We’ve been remiss in our updates! A few weeks ago, IMBA’s Trail Solutions sent Shane Wilson out to scope out the 500 acre parcel we’re planning to develop for mountain bike use.

We spent several days hiking the entire acreage and discussing the types of trails that will best suit the topography and soil conditions.

We’re awaiting the finished proposal with the trail designs but Shane estimates we’ll be able to create between 15 and 19 miles of single track in this area alone.

While we were hiking, we got to take full advantage of the gorgeous views we got from the tops of the hills and ridges in the area. The trails will top out on these spots and will offer nice views of the foothills and the sierra and will provide mileage and terrain for all ability levels.

Part of the proposed plan will include a beginner or kid-specific skills area as well as trails that will be rated from beginner to advanced with plenty of climbing, descending, and flowing.

A friend of ours sent us this photo of a poster at Sea Otter Classic. Here’s what it says under “Groveland Trail Heads” on the map:

“GROVELAND TRAIL SYSTEM: IMBA’s Chapter, the Groveland Trail Heads, is leading the way in the development of a mojor trail system for mountain bikers on the outskirts of Yosemite National Park in the Stanislaus Forest. This is the first step in creating a destination riding area for the millions of people who pass through the gateway community of Groveland on their way to Yosemite.

Yep. That pretty much sums it up.

Pine Mountain Lake is a gated community inside of Groveland, CA. In a recent survey PML gave to homeowners, they found that 72% wanted more and better access to trails in the area. There are units of land inside of PML that total around 725+ acres and that are well-suited to building excellent flow and X-C trails.

We present our proposal on Saturday, March 15th at 9am at the PML Board Meeting.

It’s been quiet but that’s about to change… Ever since our mountain bike club started we have had a goal of making Groveland a Mountain Bike Destination. There are so many who will benefit from this endeavor… local businesses, the community as a whole and our youths. Becoming a Chapter of IMBA was one of the first steps. Now we have contracted IMBA’s world renown Trail Solutions to get this party started Here is Trail Solutions concept and the first phase of this project to make Groveland a true Mountain Bike Destination…

“Trail Solutions will explore and document the opportunities to develop a destination-quality trail system on the approximately 500 acre parcel identified near Groveland, CA. We are excited about this exceptional opportunity and the positive impact it will have both for residents of Groveland and for visitors to the Yosemite Valley region. Trail Solutions anticipates scheduling this work while the conditions are conducive to field work in Winter/Spring 2014.

Project Approach
Groveland California is the gateway to Yosemite Valley. Located approximately 120 miles east of the San Francisco Bay area and minutes from the west gate to Yosemite Valley National Park, tourism dominates the local economy. While the surroundings contain ideal terrain and landscapes to host natural surface trails, existing opportunities are scant; a network of old roads and a few user built trails form a modest trail system. Developing a destination trails concept plan for the Groveland will provide a strategy for creating new trails and other support infrastructure such as trailheads. Just as important, the planning process will serve to gain stakeholder buy-in from citizens and public land management agencies, resulting in a vision that has the necessary support to advance. Trail plans are also typically necessary to advance grant requests to fund the implementation phase. The plan will consider a wide range of mountain bicycling experiences in order to appeal to a broad user base. Family-friendly rides, classic singletrack, and flow trails; all centered on the identified area of interest near Groveland, will provide innovative riding opportunities to ensure the town’s relevance to current and future riders. The value of this process goes beyond the creation of new trails: the plan, if realized, will serve to stimulate the tourism economy of Groveland by encouraging riders to use the town as the hub for their single- and multi-day excursions. Hotels, restaurants, bike shops, and guide services will all benefit from the increased visitation. It is for these reasons that we propose the creation of a destination trails concept plan for the 500 acre parcel. Starting from scratch also provides the opportunity to create a more diverse trail system that features paths appealing to novice enthusiasts and the most skilled fit experienced trail users.”

Wow, this is exciting! But there is more…

We have also been discussing developing Biking/Hiking/Running trails in 3 areas totaling 736 acres with Pine Mountain Lake. The Pine Mountain Lake Association will be discussing their trails plan with IMBA’s Trail Solutions as well. We’re going to have an outdoor recreation mecca when this is all completed!

All of this has been a lot of work but the Groveland Trail Heads know how to roll up our sleeves and get it done We are working on proposal letters for fund raising and grant applications currently. We just completed and submitted an application for the “Bell Built Grant”, you’ll be hearing more about this. Any ideas or donations would be helpful at this point, also contact us if you have any questions. If you live here or are coming to visit let us know and we could show you some fun stuff to ride that is already here, guaranteed amazing views

All about mtn bike trails,

Dwight “DangerBoy” Follien
Groveland Trail Heads- Chairman
dwightfol@gmail.com

Groveland Trail Heads would like to support our community and this is a good first step. We were introduced at the January 2013 meeting and received our official certificate at the February 2013 meeting. We will be able to keep the community informed with what we’re doing.