I have started building a single-track trail near Med. Park(the unfortunate fires have cleared the terrain temporarily). Granted its not Durango Co., but it does feature challenging elevation changes and it is mostly technical. It is fairly short at the time, yet it could be linked to other established trails nearby making for a good ride. I feel this area has the potential for great mtb. trails, to complement the existing double wide jeep trail offered around base of Mt. Scott. Yes the Scott trail offers a good aerobic work-out, but does not provide "single track euphoria". The key word here is single track.
So what is my point? I am simply testing the waters, or trying to get a nucleus of support to get a trail or "trails" started on public land surrounding Med. Park and or Lake Lawtonka. Yes I am aware of the S.T. on West side of Lake presently closed for Elmer Fudd and Bambi, could this trail be expanded to circle the Lake? I know Fort Sill's terrain is prime for trails, but I know the U.S. Army will never grant acreage to bike riders. They have a bigger mission, plus a carbon frame would offer no protection for a round from a MLRS. But what about the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge? Could someone please convince Smokey the Bear that a mtn bike trail will not harm the black capped vireos. They like mountain bikers, so would the local economy.
So now that my "spoiled child" rant is over I want to sum it up. Biking is a quality of life issue for me and I hope others, and I see many acres of unused terrain ripe for mtn. biking, but due to lack of interest from the public, the potential remains only potential. What do we do? Discuss the Lake Lawtonka issue with City of Lawton, perhaps instead of building more trailer house pads, they could spend a little on a healthy bike trail. As for the Wichita Mountains, be present at the next public use forum and voice your opinion. I am not the political type who makes banners and camps on library lawns... just someone who has a passion.
So what is my point? I am simply testing the waters, or trying to get a nucleus of support to get a trail or "trails" started on public land surrounding Med. Park and or Lake Lawtonka. Yes I am aware of the S.T. on West side of Lake presently closed for Elmer Fudd and Bambi, could this trail be expanded to circle the Lake? I know Fort Sill's terrain is prime for trails, but I know the U.S. Army will never grant acreage to bike riders. They have a bigger mission, plus a carbon frame would offer no protection for a round from a MLRS. But what about the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge? Could someone please convince Smokey the Bear that a mtn bike trail will not harm the black capped vireos. They like mountain bikers, so would the local economy.
So now that my "spoiled child" rant is over I want to sum it up. Biking is a quality of life issue for me and I hope others, and I see many acres of unused terrain ripe for mtn. biking, but due to lack of interest from the public, the potential remains only potential. What do we do? Discuss the Lake Lawtonka issue with City of Lawton, perhaps instead of building more trailer house pads, they could spend a little on a healthy bike trail. As for the Wichita Mountains, be present at the next public use forum and voice your opinion. I am not the political type who makes banners and camps on library lawns... just someone who has a passion.