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Well over 100 people came out to celebrate the East Branch Community Trails (EBCT) in Keene, NY on June 7th. To all the folks who joined us there – bikers, hikers, and trail runners alike – thank you so much for joining the festivities and our effort to recognize everyone that is making this evolving trail network possible. The forecast was pretty bad, but somehow we were treated to perfect weather! If you weren’t there, you missed a great day complete with hands-on volunteering (the skills trail we worked on is now rideable with features planned for the future); free drinks and BBQ treats; a few words of appreciation and support from key project partners; the opening of the new enduro-style descent trail Duzzi; and the high spirits that come when people gather to celebrate what’s been created through their hard work, collaboration, and dedication. As we did on the 7th, we want to express our gratitude to all of you who have supported this incredible trail network through your volunteering and donations. This project got started in 2021 thanks to the initiative of the Keene Youth Commission. The preliminary vision that BETA helped create led directly to an inspiring outpouring of support from individuals and foundations. Great trails aren’t easy to build nor inexpensive – we’ve invested or committed $178,000 of private funds and $145,000 of public funds for a total of $323,000 into this network so far. But once you’ve ridden here you know that trails this fun and well designed are worth it! Thank you to the Cloudsplitter Foundation and People For Bikes for support with this phase! As always, we hope you can join us at another BETA event in the near future. At East Branch we have an upper mountain trail already planned so we’ll have more to celebrate here before too long!
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In addition to the incredible work of independent volunteers across our region, our pro crew and contractors have been hard at work this season. Here are some highlights:
Wilmington Early season, Dusty and Scott put in a lot of work at Hardy Road which included leading a volunteer work day to address erosion, rebuild drains, restore corners and manage vegetation. A volunteer machine operator rebuilt a section of trail and features at Flobus in Three Sisters Preserve in late spring to improve the riding experience. Keene Peduzzi Trails, with staff and volunteer support, has finished the enduro-style descent trail Duzzi and the tread for the skills trail (technical features for inclusion along the trail are being planned now) at East Branch Community Trails. Visitors may notice another addition to the trailhead: a port-a-john at the parking lot which has been sponsored by a local family for the season. This is quite the upgrade from the privy (a rare “open floor plan 3-seater”) tucked away in the woods. Saranac Lake So far, staff and volunteers have tuned up the trails for the season and invested significant energy into laying the groundwork for upcoming projects in Saranac Lake. That groundwork includes reflagging a new connector trail from Park Ave into Mt. Pisgah, supporting a master trails plan for Mt. Pisgah, and planning new trails at Fowler’s Crossing that would add around 2 miles of high-quality trail to the network. Lake Placid Dusty and Scott recently finished the reroute on a number of steep climbs on Back Nine at Craig Wood with the help of volunteers. We’ve already heard a lot of appreciation for how much better the trail climbs now. Staff met with DEC to finish flagging a new section of the Jackrabbit ski trail that will bypass much of Mountain Lane. And finally, work has begun on the new trailhead at the east end of the Jackrabbit near Rock & River! Elizabethtown Dusty and Scott have returned to complete work on the new climbing trail that began last summer at Blueberry Hill. We anticipate a volunteer work day in Elizabethtown within the next 3 weeks and will share more details with you when we’re able – stay tuned. To all the volunteers, staff, and contractors who steward these special places through respectful use and hands-in-the-dirt work, thank you so much for building and maintaining these trails. Your hard work makes a big difference for our trails and community. It is deeply appreciated. The Wilmington MTB Festival is 3-day celebration of bikes and community with on-site camping, live music, local food & beer, group rides for all abilities, shuttles, a kids MTB race, and 25+ miles of beautiful Adirondack-style single track riding. This event is hosted by and in support of Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA)! Proceeds support the trails! Whether you're brand new to this rip-roaring celebration of bikes, trails, and community or you're one of the folks who started it all, we've got all the info you need right here. For more information, visit wilmingtonmtbfest.com -- to register, visit bikereg.com/wilmingtonmtbfest
CAMPING If you will be camping on the festival grounds, you must purchase a camping pass regardless of if you’re sharing a campsite with other people. LAYOUT:
Have questions this blog post didn't answer? You can find what you're looking for on the festival website: wilmingtonmtbfestival.com
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