Sat May 30

The Dubois Association for Recreation and Trails (D.A.R.T.) debuts its first completed Mountain Bike Trail on May 30, 2015

Written by: Pitch Engine

Dubois, WY - On the edge of the Shoshone National Forest, nestled between the Wind River Range and rugged Absaroka Mountains, sits the rustic and tiny rustic Town of Dubois. At the crossroads of the Continental Divide Hiking Trail and the Transamerica Bike Trail, Dubois is a pristine setting for backcountry skiing, picturesque hiking, remote climbing, and now, mountain biking. The landscape surrounding Dubois – the multi-hued crimson layers of badlands, forested peaks, tranquil lakes, and the meandering Wind River – inspired a handful of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to conceive Dubois Association for Recreation and Trails (D.A.R.T.), a non-profit dedicated to maintaining and improving access to local outdoor recreation opportunities. Membership includes those with interests of mountain bikers, hikers, skiers, climbers and trail runners.

On Saturday, May 30^th at 10:00 am, D.A.R.T. officially debuts its first completed project, "The Dubois Overlook Trail." The trail is located within the town limits of Dubois, and is designed as a mountain bike trail, though it as available to any type of non-motorized recreational use. The terrain was designed and carved by veteran trail builder Harlan Hottenstein of Teton Freedom Riders, and smoothed with support from generous grants from the Never Sweat Recreation Board, as well as many volunteer hours by D.A.R.T. members and supporters throughout Teton and Fremont Counties.

The single-track trail begins on the north side peak of the Overlook and has a highpoint of 7,505 feet above sea level and ends at an elevation of 7,061 feet above sea level. A total of 639 vertical feet of downhill and 315 vertical feet of climbing cover the 3.2 miles to the bottom of McKinley Drive, the overlook road. Despite one 400+ foot climb, the trail is primarily a downhill cruise. Designed and built by an expert mountain bike trail builder from the Jackson area, the path is rife with banks, plunges, and jumps. Not overtly technical, the Dubois Overlook Trail features options lending itself to both novice and expert mountain bikers alike. Riders will generally want to shuttle the trail or challenge themselves to pedal to the top before (or after) their screaming descent. Crafted not too intimidate, but delight hikers and riders alike, this trail is fun for all levels and all ages.

DART will have loaner bikes available in adult and youth sizes for the opening day. Following the Ribbon Rippin’ and Open Ride at 10 a.m., Nostalgia Bistro and Ramshorn Liquor & Fine Wine will host a free Wine & Whiskey Tasting at 3 p.m. At 5 p.m., D.A.R.T. will host a Potluck Dinner at the trail head. At 8 p.m., Nostalgia Bistro will host a mountain biking video session to cap the evening.

Future projects on D.A.R.T.’s radar include non-motorized trails on Togwotee Pass, and a network of multi-use trails on BLM land near Dubois. Those interested in joining the effort via membership, volunteering, offering your expertise or simply your energy, email D.A.R.T. Representatives Brit Schiner Brit@twooceandental.com or Trever Deakins, at Trever@thelonghornranch.com or visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/830400517046359/

D.A.R.T. thanks the following organizations, businesses and individuals for their extensive support in executing its first project: Teton Freedom Riders, The Town of Dubois, High Plains Power, Dubois Telephone Exchange, Never Sweat Rec Board, Nostalgia Bistro, The Lander Bike Mill, Ramshorn Inn Liquor & Fine Wine, Dubois Volunteer Fire Department the Boys & Girls Club of Dubois, and the families, friends, volunteers and all members that helped dig the trail.

DART Mission: To increase recreation opportunities in Fremont County and increase support for underrepresented outdoor enthusiasts while contributing to the economic growth of the Dubois Community through the development of mountain bike and multi-use trails.

Related Links: Lander Chamber of Commerce, Riverton Chamber of Commerce, Dubois Chamber of Commerce, Destination Dubois

For a complete calendar of events go to www.windriver.org/calendar, or to request a vacation packet, please visit us at Wind River Country or call 800-645-6233.

Press Release produced by the Wind River Visitors Council - Your Fremont County Lodging Tax Dollars at Work!Keep in touch with Wind River Country

Authors: Pitch Engine