Reprint Courtesy of the Arlington Star-Telegram

Off-road biking trail to open today at River Legacy Parks

Arlington, Texas — May 17, 2003

ARLINGTON - A dirt trail snaking through thick trees and underbrush on the extreme west side of River Legacy Parks opens at 10 a.m. today for off-road biking, an activity discouraged in the park for almost two years. The three-mile trail is mostly flat, with no jumps and only a few dips and elevations in natural gullies.

The new, expanded trail replaces one that existed on the park's west side, and it was designed and constructed without cutting down trees, said De'Onna Garner, a city graduate park planner. "We wanted this to be geared towards families," she said. "There's not too much technical difficulty. We're not trying to be a destination trail, but an amenity for the residents of the city."

Off-road cycling was banned at the park in July 2001 because riders were cutting trails through wild areas and destroying plant life, parks officials said. Cyclists were allowed to ride only in designated areas, such as the concrete walkways that wind through the park.
But officials didn't want to permanently alienate the bikers, so with volunteer help from the Dallas Off-Road Biking Association, a group of cycling enthusiasts, the new trail was designed and built

Brian Craven, an Arlington cycling enthusiast, worked with a committee that helped plan the trail. While not difficult, the trail will suit most off-road cyclists, he said. "Anybody can ride, but it's fun enough that an experienced rider can enjoy it, too," said Craven, 43. "I'm glad that everyone was able to work together to create something that will be here in the long run."

Some of the association's 600 members will maintain the trail for free, group leaders said.
The River Legacy trail is nothing new to the off-road biking association. Members have built numerous trails, partnering with other city parks departments, including those in Plano and Frisco.

Association member Clive Wachter of Arlington helped build the trail and will be its steward. He said he will maintain the trail, keep vegetation trimmed and repair erosion. "The fact that I can walk out my door, ride to the park, ride the trail and ride back home -- that's priceless," said Wachter, 40. "I don't have to use a car at any point." Association members maintain 14 other area trails, President Cindy Bradley said. "DORBA is always willing to help any community with bike trails. All our stewards are aware of erosion and environmental concerns," she said.

<< BACK TO NEWS