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Take Action to Increase Opportunities for Bicycling in National Parks

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

At long last, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has proposed a rule change which will make it easier for parks to open trails for mountain biking. IMBA, (International Mountain Bicycling Association), urges mountain bikers to register comments in support of the rule change. IMBA has been asking for this change since the 1990s. This rule would still require a full NEPA, (National Environmental Policy Act), analysis to open a trail to bicycles, but would ease the current special regulation requirements.

Go to IMBA’s website to read more details and submit your comments to the National Park Service.

Go to the Federal Register to see the text of the new Rule.

Comments must be received by February 17th, 2009.

Posted in General, Resources, Trail News by Anthony Quintile | No Comments »

Timberline Trail Project

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

Please come to this meeting to support this trail project!

There are people who are opposed to this idea because they are concerned that a trail near their neighborhood may attract unsavory types. Come out and demonstrate that trail users are good folks!

An Information/ Public Comment Meeting on the proposed Timberline Trail Project will be held on Wednesday, January 14th , from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Summit Fire Station 33 on North Hwy 89 (just past Second Chance Animal Shelter). The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with Coconino County’s Parks & Recreation Department and Flagstaff Biking Organization, are proposing the construction of a new non-motorized trail from the Timberline area south to the City of Flagstaff boundary. The proposed trail is intended for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians from east-side neighborhoods to access popular Forest trails, Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS), and the new Flagstaff Loop Trail. The trail alignment consolidates existing unauthorized trails, Forest roads, and new construction into a single right-of-way that respects Forest resources and provides free, high-quality recreation.
For more information contact Brian Poturalski at Peaks Ranger Station at (928) 526-0866 or email bpoturalski@fs.fed.us .

Posted in Resources, newsletter by Anthony Quintile | 2 Comments »

Sept 6th: The Pedals vs Pistons vs Horseshoes vs. Hiking Boots Trail Work Challenge!

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

Sept 6th, The Pedals vs Pistons vs Horseshoes vs. Hiking Boots Challenge!

  •  
      Challenge Results: Pistons won in numbers-they delivered 28 people to Upper Moto’s trail maintenance… a fair trade? Pedals were 17 strong and gave up the trophy. No peds or ponies were in evidence, but it could be argued this wasn’t the trail to draw them. Mea culpa. It wasn’t fair.
      On the Carbon footprint challenge, the results were indisputable: Pedals Prevailed. Based on how people arrived to the meeting place for the trail day….
      Pistons: drove about eight 4×4 crew cab full size pickups (many towing trailers with dirtbikes), four or more minivans, a handful of smaller station wagons and pickups. About 2/3rds of their force drove from Phoenix Arizona Trail Riders. To their credit, seats were mostly full, but…CHA-CHING! That’s A LOT of petroleum!
      Pedals: 2 mountain bikers pedaled their way up Snowbowl road (Go Aaron and John!!), in addition to a couple smaller trucks, 3 small station wagons and a minivan. GO PEDALERS!!! Righteous!

    • JOIN THE CHALLENGE! Let’s see which trail user group can show up in the greatest numbers for this great trail! Let’s complete it in time to celebrate the fall colors on it. Fort Valley trail construction on Upper Moto Trail.

    A lovely trophy is on the line for the winning group… they will hold that trophy until next year’s challenge. Join this fun event… we ALL WIN when we work together to build good trail and strong trail-user relationships.

 

    Meet for this event at 8:30 am on Saturday, September 6th, at Friedlein Praire Road intersection with Snowbowl Road, about 9.5 miles from Flagstaff City Hall. Here’s a map to Freidlein Prairie Road.

All Trail Events start at 8:30am. We will work until 1pm. Lunch provided at all events. Please bring your bicycle helmet, wear sturdy footwear, long pants, and bring gloves if you have them. Tools and protective gear will be provided.

Sponsored by: Absolute Bikes

Posted in Resources, Trail News by Anthony Quintile | No Comments »

August 9th, Benham Trail, Kaibab National Forest

Monday, August 4th, 2008

See PHOTOS from this event!

    We have expanded our August 9 trail day to include a campout on Friday night, August 8. Campsites will be along the forest service road between Perkinsville Road and the Trailhead. Those interested in camping should contact John Tingerthal, 928-699-0196 so we can get a headcount for dinner and breakfast. “Williams Clean & Beautiful” has graciously volunteered to provide dinner and breakfast for the campout, so please RSVP for it.
    This will be FUN!
    Please consider carpooling.
    For those coming out on Saturday morning, meet at 8:30 am at Benham T.H. off of Perkinsville Road, south of Williams.
    Directions:
    Exit 163, N. Grand Canyon Blvd., in Williams. Proceed south on N. Grand Canyon Blvd. to Historic Route 66. Turn right. In two blocks, turn left on North 4th street. Proceed on south on N. 4th Street until it becomes Perkinsville Road. The Benham Trail Head is roughly 4 miles south of Williams on the right hand side of the road. Here’s a map to Benham Trailhead.

Schedule:
Friday, August 8
6:30 pm: Camp cookout
Saturday, August 9
7:00 am: Breakfast at camp
8:00 am: Coffee for those arriving on Saturday
8:30 am: Meet at trailhead for trail work
1:00 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm: Trail Ride, weather permitting

Sponsored by: Aspen Sports The best of Route 66

Posted in Resources by Anthony Quintile | No Comments »

End of an Era…

Monday, June 30th, 2008

This post is to inform all of those interested that sections of the old “Secret Trail” alignment are being obliterated by the US Forest Service. This work is being done as part of the implementation of the Fort Valley Restoration Project. This project is responsible also for the miles of new trail constructed in lower Fort Valley, the new Upper Moto alignment, as well as several fuels and timber projects and assorted other activities in the Fort Valley area.

An important part of this project is the re-alignment of “Secret Trail” in an effort to protect Mexican Spotted Owl habitat. This is why the trail is being moved and the old trail is being closed.  The section currently being obliterated is the section to the east of FS6273 road, between those marked “New ‘Secret’ alignment” and “New ‘Secret’ Alignment (formerly ‘Newham’)” on the map below. Closure of the section to the west of FS6273, through the “most sensitive area for Mexican Spotted Owls”, will follow shortly. All of this obliteration is taking place without the use of chain saws in order to minimize impacts to the Spotted Owls during the breeding season.

The majority of the re-alignment has been built or reconstructed and is ready for riding. There have been very few changes to the style of the trails adopted and the re-routes have been built with the character of the original trails in mind. The section marked “New connector” should be built within the next few months, and then new construction and maintenance of the western-most section of Secret Trail, from Upper Moto to the west and downhill to the rest of the Fort Valley Trails will proceed. (Not shown on the map.)

We are certainly aware that these actions are sure to generate a significant amount of disappointment amongst some members of the local mountain biking community. Some old trails that we love are changing. Bear in mind that we probably have the same concerns as you and have tried to negotiate the best solution possible from “within the system”. Things could be a lot worse; we could live in Marin County where most of the single-track is closed to bicycles.

Posted in Resources by Anthony Quintile | 3 Comments »

June 7th National Trails Day, Ft. Tuthill to Kachina trail

Friday, June 6th, 2008

National Trail Day was an outstanding success. Around 200 enthusiastic volunteers turned out from every user group… we had mt bikers, hikers, dirt bikers and horse riders. Check out images here. Thanks to all of you… individuals, participating agencies and sponsors… for making it such a success!
We completed nearly 1.3 miles of sweet trail!

Representatives from Coconino National Forest, Coconino County Search and Rescue, FBO, and others set up booths to give out information, sign-in volunteers and help the cause.

Meet along Old Munds Highway, just off of Highway 89 across from Jackson’s Grill at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 7th. We will work until around 1:00 pm and then enjoy lunch and festivities.

Closed toe, sturdy shoes, long pants and & protection are required. Helmets, gloves, tools, and trail work instructions will be provided. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. For more information, call Anthony Quintile @ 928 779-5969 or email.

200 strong and rearing to go

Sponsored by: Rei and Coconino County

Map of meeting place

Posted in Events, FBO News, Resources, Trail News by Anthony Quintile | No Comments »

Come help with the Mobile Trail Crew!!

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

Join Blair and others on Tuesday, June 3rd, at 4:00 pm for Flagstaff Biking Organizations first Mobile Trail Crew day for the 2008 season. Bring your bike, helmet and a larger pack if you have one for a ride with our folding trail tools. For this episode we will be proceeding up Schultz Creek Trail from the lower Schultz Creek parking area and cleaning drains and doing other light maintenance.

Mobile Trail Crew days will continue throughout the summer; check back here for details.

If you have a hard time making it to the regular trail work days, but would still like to be involved, this is your chance!

Contact Blair Foust a blairafoust@gmail.com with questions.

Posted in FBO News, Resources, Trail News by Anthony Quintile | No Comments »

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