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Boulder Valmont Bike Park: the whole story
Jun 11th
Valmont City Park overview
The 40-acre Valmont Bike Park is part of the 132-acre, largely undeveloped, Valmont City Park (VCP). The park property was purchased in the mid-nineties and an original concept plan for VCP was approved by Boulder City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in 1998. An updated park concept plan was adopted in 2006 to better reflect the current recreational needs and interests of the community. The final concept plan for VCP was approved in July 2008, and will be implemented in three phases. In Phase 1, the city is developing 45 acres on the north side of Valmont Road. This phase includes the 40-acre bike park and will also feature improvements to the existing dog park and development of a disc golf course. Future phases of the park will be developed as public and private funding become available.
The 40-acre Valmont Bike Park is part of the 132-acre, largely undeveloped, Valmont City Park (VCP). The park property was purchased in the mid-nineties and an original concept plan for VCP was approved by Boulder City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in 1998. An updated park concept plan was adopted in 2006 to better reflect the current recreational needs and interests of the community. The final concept plan for VCP was approved in July 2008, and will be implemented in three phases. In Phase 1, the city is developing 45 acres on the north side of Valmont Road. This phase includes the 40-acre bike park and will also feature improvements to the existing dog park and development of a disc golf course. Future phases of the park will be developed as public and private funding become available.
Valmont Bike Park history
The vision for a state-of-the-art bike park at VCP arose from a multi-year effort by Boulder’s mountain bicycling community. Led by the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA), a local, non-profit advocacy group, cyclists became actively engaged in city council meetings and during public participation sessions on the park’s development.
Once a bike park was adopted as part of the 2008 VCP development plan, the Parks and Recreation Department forged partnerships with BMA and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) to share in the planning and design of the park. BMA also agreed to help with fundraising and long-term stewardship of the bike facility and formed a partnership with the PLAY Boulder Parks Foundation as a mechanism to receive donations. To date, BMA and the cycling community have helped the city raise close to $500,000 in non-tax funding from donations, sponsorships and grants. Over $100,000 was from individual and small business donations, and two grants have been received from the State of Colorado’s “Great Outdoors Colorado” program, totaling $245,000. The remainder was from other grants, foundations and sponsorships.
A major ground breaking ceremony was held in October 2009, and the bike park’s development was soon underway. Starting in the summer of 2009, more than 220,000 cubic yards of soil have been delivered to the site and shaped into the terrain of the new park.
Projected cost of the park
The projected total cost of the specific bike park amenities to date is $1,256,277. Of the total cost, 35% has been funded with grants, donations and sponsorships. The remaining 65% was funded by sales and property taxes allocated to park development. The balance of funds collected from fundraising efforts will be used for the park’s maintenance.
Valmont Bike Park Features and Amenities
Valmont Bike Park (VBP) is a 40-acre, natural-surface cycling facility designed to offer terrain, trails, features and structures for several off-road cycling styles/disciplines.
VBP features an underlying “skill progression” design to serve all ages, abilities and riding styles. This design will allow riders to improve their riding skills as they work their way up to advanced-level slopestyle, dirt jump and cyclo-cross elements throughout the park.
VBP is designed for both public day-to-day recreational use and as a venue for special events and races, including world-class events such as UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) cyclo-cross events.
A list of bike park amenities, features and elements by type of cycling experience follows and can be seen on the enclosed map:
Bike Park amenities and improvements being completed in Phase 1:
Four miles of new bike trails;
More than two dozen terrain park features;
Cyclo-cross features, such as a sand pit and staircases;
Beginner-friendly skills loop and pump park;
Premier dual slalom with start gate;
Beginner to expert slopestyle courses;
A permanent race and event podium;
Historic renovation of the Platt Farm House (in the park plaza);
Irrigation, landscaping and erosion controls;
Planting more than 250 trees, 340 shrubs and native grasses;
Two large parking lots on the west and south sides;
A new restroom facility (in the park plaza);
Development of trail maintenance standards and protocols;
Development of comprehensive safety and information signs;
Right-of-way improvements along Valmont Road;
A new 10′ wide multi-use access path along Valmont Road;
A new children’s play area with mini trike track.
Family Cycling and Cross Country Trails:
Easier (Green Circle) trails = about 2 miles;
More difficult (Blue Square) trails = about 2 miles
Skillz Loop: beginner dirt loop with log and rock rides, bridges and learning features;
Tot Track: paved loop for small riders on tricycles or run bikes;
Tot Park: a children’s playground for non-bike recreation and play.
Slopestyle (SS):
Small SS Trails (beginner course): 960 linear feet – 18 features
Medium SS Trails (intermediate course): 860 linear feet – 8 features
Large/Extra Large SS Trails (advanced course): 1250 linear feet – 17 features
Additional Trail Features and Rideable Elements:
Log Rides: 5
Elevated Bridges: 9
Large Terrain Park Features: 2
Terrain Park Fabricated Lips: 8
Flat Wall Rides: 2
Curved Wall Rides: 3
Rock Rides: 21
Rock Causeways: 3
Various Rock Armoring: 1280 square feet
20 Foot Wide Pedestrian/Vehicular Ditch Bridges: 3
Dual Slalom Course:
Designed and constructed by the Alpine Bike Parks – whose staff are world champions.
Permanent, World Cup start gate and timing systems for practice and competition use.
Dirt Jumps (DJ):
Extra Small and Small DJ Trails (beginner): 570 linear feet
Medium DJ Trails (intermediate): 300 linear feet
Large DJ Trails (advanced): 334 linear feet
Pump Parks:
Mesa-Top Pump Park: 4,800 square feet of terrain
Creekside Pump Park: 3,000 square feet of terrain
Cyclo-cross (CX) Amenities:
Designed and constructed by Alpine Bike Park staff who are U.S. national champions.
“5280 Run Up”: The largest, and one of the only, permanent CX staircases in North America, and the only CX staircase at one mile above sea level.
“The Belgian Steps”: A smaller version of the permanent race staircase
“The Sand Box”: A sandpit for CX racing, complete with race-grade, large grain sand.
Six permanent CX barriers available on site for practice and competition use.
Special Event Amenities:
Park Plaza with cycling inspired artwork, grass plaza and restrooms.
Permanent winners’ podium with backdrop.
200-meter start/finish road for cyclo-cross and cross country events.
Telecommunications lines under start/finish roads.
RV hookups for event staff and vendors.
Areas designed for spectators to view key race features.
Irrigation:
Advanced, water-conservation irrigation system for dirt jump and bike feature erosion control as well as landscaping grasses and trees.
Valmont Bike Park Opportunities
Valmont Bike Park management is actively seeking partners and volunteers to participate in ongoing programming, stewardship and maintenance of this unique facility. Below is a brief list of options and opportunities for individuals, teams, businesses, event promoters and the bike industry to be involved with Valmont Bike Park and the most unique cycling experience on Earth.
Park Support:
Individual, business and team donations
Sponsors and park partners
Map advertisers/sponsors
Volunteer Options:
Bike Hosts and Park Ambassadors
Trail maintenance and work days
Bike Park Programs, Events and Group Permits:
Programming options announced in June
Applications for special events will be available in June
Group permits and scheduling opportunities will be available starting in June
For more information about these opportunities, visit www.ValmontBikePark.org or contact Mike Eubank at mikeeubank@me.com.
Valmont Bike Park FAQs
When will the park open?
Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 9 a.m.
What are the park hours once it opens?
The park will be open daily from sunrise to sunset. The park may be closed occasionally due to special events, for maintenance or weather/trail conditions. Closures will be posted at the park and on www.ValmontBikePark.org
Will there be a fee to use the bike park?
Individual use of the park is FREE–there is no charge for admission. A fee will be assessed for groups, rentals, events and commercial uses.
How can I donate to and support Valmont Bike Park?
Donations can be made at www.ValmontBikePark.org The Parks and Recreation Department will offer a $10 voluntary annual pass to support the cost of the park’s staff and maintenance.
How was the park funded?
The projected total cost of the specific bike park amenities to date is $1,256,277. Of the total cost, 35% was raised with grants, donations and sponsorships. The remaining 65% was funded by sales and property taxes.
Can I rent Valmont Bike Park for a special event, group ride or private class?
Programming opportunities will be available at Valmont Bike Park. RFP and applications for programs and events are available. Group permits and scheduling will be available in June. For more information, visit www.ValmontBikePark.org or contact Mike Eubank at mikeeubank@me.com.
Can I rent a bike or helmet at the park?
Bike and helmet rentals will NOT be available at the park, but bike shops that offer rentals will be posted at www.ValmontBikePark.org.
Do I have to wear a helmet? Pads?
The City of Boulder highly recommends wearing helmets and protective gear when riding in the park.
Will there be a concession stand? Or vending machines?
Plans call for food and drink concessions at the park during peak hours. There is also a seasonal drinking fountain in the park plaza
Does the bike park have restrooms?
Yes, there are year-round restrooms available in the park’s plaza.
How old do you have to be to use the bike course?
There is no age requirement to participate at the park, but minors 12 years old and younger should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Who should I call if I get injured at the park?
Please call 911 for all emergencies, or contact park staff or a bike host to make the call. There will be no onsite medical assistance.
Can I run on the trails or do I have to be on a bike?
The park is designed specifically for bike use – and walking or running on the trails is discouraged.
Can I bring my dog to the park? On the trails?
Dogs are welcome at the nearby dog park, located on the northeast corner of Valmont City Park – but should not be brought to the Valmont Bike Park or on any of its trails for safety reasons.
Can I ride my bike to the park?
Yes, the park is easily accessible by bike using Boulder’s network of multi-purpose trails and bike lanes. The City of Boulder has a route-finding website, www.GoBikeBoulder.Net, that will help you find the safest and fastest route to Valmont Bike Park. There are bike racks located by the restrooms and on the south side by the storage building.
Is it safe to ride the bike park’s jumps and features?
Cyclists ride the park at their own risk. Off-road cycling is inherently dangerous. All riders must take personal responsibility for their own safety and actions at the park. Please obey all park signs and do not attempt features that are beyond your skill level.
Glossary and Terms
Mountain Biking is a sport which consists of riding bikes on natural surfaces, often over rough terrain. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability, comfort and performance in rough terrain. The vast majority of mountain biking falls into recreational XC or cross country riding. This individual sport requires endurance, core strength and balance, bike handling skills, and self-reliance. XC type mountain biking generally requires a smaller range of skills but a higher level of fitness than other types of mountain biking. Advanced riders pursue steep technical descents and, in the case of freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping, aerial maneuvers off of specially constructed jumps and ramps.
Cyclo-cross (CX, cyclo-X or “cross”) is a form of cycling (and racing) typically involving pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to dismount, carrying the bike to navigate the obstruction before remounting. Like cross country running, cyclo-cross season is predominantly a fall and winter sport (the international or “World Cup” season is September–January). Races consist of many laps of a short (1.5–2 mile) course featuring varied terrain and surfaces. The sport is very popular in Boulder County where over 50% of the Colorado registered racers live in or near Boulder. The sport is popular in traditional road cycling countries such as Belgium, France and Netherlands. In 2012 and 2013 the World Cup will be hosted by Louisville, KY.
Dual slalom is a form of one-on-one mountain bike racing consisting of two riders racing two almost identical, side-by-side tracks down a slope. The courses are usually short—with one run lasting about 30 seconds. The course features exciting, technical jumps and turns. Each rider’s time is measured, then they switch tracks for another run, with the rider earning the lowest combined time moving on and the slower rider eliminated.
Freeride and Slopestyle is the discipline that encompasses everything from downhill racing without the clock to jumping, riding “North Shore” style (elevated trails made of interconnecting bridges and logs), and generally riding trails and/or stunts that require more skill and aggressive techniques than cross country riding. “Slopestyle” type riding is an increasingly popular genre that combines big-air freeride with BMX style tricks. Courses include jumps, large drops, quarter-pipes and other wooden obstacles. There are always multiple lines through a course and riders choose lines that highlight their particular abilities and skills.
Dirt Jumping (DJ) is the practice of riding bikes over shaped mounds of dirt or soil and becoming airborne. The idea is that after riding over the “take off” the rider will become airborne, and aim to land on the “landing.” Dirt jumping can be done on almost any bike but bikes specifically designed for dirt jumping are generally smaller and more maneuverable hardtails (no rear suspension) so that tricks are easier to complete.
Pump Track is a series of dirt bumps and berms designed to be ridden on sheer momentum and body movement (hence, the pumping), alleviating the need to pedal. Pump tracks are seen as a good introduction to mountain biking for kids or anyone who wants to improve their bike handling skills.
Boulder selected as finalist in Outside magazine’s search for the ‘Best Town in America;’ supporters encouraged to vote online
Jun 9th
Boulder has been selected by Outside magazine, one of America’s leading active-lifestyle publication, as a finalist in its search to determine the best Outside town in America. The three week competition, held exclusively on Facebook, kicked off yesterday at facebook.com/outsidemagazine.
Outside scoured the nation to find dream cities that offered a balance of great culture, perfect scenery, stress-free and reasonable cost of living, and, of course, easy access to the outdoors; and Boulder is a top contender!
Now Outside is calling on the public to help choose the best one ever from a pool of ten finalists that include: Charleston, SC; Chattanooga, TN; Madison, WI; Portland, OR; Portland, ME; Santa Fe, NM; Ashland, OR; Boulder, CO; Burlington, VT; Tucson, AZ.
The winning town will receive the official honor of Outside’s “Best Town in America” and will be featured on the October 2011 magazine cover, Outside Online, and an exclusive segment on Outside Television.
“These top ten towns ALL have the soul and the substance to be called Outside’s Best Town Ever. Our audience is extremely passionate about where they choose to live and travel – so we are thrilled to engage them in the process to help us determine the best,” said Outside’s Editor-in-Chief Christopher Keyes.
As part of the contest, the public can vote, submit photos, video and comments backing up their selection; the content may appear in the Outside magazine and on Outside Television. All voters also will have a chance to win a five-day adventure to one of the top ten towns. The winning town will be determined through a combination of total votes; overall support as a result of content submitted; and creativity.
BEETLE KILL LIKELY TO WORSEN HIGH RUNOFF
Jun 8th
MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE ACTIVITY MAY IMPACT SNOW
ACCUMULATION AND MELT, SAYS CU-BOULDER STUDY
ACCUMULATION AND MELT, SAYS CU-BOULDER STUDY
A new University of Colorado Boulder study indicates the infestation of trees by mountain pine beetles in the high country across the West could potentially trigger earlier snowmelt and increase water yields from snowpack that accumulates beneath affected trees.
Led by CU-Boulder geological sciences department doctoral student Evan Pugh, the study was undertaken near Grand Lake, Colo., adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, an area that has been devastated by mountain pine beetle attacks in recent years. Mountain pine beetles have killed more than 4 million acres of lodgepole pine trees in Colorado and southern Wyoming since 1996, the most severe outbreak on record.
Pugh and his team monitored eight pairs of tree stands, each pair consisting of one live stand and one dead stand roughly an acre each in size and located adjacent to each other, sharing the same topography, elevation and slope. The team monitored the two distinct phases of pine beetle tree death during the three-year study — the “red phase” in which dead trees still retained red needles, and the “gray phase” in which all of the tree needles and some small branches had been shed, said Pugh.
The study showed that there was roughly 15 percent more snow accumulation under the gray phase stands than under living stands or red phase stands, likely due in large part to a lack of “snow interception” by needled tree branches that can cause snowflakes to “sublimate” into gas and return to the atmosphere, he said. Gray phase trees also allow more solar radiation through their canopies than live trees and red phase trees, increasing the potential for earlier melt, said Pugh, lead study author.
Snowmelt rates were highest under red phase trees, with snow disappearing up to a week earlier than snow in adjacent, healthy stands even though both received the same amount of snowfall at their bases. Pugh showed the earlier snowmelt in red phase tree stands is due in large part to the amount of litter — needles and branches — that drops or is blown from the trees onto on the snow surface, decreasing its solar reflecting power, or albedo, and causing it to absorb more of the sun’s radiation and heat up slightly.
“This is the first study to look at the potential effects that different stages of mountain pine beetle tree death may have on snowmelt,” Pugh said. “What we are seeing is earlier snowmelt and more snow accumulation in dead forests.”
A paper on the subject was published online today in the peer-reviewed journal, Ecohydrology. The paper was co-authored by CU-Boulder geological sciences Professor Eric Small and funded in part by a CU-Boulder Innovative Seed Grant. Four undergraduates — Leslie Baehr, Tevis Blom, Bryant Kealey and Jon Hammond — received internship credit for helping to conduct the research.
The study took place at the headwaters of the Colorado River in north-central Colorado. Six of the eight healthy tree stands in the study were made up primarily of lodgepole pines, while two were made up of mixed conifer trees. “One of the hardest parts of this study was to find stands of healthy trees in this area,” said Pugh.
The red phase that occurs following tree death usually lasts about 18 months, and the onset of the gray phase occurs about three or four years after tree death, said Pugh.
“One of the big surprises to me was that changes in snowpack depth and snowmelt timing as a result of the pine beetle outbreak were not larger,” said Small. But the continuing effects could become more significant in the coming decades, he said.
The CU-Boulder team used a wide variety of instruments during the study. In addition to avalanche poles used to periodically measure the snow depth at the 16 study stands, the team also inserted tiny thermometers at various snow depths to help them predict when the snow would likely melt. They also dug snow pits in each of the tree stands and weighed known volumes of snow to calculate density and water content.
Pugh’s team also used devices known as pyranometers to measure the snow surface albedo and the transmission of sunlight through forest canopies. Fisheye camera images taken from the snow surface helped the researchers to calculate the size and structure of the various tree stand canopies, he said.
“The students really got something out of working on this project,” said Small. “Not only did they get internship credit, they had a chance to conduct meaningful research.”
A massive fire in the study area in the late 1800s resulted in most of the succeeding lodgepole pines to be about the same size and age, making them easier targets for pine beetles. While mountain pine beetle infestations are natural events, climate change probably has played a role in the most recent outbreak. Drought conditions in the West in recent years have caused living pines to absorb less water, decreasing their ability to produce enough sap to “pitch out” beetles that are attacking them, Pugh said.
Water managers in Salt Lake City have reported extra water in river basins that hydrologic models had not predicted, Pugh said, an indication beetle-killed trees are having an impact on meltwater.
With the exception of two studies in British Columbia looking at the effects of beetle- killed lodgepole pine trees on snow accumulation and melt on flat terrain at a single site, research regarding the hydrologic impacts of mountain pine beetles has largely been speculative, said Pugh.
“Our study is the first to analyze the multiple stages of tree death from mountain pine beetles and their different impacts on snow accumulation and snowmelt,” said Pugh. “There is no on/off switch here — only gradual changes.
“The effects of the beetle-killed tree stands in terms of snow accumulation are not going to affect ski resort seasons by any means,” he said. “What we can say is there likely will be additional water resources for water managers. Additional snowpack coupled with dead trees that are no longer sucking up water will likely lead to more runoff.”
