Trail blazing in Colorado

Spring Canyon Terrain Park gets a face-lift

If you’re a mountain biker wanting to sharpen your skills on some natural type obstacles you’ll be happy to know the Spring Canyon Terrain Park is open for business after a recent reconstruction.  The obstacles built from dimensional lumber were just not holding up from the use and abuse the riders gave them and had to be removed.  Members of the IMBA Trail crew with help from Singletrack Trails were called in to create the new design.  Visiting the Park in the between stages I couldn’t wait to return and test their craftsmanship and my ability.

When I arrived at the park it was virtually empty due to the cloudy skies, but like a kid in a candy store, I didn’t know what to try first. One obstacle that I was disappointed to see removed was the Sling Bridge — a truly unique creation never to be seen in the wild, but fun just the same! Additional logs were brought in and linked to the old ones to create a maze of choices.  These too may never be seen on local trails but we’re working on that and these certainly feel like they could accent any trail. The height and width of the new obstacles will surely test the majority of riders in terms of nerves and balance.  To get around the entire loop without touching the ground took more attempts than I had fingers to keep track of.  On the top section, rocks were brought in and planted to form some skinny lines….careful of that derailleur!

Kip was the only other rider in the park and he too was enjoying the solitude, perfecting his technique, despite me blinding him with my flash.  We couldn’t try the new pump tracks that were added to the park –mud, tires and logs do not mix and we dared not be the first to carve ruts in the track.  To get a feel for what lies ahead for those who master all the obstacles in the park, check out Danny Macaskills video.

Then there’s the trail work going on around Fort Collins –yes, as hinted above, trails around Fort Collins are also receiving some new additions. In an attempt to add some alternate lines to an existing trail, the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is welcoming the construction of a few obstacles to test its patrons.  When completed, these obstacles will blend into the surrounding landscape, but will still demand your undivided attention.  Park officials at BRNA realized the need to provide safe yet challenging obstacles for the advanced riders without cutting new trails and minimal impact to the area.  Help is always needed on such projects, so if you’re interested in helping on any of the trail work in or around Northern Colorado or Wyoming, please drop me a line.

In other news, the 2009 Winter Park Race Series was blessed with perfect weather for its opening event, the Hill Climb.  Starting at the base of Winter Park Ski Area and ending at the top of the mountain, the race was more a test of lung capacity than a mountain bike race.  It’s a simple race — the gun goes off and you start pedaling…up! and don’t stop pedaling until someone says you’re done…and you are.  One race down, seven to go!

Finally, the tip of the week — when trying new obstacles on your mountain bike, try different gear combinations.  The easiest gear may not be the best choice for a particular obstacle.  Experiment until you find the one that works.

Don’t forget bike to work week next week June 22 – 28! Visit the Momentum Fort Collins newsletter for more information on events.  See you on the commute!