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Thanks for motorized coverage

Dear Editor:

Thanks to Amanda Charles for her insightful article “Down and dirty: Motorized users step up environmental work” in the Aspen Times Weekly (Sept. 4) regarding the culture of motorized use in the Roaring Valley and the concerted efforts this group is making to maintain and protect areas left open to motorized use in the White River National Forest and surrounding areas. This is also an opportunity to thank those who are really make it happen for all users, not just the motorized contingent.

The Colorado Backcountry Trail Riders Alliance is a group of dirt bike riders advocating responsible motorized trail use and stewardship in our valley. As mentioned in her article, we had a great turn out for our trail work day on Basalt Mountain. More than 30 dirt bike riders and volunteers showed up to rebuild a popular creek crossing and revitalize other areas of multi-use trail off of the North Fork of Cattle Creek.



We would not have accomplished as much as we did without the direction of David Hamilton and David DiPietro of the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers utilizing their expertise and tools to work on problematic areas. All of us realized the satisfaction and sense of good will of working together with the RFOV, Forest Service, and other user groups to preserve and protect our public lands.

We feel this project has instigated a sense of personal responsibility towards taking care of our trails and will offer more opportunity in the future of working toward keeping these trails open as well as the possibility of adding more motorized routes to the WRNF inventory. In addition, developing partnerships with other user groups will help to instigate an understanding and tolerance between all users. We look forward to many opportunities such as this. October 2nd, 2011 will be our second workday partnering directly with White River FS trail crews.




In addition to the RFOV and all the volunteers, we would like to extend a big thanks to Jon Thompson and Blake from the FS; Gabe Eakins, White Knuckle Racing who contributed food and beverages; Nelson Oldham, Dos Gringos for getting us going with coffee and pastries; Kathy Denman from KTM of Aspen and finally, the good showing of support from the Rocky Mountain Sport Riders in the Eagle/Vail area.

Traci Schalow and Mike Thuillier

Colorado Backcountry Trail Riders Alliance