Mountain bike riders have better access and connection in their bike rides in Breckenridge, thanks to a partnership between the One Track Mind Foundation, the Town of Breckenridge, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC), and support from many volunteers in the area.

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This season, the three entities worked hard to install two new sections to the Breck trail network. The first is a new connector trail, Ellie’s Features, in Breckenridge, which will allow access from the Flume Trails to Mike’s Trails. With a total length of 5,400 feet, the new trail connects Chantilly Trail to Upper Flume and Mike’s Trail.

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The Barney Ford Bypass, a comfortable, uphill-only section, was also completed during this project!  This bypass is open to hikers and bikers wanting to avoid the downhill-only jump line section of the Barney Ford trail. 

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As part of this project, RMYC crews, aged 16-18, removed more than 450 trees on the trail, installed treads and drainage pipes, and assisted in grading. This allows for a smooth ride and excellent drainage to help keep our trail systems in good working order.

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The trail was purposefully designed for mountain biking, creating safe, easy access for all users. It was backed by the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission (BOSAC), with approval from the Special Use Authorization, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and local CPW wildlife office.

“RMYC seeks any opportunity to get young people out on meaningful projects that increase community trail access,” says RMYC’s Lauren VandenHurk, whose RMYC crews improved 1,621 acres of public lands last year, including the maintenance or building of 705 miles of different trails for biking and hiking. “These collaborative projects, in particular, create a sense of pride and ownership among the youth who work on them and can be foundational to developing a deep connection with public lands,” Serving over 850 youth every year, RMYC is coming off its 30th anniversary, continuing its award-winning tradition of engaging youth outdoors while linking community, education, and environment through service. 

Hint: Want to learn more about civil rights pioneer Barney Ford? Visit the Barney Ford Museum, where your $5 donation helps preserve this important piece of local history.