As Detroit Mountain Recreation Area’s mountain biking trail system continues to grow in popularity, local organizations want to ensure that people are riding safe on the trails. The spot of mountain biking is a rapidly growing sport and Detroit Mountain Recreation Area continues to see riders from our local community, as well as visitors from the tri-state area. Detroit Mountain recently added a fat tire bike “fix-it station” to their trailhead for public use.
A fix-it station is a public toolbox to allow riders to maintain their bikes while they ride different types of terrain. A well-tuned bike ensures a safer and better experience for the rider. The station includes tools to make basic repairs, as well as an air pump for inflating tires. Stacy Salvevold, a bike and ski patroller at DMRA, says she always carries basic repair equipment, never knowing when a quick repair in the woods might be needed Stacy recognized the need for a fxt station, especially as new riders may not always have their own equipment.
“We want to see people successfully utilizing the trail system at DMRA. If a rider drives two hours, only to learn that one of their tires went flat during the trip or a brake needs tightening, they might not ride or could possibly end their day early,” said Salvevold. “We want everyone to have fun while riding the trail system. Having a few tools available might be the difference between an uncomfortable day and a safe, fun ride.”
She then asked a number of local organizations to donate in small increments to make the fix-it station a reality. The Detroit Lakes community stepped up, as it always does, and the donations began to arrive! Breakfast and Noon Rotary clubs both donated in support of this equipment addition; a grant from the Detroit Lakes Area Community Foundation was also received.
Once the Detroit Lakes VFW Post found out about the project, they agreed to pay for the remainder of the cost, and Stacy and her husband, Mike Salvevold, also agreed to install the station once it was purchased. The donors are recognized with stickers that have been applied to the station.
“The fix-it station was recently installed and is ready for the summer biking season!” said DMRA General Manager Jeff Staley.
For more information, please call Detroit Mountain Recreation Area at 218-844-7669.