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As you are all very aware, the COVID-19 outbreak has thrown a curveball at just about every aspect of our daily routines. As essential as mountain biking is to many of our lives, we unfortunately will not be able to hold events for the foreseeable future. All scheduled events have been suspended until further notice.
To everybody in our mountain bike community, we ask a few things:
- HAVE PATIENCE! We are still working behind the scenes to make sure trails are maintained, and preparing for the prospects of long-term cancelations. We are putting our minds together to come up with ways to creatively and safely hold races, fundraisers, trail-building, and other events during this time of social distancing. Fortunately, our main season doesn’t start for several weeks, and we hope to launch our regular schedule without missing much of the season. That being said, we will work on refunds/forwarding memberships in the unfortunate event that the season is canceled, but that deadline is a long ways out, and we will keep you informed if that scenario unfolds.
- WE CAN STILL USE YOUR SUPPORT! Getting out into our trail network is a great way to stay sane while self-isolating, and your funds, whether by membership or donation, will help the club keep the trails maintained throughout these difficult times. Our early-bird deadline has been extended, so check out the website for all that info.
- PLEASE RESPECT GOVERNMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY MANDATES! Having our trails located in a free-to-use city park is a privilege, and if park-users are not heeding self-isolation advice, we may see the parks temporarily shut down. Just because you are outside does not mean you are immune to spreading the virus! Keep at least 2m away from others. Do not stop and chat in close quarters. Do not share rides. Bring your own tools and nutrition. Riding solo is recommended at this time, but also be prepared with a cellphone and tools to be self-sufficient. City officials have already given us a warning that if groups start appearing this spring, trails and parks will be closed. Be smart!
- PLEASE RESPECT TRAIL CLOSURES. We know you are feeling cooped up due to coronavirus, but please do not hit the trails before they are ready to be ridden. It goes without saying that countless volunteer hours are poured into our trails every year, especially in the spring after the snow melts. Unfortunately, we will not be able to have large-scale maintenance crews working this year. Any damage that occurs from riders making deep ruts or eroding soft trails will hit extra hard this season. Stick to the roads or packed trails until our network is ready for the traffic; not respecting Blacksheep’s trail closures will only delay the good riding for longer, and will bum everybody else out. Don’t be that guy. We’ll let you know when things are opened up.
Feel free to get a hold of us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions, but know that we are still working to make this season the best we’ve ever had, no matter what circumstances we’re facing. Stay home, stay safe, and we hope to be riding with you before long!
