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Spoke Talk: The power of positivity

Routt County Riders and the U.S. Forest Service recently received the following letter that RCR wanted to share. This kind of support goes a long way. Thank you, Scott.

Dear Kent (U.S. Forest Service program manager) and Jack (Routt County Riders president),

I am writing to comment about some of the new multi-use trails being built on Buffalo Pass. I am an avid advocate, supporter and participant in all things cycling and have been with RCR for many years, back to the early days of the club. It’s so rewarding to see the partnerships that have been formed to plan, fund, construct and maintain new trails around the area — U.S. Forest Service, 2A Initiative, Routt County Riders, Biketown USA, City of Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, IMBA and more.



I recently rode the two newest trails on Buffalo Pass: Panorama and Flash of Gold. All I can say are superlatives! Keep up the incredible efforts in building these fantastic trails that all non-motorized users can utilize. I have been on both trails and seen an almost equal mix of bike riders and hikers/runners, as well as both locals and visitors.

On my first day on Panorama Trail, I rode among several Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Nordic athletes doing dryland training, hiking and running with their poles. This trail is a perfect beginner/intermediate. It definitely earns its name, as panoramic views of our beautiful Yampa Valley are presented on numerous viewpoints along the trail. The trailhead is conveniently located adjacent to the bench at the top of Spring Creek Trail, with easy access to the Dry Lake parking lot.



The new Flash of Gold Trail is 6 to 7-plus miles and growing. Again, wow! What a splendid blend of aspen and fern forests, wildflower meadows, thimbleberries and a winding, scenic cruise through the woods. The trail rides like it has been around a while. It surely beats riding up Buffalo Pass Road, which can be very busy and is usually pretty rough. Obviously, you know this, but I just have to rave about these great trails!

One of the most wonderful parts of this entire collaboration is that the Forest Service does not have to build and maintain these trails. Local groups are doing this. I find it especially gratifying that Gretchen, Marc and Aryeh — who have volunteered countless hours and years dedicated to building trails and relationships with land managers in order to expand the trail network in the Yampa Valley — are finally getting paid to plan, design and construct incredible multi-use trails for all to enjoy and experience and are supported by a skilled, friendly and awesome crew!

Thanks to them for all of their years of unwavering dedication! And thanks for all of the planning and foresight that will continue to push these projects forward in new locations.

Sincerely from this cycling enthusiast!
Scott Schlapkohl

Routt County Riders is the local source for grassroots advocacy and information for all types of cycling. Find us at facebook.com/rcriders or routtcountyriders.org, or email rcriders@routtcountyriders.org.


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