cross country mountain bike trails

River City Cycle Club plays host to final Island Cup race

Courier-Islander June 13, 2013

The River City Cycle Club hosted the final race in the Island Cup cross country mountain bike series on Sunday, on the trails in Snowden Forest.

Seventy two racers from expert to beginner tackled the race circuit on well groomed single track trails. Experts raced a three loop course, totaling 30 km and the beginners covered one loop of 10 km.

Colin Wilson, the series coordinator said that, "This race course is one of the most enjoyable in the series because of the great condition of the trails." He thanked the River City Cycle Club trail maintenance crew and all the volunteers for a well organized event.

The race and the series was won by Quinn Moberg from Squamish. On the ladies side the winner was Kate Scallion. Local racer Christina Zimmerman placed second in the Beginner women class. The youngest racer of the day was Luke Damery from Comox , 7, who competed in the Beginner men's race. This truly was a race for everyone.

The Island Cup mountain bike series consists of seven cross country, three downhill and three enduro races held from March to October each year.

For series details go to http: //www. islandcupseries.com/. For more information on the River City Cycle Club which has both road and mountain bike divisions go to http: //www.rivercitycycle.ca.

Submitted / Seventy two mountain bikers at the start of the final Island Cup race held in Snowden Forest Sunday.;

© Copyright 2013

montana mountain bike

Big Rock Creek Is Now Open for Mt. Biking (Trail Fee Applies)

Map to the Mt. Biking Trail Area

Great news folks, some of the most incredible trails in the whole Midwest are now open for Mt. Biking! Big Rock Creek has opened its doors to the cycling community, and if you were lucky enough to get out there during the ski season, you know how exciting this is.

I was out riding on the Big Rock Creek trails over the weekend and I was completely blown away. I've been told there are 20-30 miles of trails that run through the property, and the first comparison that comes to everyone's mind is that this trail system is very similar to the Birkie trail. However, since this trail system is so new, there are some things to be aware of:

• The access point to the Mt. Bike trails is not the same as the access point to the ski trails. Big Rock Creek is planning on renting out its clubhouse, so it's our responsibility as cyclists to not interfere with the business side of things. The access point is indicated on the above map, and there is plenty of real estate between the access and the clubhouse so it should be a breeze to stay out of sight.
• These trails are roads that run through the property, but they are not gravel roads, it's more like two single track trails running side by side. Please use caution as the terrain is extremely challenging! Learn the trails before you let 'er rip!
• Trail passes are $10 per day or $75 for a season pass and $100 for a family pass. Passes are available at CyclovaXC and you must sign a waiver of liability.
• To get to the trail you have to cross about a quarter mile of mowed grass, then you pass through a gate and enter a different age. It's truly awesome out there!

Here's what the access road looks like (on 235th St. within sight of 87):

This picture was taken facing South on 235th St. (Lone Maple St.) looking towards Highway 87

You drive down the gravel road until you go through a gate (about 1/4 mile in). You can park down in that area, or up on the clearing at the top of the hill (access is by a mowed path on the left). 

This place is brand new so the whole thing is a great adventure (plus you pretty much get the trails to yourself). 

This is the grassy area on the top of the hill for parking and hanging out, the trails themselves are more worn in.

We're looking for a lot of feedback about this area--what you like and what needs to be improved, so please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or comments (bj@cyclovaxc.com). I'll be at Cyclova June 12th, 13th, and 14th if you want me to personally give you a tour of the cycling area. Frank is in the process of getting a GPS map of the whole trail system and we'll post that as soon as it's available.

Also, keep in mind that the clubhouse area is available to be rented out. Spread the word, Big Rock Creek is a unique and special place and we're excited about training out there!

Another grassy area you can ride through, however the trails themselves are more well-defined than this

In my excitement last weekend, I forgot to take a picture of the actual trail! I'll have something like that posted next Wednesday.

See you out there!

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high school mountain bike

San Angelo's High School Mountain Bike Team

High School athletes aren't always found on the football field or basketball court. KSAN's Sarah Pilla found a group that works the rocky terrain across our state on two wheels.

Sarah Pilla: "If you're hanging out in San Angelo State Park, you can hear the sounds of bike tires racing on the dirt paths. This is the San Angelo Mountain Bike Team. They head off on the trails for an afternoon ride and explain why they chose this sport.

Spencer Castle: Well it's basically just a bunch of friends getting together and hanging out and then during race day we're basically just racing mountain bikes. It's a lot of fun.

Summer Bewick (JV Girls State Champion): I actually didn't like riding that much when I started but I made it through and just trained a lot. Honestly riding with the coaches, and the coaches have an amazing skill set and they have so much to teach you and they have a lot to offer.

Megan Croyle:It's so much fun, and your team is like your family.

Pilla: Coach Christina McBride got San Angelo involved in the Texas High School Mountain Bike Racing League. With only two participants last year, it's grown to twelve this year and one goal is to get mountain biking recognized as a sport in the school system and grow in popularity.

Christina McBride: Right now we're a composite team and then we hope eventually as we get stronger to be a club and then eventually down the road be a high school sport.

Nick March: I wore this shirt to school once and almost no one knew there was a mountain biking team here. If more people knew they'd probably get into it.

Pilla: There are lots of benefits to being a part of the team. It can be challenging but it's a great way to meet friends be outside in nature, and easy to sign up.

McBride: Anybody if they can ride a bike they can come. We've had kids, I'd say most of the kids hadn't been on a mountain bike before and now they're going to meet at the championship state level and riding and riding strong.

Pilla: If you're interested in joining the San Angelo Mountain Bike Team, you don't need a bike to join. Concho Bike Shop helps to provide that if needed. The first practice will be in December  and keep your ears open for announcements this fall at school. Sarah Pilla. KSAN. San Angelo's Sports Channel."