The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) is partnering with the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital to present a fun day on the new Gateway Trail at the hospital on Sunday, May 20. The Gateway Trail represents a close collaboration between CAMBA and Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and is the first of its kind trail in the region.
According to CAMBA executive director Ron Bergin, “A gateway trail is an entry-level trail that is suitable for beginning mountain bikers or those uncomfortable with narrower, more technical trails.” Construction on the Hayward Hospital Trail began during the summer of 2017 with 1.3 miles of trail completed. “The ultimate plan for the trail is to build up to six miles of trail over the next two summers,” says Bergin. He adds, “We have a lot of intermediate level trails and a fair amount of challenging, difficult trail, but very little on the “easy” end of the spectrum and this trail is our effort to help bring this into balance.”
The initial phase of the trail has met with resounding popular acclaim from local riders of all ages. “Of course one of our goals is to provide a trail for younger riders to have fun and a positive exposure to mountain biking, but a trail of this nature is perfect for riders of all ages, including those in the more senior age ranges,” says Bergin. The trail is wider than most singletrack trails, has no rocks, roots, or other obstacles; and has a fun rolling flow without any significant hills. “This is not to imply that the trail is a simple, flat straight trail,” Bergin clarifies. In fact, the trail has many sweeping turns and a great fun flow. Experienced riders truly enjoy the trail as well.
The Gateway Trail Fun Day is a free, family-friendly, all-ages event from noon to 3:00 pm. “In holding this event,” says Bergin, “it is our hope to generate greater awareness of the trail and encourage new riders to try it out. We hope mountain bikers of all ages, including first-time riders can join us on Sunday, May 20 for this very fun event.” All activities will take place in the Essentia Health Clinic parking lot adjacent to Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and entry to the new gateway trail.
“We are very excited to work with CAMBA to put on this family fun event,” said Brad Zeller, Hayward Area Memorial Hospital Vice President of Administration. “We hope that first-time users come out to experience the trail and we hope that those who are familiar with this great trail join us for fun, games and food and the opportunity to enjoy the trail as a community.”
Planned activities for the Gateway Trail Fun Day will include: bike demos, skills demonstrations, guided rides, trail games, snacks and treats, giveaways, prizes and just good clean fun.
“In addition to helping make more people aware of the development of the Gateway Trail,” states Bergin, “one of our objectives is to also help raise funds for the continued development of the trail.” The entire Gateway Trail project will cost approximately $65,000. Hayward Area Memorial Hospital has pledged to match fifty percent of the funds raised by CAMBA. “Including the amount pledged by the hospital, we have raised close to two-thirds of the total project budget, so we have a way to go and will gratefully accept all donations during the event.” Donations can be made at the CAMBA tent during the Fun Day event and also on the CAMBA website at www.cambatrails.org.
