Valmont Bike Park, Breeding the Next Generation

As you appreciate Clayton Shank's whip in 2012, take a step back to the mid 1990's. The city of Boulder, Colorado purchased 132 acres of land on the East side of town... -Dave Trumpore

and in May of 1996, the city of Boulder held a public meeting to get opinions on what to do with the land. Chances are Erik Obermeyer (pictured) was barely out of diapers when that meeting was held. -Dave Trumpore

Of the 75 attendees at the meeting, 68 of them were cyclists thanks to a pre-social-media mail campaign spearheaded by Chris Graelish, Bobby Noyes and Lou Patterson; local cycling industry leaders. Dominic Megalli (pictured) flaps his wheels in 2012, long after the mailer went out in 1996. -Dave Trumpore

In the face of a local cycling tragedy in 1996, the voice of Boulder cyclists was heard by the city and a cycling program within the city's Parks department was created... -Dave Trumpore

...and after planning, research and surveys, the vision for the Valmont Bike Park had emerged in the late 90's. As Andy Holloway boosts this Valmont wallride, he hums his favorite Smashmouth song in honor of 1999. -Dave Trumpore

Unfortunately the dot com bust of the time put all plans for the Valmont park on hold...until 2006! Chance Leingang dips a rowdy 360 into the sun, forgetting the dot com bust. -Dave Trumpore

In 2006, the city kicked out (possibly even nac-nac'd) the original, dated plans for the bike park and enlisted the help of BHA Landscape and Alpine Bike Parks to develop a free, benchmark riding facility that caters to all ages and abilities on two wheels. -Dave Trumpore

And with the help of donors, fundraisers and the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance, all raised their hands and rejoiced when the Valmont Bike Park opened in the summer of 2011. -Dave Trumpore

Jimmy Donahugh feelin' the flow. Workin' it...workin' it. -Kevin Shiramizu

(Duncan from The Fix in audio) And it's not just jumps and hucking. The Valmont Bike Park has something for every riding style, age and ability. -Dave Trumpore

Unlike a lot of public parks, Valmont Bike Park has a full-time staff dedicated to maintenance which means quality, safe riding. -Dave Trumpore

The guys from Progresh are the reason Valmont was going off this day. They put together the jam. Stay tuned for a feature on their new indoor training center opening in Denver!

Brock Robinette, an up-and-coming, shoulder-buzzing ripper who takes full advantage of Valmont. -Dave Trumpore

The Fix bike shop is conveniently located right next to Valmont which locals or those new to the scene can get the proper gear. -Dave Trumpore

Vital MTB in the house... -Dave Trumpore

The Fix offers plenty of protective gear, flat pedals and shoes for those looking to ride more aggressively at Valmont. -Dave Trumpore

Tammy Donahugh (Jimmy's better half) letting gravity and purple hair do all the work! Stay tuned for a bike check with Tammy next week. -Kevin Shiramizu

Look out Tammy, you'll have some serious competition in the next few years! The kids are having fun. -Dave Trumpore

Chance Leingang is proof that the progression-oriented design of the park works! -Dave Trumpore

The Valmont Bike Park map

Shawn Eason putting his knobs where Dave's mouth is. Visit the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance to learn about all the details and opportunties surrounding the Valmont Bike Park. Thanks to everyone who's vision and effort made this great riding place a reality. -Dave Trumpore