Great News for Mountain Bikers
by Yasmeen
04 March 2011
As mountain bikers in Kentucky when we really crave to escape into the wilderness and to truly be able to pedal epic mileage we pretty much are stuck with having to travel out of state to get our fix. As much as we all enjoy road tripping we are really quite tired of having to pack up the rig and having to travel every time we need a visit to Dr. Feelgood…luckily we are not the only ones chasing the fat tired dragon. The great Commonwealth of Kentucky is too. They have been extremely helpful in developing the means for small communities and non-profits to develop trails by administering the Recreational Trails Program grant system. By doing so they are not only addressing the needs of local bikers but are pumping air into economies that are on the verge of collapsing.
We are extremely pleased and beyond amped to announce that the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition was awarded the 2010 RTP grant and has just recently been given the official OK to proceed in full scale building of the PMRP Adventure Trails System.
Paul Vidal and Matt Tackett were invited to Frankfort by the First Lady and her committee to accept a check on behalf of the RRGCC on August 26, 2010. Beyond this amazing news we would also like to point out that this is the first time Matt has worn anything other than Carharts and Paul has been without his hat in 10 years. Remember where you were when you heard this ground breaking news….
This year's grant will allow the RRGCC to build a minimum of 5 new miles of single track IMBA standard trails and repair up to 2 miles of trails that were destroyed in 2006 and others around the region that need repair. The RRGCC is very dedicated to the development of human powered recreation on the property and look forward to the increase in members and volunteers as the trails get developed. As a group we are also proud to be part of something that is extremely beneficial to the health and economic growth of the local regions residents and business.
The PMRP is world renowned for its rock climbing scattered over the 700 acres owned by its members and open to the general public. But in all reality the amount of land that we use is very little compared to what is actually owned. The prospect of having 30, 50 or more miles of trails across the PMRP is not out of the question and is welcomed news by climbers, bikers, hikers and trail runners alike. Variety is the spice of life and the land is prime for all types of trails and abilities. Responsible, planned development is the most important factor and all new trails will follow these set rules ensuring sustainable trails are done right the first time.
Imagine rolling out on your fat tire for a 20 miler and being able to stop and get pitches in along the way. You don't have to imagine much longer, all you have to do is help.
Grants like the RTP and others that are in process are generally 50/50 matching grants. Meaning we have to donate time, material or money in order to receive the money from the grant as a organization and be able to apply for more in the future.
The RRGCC will be hosting regular trail days on every third Saturday of the month and special trail days throughout the year. Please stay tuned to www.rrgcc.org, www.redriverclimbing.com, the RRGCC fan page on Facebook and www.pedalthered.com to learn more and to see pictures of the trails as they develop. We will also be hosting trail building clinics for groups such as school groups, gym and individuals. Tools and materials are available as needed.
We'd also like to give special thanks to KYMBA for all of their support and for promoting adventure in Kentucky.
If you are interested in helping or have any questions please feel free to contact Matt Tackett of Red River Outdoors.