Motocross track project north of Gypsum steps forward with $150,000 grant!

GYPSUM — The Rocky Mountain Sport Riders' effort to build a motocross park in the Gypsum area took a big step forward on Tuesday when the group netted a $150,000 grant from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Off-Highway Vehicle Program.

The award represents Colorado Parks and Wildlife's distribution of money collected from motorized users via its permit program. Each year, motorized trail stewards, clubs and government entities can compete for a share of these funds. Applications are scored based on the need and community benefits of the project, partnerships and support, resource protection, education and enforcement.

The motocross park will be built at the Dry Lake property, located approximately about 4.5 miles north of Interstate 70 on Trail Gulch Road.

During the application process, the Gypsum Motocross Park project obtained statements of support from the town of Gypsum, the Bureau of Land Management, the town of Eagle, Eagle County and the Eagle Chamber of Commerce. In addition, a number of local private businesses contributed dollars and pledged in-kind contributions to the effort. These donors include Beaumont Excavating, RMT Architects, Slaugh Construction and Tamerrel Excavation.

"Eagle County and the town of Gypsum have been incredible partners in the development of this project," said Rocky Mountain Sports Riders member Mitch Hayne. "A huge part of this project was the land acquisition. Both the county and town have worked hard to push forward this important enhancement to recreation opportunities in the valley."

The land purchase closed on Dec. 30.

Track design

The motocross track concept design is already substantially complete.

"Phase 1 will include an intermediate level motocross track, a peewee track for kids, a 4.2-mile singletrack loop, as well as initial infrastructure for parking, fencing and toilet facilities," said Paul Miller, of RMT Architects, the track design firm. "In later phases, we plan to add an expert level motocross track, an enduro cross track, a super cross track, a mini (65-85cc) track, as well as an ATV area."

"This is a perfect location for the motocross park," said Joe O'Malley, Rocky Mountain Sports Riders president. "It is miles from the residences in the town of Gypsum and is bounded by hills and BLM land, which will minimize the impact on the surrounding area, as well as other users in the vicinity. Along those same lines, we will be closing our operations during the offseason in support of wildlife winter range needs."

Initial development of the park includes site cleanup, infrastructure development and fencing. Anyone interested in contributing time or funds to the effort, or anyone who wants to connect with other riders, can contact the group at http://www.rmsrco.com. The organization's Facebook page can be found at Rocky Mountain Sport Riders.