BHMBA

The time has finally arrived, construction of a “stacked loop” trail system on Cowboy Hill!! Looking back, time has gone fast since the area was up for auction 2 years ago. Ironically, most folks seem to think that Cowboy Hill is City property and don’t realize that the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Foundation (HLMPF) purchased a majority of the property, with the intent to utilize as a “park”. The City of Rapid City, as well as the School of Mines also have property on Cowboy Hill, and are gracious enough to have designated the land for recreation use. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

The BHMBA, Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Foundation, and City of Rapid City have worked together with IMBA and Trail Solutions to develop a “trails masterplan” for implementing a world class trail system in Rapid City on Cowboy Hill. The BHMBA utilized a $5000 grant from “Bikes Belong”, as well as additional funding donated by HLMPF to hire the best designers and builders in the business create a masterplan. Two years have passed, permits have been granted, and let the construction begin. Because the land is private and not public, HLMPF has the luxury of hiring the most qualified builders without utilizing the “competitive bid process”. Needless the say, local folks and visitors owe the HLMBF a big “Thank You” for purchasing the property for recreation, and footing the bill for a fine trail system. The trails system will be a “stack-looped” system consisting of about 12 miles when completed. Trails will vary from beginner bench cut singletrack to double black diamond downhill trails.

What’s the next step? The project will be completed in two phases. Joey Klein of Trail Solutions will arrive in town this week. The goal in phase one is to construct 5 miles by mid December (weather dependent), if not work will continue Spring 09, along with phase two, which will include an additional 5-7 miles and appropriate signage. Machinery will include a Sweco 480, mini excavator, and an sk-500 along with 4 professional builders.

What about volunteer workdays? Your help will be needed. Check for updates on www.bhmba.org. I would estimate volunteer days to begin the 1^st or 2^nd week of November. Check for updates or e-mail me your questions.

Just a reminder, particularly around election time, this project is not funded utilizing City Tax dollars. And also-join the BHMBA, you are going to see about 30 miles of new singletrack w/in Rapid City, and the surrounding area in the next year or two-about $750,000 worth of trails (over $300,000 in Grants acquired by the BHMBA) that would not have happened without us.

Thank you,

Dirk Gustin

dgustin@rushmore.com

Saturday, October 11 from 9:00 – 5:00 (Weather Permitting – If it rains or snows we’ll reschedule)

Dirt Jump Park (AKA – 68 Trails) Work Day

Enthusiasm for the Dirt Jump Park has been tremendous this summer, exceeding even my own expectations.  Now it is time to focus this enthusiasm for a one day trail maintenance session.  This is a vital component to ensure the trails are clean and in good riding condition for you and your friends and family.  Come out and show your support for the continued success of Rapid City’s most progressive park.

Here is the laundry list:

- Clean rocks and miscellaneous debris from the main trails
- Trim overgrown vegetation around signs and roll in areas
- Reshape the berms on the lower pump track
- Update features on the upper pump track
- Refresh the advanced jump line
- Major face lift to the expert jump line

So bring your favorite pair of work gloves and I will look forward to seeing everyone there!

In the event of bad weather this will likely be rescheduled; check back here for updates.