SMT Newsletter: June 2022

A $10,000 investment in the Rainbow Trail 

Together with Central Colorado Mountain Riders and the Salida Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service, on National Trails Day (June 5) we led 50+ volunteers in a big restoration project on the Rainbow Trail. Repairs focused on the CR108/Rainbow Trail junction and were aimed at making the trail safer, more sustainable and more enjoyable. All told, the value we and CCMR invested in the trail on this one day (cash and in-kind) topped $10,000. Thanks to all who volunteered, and to Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop and Soulcraft Beer for providing free lunch.

Join our board of directors  

We’re looking for new board members to help us fulfill SMT’s mission and guide the organization. If you want to take on a leadership role stewarding singletrack around Salida, we want to hear from you! Read a full description and apply at the link below. The application should only take a couple minutes.

..or, join a committee

We’re also looking for more folks to join our two volunteer committees (trails, and fundraising/events). If you don’t want the commitment of a board seat but want to do more than the average volunteer, this opportunity is for you.

Support SMT by riding your bike

Registration is now open for two exciting bike events: The Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, and the Salida76 gravel grinder. Both rides will take place September 17 as part of Salida Bike Fest, with proceeds going to Salida Mountain Trails and other local nonprofits. That means you can support our trails just by riding your bike! Space is limited in both events. Don’t wait to RSVP. The Crest Crank, which supports The Alliance, is the following day. Why not register for a full weekend of bike activities?

Let’s talk about toilets

We’re grateful to Chaffee Common Ground for providing grant funds to cover the annual maintenance costs of portable toilets at SMT trailheads on CR108 and CR110, and to install a new one on Spiral Drive (pictured). Toilets may not be the most glamorous thing, but they’re darned important. Thank you to the Common Ground committee for supporting this infrastructure!

We’re joined the Colorado Mountain Bike Coalition

This partnership with fellow trail advocates gives us a stronger, unified voice to promote mountain biking statewide and to address important issues around access, diversity, sustainability and more. We’re working mostly behind the scenes, so don’t be surprised if you don’t often hear from us. For more info, check out the strategic plan on our website.

Volunteer at FIBArk 

FIBArk is this weekend, and organizers are looking for a few more volunteers. To volunteer for one of the below shifts, contact Ryan Wiegman at SalidaRaces@cityofsalida.com:

Thursday, June 16 – FIBArk Hill Climb

• Course Marshall: at the top of the mountain – 5:15 – 6:45 pm
• Registration: at F Street and Sackett intersection – 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Saturday, June 18 – FIBArk 5k/10k Road Run

• Course Marshall: at various points on course – 7:15 am – 9:00 am
• Registration: Thonhoff Park Start and Finish – 6:30 am – 8:45 am
• Course Sweep: Thonhoff park Start and Finish 7:30 – 9:00 am

Sunday, June 19 – FIBArk 10k Trail Run

• Course Marshall: at various points on course – 8:15 am – 11:00 am
• Registration: Thonhoff Park Start and Finish – 7:30 am – 9:15 am