Mountain Bike Mission Trip: Carbondale, Colorado
We joined the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association for the development of the Buck Down Trail Project.
New hand-crafted downhill trail to ease pressure on Buckhorn
Each year, the Colorowdies Mountain Bike Ambassador Team selects a community that is making a meaningful impact on the mountain
biking world. The team then dedicates its time to building a new
trail or maintaining an existing one in
that community. In 2024, the
Colorowdies proudly partnered with
the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike
Association (RFMBA) to help
construct a new downhill trail called
Buck Down, within the Prince Creek
and Royal trail system.
Fuel for the Trailblazers
Breakfast of Champions
Before embarking on a day of trail building, the Colorowdies were fueled up by burritos from Dos Gringos Burritos Cafe Ole and Coffee Shop. With jam packed burritos filled with eggs, chorizo, potatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, and salsa, everyone was ready for the demanding work ahead. This breakfast not only provided the necessary energy but also set the tone for a day of camaraderie and collaboration. The café, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, was the perfect starting point for our adventure. Visit Dos Gringos to experience their delightful offerings and see why it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Time to Gear Up
Colorowdies Mountain Bike Crew Ambassadors and Alumni
Stoked to contribute to the Buckdown Downhill Trail project, 26 members of the Colorowdies Ambassador Team with some Alumni traveled from Colorado’s Front
Range to the Roaring Fork Valley. Once there, they joined RFMBA volunteers for a full day of trail work,
bringing the total crew to 36. The team was met with a well-organized plan, friendly faces, and plenty of coffee to kick off a productive day of digging.
Before the dig day, the RFMBA crew had already laid a
solid foundation for Buckdown. When the volunteers
arrived by bike to the trailhead, they were given a comprehensive trail plan along with an impressive
collection of tools.
Insights from the Trail
The Proper Tools and Skills
“The intention for the trail is be fairly raw gully style of trail with hand built features like wall rides, root sections, and fun corners in good dirt.”
The team had their pick of McLeods, shovels, loppers, pick mattocks, and others. With an ambitious goal of completing the ~0.75-mile trail in a single day, the volunteers got straight to work—removing trees, clearing brush, and beginning to dig out the new trail.
World-class trails do more than provide us with great riding. They promote health and wellness, while boosting our local economy.
The team split into groups along the trail: some focused on clearing brush, others dug the trail, and a few worked on finishing touches. Thanks to everyone’s effort, the crew made impressive progress, completing the upper flow section of the trail and even building natural wall rides and jumps in the gully section. By the end of the day, ~70% of the trail was hand cut and ready to ride.
Witness the Transformation: Trail Work in Action
Building mountain bike trails requires a diverse team with specialized skills – from trail designers and builders with an intimate knowledge of the terrain to experienced riders who can provide invaluable feedback. Through collaborative effort and a shared passion for the sport, this team can transform raw wilderness into a thrilling and sustainable trail network that challenges riders and enhances the natural environment.
Celebrate the Project
To celebrate all of the hard work, the volunteers hopped on their bikes and followed the RFMBA crew down a very fun trail called Crown Royal—ever done a corkscrew on a
mountain bike? Back at the parking lot, everyone enjoyed pizza and refreshments courtesy of RFMBA.
Join RFMBA Trailblazing Efforts!
Be a part of our mission to enhance local trails and create unforgettable outdoor experiences. Your support and involvement can make a significant difference in preserving and improving our natural spaces. Whether you volunteer your time or contribute resources, every effort counts. Let’s work together to build a better trail system for everyone to enjoy. Join us in our upcoming projects and help us make a lasting impact!
Party Time and Thank You
As we wrapped up our incredible journey in Carbondale, Colorado, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association, Dos Gringos, and the Bureau of Land Management for their unwavering support and collaboration. Their contributions were instrumental in making the Buck Down Trail Project a resounding success. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to future adventures.
An additional thank you to Mike and the RFMBA team for the excellent bike ride on the day following trail work. The effort the RFMBA organization puts into the trail system is shown by the placement of rocks, clearing of trees, and water management strategies found throughout the area. Places like this could not exist without their efforts.
Digging, biking, camping, and hanging out with friends—it truly doesn’t get any better than that!
