Jim Johnson, a structural engineer and avid mountain biker, proposed this project to the mayor and suggested that it could happen through a partnership with the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association.
Chris Lockard, president of the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association, and Troy Hearn, president of the Bluegrass Chapter of the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association provided their support. Hearn and John Deller, a local mountain biker, recruited and worked with volunteers.
“This trail is an example of a private advocacy group working with local government and is a model of success for all of Kentucky,” Hearn said.
Parks and forestry employees cut brush and cleared hazardous materials. The dirt trail was then graded and the soil compacted and erosion controls were put in place.
Pedal-the-Planet Trails was the paid contractor for the project. “They went above and beyond the scope of the project to build an outstanding trail at little cost,” Gray said. The company also donated a “fix-it station” so bikers can make repairs while they are on the trail.
“It’s amazing to have the Veterans Mountain Bike Trail right here in our city and in our own backyard,” said Pedal the Plant co-owner Wendy Trimble. “Pedal-The-Planet is happy to be a part of helping build it and making it a trail for everyone. It’s a great trail to teach kids and beginners to mountain bike and still a trail experienced bikers can enjoy.”
