A free presentation on snow biking and trail etiquette will be held at the Dolores Public Library on Jan. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Scott Darling, of Kokopelli Bike and Board, will provide information on the sport, equipment and proper use of trails.
More snow is still needed before the dedicated snow biking system of trails in Boggy Draw north of Dolores are ready to be groomed.
There is only 4 inches of snow, and at least 6 inches are needed to groom, Darling said.
Education on snow biking trail etiquette is an ongoing goal, Darling said. Conditions for using the trails need to be ideal to keep the trails in good shape.
The main point is to avoid the using the groomed snow biking trails if riding them causes a rut deeper than 1 inch.
Only ride when grooming is complete and the trails are in firm condition, Darling said. The snow bike trail system is intended for bikes with tires 3.5 inches wide or wider, with tire pressure less than 10 per square inch.
There should be sufficient traction to ride in a straight line and control your bike. Snowshoers and walkers are asked to travel to side of the groomed routes or use alternate routes to avoid damaging the groomed surface with post holes.
The 12 miles of snow bike trails at Boggy Draw were authorized by the San Juan National Forest. They are groomed when weather conditions allow by a dedicated crew of volunteers with the Southwest Colorado Cycling Association who use their own grooming equipment.
When grooming begins, updates will be posted on the SWCCA Facebook page.
Snow bikers also take advantage of snowmobile routes in the area. A good resource is at sanjuansledders.com.
