This Saturday, CAMBA and the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital invite you and your family to the Gateway Trail Fun Day. From Noon to 3, come explore this new beginner trail system located on the Hospital property. This event will offer a variety of fun activities including a mini mountain bike expo, bike demos, and plenty of fun and games along the way. All ages and abilities are welcome!
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. “The ultimate plan for the trail is to build up to six miles of trail,” says Bergin.
“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.
If you’re worried about having the right type of bike or nervous about trying the trail alone, don’t give it a second thought! New Moon will be on-site offering FREE bikes to borrow for the event, and volunteers will be offering guided rides for those who want to check out the trails with a more experienced rider.
This is the second year that Hayward Area Memorial Hospital & Water’s Edge are partnering with CAMBA to host the Gateway Trail Fun Day. HAMH had several goals in mind when they decided to co-host again this year. Hayward Area Memorial Hospital’s Marketing/Communications Director Cherie Morgan explains, “Our primary goal for the day is to expose as many people to the Hospital Trails as possible and to raise awareness of what a great trail system we have to offer. We wanted to offer people the opportunity to try the trails or bikes, that may not own equipment or be comfortable doing so on their own. With the support of local bike shops and CAMBA trail guides, we are able to offer that opportunity at this event. We also hope to promote the great work CAMBA has done to expand our trails to include mountain and fat biking.”
“HAMH wants people to see Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Water’s Edge as a partner for their overall health and wellbeing. We are here for the community if they need great medical or senior care, and we are also working to become a community leader in health and wellness. By partnering with Hayward Area Ski Trails Association (HASTA) and the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) we are able to offer a trail system for people of all ages and abilities. The Hospital Trails offer trail running, hiking, mountain biking and fat biking. In the winter outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy classic skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing. In addition to our trail system we sponsor a number of events in the community that support healthy and active lifestyles,” Morgan says.
No matter what your level of biking expertise, please come check out the Gateway trail this Saturday-Grab a snack and kick off the mountain bike season by supporting and celebrating the new trail!
—Photos supplied by CAMBA and Chris Young
