Bighorn Ridge Project Updates

Announcing the Bighorn Ridge Trails Project

We are very excited to announce the Bighorn Ridge Trails Project!!!

This project is a collaboration between HMBA and many partners: West Fraser (Hinton), Yellowhead County, Town of Hinton, and the Foothills Recreation Management Association - with Hoots Inc. as the builder! The project was realized last summer and work already started in the Fall of 2018 with a planned completion in the Fall of 2019.

HMBA and its Partners have secured over $300,000 for 1) a new trail to the Bighorn viewpoint and 2) upgrades and improvements to the original Bighorn Trail (descent) to make it sustainable (and fun!). Further plans are already being discussed, so this could be just the beginning.

The Bighorn Trail was originally built in the early 1900s by the Dominion of Canada Forestry Service as a pack trail to patrol the forested areas along the eastern slopes. Learn more about it's history here. 

Behind the Hinton Bike Park

Build it and they will come....but who will maintain it???

To help give Hinton Bike Park users and visitors an idea of what goes on behind the scenes, some information is provided below.   When the weather makes bike park conditions poor, there are many reasons why the HMBA reminds all users to stay out of the park, and the main one is the knowledge of all the hard work put into keeping the park in great shape for the enjoyment of all.

How it all started

When the Hinton Bike Park was in its first phase (2008), the goal was to build an outstanding mountain bike skills park that is fun, safe, free of charge, and accessible for all abilities and ages, thereby facilitating the promotion of skills development, active lifestyles and mountain culture.   It was the first of its kind in the Yellowhead region, a regional hub for activity.

Grand Opening of the Hinton Bike Park

Partnerships

The Hinton Bike Park was made possible by the Hinton Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) - all volunteers!!!, the Town of Hinton, and the many, MANY, supporters over the years.  Check out our list of growing supporters!

The Stats

• The Hinton Bike Park has 37 Acres of land with the possibility of future expansion.  
• The cost to build the first two phases (2008-2009) was over $400,000 in cash, material and time.
• Free of charge to users (donations are welcome!)
• Central location to access Hinton's trail network (over 30 km!)
• Visitors from all over Alberta, Canada, US, and many international countries have been to the park

Fast Forward to 2017

The Hinton Bike Park is almost 10 years old and was showing signs of aging and deterioration.  It was time to focus on refurbishing many areas within the park.  The HMBA applied for grants, made use of the annual maintenance fund provided by the Town of Hinton, and used funds accumulated from donations received from its wonderful sponsors.

The total value of the 2017 maintenance work was $25,500, and focused on these areas:

• Skills Area
• Mini Pump Track
• Dirt Jumps
• Drop Zone (part of the Hinton Community Grant)
• Fo'Shore (part of the Hinton Community Grant)
• Slope Wars (part of the Hinton Community Grant)
• Midway Pump Track
• Business Time
• Jodoin's Journey (erosion/drainage issues)

Dirt Jumps

Midway Pump Track

Business Time

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New Trail

Earlier in the Spring, a representative from Pembina Pipeline Corporation contacted the HMBA about the opportunity to donate towards something Sprockids-related.  The Board of the HMBA suggested building a trail that was suited for the younger Sprockids group (dubbed the run-bikers).   With Hoots Inc. and Crew lined up for all this work, the new trail became a reality in mid-June!  The total value of this trail is $20,800, which includes $3,295 of services donated by Hoots Inc.  and $15,000 donated by Pembina Pipeline Corporation.

New trail!

Thank you Pembina Pipeline Corporation!

How you can help

• Ride Dirt Not Mud.  If you are leaving visible ruts, it's too wet to ride!
• Become a member!  It helps with grant applications.
• Stay connected via the website, facebook or through our member emails.
• Volunteer when maintenance days are announced.
• Be a bike park and trail ambassador!  Educate others.

Hoots Inc. Crew with their biggest fan

Pembina Pipeline Corp Investing in Hinton

We are SUPER excited to announce the donation of $15,000 from Pembina Pipeline Corporation's Community Investment Program. This amazing donation has funded our newest trail in the Hinton Bike Park, unofficially named "Pembina Sprockids Trail".

This BIG cheque was presented by Clint Walker, of Pembina Pipeline, to Jay Hore (HMBA President) and Julie Duval (HMBA Treasurer). Jay Hoots from Hoots Inc., and his crew were hired to build this sweet new trail. Hoots Inc. has also donated over $3,000 of labour towards the building of the Pembina Sprockids Trail. Revenue accumulated from our Hinton Sprockids Program registrations and donations have also contributed to this trail build.

The trail is over 600m of gently sloped terrain and is suitable for younger bikers and novices.

Thank you Hoots Inc. and crew for this new addition and THANK YOU Pembina Pipeline for investing in our community!!!

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A new trail well suited for riders of all abilities!

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Hinton Bike Park back in Great Shape!

Hoots Inc. and crew have completed three weeks of maintenance and trail building work at the Hinton Bike Park!

Thanks!

 The HMBA would like to thank Jay, Alan, Dalan, Fraser and Ben for the awesome work done!!!

The HMBA would also like to thank the Town of Hinton for the Community Grant received in April. This grant ensured that the Drop Zone, Fo'Shore and Slope Wars skill areas got inspected, re-shaped, and buffed.

Business Time

Other areas in the park that received similar maintenance include the Skills Area, Dirt Jumps, Business time, Midway Pump Track and Jodoin's Journey. Funds for this work was provided by the HMBA, the Town of Hinton's Bike Park Annual Maintenance Fund and from donated services/labour by Hoots Inc.

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Dirt Jumps

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Midway Pump Track

Lastly, the Hinton Bike Park now has a new trail!!! This trail is freshly built over approximately 600m of gently sloped terrain. It was designed with the younger bikers in mind, to allow easier access to the mid-areas of the park. This trail was funded by a generous benefactor which we hope to announce soon! Registration revenue and donations from the Hinton Sprockids program also contributed to this build!

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New trail

Bike Park TLC

The Hinton Bike Park is getting a good round of maintenance and buffing - thanks to the great work done by the crew of Hoots Inc., with some help by HMBA volunteers during our work bees.  Check our event calendar for the next one!

With a lot of rain in the forecast, PLEASE stay out of the park, especially in areas that have been buffed up. These areas need to have a chance to settle, compact and harden.

If a section is taped off with flagging tape - this means STAY OUT. By using features when they are not ready, you will be destroying all the hard work put into it! (which costs $$$).

Hoots Inc. are onsite for 3 weeks of solid bike park maintenance, buffing and a new feature - stay tuned!

Dirt Jumps

Business Time

Midway Pump Track

Maintenance Night at the Bike Park

Maintenance night at the Bike Park was a big success! A total of 16 volunteers came out: 5 were RBC staff and 3 were under 12! :)  THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! - YOU ROCK!!!

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Big thanks to the Hoots Inc. crew for all their assistance and direction! A lot got accomplished!

And a really BIG Thank You to the RBC Staff for selecting to support the HMBA again this year. Because they volunteered their personal time, RBC will now donate $1,000 to the HMBA.

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Happy Creek Project Completed!

A year ago in September, the Hinton Mountain Bike Association was awarded $30,000 from Hinton's 2014 Participatory Budget.  The grant was used to revitalize Hinton's amazing signature trail, Happy Creek, which needed some major work done on two large sections of boardwalks.  This project not only benefited mountain bikers, but runners, walkers, hikers, and visitors alike! 

Hoots Inc. was contracted for this project.  Crews were onsite by mid-August and by early September, the work was done!  The construction was done with sustainability in mind with the goal of durability and longer lifespan.

For those familiar with Happy Creek Trail - this new upgrade will be well received! 

Thank you to all trail users in the weeks during construction.  Your patience and understanding were appreciated!

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Before...

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Rebuilding, 1st phase

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Rebuilding, 2nd phase

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After!  Boardwalk 1 

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After!  Boardwalk 2

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Boardwalk repair area indicated in green.  (2011 map)

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This project supported by:

Happy Creek Trail Project: September 1st

Happy Creek Project update: boardwalks should be done by the end of Tuesday or Wednesday this week (September 1st or 2nd). The load of lumber in the photo shows you just how much was needed!

Happy Creek Trail Project - August 26th

Happy Creek Trail Project progress.  Posted by Jay Hoots on facebook, August 26, 2015.

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August 26, 2015

Pictures from earlier dates:

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May 18, 2015

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August 19, 2015

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August 25, 2015

Happy Creek Trail Project - August 25th

Happy Creek Trail Project progress.  Posted by Jay Hoots on facebook, August 25, 2015.

NOTICE: Happy Creek Boardwalk Repair Underway

Notice to All Trail Users in the Happy Creek Trail System

Please be advised that a section on the East side of the Happy Creek Trail is undergoing trail construction until approximately September 4th, 2015.   Progress reports will be posted on our website (www.bikehinton.com) and on facebook.  During this time, we ask that all trail users enjoy alternate routes on our trail systems and avoid passing through the construction zone, as that may cause more harm (i.e. trail widening and/or work interruptions).  Thank you for your understanding and patience!!

Trail Under Construction

Jay Hoots and crew are working on the Happy Creek Trail boardwalk repair - a 2014 Hinton Participatory Budget project.  See green markings on the map below for area affected by this work.  The trail section is found on Happy Creek Trail - East side, just past the Fast Trax intersection when going South.  There are two long sections of boardwalk that have deteriorated beyond repair over the years and will be replaced with a new structure.  The crew will be accessing the site via motorized quad/bike - but have taken precautions to minimize their impact.  A lot of lumber and materials need to go in and out of the site.

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Boardwalk repair area indicated in green.  (2011 map)

Background

Last September, the Hinton Mountain Bike Association had submitted a proposal for Hinton's Participatory Budget.  Hinton's amazing signature trail, Happy Creek, needed some major work done on all the bridges and wood features. This is not just a project that will benefit the mountain bikers, but it will benefit runners, walkers, hikers, and visitors who enjoy using this great trail!  In October, Hinton residents decided to award $30,000 towards the Happy Creek project!  

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This caution sign was posted at both ends of the boardwalks to advise all recreational users during the summer of 2015.

Photo credit: Sarah Burns taken in Fall 2014.

Feedback

If you have any questions, comments or even great feedback about this project, please contact us via email at info@bikehinton.com

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This project supported by:

Hinton Bike Park - Refreshed!

In the early evening of Friday, August 1st - Jay Hoots and his wonderful hard-working crew were packing up after a full & dedicated week at reshaping the park's Skills Area, (mini) Pump Track and Dirt Jumps.   Their love for our park can be seen in the great work they've done.  Big thanks are also shouted out to all the volunteers that came out to give a hand!!

The Happy Creek Bike Park was also given some TLC and has surely seen lots of action since!

A BIG THANK YOU to all the Hinton Mountain Bike Association's sponsors!!!

• Mark Deagle Log Home Builders;
• Hinton Home Hardware;
• The Cat Rental Store;
• Wolverine Integrated Resource Management (Terry Dodge);
• Lakeview Inn & Suites; and
• The Town of Hinton

Make sure to explore the park in the next few weeks and get ready to participate in the upcoming 5th Annual Beaver Bike Fest on August 23 & 24th!  

Hinton Bike Park Rejuvenation Almost Complete!

The Hinton Bike Park rejuvenation (Skills Area and Dirt Jumps) by Jay Hoots, his crew and many dedicated volunteers is nearing completion!  I would describe all the rad changes and additions, but fear I wouldn't do it justice... which means you should plan to visit the park in the very near future and check it out for yourselves!

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Dirt Jumps

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Square of Skinnies and Turns

The Happy Creek Bike Park on Forest Heights Drive has also been 'refreshed' and ready for some jump and rolling action!  Click here for map for this park's location

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Happy Creek Bike Park

HMBA Trail Maintenance Update

Latest updates

• Hoots Inc. have landed! Look for them at the Bike Park over the coming weeks.
• Junior Forest Rangers (JFR's) are braving the Heavy Rain Warning today and tomorrow continuing work out at the "GS Extension" !

Upcoming Trail Maintenance / Ride 

When:  Saturday July 26, 2014 at 12:30 (weather pending)
Where: Meet at the seacan at the Bike Park, pack tools (provided) and ride out!

Please bring water/snacks, appropriate clothing and safety equipment (gloves/glasses etc.)

PS. did you know that trail volunteers are entered into a sweet year-end prize draw?