An overcast July morning kept temps down and provided me with fantastic conditions for riding the new Chapman Hill Flow Trail. I left downtown Durango via the Nature Trail TH on 10th Ave. Climbing the switchbacks to the Rim Trail, I pedaled north to the top of the ski hill. The new trail does not drop off from the Rim so I had to chunder down the Chapman cat track until I could duck into the woods (rider's right) and crank up the single track connector that climbs to the start of the flow route.
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| New signage atop the Chapman Hill Flow Trail |
The new flow trail starts from a launch pad that is signed with warnings from the city. The route begins with two, long traversing switchbacks where riders can pick up speed and become comfortable with the new line's bumps and berms. But hold on tight! By the trail's third switchback, it's game on with jumps and corners tumbling forever downward towards the base of Chapman Hill. I desperately clung to my fatbike, wishing I had let more air out of my tires while secretly hoping it would all be over soon. But the route flowed on.
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| wildlife appear indifferent to the new trail's presence. |
Expertly designed, the trail eeks out every last rise and run the topography offers. The final steep pitches were extra terrifying. The last drop leads to a banked S-turn and the juncture with the lower (kid's) flow trail and the super cool Jump Line! Both options are amazing and offer Durango free riders ample opportunity to get their shred on. This old guy on the fat bike was just happy to have survived his descent.
The trail will flow better and become a lot less scary after more folks "ride it in" More tires will accelerate the establishment of buttery single track rather than the freshly cut, rough surface I experienced on my inaugural voyage. But Alpine Bike Park's vision is clear. The new Flow Trail is destined to become a Durango classic. It was a pleasure following this well thought out route down our in-town mountain. I look forward to riding the line for many years to come....maybe with some suspension? Kudos to all involved in completing this excellent project.
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| fat flow roll |
