PROJECT BACKGROUND
For a couple of years, local mountain bike teams have been talking about the need for a set of trails that beginners could ride to learn basic skills and fitness without needing to be far from our trailhead, and in a bit more of a controlled, groomed trail. Our existing trails for biking are single track, more natural and rocky and stretch out in an A to B mode that takes you a distance away. We also didn't have many switchback trails to practice on, something riders were needing to learn for racing and basic skills learning. In addition, online there are questions every week from people in the region asking where to take beginners and the same 2-3 answers are given - none of which are located close to our area or most of Utah County. With the volume of mountain bike teams and visitors we get on our trails, and the demand for this type of trail, it made sense to find a way to build a set that will accomplish what was needed. We engaged with the City of Eagle Mountain, after the new section of development in the area began by Cadence homes. There is a parcel now enclosed by homes on the East and soon to be on the South, that is owned by the City of Eagle Mountain. It is approximately 40 acres in size and is undevelopable. It also sits adjacent to the wildlife overlay in the area, and additional hills that will not be developed. It provides a perfect opportunity for building the trails we needed. Below is a map and description of the area. The parcel is a perfect size, slope, terrain type, and close to the new trailhead going in. It will be easily accessed by beginners without needing to take roads or more difficult trails to ride. Why "Hickman Hill"? Well we are all familiar with Porter Rockwell, and have several things named after him in the area. We also have many things celebrating the Pony Express. But did you know that one of the Pony Express riders in this area was a Fairfield resident named William Adams Hickman? He was a friend/colleague of Porter Rockwell and a well known local who had a cabin in Fairfield (that cabin has been moved to "This is the Place" park and can be seen there), was a member of the territorial legislature, a lawman, and more. He previously was a bodyguard to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. A bit of a notorious/infamous figure as well, Hickman left a huge legacy in Utah and in the Lake Mountain area. We thought it would be fitting/fun to name something in his honor in the area. For more details, please see our proposal for this project. VALUE OF PROJECT
These trails will be unique set of trails that will attract many visitors to our city and provide awesome opportunities for families/kids to come learn to ride mountain bikes in safe, fun looping set of trails. It will provide additional economic gain to the city from visitors, use a parcel of land that has little other use opportunities, preserves open space and enhances the access to that space, and will have active care for garbage and environmental protection. This is a big win for our city and region. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Let us know if you want to help, or check out our trailwork dates on our calendar page. PROJECT TIMELINE Our goal for 100% completion of this project is the Fall of 2024. However, the first major phase of the trail system has already been open for 2 years. Here is a breakdown of the timeline into a couple of phases: Phase 1: COMPLETED
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PROJECT UPDATES
4/8/2024 We are working on completing the fourth and final downhill line on the hill and the skills section below it. Look for upcoming dig days to help! 8/30 - The third downhill line (first split) has been roughed in and some finish work been done. We are slowly making progress on this and it is open to be ridden (although a bit rough right now). Also, we have mostly roughed in the skills section loop at the bottom of the hill's south side and are working on identifying and building features to put in here. 5/9 - We had our big dig day on the 7th with more than 400 people showing up from 6 different NICA teams. Made a TON of progress on the downhill trails. The three existing trails are rideable, but not completed. We should be good to go by June 1. 5/3 - Multiple trail dig days this week should help us make significant progress, including a major dig day on the 7th. See calendar for more info. 4/30 - We flagged the final downhill trail(s) for this system. This last trail is a more advanced trail for XC riders with some great features for learning more advanced skills like drops. With a few A/B line options and roll around options, this will be a trail that all users can progress on as they learn. We're excited about this last addition and will begin setting lines and roughing in the trail in May. 4/26 - We had about 20 people out from Westlake and Cedar Valley NICA teams and were able to finish the bottom of the uphill trail - meaning that the uphill is generally now done from bottom to top! |
GENERAL AREA MAP
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SYSTEM SPECIFIC MAP
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