We connected with this grassroots Minneapolis effort early in its journey, when one of its volunteers rolled up on our Duluth worksite.  At his invitation we dropped by their bike park site, and were impressed at the progress they were making, especially in view of their limited budget and resources. Led by tireless campaigner, coordinator, and volunteer laborer, Chance Glasford, this group of local riders had negotiated a piece of city land and was underway constructing a sizeable 4-cross, slalom track. The group appreciated our encouragement, yet all seemed to agree that they could benefit from more professional involvement. Later, we were pleased to hear that they had been awarded a Bell Built Grant and would be using these funds to expand the park.

FlowRide was honored in 2014 to receive their request to construct their dirt jump zone. While it was difficult to hinge a pro build’s success on anyone’s promise of volunteer labor, it was a positive sign that the group’s motivation had carried their bike park dream this far. We sensed a willingness to trust our vision/expertise, yet still, the scale and compressed timeline of the project posed an intimidating challenge.

At this point a very encouraging alliance came into play. Minnesota Off Road Cyclists Club had supported Chance, his volunteers and this project from early on, and now they stepped in to help in any way they could. MORC, Chance, and a number of local companies supplied volunteers, donated equipment & dirt, and even food & beverages to get an impressive build in the ground within a very tight window. The amazing support and enthusiasm from this local riding community put smiles on our faces and pep in our step. The reward for their hard work and dedication is a truly unique set of jumps, some of the biggest we have built to date, plus our hands-on crash course in trail construction/maintenance.  For our part, we had the privilege of nurturing another cycling seed in a community full of very deserving and passionate riders.