This was in the morning papers here in Louisville.

http://www.courier-journal.com/arti.../-1/ZONE02

Thanks to Bob for bringing it to everyone's attention. Please post up with your comments.

Posted by: Aaron Hawkins
25 Feb 2009 10:31 AM

Hey Folks,
I know RRCC is held sacred to us, as the only place that is always ok to ride at, but to say there isn't anyother venue, lets try to work through some options. I've scouted out the landfill, yeah its flat, but who says a doubletrack section couldn't be built on the side slopes, or a monster run-up from the greenway. I know my opinion doesn't matter much, but I think there are options there. I really think we could view that as a blank slate. We can make it however we need. After talking with Dulin, I've drawn up some plans for it, and realistically it could be done.

If you aren't familiar with the Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, you should check it out. They are making a multi use bike park, with everything from dirt jumps, pump tracks, to technical singletrack all sorts of stuff. They are taking an unused space, and turning it into gold. There are many unused spaces in Louisville, both in building form, and space under 64 along the greenway. Why couldn't some of that space be turned in to a tech riding park?

While I'd love to see a complete bike park, I realise that we need to get 'cross figured out first. Now, because I'm a outsider, I don't know exactly how this gov't works or doesn't. Maybe these ideas will fall on completely deaf ears, but I feel that we should keep an open mind about the site.

Thanks
Aaron Hawkins

--
chrysalisventuresracing.blogspot.com
260-503-9690
502-423-0508 MTB Depot and 'Cross Supply

Posted by: mike dulin
25 Feb 2009 10:41 PM

For those that haven't seen it - here is a link to Valmont.

http://bma-mtb.org/valmontbikepark/

For those that have read the article Steven posted - old Martha lays out some juicy stuff. However, if you folks really want to learn the secrets of other highly successful, local sports “enthusiasts”, the article from Monday is beautiful. It’s not immediately apparent, but if you read between the lines you’ll see that true sporting greatness comes from the fusion of “build it and they will come” and “just do it”.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps...9902230342

In all seriousness, it is important that we make it clear how much we value our off-road cycling environments. For those of you that live in metro Louisville, please call your councilperson and talk to them about your favorite trail or how much fun you and your kids had at cross practice this fall or how often you go to the BMX track. RRCC is in Tina Ward Pugh's council district and Ken Fleming is the district just to the north of her (Indian Hills). Both are top shelf leaders and would certainly do what they could to help out. No matter where you live, though, call the KY Sports Commission and tell them how important the USGP is for the local cycling scene and the local economy. I know some folks are trying to get hard data about the economic development value of bicycling - cyclocross in particular - which will be a huge help. Let us know if you need any help navigating the local political waters. Thanks.

Posted by: Will Bain
28 Feb 2009 11:56 PM

i'm just worried that the city will develop it the wrong way with out consulting the cycling comunity. and where would the sand go?