The Weston County Adaptive Trails Project
In discussions as a club, one of the concerns identified was that, while there were many trails available, not very many were suitable for new and beginning mountain bikers. It was determined that widening some of the trails would allow for a nice progression from the flat, rolling, easy two-track and single-track trails to the more challenging winding and downhill trails. Adaptive trails also provide an opportunity for families with jogging strollers to also utilize the trails.
It was also identified that there were not many trails identified as accessible trails in the region. By accessible, meaning accessible by adaptive riders using hand crank or pedal assist bikes, or similar equipment. Out of this, the adaptive trails project began. The goal is to provide something for everyone to enjoy and for everyone to find their own level of challenge and adventure. Whether that is a short walk through the pines, a ride on an adaptive bike ripping downhill, or a beginner looking to challenge themselves
The Beginning
The Bent Sprockets Club received a grant in 2022 from the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office to widen trails at the Flying V. In the fall of 2022, several of the trails were widened to 40 inches to make trails more accessible for new and beginning riders as well as for adaptive riders on hand crank or power assist bikes, or other adaptive equipment. Combined with the existing double track which averages 60-70 inches wide, there are currently over 10 miles of adaptive accessible trails at the Flying V.
The Flying V Trails
We are excited about the flowing trails that are inviting to all users!
Another aspect of the project included expanding the parking lot and making access from the parking lot to the trails more accessible. We are so excited about our new, larger parking lot and a bike cattle guard was installed to provide easier access from the parking lot to the trail system. A new bike cattle guard was also installed that allows for easier access to the trails from the parking lot.
See the map below which identifies the trials that have been widened. When the widened trails are connected with existing two-track, riders have over 10 miles of adaptive trails!
For more information go to our page on the Flying V Trails
Old Quarry Trails
Following the success of the adaptive trails project at the Flying V it was decided that other new trails projects also needed some adaptive trails. The Old Quarry Trails project was begun in 2021 on land managed by the BLM. Located about 8 miles east of Newcastle it also provides close access to trails from town. These trails face generally south and don’t tend to hold much snow, providing trail access almost year-round.
For more information go to our page on the Old Quarry Trails
Currently, the Old Quarry Trails consists of about 2 miles of 70-inch wide trail and an additional 3 miles of 40 inch wide or less. Plans are underway to finish widening a few narrow sections, while also adding an additional 3 miles of wider trails as well as narrow single track in 2023.
Future Efforts
Future efforts will include widening additional trails and building new trails wide enough to allow for adaptive use. We are excited to provide this opportunity and would appreciate feedback from users about our adaptive trails!