Summit Biking Needs Your Help!!

Hello Summit Bikers,

As most of you are aware Peak Materials has an application to open up a new gravel pit north of Silverthorne, and hauling gravel back to the existing processing plant at Maryland Creek Ranch (MRC). Their estimate is 230 trucks per day will transporting between the mine and MRC (115 full and and the others empty on a return trip). As most of us are aware route 9 is constantly used by local cyclist as well as those traveling cross country and gravel and debris is all ready a problem for cyclist using the shoulder. I think we have an opportunity to make an improvement to Summit Counties Recpath by individually writing similar letters to the state. I strongly suggest individuals send an email into the state along the lines Phil Sanderman has written (see below). Our goal is not to oppose the new gravel pit but gain a new bike path from where it ends in Silverthorne to north of the gravel pit.

I realize the easy thing is not to become involved but our mission statement is to enhance recreational bicycling opportunities in Summit County. We need everyone's support to make this happen. Emails must contain the name, address and phone number of the sender. Feel free to use Phil's letter as a model.

Thanks,

John Bowyer


Hi John,
I just sent this email to the state (drms.temp@state.co.us) in reply to Peak Material's application to develop the Peak Ranch Resource 4 miles north of their processing plant at Maryland Creek Ranch.  If we could put enough pressure on the reviewing agency, they might consider an extension of the rec path along Highway 9 as a condition of issuance of the mining permit.
Do you think it would be worthwhile to ask our membership to email or write letters to the state.  Emails must contain the name, address and phone number of the sender.

Thanks.
Phil



I just read the notice of application filed by Peak Materials for commencement of sand and gravel mining operations on the Peak Ranch site.  While I realize that there is a need for Peak Materials products in Summit County, I would like to point out an adverse impact that will impact the thousands of cyclists who enjoy riding bicycles from Silverthorne to Ute Pass Road, up Ute Pass Road and back to Silverthorne.  This is a popular ride enjoyed by both visitors and local residents. The impacts can be mitigated.

Truck traffic from Peak Materials MCR site has proven to be a continuous problem for bikers returning from Ute Pass Road and Heaney along the shoulder of Highway 9 for years.  Although the drivers are careful and considerate of bikers, the trucks continuously loose material along the road which is pushed onto the shoulder by traffic, causing a hazard to bikers.  This hazard currently exists southward from the Peak Materials plant located at MCR.  The proposal would extend it 4 or 5 miles to the new location because trucks would now be transporting materials from the proposed mining site to the processing plant.

I would suggest that as a condition of issuing the permit, the applicant be required to extend the recreation path northward from its terminus in Silverthorne to the norther boundary of the proposed site.

Thank you for your consideration on this matter.

Philip Sanderman
PO Box 934
Frisco, CO 80443
Tel:  970 668 4388

August 31 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

The following rules will be in effect to future notice.

-- Everyone must have a buff or face mask. Anyone not having a buff or face mask will not be permitted to ride with the group. These need to be worn at the start and until there is a separation of at least 6 feet.

-- We will verify that we have a waiver signed from all participants and if not require one to be completed prior to riding. Most members did this when they paid their dues. We will have waivers available for those who did not or prospective riders who have not joined.

-- Riders need be at least 6 feet apart, maintaining social distancing.

-- Groups should be 10 or fewer. Please do not stop in groups and socialize, without masks and social distancing.

Our ride August 31 will start from the west end of Frisco (exit 201 from I 70) and go to the gate on the downhill side toward Vail. I rode this Tuesday and found the downhill numbers have been greatly reduced. Plan to be ready to ride between 9:30 and 9:45. There will be no picnic but feel free to bring a snack and socialize afterwards, with masks and 6 feet of separation.

I will put out an email but there will be no ride Labor Day Weekend.

Ride Safe!

John Bowyer

August 24 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers;

The following rules will be in effect to future notice.

-- Everyone must have a buff or face mask. Anyone not having a buff or face mask will not be permitted to ride with the group. These need to be worn at the start and until there is a separation of at least 6 feet.

-- We will verify that we have a waiver signed from all participants and if not require one to be completed prior to riding. Most members did this when they paid their dues. We will have waivers available for those who did not or prospective riders who have not joined.

-- Riders need be at least 6 feet apart, maintaining social distancing.

-- Groups should be 10 or fewer. Please do not stop in groups and socialize, without masks and social distancing.

Thirty Five showed up for one of the toughest rides of the year, was a great number.

Next week, August 24, we will ride to either Montezuma, A-Basin.  We will meet at the Dillon Amphitheater between 9:15 and 9:30 am.  The ride will be followed with our annual meeting starting at noon. .

I suggest avoiding the rec path through Keystone as things are very busy.  The suggested way is to turn right on Elk Drive going through the fence to Keystone Ranch Road and going left through the River Run Area of Keystone to Montezuma Road and to Montezuma.  Please do not gather on the road at the end of Montezuma Road.  Those planning to ride to Montezuma should include a ride out to Keystone Ranch.  To do this addition pass the fence and continue on Keystone Ranch Road to the end.  Return to the fence and ride back to the start.  The goal is to get back for the meeting no latter than noon. The meeting should be fairly short and you will learn things like the status of Freemont Pass Recpath. During the meeting please socially distance and wear masks.

Feel free to bring a sandwich to enjoy after the ride or during the meeting.

Like this past week if smoke is still an issue we may have to cancel the ride. Check email Monday morning.

Ride Safe!

John Bowyer

August 17 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

Looks like smoke is low so our ride today is a go. Hope to see you there.

Ride Safe!

John Bowyer

August 17 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

A heads up that there will be a message sent out Monday morning regarding the ride that day. As most of you realize the smoke is thick on some mornings. If this is the case Monday morning the ride will be canceled. Exercise in smoke can be hazardous to our health, much like smoking. A message will be sent out by 7:30 am. Hopefully conditions will be similar to today.

We have never canceled a ride due to smoke, could be another first for this year.

Ride safe!

John Bowyer

August 17 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers;

The following rules will be in effect to future notice.

-- Everyone must have a buff or face mask. Anyone not having a buff or face mask will not be permitted to ride with the group. These need to be worn at the start and until there is a separation of at least 6 feet.

-- We will verify that we have a waiver signed from all participants and if not require one to be completed prior to riding. Most members did this when they paid their dues. We will have waivers available for those who did not or prospective riders who have not joined.

-- Riders need be at least 6 feet apart, maintaining social distancing.

-- Groups should be 10 or fewer. Please do not stop in groups and socialize, without masks and social distancing.

August 17, next Monday we are meeting at the Dillon Amphitheater Parking Lot between 9:15 to 9:30 and challenge the hills of Silverthorne.  There may seem to be too many turns but most of them are easy to follow once you riding the route. The recpath does go by the outlets (watch for walkers) and the route does cross Route 9 twice so caution is advised. Please print this out and have for the ride. If lost ride downhill as the recpath is along the Blue River.

Note this is a change from the calendar. The annual meeting scheduled for August 17 will be the following week August 24.

Dillon Amphitheater – Start
Go toward the dam
Stay on Silverthorne path
to N. Pond
Rt End of Path (Allegra Dr)
Rt at stop sign (Hamilton Cr Rd)
Ride to top
Lt on Lakeview Circle
Complete Lakeview Circle turn
Lt at bottom of Circle
(continuation of Hamilton Cr Road)
Rt on Bald Eagle
Cross Rt 9 to Golden Eagle
Lt on Falcon Dr.
Lt on Golden Eagle
Lt on Two Cabins
Rt on Arnica Ln
Lt on Currant Way (easy to miss)
Lt on Hunters Knob Rd
St on Maryland Creek Trail (to Summit Sky)
At T Lt on Maryland Creek Road
Lt on Maryland Creek Lane
Rt on Rt 9
Lt at N. Pond
Rt on Allegra Dr.
Lt on Recpath
Return to Start

Feel free to bring a sandwich or snack to enjoy at the end of the ride. Social distancing work well last week at Big Horn Park.

Have Fun and Ride safe!

John Bowyer

Bike To Work Day September 22 Call For Volunteers

Bike to work day is September 22 and the county is looking for a few volunteers to help make this a successful event.  If interested please contact Diana (Chair of Physical Activity and Nutrition Team of the Summit) at info@pantssummitco.org or (917)952-3838 . Based on past Bike to Work Days this is a great way to meet other bikers, promote Summit Biking and get a free breakfast as well. For those who volunteer we have some Summit Biking business cards we can pass out so let me know, if you volunteer.


Bike to work day is a countywide event with breakfast and bike mechanic stations through the county. They are looking for volunteers to help support social distancing and Corona guidelines during the event from 6:45am-11:15am.  If able to work for a couple of hours give her a call as well.

There are 7 station:
Frisco County Commons
Frisco Historic Park
Dillon Marina Bike path
Silverthorne Pavilion
Breck Blue River Plaza
Summit Cove Bike path at Swan Mtn
Keystone Employees Center ( pending confirmation )


As always ride safe and have fun.

John Bowyer

August 10 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

The following rules will be in effect to future notice.

-- Everyone must have a buff or face mask. Anyone not having a buff or face mask will not be permitted to ride with the group. These need to be worn at the start and until there is a separation of at least 6 feet.

-- We will verify that we have a waiver signed from all participants and if not require one to be completed prior to riding. Most members did this when they paid their dues. We will have waivers available for those who did not or prospective riders who have not joined.

-- Riders need be at least 6 feet apart, maintaining social distancing.

-- Groups should be 10 or fewer.  Please do not stop in groups and socialize, without masks and social distancing.

Next Monday, August 10 we will once again venture outside Summit County to East Vail.  The ride will be from Big Horn Park, starting at 10 am.  For those who would like to car pool meet at the west end of Frisco at the parking lot at 9 am.  Carpools are recommended as parking is tight.  Multiple rides are available from Big Horn, including West Vail Pass and the Gore Trail trough Vail and onto Minturn or Edwards.  If the chance of rain is high I will put out an email Sunday evening.  Big Horn Park is a nice setting for a sandwich and to socialize (at a distance) so feel free to bring something and stay.

Directions to Big Horn Park: Go West to exit 180 in East Vail. Get off on the right and turn left going under I-70 on Bighorn Road. Go right on Streamside Circle. Stay on Streamside Circle and turn right on Meadow Drive. Bighorn Park is on the left ahead.

Remember the tourist are in town (West Vail also gets many downhill riders), slow down and do not cut corners.  Use hand signals and let others verbally know where you are.

Ride safe and have fun!

John Bowyer

August 3 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

The following rules will be in effect to future notice.

-- Everyone must have a buff or face mask. Anyone not having a buff or face mask will not be permitted to ride with the group. These need to be worn at the start and until there is a separation of at least 6 feet.

-- We will verify that we have a waiver signed from all participants and if not require one to be completed prior to riding. Most members did this when they paid their dues. We will have waivers available for those who did not or prospective riders who have not joined.

-- Riders need be at least 6 feet apart, maintaining social distancing.

-- Groups should be 10 or fewer.


The ride August 3 is to Ute Pass. There will be two starting points; North Pond in Silverthorne starting at 8:45 am (faster group perhaps with pace line) or from the bottom of Ute Pass road at 9:30 am (where Ute Pass intersects Route 9).  I plan to leave from Silverthorne, so if I am not at the bottom of Ute Pass at that start go without me.  Ute Pass Road is North of Silverthorne about 7 miles past North Pond.

People are free to bring a lunch to have after the ride at North Pond. Please be sure to socially distance. This is not the world famous ice cream ride but plans are being made and hopefully we will be able to have a safe plan in the coming weeks.

Hope to see you there.

Ride Safe,

John Bowyer