Video: A New Era of Trail Building in Colorado Springs
Criterium Bike Shop employees working hand in hand with COSMBA and city land managers on the new trail Black Sheep. Photo: 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.
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.
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 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.
Gabe Alverado riding a steep rock line with Pikes Peak in the distance. Photo: Brian Chapel
Gabe Rivera on a random photo bomb during out shoot. @gaberiveraaa. Photo: Brian Chapel
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
Author Info:
Member since Mar 3, 2011
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9 Comments
- 4 0
ColoradoJones
(May 15, 2023 at 18:47)
I love what's being done on Black Sheep. It may not be the all-out freeride line many are hoping is in our future, but it definitely has a unique flavor of terrain. Additionally, it's a major step towards rider autonomy in local trail construction. Looking forward to the coming changes for this trail and the COS mountain biking scene as a whole.
- 5 1
Cspringsrider
(May 15, 2023 at 17:31)
Bentonville is way better. Altitude is easier to breath less crowded cheaper it's awesome. Whatever you do don't come here unless you like aholes and people that can't drive.
- 4 0
mtntech
(May 15, 2023 at 12:11)
Nice Job COSMBA. Nice having it be bikes only downhill. Hopefully hikers respect the signage.
- 2 0
Bikethrasher
(May 16, 2023 at 5:56)
Due to a rider being hurt badly on a Bikes only DH only trail on Floyd Hill trying to avoid hitting hikers who didn’t follow the rules. I think a hefty fine should be imposed and strictly enforced. Let’s start at a minimum $5000 first offense, $10000 second offense. Plus medical expenses paid to the riders that are hurt due to hikers not following the rules. If we have to go off line to avoid hitting someone on some of these trails the chance of getting seriously injured or killed is pretty high. People need to be held accountable for their actions. We would be sued if we hit a hiker on a normal trail.
- 5 0
initforthedonuts
FL (May 15, 2023 at 13:33)
Pffff. Colorado Springs. I heard Bentonville has better riding.
- 1 2
ColoradoJones
(May 15, 2023 at 18:56)
I haven't been to Bentonville so I can't speak with certainty, but I doubt they have COS beat in the realm of steep DH tracks. We have quite a few. (Most of which are unfortunately not recognized or approved by the city).
- 7 0
initforthedonuts
FL (May 15, 2023 at 20:15)
@ColoradoJones: guy, it’s called sarcasm. Shhhhh. Don’t tell anyone
- 1 0
ColoradoJones
(May 16, 2023 at 23:05)
@initforthedonuts: Haha you got me
- 1 0
reignman317
FL (May 17, 2023 at 10:05)
such a cool 20 second trail... ' A ' for the effort though...still waiting on that quarry mtb park
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