March 2023 newsletter

Heads up about busy trails 

The 18th Annual Run Through Time Trail Marathon and Half Marathon is this Saturday, March 11. Though all trails/roads will remain open during the event, there will be 500 runners throughout race day (8am – 3:30pm). Trails and roads impacted include: Rise N Shine; Dream On; Sweet Dreams; Frontside; Backbone; North Backbone; Dude Abides; Unkle Nazty; Upper Sand Dunes; Prospector; Pauli; CR 175; CR 176; CR 173; FR 181; and CR 177.

Sign up to ride: Salida Enduro   

There’s a new mountain bike race in town: The Salida Enduro. The series includes single-stage races every Wednesday night in April, and a final 4-stage event on Sunday, April 30. Sign up for one race, or compete for the overall title!

SIGN UP HERE
Before (left) and after (right).

Fresh rock armor on Frontside    

In February, we rebuilt rock armor on Frontside. Old armoring had eroded away, turning into a crux alongside some serious exposure. We scavenged new rocks to rebuild this feature, and trenched the tread to snugly fit the new pieces in place, like a very heavy jigsaw puzzle.

Sign up to ride: Salida76   

Registration is now open for this year’s Salida76! Choose from 76 miles or 76 kilometers (46 miles). Both routes promise great views and great gravel, and are fully supported with food/aid stations. Our partners at Team Evergreen Cycling run this event, and donate proceeds to SMT. So sign up to ride, and share this event with your bike-riding friends. This year’s event will be held Saturday, September 16th.

SIGN UP HERE

Camping plans for federal lands 

The BLM recently released a plan to manage vehicle-based dispersed camping in Chaffee County. Among the highlights, the BLM plans to: Keep 75-100% of current camping capacity; add fire rings, restrooms and other amenities; transition from free-for-all to designated sites for vehicle-based dispersed camping (sites would remain free). Read more about the plan here. 

Separately, the Forest Service is developing a camping plan covering the Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts. The agency has released an initial proposal, and now wants your feedback. What do you like/dislike about the plan? The comment period is open until 3/20.

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USFS looking for OHV help 

Do you ride a dirt bike and like working in the woods? The Salida Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service is looking for a few more OHV crew members for the upcoming trail work season. Interested? Contact Dani: danielle.cook@usda.gov