Creating access for mountain bikers to get out and enjoy a quick ride or practice their skills are a few opportunities community bike parks allow. But beyond just traditional riders, bike parks are a means to provide a variety of diverse interests and needs. This past weekend, we were privileged to visit the town of Eagle, ID north of Boise, where the Eagle Bike Park is a significant community hub. Spending the better part of three days at the bike park it was an inspiring place to ride.
Currently, the park caters to riders of all ability levels and interests with beginner to advanced trails, a progressive skills area, pump track, and numerous other trails. This weekend facilitated the start of even more variety with the initial construction of a new gateway handcycle trail. With a deep interest in providing more opportunities for adaptive users, the City of Eagle hopes this new trail will be the catalyst for many new opportunities around the park. “My goal is to build a trail that meanders along the front side here and allows for handcycles but can also meet the standards for NICA races.” Explained Steve Noyes, Trail Coordinator for the City of Eagle, “We see the need for this infrastructure.”
A room full of 40 volunteers brought about great discussion and an efficient day out in the field. We were able to complete the small chunk of trail quickly despite its wide trail tread specifications. It will hopefully open the door to new development within the park and to a wider array of trail users.
Thanks to the City of Eagle, especially Steve Noyes, along with all the volunteers who participated in this great day in beautiful Eagle, ID. We look forward to seeing the continued momentum create lasting experiences for trail users of all types.
More photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125477027@N06/albums/72157666556280022
