As some of you may have heard, the Chainsmokers have decided not to run Wednesday night time trials at Blackhawk this year, bringing the end to a long and storied era. Some of us out there decided that that is no reason not to keep riding on Wednesday nights. So as not to confuse anyone, we are going to call it the Wednesday Night Ride. For the next few weeks (until school is out), it is going to be informal group rides, taking whatever form the folks who show up feel like. Once school is out, things will sometimes be more structured, and hopefully interesting. No set plans yet, but there is talk of family oriented pot-lucks, bike related movie screenings, bonfires, live music, maybe even the occasional time-trial. So figure on coming out sometime. 6:00 at the East Chalet.
In more Blackhawk news, the board approved $7,000 for bike trial work this summer, so with any luck the area's potential will be more fully tapped by the time fall rolls around.
New this year is the Kids Mountain Bike Program, based on the kids ski programs. It is happening Thursday nights, age six and up, two six-week programs. A good chance to get the kids some instruction while you go ride.
There are work days scheduled for this weekend (May 18-19). I can't remember the details, but I am sure if you show up Saturday morning around 9:00, things will become clear enough. This is a good chance to check out the area's existing trails, and the potential for more, as you do not need to be a member to participate in maintenance (awful generous, eh?).
Speaking of membership, you can join here:
http://www.blackhawkskiclub.org/. It is $35 for the summer membership (the website currently defines that as Memorial Day to Labor Day, but that is incorrect; it is whenever the trails are rideable (i.e. no snow)). There are a bunch of other year round options if you are a skier, though I think the year starts in the fall, so go the summer route at this point. I know it is a drag to pay to ride, but it is pretty insignificant if you can get out there a couple times, and it is nice to have another spot close to town.
Jon