Courtesy of Killington Mountain Bike Club
A mountain biker crosses the finish line at a recent event held in Killington.
Club receives chapter grant from Vermont Mountain Bike Association
KILLINGTON – On Monday Nov. 2, the Killington Mountain Bike Club (KMBC) announced it had received the 2015 VMBA chapter trail grant and was awarded $2,000 to begin the construction of a one mile beginner loop adjacent to Kent Pond and Gifford Woods. The purpose of the VMBA trail grant is to strengthen the ability of every VMBA chapter to partner with its community, landowners and public land managers to build sustainable, open access and mapped trails for riders to enjoy.
The KMBC has been an active and productive group this past year ,raising close to $10,000 in fundraising and grants in hope to begin construction on new mountain bike trail in the spring. Killington Recreation Director Kim Peters will be applying for the Building Communities recreational facilities grant in November, while KMBC will begin the grant writing for the National Forest Foundation grant.
“Collaborating with KMBC and VMBA has been a win for the next steps in building the new trails,” Peters said. “Grant writing is timely and detailed, but the reward is receiving the grant money to support the Town of Killington master plan to provide mountain bike trails.”
Mountain biking is a known economic driver in support of four season tourism promotion, with an impact over 10 times greater than the ski/snowboard market. A recent study conducted by the small town of East Burke, Vt., found that its trail network brings 40,000 annual visitors and an estimated $4 million annually to the economy.
“The proposed mountain bike trail system will encourage riders of all ages to enjoy what the Killington Region has to offers,” says Ben Colona, KMBC president.
Along with pursuing multiple grants, the KMBC will continue fundraising efforts through special events and sponsorships. The KMBC winter fundraiser, Rolling Fatties a fat bike event, was a success, raising close to $6,000. KMBC followed with an event on Columbus Weekend, the Downhill Roll.
“The KMBC put on two great events this year to get our name and purpose out to the town. Local businesses have jumped on board to help and we were met with a great response and support. It is obvious this town wants and needs a cross country mountain bike network to help grow our summer business,” said Colona.
The KMBC is planning their 2016 fundraising events now. Check out their facebook page to stay informed on upcoming ways to support the efforts and save the dates for their upcoming events.