Background Statement
MedWheel was formed in 1991 as a way to provide a positive voice for the emerging sport of mountain biking. Our founders valued the natural experiences that trail riding provided - a connection to nature in a technically-dominated world. They saw mountain biking and trails as a way to heal themselves - and they recognized both the opportunities and responsibilities that mountain bikers had to heal the trails.
They began by building relationships with land managers and other users, and launched a trail maintenance program to support this concept.
Today this vision is more relevant than ever, and MedWheel has been building, sharing and protecting trails ever since.
In 2023 our Trail Love program (despite weather challenges!) successfully completed 35 volunteer dig dates, at 14 unique locations on properties owned by different land managers - including 8 locations on Colorado Springs Parks properties, plus work on USFS, county, and private properties that are open to the public.
We have expanded our professional trail services substantially, to include trail system planning and design, and mechanical construction of trails in addition to volunteer/handwork.
MedWheel received its 501(c)3 nonprofit status in 2008, and joined IMBA as a Local Chapter in 2013.
We were a forming member of the Colorado MTB Coalition in 2020, a statewide coalition that works on MTB access issues at the state level, and have helped to create 3 new trail advocacy organizations in southern Colorado, in locations where a MTB and trails voice was absent.
MedWheel is deeply involved with all public land use discussions in our region, and took a lead role in developing the language for the highly successful April 2023 TOPS ballot extension, which included protection of the ability of TOPS to purchase new open space properties for the benefit of all residents.
Mountain biking is our DNA, but our strategies to fulfil our mission always include building cooperation and respect between diverse user groups, and promoting positive trail etiquette.
We seek to create safe and inspiring trail experiences that are available to all.