Mountain Biking Section
Photo Credit: Greg McVie
- Trips, Etc. — MTB Section is a new statewide group which is just getting started. As we ramp up with new leaders and members, a range of mountain biking trips and related events and activities will be offered.
- Variety — MTB Section will plan a variety of trips, including easy, moderate, and more difficult rides. Destinations will be close-in trips for local groups as well as visiting more distant ride locations in Colorado.
- Ride Time — Trips may be quickies for a few hours of “after work” or “lunch rides”, or half day and full day trips. Both weekend day trips and weekday rides. We are hoping to organize a multi-day camping event - like a Fruita weekend.
- Early Scheduling—MTB Section will post regularly scheduled trips such as Wednesday Night Rides.
How to find and join a trip or event?
It’s simple – click Find Trips – Select "Mountain Biking Section" when filtering to see what’s there. Note: As responsible and respectful trail users, most MTB Trips will be smaller groups of five to ten participants. They may fill quickly.
How do I join the MTB Section?
Select this section when you sign up for your new CMC membership. If you are already a member of the Club and want to join the free mailing list and become a part of the Mountain Biking Section, you can select “Mountain Biking” located in the special interest section of your Member Profile.
You can also write or call CMC Membership Services at office@cmc.org or (303) 279-3080.
Volunteer!
The MTB Section is new. We currently have more than 650 members but need to expand our list of qualified Trip Leaders to realize our goals of providing a variety of trips, events, and clinics. If you are an experienced rider, interested in volunteering, and have or are pursuing CMC Trip Leader qualifications, we have a Mountain Bike Trip “Leader in Training” process. It consists of planning and co-leading two “LIT” Trips with one of our Trip Leader Evaluators. For more information, please contact Greg McVie or Kevin Galliers (greg.mcvie@gmail.com; kgalliers@gmail.com)
Mountain Bike Trail Classifications
IMBA has developed a system adapted from the International Trail Marking System used at ski areas. However, trail ratings are subjective. An excellent resource that MTB Section Trip Leaders will often reference is Mountain Bike Project. Trails on https://www.mtbproject.com are user rated and an average of responses. An individual trail may have individual user ratings from Green to Black Diamond, but an average of Blue/Black. Most of the MTB Section trips range from Green/Blue to Blue/Black Diamond.
Trip Participant Basics
MTB Setup Recommended: For easier trails just about any mountain bike or gravel bike will do. On most rides, older bikes in good working condition are fine. Mountain bike engineering has evolved considerably over the last fifteen years or so. Quite simply, when the trails get gnarly, you will have the most fun on a modern full suspension XC, All Mountain, or Enduro bike.
Please, make sure your bike is in good working order before you leave home!
Pre-Ride Check - ABC’s: "Air” pressure both tires; “Brakes” front & rear; "Chain" lube if needed.
Gear Kit: Helmet Required! Be Self-Sufficient! In addition to water and energy snacks, carry a spare tube and inflation device, multi-tool, appropriate clothing & footgear, sun and eye protection, and a first aid kit. For longer trips think “Ten Essentials” and have a communication device in case of a problem.
Skillset: MTB Section will strive to provide a progressive range of trips. Trip Leaders will be honest about trail characteristics and pace. After all, we are all out to be challenged and learn a bit, and by all means - have fun and get back home safely. Trips may vary from a good workout on easier trails to more difficult rides where you need to be comfortable on single track with significant elevation gain, variable surfaces, tight turns, some steeps, obstacles, loose rock sections, and technical trail features.
Responsible Riding Rules of the Trail (IMBA):
- Plan Ahead: Familiarize yourself with ride, area, and be equipped, including for emergencies.
- Respect the Trail: Stay on the trail. Please Don’t Skid! Practice “Leave No Trace Principals”.
- Share the Trail: Slow and yield to horses, runners/hikers, and ascending bikes. Be Friendly!
- When Passing: Slow down, announce yourself with a bell or voice, wait until out of your way.
- Ride in Control: Ride within your limits. Use caution at poor sightlines and corners.
- Respect Wildlife – Beware of wildlife, approach with caution, never scare animals.
Mountain Biking Committee
Greg McVie, Chair – greg.mcvie@gmail.com
Tim Lane, Co-Chair – timlane54@gmail.com
Stephen Askew, Treasurer – stephenaskew@gmail.com
Brett Boulter, Activities Chair – brett.boulter@gmail.com
Kevin Galliers, Trip Leader Support Coordinator – kgalliers@gmail.com
Jonathan Gregory, Marketing Coordinator – gregoryj@colorado.edu
Support: Ian Berkland (iaberkland90@gmail.com), Curtis Audin (chaudin51@gmail.com), Jeff Speake (speakej@comcast.net)