Downhill fun coming to the Lunch Loop

By Josh McDaniel
Grand Junction Free Press
September 27, 2007

One of the most technically challenging trails in the region is finally under construction in the Lunch Loop. Designed by trail building professionals from the International Mountain Biking Association and Bicycle Colorado, as well as local expert riders, the new trail offers a significant increase in difficulty from the existing slate of trails in the Valley. A mix of swooping singletrack, technical moves, and occasional jaw-dropping jumps and hits, the new freeride/downhill trail will provide a thrilling experience for those willing and able to test their skills.

COPMOBA is looking for volunteers to come out this Saturday to work on the trail. Work crews have already been constructing the trail for the past week, and COPMOBA is hoping to get 30 to 40 volunteers out to finish up a large portion of the trail.

Greg Mazu, a professional trail builder with Singletrack Trails and Bicycle Colorado, is overseeing the construction. He says that riders are going to be excited about the new trail. He points to one series of drops and jumps that really raise the ante.

"It is about a 6-foot drop that leads to a small jump and then a larger jump - pretty intense stuff," Mazu said.

He says that this is a good opportunity for local riders to gain some "ownership" of the trails. Volunteers will be helping to do rock work and building alternate lines for jumps and drops.

James Flatten, a local freerider who has been working with the trail crews, agrees that riders are going to be impressed. "Overall, it is a beautifully designed and constructed trail - lots of off-camber rock moves," he said. "There is some really good technical stuff - definite airs."

Flatton is hoping that 30 or 40 riders will come out and "bust this thing out so we can start riding."

Chris Herrman of COPMOBA put it more bluntly: "Freeriders, this is the trail you've been asking for, so come out and build it."

Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at the parking lot on Little Park Road where the Tabeguache Trail connects with the road. Volunteers are asked to bring rain gear, work gloves and lunch. The event sponsor, Ruby Canyon Cycles, is providing food and beverages after the work is complete about 3:30 p.m. Volunteers are also asked to sign up online at www.copmoba.org in advance so organizers can plan and pre-position tools and equipment.

For more information on any COPMOBA events or trail building opportunities take a look at the COPMOBA website: www.copmoba.org, or contact Noel Weddle at (970) 244-8877.

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	Downhill fun coming to the Lunch Loop By Josh McDaniel Grand Junction Free Press September 27, 2007 One of the most technically challenging trails in the region is finally under construction in the Lunch Loop. Designed by trail building professionals from the International Mountain Biking Association and Bicycle Colorado, as well as local expert riders, the new trail offers a significant increase in difficulty from the existing slate of trails in the Valley. A mix of swooping singletrack, technical moves, and occasional jaw-dropping jumps and hits, the new freeride/downhill trail will provide a thrilling experience for those willing and able to test their skills. COPMOBA is looking for volunteers to come out this Saturday to work on the trail. Work crews have already been constructing the trail for the past week, and COPMOBA is hoping to get 30 to 40 volunteers out to finish up a large portion of the trail. Greg Mazu, a professional trail builder with Singletrack Trails and Bicycle Colorado, is overseeing the construction. He says that riders are going to be excited about the new trail. He points to one series of drops and jumps that really raise the ante. "It is about a 6-foot drop that leads to a small jump and then a larger jump - pretty intense stuff," Mazu said. He says that this is a good opportunity for local riders to gain some "ownership" of the trails. Volunteers will be helping to do rock work and building alternate lines for jumps and drops. James Flatten, a local freerider who has been working with the trail crews, agrees that riders are going to be impressed. "Overall, it is a beautifully designed and constructed trail - lots of off-camber rock moves," he said. "There is some really good technical stuff - definite airs." Flatton is hoping that 30 or 40 riders will come out and "bust this thing out so we can start riding." Chris Herrman of COPMOBA put it more bluntly: "Freeriders, this is the trail you've been asking for, so come out and build it." Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at the parking lot on Little Park Road where the Tabeguache Trail connects with the road. Volunteers are asked to bring rain gear, work gloves and lunch. The event sponsor, Ruby Canyon Cycles, is providing food and beverages after the work is complete about 3:30 p.m. Volunteers are also asked to sign up online at www.copmoba.org in advance so organizers can plan and pre-position tools and equipment. For more information on any COPMOBA events or trail building opportunities take a look at the COPMOBA website: www.copmoba.org, or contact Noel Weddle at (970) 244-8877.


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