cross race, and a huge amount of earth-moving was completed. We also raised a truck load of money thanks to you!

Stay tuned to the BMA newsletter for construction updates over the spring. We will ride there one day soon!
Advocacy Update
 
Wanted: Walker Ranch Regulars!
 
Fifteen years ago, the Walker Ranch Loop was the premier mountain bike ride in Boulder County. Much has changed since then, and many of us who loathed the ride or drive over Flagstaff Mountain have found other, more desirable, opportunities like Heil and Hall Ranches.

BCPOS is ramping up to revisit this management plan. While BMA assumes a leadership role in representing mountain bikers, we certainly don't know it all about this parcel. That's why we are asking for your help.

If you ride Walker more than a dozen times a year, we would like to hear from you about what is working, what isn't, and what is needed to make this open space park better.

Yes, BMA continues to push for an Eldo to Walker connection. The OSMP West TSA process is in full swing and we are hopeful that this connection will pass muster from the City. But much remains to be done both politically and physically before this link becomes a reality. And then there is the connection west to West Mag... we are working it.

Please contact Mike Barrow at mtnbikemike@gmail.com if you want to help shape the future of Walker Ranch Open Space.
 
West TSA
 
After months of meetings that were meant to give everyone in the Community Collaborative Group (CCG) a common base of knowledge, they are finally getting to the important stuff.  Maybe the pace of this process will start to pick up.  Mark McIntyre, the CCG's lone representative, has updated his blog with a report, read it here. 
 
Eldo to Walker Meetings!
 
Well not exactly... The Colorado State Parks are holding public meetings to revamp their strategic focus in the 21st century.  We need people to show up and get State Parks to cater to the mountain biking public more.  Our specific ask is for the Eldo to Walker Ranch connector.  There are two meetings that are relatively close to Boulder:
 
Fort Collins/Loveland
: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields, Fort Collins.
 
Metro Denver Area: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden.
 
BMA and the Boulder cycling community need to make their desires known to State Parks, and this is the part where they actively want to listen. 
 
Colorado MTB Summit in Salida
 
April 2 and 3 -  Mountain bike clubs from all over Colorado will convene in Salida this April to ride, talk, and share our experiences to move everyone forward.  There are issues of regional importance, such as Hidden Gems and State Parks, that require  'regional' coordination and activism.  This is where we make it happen.  If you are interested in representing BMA at the conference, Contact Mike Barrow to find out more.  Financial suppport is available.
  • .....
    One of the main reasons why BMA is a powerful community organization is because we have  a group of smart, passionate people who keep showing up at these types of meetings representing.  If you have a desire to be part of that core group of effective advocates, contact Mike Barrow for more information
  • Calling All Mountain Biking Ladies! 

    Bike season is around the corner!  Come on out to Outdoor Divas on Boulder on March 24th at 7:00 for a FREE bike tech talk by women for women.  The gals from Sports Garage will go over basic bike mechanics, changing a tire, gear to have on hand and how to use it in a fun, Girls Night Out format.  You will also learn about woman-only riding opportunities (like our BMA-sponsored Thursday Night Gurlz Ridez) while you sip on local brews. Please RSVP to events@outdoorDIVAS.com or 303.449.3482.
    Bike Patrol Training
     
    Bike Patrol Training is scheduled for April 10thRegistration now open!
     
    What is the Bike Patrol?
     
    Boulder Mountain Bike Patrol (BMBP) is a volunteer mountain bike organization dedicated to promoting responsible riding and trail use on our public lands, providing a service to all trail users, and participating in this mission by riding our bikes. Our patrollers ride select trails and provide simple, helpful services (give directions to trail users, help with minor mountain bike repairs).
    Lyons Bike Park Fundraiser
     
    The Lyons Bike Park has been growing since 2008 when it was built for the Lyons Outdoor Games. It's since been upgraded and now includes natural terrain and materials (large portions of the park are constructed of stone) that mimic the local trails and terrain that riders will encounter on area and regional open spaces.
     
    But it can get super hot out there with no shade! No fear, the Lyons community has come together to throw a fundraiser so a sun shelter can be built. The Lyons Bike Park fundraiser is at The Barn @ Oskar Blues in Lyons, April 17th from 2-8p.m. Plan on live music, beer, food and bike goodies! All food and beer proceeds will go to The Lyons Bike Park. 
     
    Are you interested in Better Trails for Boulder County?  Then consider joining the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and be part of the solution!  We have memberships starting for as little as $25.  Please click here to be taken to our web site membership section to learn how you can join.