July 18th and 19th: Deja vu?  COMBA's continuing joint venture with the US Forest Service, IMBA and other parties to construct an all-new black diamond rated trail in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.  The trail will have a lot of technical features, like drops, ramps, berms, etc.  Volunteers are needed to help construct the trail.  For more information about the project and how to participate in the trail-building process, go to www.comba.org

Aug 1st: The snows may be long gone, but summer is its own magical season in the Fraser Valley.  Lush wildflowers.  Cool flowing creeks and waterfalls.  Dancing leprechauns...  And hundreds of miles of fantastic trails running throughout the valley.  We'll spend the day riding the High Lonesome Trail which stretches six very scenic miles from Junco Lake to Devil's Thumb along the edge of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.  Please contact lfei@mac.com for more info.

Sep 25-27:  The most notable trails in the Black Hills of South Dakota include the 110-mile Centennial Trail, which runs north to south from Sturgis to Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs.  It flows through the Black Hills’ most rugged back country and passes within a mile of Mt. Rushmore.  With elevation changes from 3,200 feet to 5,600 feet, this trail consists of exceptional rollercoaster sections, rugged climbs with loose rock, difficult descents, stream crossings, tight switchbacks and more.  The Bear Mountain Trails is a 16-mile system of high-mountain singletrack that features some of the most breathtaking views in the region.  The Bearlodge Trails, a 50-mile system in rugged canyon country, is another star attraction for mountain bikers.  Cyclists also find satisfaction in the several thousand miles of old mining and logging roads that crisscross the Black Hills.
   Planning for this adventure, which will be centered around Custer, S.D., is still in the early stages.  Those who are interested in exploring the area are encouraged to contribute their ideas and suggestions.  This can be either a camping or condo trip, depending on the preference of participants.  No cost estimates are available at this time.  Custer, S.D. is about 350 miles from Denver.  Additional information can be had and preliminary reservations made by contacting webmaster@rmbb.org.

It's not too soon to start thinking about and register for the international Gay Games VIII, in Cologne, Germany next summer.  Held every 4 years, these olympic-like contests stress personal best.  It is an opportunity to meet thousands of like-minded athletes from around the world, and the parties are simply "fabulous!"  The opening ceremony is guaranteed to be one of the most spectacular and moving events you will ever witness.  J.L. participated in the Mountain Biking contest in both 2002 and 2006 and can give you more information about it.  Visit the Gay Games website at www.games-cologne.de or contact J.L. at jlcleland1@embarqmail.com.

August 7 - 9 (10): It's back to 10th Mountain's luxurious Shrine Mountain Inn atop Vail Pass for the 8th annual Hut Trip.  This means two things: hot and cold running water and access to some of the best jeep trails and singletracks in the Vail area!  Make sure your brake pads are in good working order because you can count on a lot of downhill on all rides when you wake up each morning at 11,200'!  Hut trips can't get much better (sorry, no 4-hour hike-a-bike up Mt. Thomas).  There is a strict limit of only 12 participants to this hut.  Cost of $135 covers two nights lodging, all meals, and gas for the shuttle vehicles.  Optional extra day for those wanting to explore the area further and avoid the Sunday traffic back to Denver (+$50).  Sorry, this trip is currently full.  Please contact calbiker@live.com to get on the alternate list.