The Golden Giddyup, a trail stewardship and mountain bike event held in Jefferson County, announced a major partnership with REI. The outdoor co-op and specialty retailer invested $30,000 in stewardship funding for Golden Giddyup projects in 2017. This partnership establishes the two-year old event as a significant community partner in the Golden area, with engagement of more than 200 volunteers donating more than 3,000 hours to maintenance and trail-building efforts in the Apex, Windy Saddle (chimney) and North Table Mountain parks.
“We’re excited to have earned the support of such a strong partner for the Giddyup Trails Team,” said Al Head, Director of Trail Stewardship for the Golden Giddyup organizing team. “This support ensures we’re able to put a shovel where our voice is, working through a great list of projects with the help of our friends at Jefferson County Open Space.”
REI is the official partner of the Giddyup Trails Team, the year-round trail stewardship program that was started in 2013 to address flood damage on the Apex, Chimney and North Table Mountain trails. Following three years, and more than 3,000 hours of community service on Golden-area trails, the first Golden Giddyup mountain bike event was held with the support of Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden. The event has a unique format of three timed climbs and three timed descents on iconic local trails, ensuring great local engagement and support from riders of all ages and skill levels.
“The Giddyup’s work proves the powerful impact that mountain bikers can have in their community,” added Jon Frankel, REI Colorado Outdoor Programs Market Manager. “For the past three years riders, volunteers and organizers have stayed focused on delivering long-term benefits for Golden-area trails, building strong partnerships with local land managers and businesses. Stewardship is a core value at REI and a value we celebrate through our partnerships.”
This year, the Golden Giddyup is engaging Brad Reeder, an expert trail-builder and local rider, to manage the Giddyup Trails Team efforts in all three parks. Brad’s work in 2016 led to the rehabilitation of the Chimney Gulch trail, increasing sustainability and smiles for trail users.
“This year we’re set to tackle some great projects with a focus on improving trail experiences for all users,” said Ben Davis, a Golden Giddyup organizer and local rider.
The Golden Giddyup is a collaborative effort between local trail riders and advocates, Al Head, Jen Barbour, Ben Davis and Mike Melanson. The event is scheduled to take place at Lions Park, in Golden, Colorado on Sunday September 10th, 2017. Registration opens at 6AM on March 15th. Discounted registration for 2016 trail volunteers is available. With more riders than space, supporters are encouraged to mark their calendars. The Golden Giddyup is a non-profit organization dedicated to trail stewardship activities in partnership with the great staffs at Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden.