Hot off the heels of bringing back the Sandy Ridge Shuttle (IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! [read about it HERE]), we have some exciting updates about the Sandy Ridge Trail system!
First, a long-awaited MTB skills area will be built in the parking lot. A skills area had been identified in the parking lot master plan in the large, wooded area behind the restrooms. Last fall, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contracted out an initial design for the project. An official letter of support was issued, and now it’s on to the funding!
We know this is going to be a well-used and well-loved area for riders of all ages and abilities to practice their skills before hitting the trails. The budget to complete the entire project from start to finish is $40,000.
Coach Robbie Walters – a regular rider and coach at Sandy Ridge – is generously kickstarting our fundraising efforts! Sign up for one of Coach Robbie’s 2-hour clinics on Wednesday, June 19th for only $100. Not only will you get 2 hours of MTB coaching, but 100% of those proceeds are going to build the Sandy Ridge skills area AND Coach Robbie will match it dollar-for-dollar!
Sign up today at https://www.mtbcoachrobbie.com/membership-subscriptions/p/june-19th-summer-solstice-fundraiser
The current timeline is to break ground on the skills area this fall (2024) as soon as the soil allows, with the skills area open to ride by late spring of 2025. As with all NWTA projects, we’re excited that everyone who will ride it will have a chance to get your hands in the dirt and help build it, so be on the lookout for dig parties throughout the winter!
New trail projects at the Sandy Ridge Trail system have a long lead time, and we’re grateful to the BLM for working with us to implement the skills area.
But what about Johnny Royale?!
YES, it needs a rebuild! Huge thank you to the NWTA Local Stewardship Team and crews of volunteers who work year after year to keep Johnny running as smooth as possible. Despite all of this INTENSE work, after 6 years of being massively popular (and enduring lots of — um, “ independent improvements” — through those years), it’s time for Johnny to get a facelift! A full rebuild of Johnny Royale is currently projected to cost over $100,000, which will be worth every penny. To facilitate this funding, NWTA is working directly with the BLM to identify grant sources or partner funding opportunities. All funding opportunities are fitting in with a Fall 2025 build schedule. We will keep everyone updated as funding is awarded and the project moves forward!