Members of the Trail Care Crew of the Subaru/International Mountain Bicycling Association will hold a Trailbuilding School in Ruidoso this week.
If the school is successful, the IMBA will be back March 1 to design a trail system.
Chris and Leslie Kehmeier will be in Ruidoso Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 4-7, to assess existing trails and help local organizations put together a Ruidoso Master Trail Plan.
The IMBA’s work in Ruidoso is being funded by a $25,000 lodgers tax grant to the village of Ruidoso, supplemented by a $4,000 donation from the White Mountain Outdoor Club. The club’s request for the lodgers tax grant was supported by the Bicycle Ruidoso Club, the Ruidoso Trails Fund and the Smokey Bear Ranger District.
The IMBA crews teach “sustainable” trail building, which means, according to the IMBA Website, “building trails that last a long time and require minimal maintenance. This helps reduce trail damage, protects the environment and enhances visitor enjoyment.”
The Kehmeiers will begin with a ride/rolling assessment of trails during the day Thursday, followed by a community presentation and roundtable at the Smokey Bear Ranger District office, 901 Mechem Drive.
Friday will be spent in preparation of the trail work project.
Classroom sessions will be conducted from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Smokey Bear District office. Lunch will be provided by Dreamcatcher at noon.
At 1:30 p.m., a Powerpoint presentation, “Economic Benefits of Bike Trails in a Community,” will be presented.
A volunteer dinner and social will be held 6-9 p.m. Saturday at Dreamcatcher, 2029 Sudderth Drive.
The school will end with a morning group ride Sunday, weather permitting.
Those planning to attend are asked to register at go.imba.com/ruidoso.
For more information, contact Cody Thurston of the White Mountain Outdoor Club at codythurston@yahoo.com.