Angel Fire, NM: Crew sets the scene for increasing recreation-based tourism
 Teaming the resort staff with local volunteers led to a new beautifully built quarter-mile long section of cross-country trail. This connection now establishes the first beginner/intermediate singletrack cross-country loop on the mountain. |
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 The group also built a 150-foot long log ride. It has a naturally bowed log forming a rainbow at the end. If you can ride it smoothly the next step is to nose wheelie down it like Nat does. Future skills areas and log rides around the mountain are in the works for next year. |
High above New Mexico's dry desert landscape is a quaint resort town called Angel Fire which is home to a wonderful year-round recreational destination, Angel Fire Resort. It's a place where you can find cooler temps and ride your bike 9,000-feet above sea level. A strong racing emphasis established by Brandon Peterson, Resort Events Manager, has carried the momentum behind new trail construction on the resort. After successfully hosting a World Cup event this summer, the resort is now looking to round out their offerings with some new trails designed specifically for fun and excitement. Doing this will draw more riders to the area between race events and will be economically beneficial.
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders Nat and Rachael Lopes spent a weekend with the resort staff and local trail volunteers, the Moreno Valley Trekkers, discussing how they could turn this racing venue into a trails destination. To start, the Crew taught the fundamentals of trail design and construction. The Crew had the opportunity to assess lots of trail and recommend improvements and expansions that the resort can focus on to bring recreational riders to town.
Hosting races, specifically downhill and four-cross trails that are very challenging, has left the resort with trails that won't attract the average rider. The Crew recommended establishing a progression of trails for all ability levels and making more trails that flow well and have fun features like jumps, rock hits and log rides adding texture to the standard ride.
