A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
The
IMBA Trail Care Crew visit was a highlight for trail enthusiasts. With great
promo from the Trib and others,
over 50 people learned about building sustainable trails then helped build over 3 miles of SWEET new North Shore singletrack. The new trail will open in the spring once PPL wraps up the Rainbow powerhouse project, currently expected around April 2013.
GFBC's
Weekly road and MTB
Rides have been going strong since at least 1893! 1893 Great Falls Tribune articles
here. Thanks Henry and Knicker Biker for faithfully leading many years of weekly Wednesday MTB rides.
GFBC officially signed on as supporters of the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act. Support letter below.
Dear Senator Baucus, While we are disappointed that the Act would close traditional bicycling routes in our area including the Green Rierdon Loop, we appreciate the overall goals of the Act and your commitment to protecting public lands. We feel that the establishment of a Conservation Management Area is a positive, bike friendly mechanism for protecting our public lands. We would especially like to express our appreciation for the inclusion of Section 7 of the Act, Nonmotorized Recreation Opportunities, requiring the Secretary to consult with interested parties, such as our club, to conduct a study to improve nonmotorized recreation trail opportunities (including mountain bicycling) on land not designated as wilderness within the district. The Front is worth protecting. Thank you for working to enhance our Great Falls recreation economy by promoting legislation that accommodates both ecotourism and our desire to protect the Front.
Complete Streets went down in flames despite an outpouring of support from a standing room only crowd at the City Commission meeting this week. A few out of town
Tea Party enthusiasts helped Commissioner Jolly sway the rest of the Commission against making our streets safer for biking and walking. Please thank Commissioner Bill Bronson for being the lone supporter of the Resolution.
KRTV got involved with a balanced and informative segment about the possibility of
bike lanes on 9th St.
Watch it here. Looks like those bike lanes will have to wait.
The White Sulphur Tour was FUN. Twenty riders started, most of us made it to White Sulphur, and a good number of die-hards braved the head wind to return the last day.
Bike/Walk Montana formed to advocate for state wide road bicycling and walking issues. The group is currently working to update our state laws regarding bicycles on roadways and on a statewide Complete Streets law. Please help advocate when the time comes.
Trib article here.
Enjoy the Trainer while we wait for warmer days!
John Juras
