The sixth of eight of 2001 IMBA Epic Rides was hosted by BRENT THOMPSON on September 26-27 in Boulder City, Nevada. Held just a few days before the annual InterBike show, approximately 20 persons participated in the trail celebration.
In Epic tradition, day one was a work day, a day to improve or build new trail. After looking at the itinerary I was wondering if there might be a typo. Meet at 10:00 am, build 2 miles of trail. If you have ever built trail before, you know it can take a whole day just to build a few hundred feet! Two miles of trail!

At the trailhead in Bootleg Canyon, on the north side of Boulder City, we were greeted by BC’s Mayor BOB FERRARO. The mayor is enthusiastic and behind the developing trail network there. Just a few years ago this area was home to heavy motorized use and abuse, target shooting, and dumping. When Brent Thompson started making trails, he and the local trail enthusiasts began to clean up the area . Brent was soon confronted by local officials because he was not building these trails with permission (the area is Boulder City property). After talks, it was decided to continue with the trails and to have Brent and friends lead the way. Soon many miles of really fun and technical single track loops were constructed. Today the area is continually expanding and the word is spreading about this wonderful trail network.

After praise and encouragement from Mayor Ferraro we proceeded to the trail work section. There a stash of trail building tools was awaiting. In the arsenal was a dozen grass rakes! Typical of Nevada, dry and arid, many areas looked just like the hills northern of Hidden Valley here in Reno. The days proposed trail work thou would be on the lower, more gradual flanks of the River Mountain range. Because of the lack of precipitation (2 inches/year) we employed a partial bench cut where necessary and “raked” in sections that required a minimal tread base. And get this, the loosened soils usually compact after use - the opposite of what happens in most other areas ! Rich and Jen of the IMBA Trail Crew noted that this was atypical and these conditions allowed for much steeper grades and situations that they would not typically endorse.
Maybe two miles was a stretch, but it just might have been possible with a few more hands and cooler temps. The days high was pushing a 100 degrees. That gives a new meaning to getting baked. After four hours we completed a mile plus of trail. The section will eventually link to a number of loops being proposed around two golf courses being built in the near future. Some of the conditions of approval for these golf courses included that they coordinate and build around Brent's and the cities future trail layout!

After the work session we headed to a special City Council Meeting concerning the future of Bootleg Canyon. With the recent trail network development, there has been push to develop a more formal trail head and to incorporate a park and possibly an outdoor amphitheatre. Jen Richards, myself, and trail work participants spoke to the excellent trail network and resource they have created. Most everyone in attendance, including most of the council members were pleased and in favor of expanding on the trail network and more recreational facilities to be enjoyed by the local residents and visitors.

Day two—time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. We started on Lakeview, the intro loop. Twisting, turning, up and down—you get caught in the moment and miss the view of Lake Mead in the distance. Contouring across the many ravines provided steep and exciting “g-outs” or gravity drops ranging from five to twenty five feet in height! Back to the start, we embarked on the Mother—B.C.’s first trail segment. From there we were out to the Caldera a mostly contouring, but tight, rocky and technical trail. With the legs getting a little tired, we had the chance to shuttle and try out the many and spectacular downhill trails such as the Reaper, Armageddon, Kavorcian and the Elevator Shaft. A short dual slalom course and a bmx jump area made sure everyone was satisfied at Bootleg Canyon.

If you are Vegas bound in the future—don’t forget to bring your bike(s) and visit Bootleg Canyon—a mere twenty minutes from the glitzy strip.