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Trail builders working along side COSMBA and city land managers to build the new directional trail Black Sheep at Austin Bluffs Open Space in Colorado Springs Colorado.

Uniting Riders

Enhancing Trails and Fostering a Growing MTB Community

Criterium Bike Shop employees working hand in hand with COSMBA and city land managers on the new trail Black Sheep. Photo: Brian Chapel

Words: Brian Chapel

Introducing the Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association

A new era of trail building and advocacy is now underway in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association (COSMBA) is the city’s newest trail advocacy organization, and they have big plans to say the least. The organization, started this past fall, is working towards improving our local trail systems while also fostering a sense of camaraderie and cooperation between riders and the city land managers

COSMBA’s commitment to trails goes hand-in-hand with its passion for community and stewardship of natural resources. Their mission goes beyond pushing pedals and carving corners; but rather focuses on nurturing a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion for the outdoors and the thrill of mountain biking.

Criterium Bike Shop employee Justin Martin navigates a steep rocky line on Black Sheep Trail at Austin Bluffs Open Space in Colorado Springs Colorado.
Justin Martin navigating a steep rocky line on the new trail Black Sheep Trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo: Brian Chapel

The Black Sheep Trail: A Community Effort

The new Black Sheep Trail is a testament to the community-driven approach of COSMBA! Through collaboration, hard work, and a unified love for the sport and the outdoors, COSMBA has left its first mark in Colorado Springs in the form of Black Sheep trail. A directional mountain bike only trail, this black diamond trail was built by 55 local volunteers over the span of 5 weeks. Black Sheep caters to the rider looking to progress their skills on a trail with exposure and technical moves while not needing to be concerned of coming across any other users moving up the trail. Around 500 volunteer hours have been invested to date in making this trail a reality.

Criterium Bike Shop and Devinci Cycles Ambassador tows Justin Martin through a technical section of the new trail Black Sheep in Colorado Springs Colorado.
Gabe Alverado tows Justin Martin through a technical rock slab on Black Sheep Trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo: Brian Chapel

Criterium Bike Shop employee Aaron Kacala navigates a rock notch on Black Sheep Trail at Austin Bluffs Open Space in Colorado Springs Colorado.
Criterium Bike Shop employee Aaron Kacala riding the new trail Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo: Brian Chapel

Giving Back to the Community

The riders and leadership of COSMBA believe in paying it forward. The organization actively participates in reclamation efforts and various events to benefit the environment and the community at large. They conduct trail maintenance days, cleanups, and educational workshops with trail managers, all of which contribute towards a cleaner and greener Colorado Springs!

COSMBA, a nonprofit organization, is the perfect hub for meeting like-minded people, sharing your off-road adventures, and forging meaningful connections. They are here to offer advice, support, and encourage responsible riding while enjoying the thrill of the mountain biking experience. By joining COSMBA, you will not only be a part of a thriving community, but you’ll also contribute to preserving and enhancing the beautiful trails in Colorado Springs for generations to come.

Criterium Bike Shop ambassador Gabe Alverado rides a rocky line on Black Sheep Trail at Austin Bluffs Open Space overlooking Pikes Peak. Austin Bluffs Open Space is located in Colorado Springs.
Gabe Alverado riding a steep rock line with Pikes Peak in the distance. Photo: Brian Chapel

Gabe Rivera riding through a rock notch on Black Sheep trail in Colorado Springs Colorado.
Gabe Rivera on a random photo bomb during out shoot. @gaberiveraaa. Photo: Brian Chapel

Criterium Bike Shop employee Justin Martin navigates a steep rocky line on Black Sheep Trail at Austin Bluffs Open Space in Colorado Springs Colorado.
Justin Martin making has way through a rock notch on Black Sheep. Photo: Brian Chapel

Gabe Alverado picks his way through Black Sheep trail. Photo: Brian Chapel

Don’t miss out on the adventure! If you live in Colorado Springs come join this inspiring community of mountain bikers in Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association and make a difference both on and off the trails. Visit them today at www.cosmba.org to become a member and join this fantastic journey of exploration and friendship!


Video and Photos produced by Brian Chapel Photography

www.brianchapelphotography.com
@brianchapelphotography

Thanks to the riders for hiking up time and time again.

Justin Martin // @jmart_bikes
Gabe Alverado // @gtotheabee
Gabe Rivera // @gaberiveraaa

Production Sponsored by Criterium Bicycles
www.criterium.com

Additional support from SRAM and SRAM Colorado

Fonte: https://www.pinkbike.com