Grand Prize $2500 cash. Second Prize $1000. Third Prize $500.
Buy your tickets today and support Chugach Mountain Bike Riders.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cash-raffle-for-the-trails
COMMENTS DUE MARCH 31st, 2026
COMMENT HERE: https://publicinput.com/l2316
The 2026 Anchorage Recreational Trails Plan is a strong step forward for trails across Anchorage and Chugiak-Eagle River. Chugach Mountain Bike Riders supports the plan’s emphasis on improving connections between communities and access to recreational opportunities.
There are just a few days left to weigh in before the March 31 deadline. Two small but important additions would make the plan stronger.
What We’re Asking For
1. Make Parallel Singletrack a Standard Design Tool
The draft recognizes the need to separate faster riders and pedestrians on busy corridors, including the addition of a new Class 6 paved trail type with separated bicycle and pedestrian lanes. However, it stops short of fully adopting a model that is already working well in Anchorage: parallel singletrack.
This approach—adding a narrow dirt trail alongside a paved or gravel multi-use path, as seen along Chester Creek Trail—improves safety, increases capacity, and provides a better user experience without requiring full corridor widening.
The plan should:
Suggested comment: “Please include parallel progressive soft-surface singletrack as a standard design option alongside multi-use paths, consistent with existing Anchorage trails like the Chester Creek Singletrack.”
2. Add MTB Singletrack to existing Ski Trails at Eagle River High School
The draft includes an excellent plan for a multiuse trail to connect Eagle River campground to the Lower Eagle River Trail. This trail would follow existing ski trails at Eagle River High School and continue parallel to the Eagle River Loop Rd to connect back to the river trail at Briggs Bridge and the Eagle River Greenbelt Access trail.
Current Chugach State Park plans include new nordic ski trails and new mountain bike singletrack at the Eagle River Campground. It makes sense that this proposed combined nordic-MTB trail system continue from the campground through the existing ski trails at Eagle River High School.
The plan should:
Suggested comment: “Please add mountain bike singletrack to Project ID 63 at Eagle River High School, consistent with Chugach State Park’s singletrack plans at the adjacent Eagle River Campground.”
A history of regulation and planning, 1970–present
When Chugach State Park was established in 1970, mountain biking didn’t exist. The Specialized Stumpjumper — one of the first production mountain bikes — didn’t arrive until 1983. RockShox introduced the first suspension fork in 1989. For the first fifteen years of the park’s existence, bicycles simply weren’t a consideration in park planning, and the regulations reflected that: there was no bicycle policy at all.
By the time Alaska first regulated bicycle use in the park in 1985, the sport was still in its infancy. The 1986 Chugach State Park Trail Plan acknowledged mountain bikes directly, noting that the most-used routes at the time were the Powerline Trail, the Gasline Trail, and the Eklutna Lake Road. But the plan was cautious:
“The physical and social impact of mountain bike use is not well understood in Chugach State Park. Until more is known, no new trails will be recommended.”
— CSP Trail Plan, 1986
That caution was appropriate for 1986. Four decades of experience later, the picture is much clearer. The 2009 CSP Trail Management Plan — updated and adopted as policy in 2016 — designated bicycle use on 52 trails across the park, with the explicit understanding that regulation changes would follow in phases:
“These regulation changes will be promulgated over time as the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation updates park regulations. Implementation of the management recommendations should begin immediately and are intended to proceed in phases over the years as opportunities, staffing and funding allow.”
— CSP Trail Management Plan, 2009
The timeline below shows that phased approach in action. Each regulation change since 1985 has opened additional trails to bicycles, moving steadily toward full implementation of the plans. Chugach Mountain Bike Riders is continuing to work with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation to advance the remaining 24 trails — some built and awaiting only a regulation change, others still to be constructed — that the park’s own plans have long identified as appropriate for bicycle use.
Source: Alaska Administrative Code registers (1985, 1988, 1996, 2002, 2009, 2022); CSP Trail Plan (1986); CSP Trail Management Plan (2009); CSP Management Plan (2016). Compiled by Chugach Mountain Bike Riders.
CMBR Kids (Chugach Mountain Bike Riders) is an all-volunteer mountain bike club serving youths from 6-16 in Chugiak-Eagle River. The club teaches on the 6 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails at Mirror Lake Park in Chugiak. CMBR Kids introduces basic mountain biking by teaching fundamental bike handling skills, building confidence on singletrack trails, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through mountain biking.
Note: CMBR Littles! (6-7 year olds) are welcome to ride with us. All riders will need a bike with hand brakes (no coaster/foot brakes) and must already be able to ride well on pavement and grass. Parents of 6-7 year olds must to remain at the park during the session and are encouraged to ride with their child(ren).
WHO: Youth ages 6-16,
WHERE: @ the Mirror Lake Singletrack Trails, Chugiak (Mirror Lake exit off the Glenn Hwy)
WHEN: Tues/Thurs June 23th – July 30th, 2026
TIME: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
CMBR Kids 2026 PRESEASON EVENTS:
Tues May 26th/Thurs May 28th CMBR Coach Clinic 6:30-9pm (two evenings)
Sat May 30th CMBR Coach Clinic (repeat) 9am-2pm (1 day)
Fri June 5th-Sun June 7th BICP Coach Certification 9am-6pm (3 days)
Tues June 16th Parent Skills Night 6-9pm
Thurs June 18th Youth Bike Checks 6-9pm
Choose either M/W or T/Th session.
TIME: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
How do I sign up?
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN APRIL 1ST, 2026.
https://chugachmtb.redpodium.com/cmbr-kids-2026
How does CMBR Kids Youth Mountain Bike Club work?
Now in our tenth year, our club typically hosts about 85 youth, on Tues/Thurs.
For the first 30 minutes or so we work on that evening’s mountain bike skill, and then break into small volunteer-coach-led groups to ride with other youth of a roughly similar skill level. Within the groups, there will be some faster and some slower youth together: the focus is skills, not speed. Over a 6-week period we work through a good overview of mountain bike fundamentals.
Our lead coaches are Level 1 certified through the Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP).
We require all youth bikes to be professionally tuned up and safety checked and everyone must wear helmets to participate.
Other local youth mountain bike programs include the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers’ Sprockidz program in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and Mighty Bikes in Anchorage. Older and more advanced youth should check out the Hilltop Bike School.
Includes movie admission, silent auction registration and one drink ticket.
https://galabid.com/chugach-mtb
Back for a second year! Get excited for the season with CMBR’s annual fundraiser at Odd Man Rush in Eagle River! We’ve got a selection of films for you, including award-winning “Anytime” from Anthill films and a world-premier short from one of our local riders!
Doors will open at 5:30pm with cash bar and silent auction. Short films start at 6:30 pm and the hour-long main feature starts at 7:30pm.
Under 21 are welcome with a parent.
SAVE THE DATE – Tickets go on sale early March.
Back for a second year! Get excited for the season with CMBR’s annual fundraiser at Odd Man Rush in Eagle River!
We’ve got a selection of films for you, including award-winning “Anytime” from Anthill films and a world-premier short from one of our local riders.
Doors will open at 5pm with cash bar and silent auction. Short films start at 6pm and the main feature at 7pm.
Youth are welcome with a parent
Thanks to everyone who came out last night, we had a great time! We had a few chips that didn’t read, and have updated the results with our paper timing backup. Let us know if anything else needs to be corrected. Hope to see you all at the ICY RIVER RAMPAGE in February!
Friday Dec 26th, 7pm. Join us for the Merry Masher fat bike race, a fundraiser for Chugach Mountain Bike Riders. MORE INFO HERE.
We’ve got a new course for you this year using “Lemon Squeezy” a new connector for the green trails at Mirror Lake. This allows us to loop Easy Peasy and take advantage of some of the more packed trails at Mirror Lake.
The singletrack has a thin grippy layer of snow. Edmonds Lake is in beautiful condition, perfectly smooth packed snow. Mirror Lake is a bit rougher, but the Muni plans to groom a loop for us, and the ice skating rink should be hot mopped! Thank you Eagle River Parks and Rec!
We’ve got disco lights, a DJ, a whole bunch of fire pits and a Friday night party planned for you all. Come out and race or come out and cheer!
Note: many of the smaller trails are not groomed, so stick to the race course if you want to come out and ride. Cheers!
The expansion of the Chugiak-Eagle River trail system and the growth of Southcentral Alaska’s mountain bike community depends on donations from our trail users. Historically, CMBR has been able to match $10 to every one dollar you have donated. (Many employers have also doubled your donations, thank you!)
Your support is crucial to our efforts. Thank you for your donations!
Sincerely, Erik Gabrielson, President
CMBR, PO Box 672555, Chugiak, AK 99567
Race 1 of 3 of the TREK WINTER FAT BIKE SERIES!
Register here: 25-26 Trek Winter Fat Bike Series
We’re going AFTER DARK for the 9th annual Mirror Lake Merry Masher winter bike race, a fundraiser for the Mirror Lake Singletrack.
* Registration ends Thurs 12-25-25 11:59 pm. There is NO IN-PERSON registration*
We are pleased to announce Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage as the sponsor for the ninth annual Mirror Lake Merry Masher winter bike race!
It’s gonna be a PARTY! Light up your rides, as we’re going after dark on a mix of flowy singletrack, a bit of nice wide doubletrack, a couple of great hill climbs, and some beautiful lake riding in the shadow of Bear Mountain in Chugiak.
You will have the option of two or three 3+ mile laps. You must complete the race in the 2-hour time limit.
If you’re not racing, you are welcome to come out and cheer!
Thanks to Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage for sponsoring this year’s race.
This event is a membership drive and fundraiser for Chugach Mountain Bike Riders and proceeds will go to support the improvement of the Mirror Lake Singletrack.
When: Friday, December 26th. Bibs Pick-Up 6pm. Race Start 7pm.
Where: Mirror Lake Park, Mile 24 Glenn Hwy, Chugiak, Alaska.
Cost: $55.
PLEASE SIGN BOTH FORMS:
Let’s get the El Jefe JUMP LINE ready for opening! We have a tons of roots to lop, some dirt and gravel to haul, branches to pull back, and tread to smooth.
We’ll also do a fall touch-up on Bee-Line and Lazy-G.
Meet at the first trail crossing on Camp Gorsuch Rd in Mirror Lake Park and head straight up the path to beginning of LAZY G.
We plan to have 1-2 hours of work and 1-2 hours of riding.
Please sign a waiver, we have some tools, but bring loppers, work gloves, flat shovels, etc. if you have them.
Be sure to register ahead of time!
This past week ProTrails has been building the alternate line on the new EL JEFE jump line at Mirror Lake, Alaska.
The intent is to make this alternate route a black-diamond adaptive MTB line, but also to allow ride-arounds for the larger jumps on the main trail. Once the machine work is done and the trails dry out we’ll host a work day and pre-ride of the new trails.
Thank you so much to the Anchorage Park Foundation for a $10k challenge grant to make this aMTB line possible!
Chugach Mountain Bike Riders (CMBR), Singletrack Advocates (STA), and Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers (VMBaH), working together as the Alaska Off-Road Cycling Alliance (ORCA) are proposing the 300-mile Chugach Mountain Bike Trail: starting in Anchorage, continuing to Seward and ending in Hope.
This proposal is a part of the BOLT Act (Biking on Long Trails), which directs federal land management agencies under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and the United States Forest Service to identify existing and potential long distance biking trails.
Two long-distance bike trails already exist on the Kenai Peninsula: The Kenai 250, and the Southern Trek Iditarod. The Chugach Mountain Bike Trail combines these two existing routes and extends them to Anchorage up the proposed Twenty-mile Trail, the existing Winner Creek Trail, along the Bird to Gird Pathway, and over the proposed Arctic to Indian Traverse to connect to the Moose Loop and downtown Anchorage.
Of note: ORCA is also proposing designation for these smaller sections of trail that already exist, a 200 mile Kenai Mountain Bike Trail, inspired by the Kenai 250 route, and a 100 mile Southern Trek Iditarod Trail, although we recommend using the parallel recreational Lost Lake and Primrose Trails, instead of the Bear Creek and Meridian Lakes Trails on the latter.
The Kenai 250 is Alaska’s longest summer ultra-endurance bike ride, and a well-known bikepacking route that includes the well-established Resurrection and Russian Lakes Trails, which then connect via the gravel Snug Harbor Road and the Old Sterling Trail to the Southen Trek Iditarod Trail and Alaska’s Crown Jewel, the Lost Lake – Primrose Trail. The route then loops back to Devil’s Pass and finishes in Hope.
The Southern Trek Iditarod Trail connects Seward to Girdwood, including the IMBA Epic Johnson Pass Trail, and is one of the US Forest’ Service’s 15 trail maintenance prioirity areas per the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act of 2016. This 100+ mile long trail will be completed summer 2026 from the Alaska Railroad station in Seward to the station in Portage, making this a car-free option for riders coming from Anchorage.
Please note that the routes ORCA is proposing are slightly different that the existing Kenai 250 and Southern Trek Iditarod routes. New bridges and trail construction along the Moose Pass Trail, Turnagain Pass Trail, and the Portage Curve Mulitimodal Trail, as well as reroutes onto the Lost Lake and Primrose Trails, remove significant portions of road miles and replace them with dozens of miles of newly constructed singletrack and separated pathways.
a. Why is this trail special to our cycling community, and the surrounding communities?
Access to the outdoors is quintessential to the Alaskan way of life and the Alaskan brand. The allure of world class backcountry experiences encourages folks to call these rugged landscapes home and for visitors to fuel local economies.
The routes we are proposing build upon the most iconic trails in all of Alaska. These are trails steeped in cultural and historical significance. Any Alaskan can tell you stories and legends around the Iditarod Historic Trail from a young age. Cycling the Resurrection Trail is a coming of age pilgrimage for all Alaskan mountain bikers. These are cherished lands. Seamlessly interconnecting these renowned resources is a natural next step in improving quality of life and economic opportunites in Alaska.
This route also takes advantage of trails that already have a great deal of developmental momentum, and we are hoping to capture synergies under one unifying banner. The Alaska Long Trail and Iditarod Southern Trek Projects are actively rewriting the book on long trail developement in Alaska. Every summer, new trails are added to our vast network. It is up to us to tell the story of how all these incredible resources interconnect and expand upon one another.
b. What local communities benefit from the trail?
Connecting Alaska’s population and economic epicenter, Anchorage, with the communities of the Kenai Peninsula via one continuous trail is the largest opportunity of all recreation development projects in the state. Once the Kenai is tied to Anchorage via a non-motorized route, we vastly expand the base of people who would consider traveling to Alaska to undertake such an adventure. We also ensure a steady flow of year-round local use and related events, helping to boost quality of life and rural economies. As it stands today, the logistical hurdles necessary to bikepack in Alaska keep many from exploring the outstanding trails in the region.
While all communities along the route will benefit from a BOLT designation: Anchorage, Indian, Girdwood, Moose Pass, Seward, Coopers Landing, and Hope; the smaller the community, the greater the opportunity for gain. With such a designation, southcentral Alaska can boast a recreational opportunity to rival that of hiking the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trail. Patronizing these communities as part of a once in a lifetime adventure should be a part of any avid recreationalists bucket list.
c. What other user groups (aside from bikers) is the trail accessible to?
Hikers (and their impacts to local economies) are just as significant a user group to this route as cyclists. Much of these routes already serve as hotspots for equestrian use, and proposed new sections of trail will further open up access for horseback riding.
Unique to Alaska is our vastly different seasonal recreational opportunities. When it comes to cycling on the snow, the more use a trail gets, the better the cycling becomes. By increasing the draw for these trail segments, we further expand fat biking in southcentral Alaska, already a hotbed for the sport internationally.
This route will also be an excellent resource for those seeking multi-day backcountry and crosscountry ski, snowshoe and dog mushing opportunities.
While most of the route is closed to motorized use in the summer months, there are multiple segments that open to snowmachines/snowmobiles in the winter.
d. local/regional groups that steward all or portions of the long-distance trail:
e. Describe how recognition as a BOLT trail could benefit the stewardship and long-term sustainability of the trail and the communities it connects.
With so many incredible partners, communities, resources, ongoing projects, and trails in the region it can often be difficult to keep all the opportunities straight and refocus our collective vision on the bigger picture. Within Alaska’s wide and complicated map of overlapping land managers and nonprofits, it is not a lack of will to steward or sustainably develop our lands that hinders us, but a lack of glue that keeps us working together towards a shared outcome bigger than any one of us. A BOLT trail designation is the ideal glue to help shepherd all our collective interests and energies in a cohesive and reoccurring manner.
While many incredible trails emblematic of Alaskan grandeur dot this region, there remains a lack of a unifying route tying all our communities together. Unlike locations in the lower 48 states and elsewhere, it is truly possible to interconnect every single population and commerce hub from Anchorage to Seward in this manner. As we knit towns together, everyone stands to benefit.
More than a designation, we are seeking to build a cultural phenomenon around long distance, backcountry cycling in Alaska. A BOLT Trail in southcentral Alaska is the next step in that journey.
Bikepacking the Kenai 250, Alaska SIngletrack – BIKEPACKING.com
Kenai 250 | Epic Endurance Bikepacking… Alaskan Style
Alaska – mountain biking – Kellie Okonek
Chugach Mountain Bike Proposed Route · Ride with GPS
Kenai Mountain Bike Trail · Ride with GPS
Southern Trek Iditarod Trail · Ride with GPS
Iditarod National Historic Trail Southern Trek
Inheriting Adventure in the Alaskan Wilderness | Rightful Heirs | Freehub Magazine
Trail Maintenance Priority Areas | US Forest Service
Chugach BOLT Trail Segment Data
Chugach Mountain Bike Trail MAP/GPX
Please go to Recreational Trails Plan – PublicInput and give a thumbs up on proposed Chugiak-Eagle River trail projects. Feel free to add your own comments as well.
While the proposed update to the Recreational Trails plan includes two high-priority trails: the Lower Eagle River Trail from Briggs Bridge and the Northern Extension Coastal Trail from Beach Lake Park to Mirror Lake Park, we are concerned that dozens of planned trails have been cut.
The basic plan for Chugiak-Eagle River’s Recreational Trails has been the same for 40 years. This is a great plan. Let’s keep it.
a. Add the Iditarod National Historic Trail “parallel Recreation Trail” along Eagle River Rd, Beach Lake Trail and the Northern Extension Coastal Trail.
b. Glenn Hwy Pathway – complete gaps at VFW Rd, Artillery Rd Exit, and Mirror Lake to the Native Village of Eklutna. (several gaps are missing from NMP)
c. Eagle River Rd Pathway – complete to Nature Center (several sections missing from NMP)
d. Old Glenn Pathway – this is already completed to Peters Creek (NMP is incorrect)
e. Eagle River Loop Rd – include a separated pathway, not just wide shoulder (per 1997, missing in NMP)
f. Fire Creek, Mirror Creek, Peters Creek, Edmonds Creek include these trail easements from the Coastal Trail to Glenn/Old Glenn Pathway (per ANILCA land Agreement, Northern Extension Coastal Trail Plan, 1997 Areawide Trails Plan, Mirror Lake Plan, Beach Lake Master Plan)
g. The Beach Lake Trail is under construction, add to plan. (per Beach Lake Master Plan, connects Glenn Path to Coastal Trail)
h. Add MacDonald Center to Mt Baldy Connection via Carol Creek (in housing development plat via HLB lands)
i. Reroute Coastal Trail away from Native Village of Eklutna (per planning overlay district) – Use new Edmonds Creek public use easement instead.
j. Add Mount Baldy Trail Access. This is open and secured on Muni Parkland.
k. Lower Eagle River Trail (Eagle River Greenbelt from Briggs) – Fix Trail Name
l. Add Ram Valley – Legal access is needed.
Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley have over 200 miles of trails open to mountain biking; nearly 120 miles of those have been built specifically for bikes.
Local Southcentral trail clubs Chugach Mountain Bike Riders, Singletrack Advocates and Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers spent over a year working with national trail building nonprofit IMBA Trail Solutions to inventory, assess and identify opportunities in our regional mountain bike trail systems.
Major funding for this project came from the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, American Rescue Plan Act (Anchorage Recovery), and private donations.
Download the full report here: ANC-MatSu MTB Plan FINAL
The Anchorage and Mat-Su Strategic Trails Plan represents a bold, community-driven effort to reimagine Southcentral Alaska’s trail systems. Spearheaded by Chugach Mountain Bike Riders (CMBR) in collaboration with local trail groups, public agencies, and regional advocates, the plan reflects more than a year of outreach, data collection, and shared visioning.
Recognizing the region’s unique combination of urban access, wild backcountry, and diverse terrain, this initiative aims to create a world-class network of sustainable, accessible, and purpose-built mountain bike trails that support both local recreation and destination tourism.
Central to the planning process was the development of two powerful tools—the Anchorage and Mat-Su Trail Attribute Tool and the Trail Analysis Tool—which together offer a detailed understanding of the character, quality, and distribution of the region’s 750+ trails. These platforms provided the foundation for a data-informed approach, allowing planners and stakeholders to assess trail difficulty, design intent, user types, and geographic gaps with greater precision. Combined with extensive input from riders, land managers, and local nonprofits, the planning team was able to identify high-impact opportunities for both new trail development and strategic improvements to existing infrastructure.
This executive summary outlines the plan’s five biggest takeaways and accompanying recommendations for improving mountain bike trail systems across Anchorage and the Mat- Su Valley. These priorities are designed to support trail accessibility, enhance ride quality, and build a cohesive,
future-ready network that reflects the values of local communities while preserving the region’s iconic landscapes.
TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS
The Southcentral Alaska region boasts over 200 miles of mountain bike trails, offering a full range of riding experiences—from beginner-friendly flow trails within
Anchorage’s city limits to rugged, remote backcountry routes in the Chugach Mountains and Hatcher Pass. This level of trail density places Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley on par with established riding destinations like Bellingham, Washington and Pisgah, North Carolina. While much of the network in Alaska is still shared-use and not purpose-built for mountain
biking, the sheer volume, scenic value, and year-round access— particularly winter fat biking—make the region a standout.
With continued investment in bike-optimized infrastructure and connectivity, Southcentral Alaska is well-positioned to lead the next generation of world-class mountain bike destinations.
Many existing trails across the region, particularly in the Chugach Backcountry and older sections of Mat-Su, were not designed with mountain biking in mind. These routes often follow legacy mining roads, service tracks, or shared- use paths that lack flow, sustainability, and technical features desired by modern riders. This leads to maintenance challenges, degraded tread, and limited progression opportunities. Purpose-built trails—especially directional flow and technical lines—are essential to improving user experience and reducing conflict with other trail users. The plan identifies key areas for future construction and reroutes that would optimize trail design, including in North Bivouac, Peters Creek, the Arctic to Indian Traverse, and Hatcher Pass.
Despite the presence of urban parks near population centers, there is a clear shortage of bike-specific infrastructure that supports youth, beginners, and casual riders. Facilities like
Mirror Lake, Russian Jack, and Palmer Bike Park offer good starting points but lack the breadth, durability, and visibility to fully meet community needs. New pump tracks, progressive skills areas, and short loop trails designed for families could help lower the barrier to entry for new riders while supporting skill development. These features are especially important in underserved areas of East Anchorage and Chugiak-Eagle River, where trail access is currently limited. Investing in visible,
well-designed community trail hubs will ensure mountain biking remains inclusive and accessible to the next wave of riders.
The Trail Attribute and Trail Analysis tools developed for this plan provide powerful platforms for inventorying, evaluating, and visualizing over 21,000 individual trail data points across 750+ trails in Southcentral Alaska. These tools allow land managers and advocates to identify gaps in trail difficulty, feature density, and bike optimized trail types—enabling more strategic and equitable investment. By filtering and comparing trail systems, planners can also measure network strengths, highlight underutilization, and better understand where trail upgrades or expansion are most needed. The tools support public engagement by making trail data more accessible and actionable. With continued updates and use, these resources will be central to ongoing planning, maintenance, and grant application processes.
While Anchorage’s urban trail systems are relatively well- connected, there are still significant gaps in trail access across the broader region—particularly for backcountry routes and underserved neighborhoods. High-potential corridors like the Arctic to Indian Traverse and Upper Winner Creek remain underdeveloped, with limited signage, rough tread, and barriers to looped or point-to-point riding. In the Mat-Su,
efforts to connect zones like Hatcher Pass to Government Peak are still in early stages, and fragmented land ownership poses
logistical challenges. Within urban areas, neighborhoods in East Anchorage and Chugiak-Eagle River lack clear, safe connections to nearby trailheads, limiting access for those without vehicles or nearby options.
Trail data and population density maps offer valuable tools for identifying where new connections will have the greatest impact. By overlaying demographic and access data, planners can prioritize trail segments that fill connectivity gaps, especially in high-need areas. Expanding connector trails, improving signage, and developing sustainable backcountry routes will be key to creating a more cohesive, inclusive trail network across Southcentral Alaska.
El Jefe jump line is UNDER CONSTRUCTION! The trail is closed to the public. We will host a volunteer work day and test ride in early August 2025, weather dependent. Stay tuned for details. Thanks!
After last year’s inventory and analysis of southcentral Alaska mountain bike trail systems, professional trail builders at IMBA Trail Solutions found that the majority of trails at Mirror Lake fell into the intermediate blue square difficulty rating and recommended adding a “very difficult” black diamond trail, and more “easier” green trails to balance the system.
With seed money through a Community Challenge Grant from the Anchorage Park Foundation, CMBR was able to leverage public and private funding for this year’s trail builds, including El Jefe (very diffcult) and Xtra Easy (easier) trails.
As a part of this project, the high speed Bee-Line run out onto the the multiuse trail will be rerouted and will connect further up the return trail at a lower speed. The new El Jefe jump line will exit at the same new intersection.
For begineers and those seeking a quieter ride, the new Xtra Easy trail will connect Easy Peasy back to Mirror Lake, creating a loop with Lakeside trail.
These projects are a part of the new Mirror Lake Master Plan, which also includes funding for multiuse trail improvements summer 2026.
Meet at the BOY SCOUT SIGN on CAMP GORSUCH RD.
Register Here:
https://portal.goldenvolunteer.com/timeslots/5AGRLFGhsA
Trail Work #2 will be focused on rebuilding berms and tread on the purple loops and Raven’s Ridge. DIRT WORK!
Waivers are on-line. You only need to sign once for the year.
https://app.waiversign.com/…/6088f0f7ccb8b000196265c6…
Sun May 18th, 2025 at 1:00pm
Please bring rakes, shovels, hand saws, and loppers if you have them, we will have some tools if you need them.
Youth are welcome, but will need a parent signature and a responsible adult with them.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all out there!
Spring trail work at Mirror Lake Park. We need everyone out to help clear hazards and fix trail tread before we can open!
DAY 1: Saturday May 10th 1-4pm – REGISTER HERE
DAY 2: Sunday May 18th 1-4pm – REGISTER HERE
BRING LEAF BLOWERS IF YOU HAVE THEM.
Waivers are on-line. You only need to sign once for the year.
https://app.waiversign.com/e/6088efcaccb8b000196265a7/doc/6088f0f7ccb8b000196265c6?event=none
Meet at the main trailhead just off the Glenn Hwy Sat May 10th at 1:00pm next to Ben’s Bike Playground.
We will be opening drains, repairing trail tread, clearing sight lines, lopping hazards, and prepping the trails for summer opening.
Please bring rakes, flat shovels, hand saws, and loppers if you have them, we will have some tools at the trailhead if you need them.
Youth are welcome, but will need a parent signature and a responsible adult with them.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all out there!
Remember, Ben’s Bike Playground and Pump Track are already open, so bring your bikes and ENJOY!
The Anchorage and Mat-Su Strategic Trails Plan represents a bold, community-driven effort to reimagine Southcentral Alaska’s trail systems.
Spearheaded by Chugach Mountain Bike Riders (CMBR) in collaboration with local trail groups, public agencies, and regional advocates, the plan reflects more than a year of outreach, data collection, and shared visioning.
Recognizing the region’s unique combination of urban access, wild backcountry, and diverse terrain, this initiative aims to create a world-class network of sustainable, accessible, and purpose-built mountain bike trails that support both local recreation and destination tourism.
PRESS RELEASE: for immediate release.
April 2, 2025
Chugach Mountain Bike Riders (CMBR) and Singletrack Advocates (STA) request a modification to the Chugach State Park (CSP) trails plan to include bicycles as a design use on the Arctic to Indian Traverse.
This trail will connect to the Powerline Trail (design use: bicycle) and create a through trail for bicycles from Arctic Valley to the Anchorage Hillside, linking existing Anchorage trails and pathways and providing a world-class loop for backcountry cyclists.
The Arctic to Indian Traverse includes the Muktuk Marston Trails 300-301, Ship Creek Trails 304a-304b, and Indian Valley Trails 509a-509b. Bicycles are already recommended as managed use on the Marston Trails 300-301.
Chapter 5 of the Chugach State Park Plan, Regulation Changes, states that a periodic review is triggered by written public request and/or changes in use. We believe that both triggers have been met.
CMBR and STA ask that the Chugach State Park Citizen’s Advisory Board (CAB) support this public request and write a letter requesting a CSP plan review specifically targeting the Arctic to Indian Traverse.
Additionally, we recommend that the planned Ship Creek Trail be changed from a class 2 to a class 3 trail, consistent with the Muktuk Marston and Indian Valley Trails. We believe a class 3 trail would require less maintenance and would better handle the anticipated popularity of this trail. More significantly, it would mean that the entire Arctic to Indian Traverse would be the same class of trail.
Of note, Ship Creek Valley is currently managed as a wilderness. According to the CSP Management Plan, trail construction in managed wilderness is allowed if included in the CSP Trails Plan. The recently built Muktuk Marston Trail is a class 3 trail built in the Ship Creek wilderness area. Furthermore, while CSP wilderness prohibits motorized use, bicycles are allowed if included as a managed use in the CSP trails plan and opened by regulation change. This means that bicycles are managed by CSP the same way in all three land use designations: recreation, natural, and wilderness.
CMBR and STA believe that this request can be implemented without modifying the wilderness management designation. However, designating a natural-zone buffer on either side of the trail, similar to the scenic corridor along the Crow Pass Trail, may allow the construction of a more sustainable trail with less need for maintenance.
This request is consistent with the latest Alaska SCORP, which mentions biking as one of the top increases of recreational use on Alaska’s public lands. Specifically, the 2023-2027 SCORP Goal 2, Objective 6. “Expand opportunities for biking, hiking, public use cabins, and hut-to-hut trail systems” should be considered with this request.
Thank you everyone for your continuing comments to improve our transportation networks! Your voices are needed again.
More details: Public Comment Period for two Amendments.
COMMENTS DUE MARCH 20th, 2025 to amats_comments@publicinput.com
We are cautiously optimistic about Amendment #3 to AMATS TIP (Highway funding) to improve the main Eagle River exit (Artillery Road Interchange) and that this project will not only fix the roads, but also connect the Glenn Hwy Pathway.
If you’ve ever ridden the Glenn Hwy pathway, you know it disappears at the main Eagle River Exit (Artillery Rd Interchange) and many riders cut through various parking lots and side streets to find the path again.
Your comments are needed on a newly added project:
NHS0013 Glenn Highway and Artillery Road Interchange Improvements – The project will reconstruct the Glenn Highway and Artillery Road interchange in Eagle River to improve safety and operations. Work includes bridge (#1328) replacement, retaining walls, nearby intersections, channelization, pedestrian sidewalks and pathways, lighting, roadside hardware, ADA facilities, drainage improvements, landscaping, signing, striping, and utilities as needed.
SAMPLE COMMENTS.
I am pleased to see NHS0013 Glenn Highway and Artillery Road Interchange Improvements added to the TIP.
I would like to confirm that this new project combines two existing MTP2050 projects NMO202* Glenn Highway Pathway Connection at Artillery Road and CPS047* Artillery Road Interchange Reconstruction.
It would make sense that both roadway and pathway projects be completed at the same time.
MTP2050 NMO202*
Glenn Highway Pathway Connection at Artillery Road – construct a connection for the Glenn Highway Pathway south to the Glenn Highway Pathway North through the Artillery Road Interchange.
MTP2050 CPS047*
Artillery Road Interchange Reconstruction – reconstruct the interchange, including lengthening the southbound on ramp and the intersection of Old Glenn Highway and Eagle River Road near the artillery interchange to accommodate turning traffic from Eagle River Road.
Thank you, __________________
COMMENTS DUE MARCH 20th, 2025 to amats_comments@publicinput.com
https://chugachmtb.ticketspice.com/cmbr-ritual-film
Thursday April 3rd, 2025. Festivities Start 5:00pm Film 6:30pm
Celebrate 10 years of trail building, youth MTB coaching, and community rides with Chugach Mountain Bike Riders.
Youth and young adults (under 21) welcome with a parent. (All ages need tickets to attend)
Silent Auction – Cash Bar – Food Trucks – MTB Short Films
Ritual is a big screen celebration of the indomitable human spirit that defines the sport of mountain biking with unforgettable film – going experiences. The film series highlights incredible athletes, creative filmmakers, engaging storylines and stunning cinematography; bringing riders together in mountain biking’s greatest cities and venues.
Thanks to a Community Challenge Grant from the Anchorage Parks Foundation, our community has been able to leverage over $100k in funding for Mirror Lake trails!
We need to raise $10k in matching funds to unlock this funding.
This is a 10x match. Every $100 raised means $1,000 in trail projects. CAN YOU HELP?
Click here to donate to the “Mirror Lake Trails 10x Matching Grant” at Givelively.
Hi CMBR volunteers, members, racers and riders, please fill out the 2025 CMBR waiver at: WaiverSign. You only need to do this once a year.
Looking for Eklutna Permits? CMBR has a club permit to legally access Eklutna Lands. You must both sign this year’s waiver and show current club membership for your Eklunta Permit to be valid.
You can check your membership status at the CMBR Membership Portal.
Thanks everyone for coming out to the 2024 Mirror Lake Merry Masher and supporting the trails. Results are posted below.
On Thursday Dec 19th, 2024 the Senate passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. Within this package of legislation is nested the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act. The BOLT Act will identify at least 10 existing long-distance bike trails and at least 10 areas where there is an opportunity to develop or complete such trails. The bill will also direct the Department of Interior to publish and distribute maps, install signage, and distribute promotional materials.
Now this historic legislation moves to the president’s desk, and as such, we must prepare to strike while the iron is hot.
We have an incredible opportunity at our fingertips to identify and expand on backcountry cycling here in Alaska. The existing Kenai 250 route, Southern Trek Iditarod Trail, and the Alaska Long Trail can all coalesce to create one of the world’s premier backcountry bikepacking routes. Should these existing trails become recognized as a singular iconic bikepacking opportunity, efforts to maintain and promote each individual segment of this broader long distance route become less burdensome.
By leveraging existing historic, cultural, and natural federal designations in the region and building upon momentum already in place surrounding restoration projects along Iditarod Historic Trail and the development on the Alaska Long Trail, we have a strong case:
Alaska must be included as one of the key 10 Development Regions identified by the BOLT Act.
We encourage you to take just a few moments to reach out to Senator Lisa Murkowski to thank her for her support in creating iconic backcountry cycling experiences across this nation and her continued efforts to promote and fund long distance recreation opportunities in Alaska.
You can contact Senator Murkowski via this link.
If you need a little cut and paste inspiration, we’ve got you covered…
TOPIC: Public Lands.
Thank you for passing the EXPLORE Act. Please include the Kenai as a BOLT trail.
As an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys our nation’s public lands and waters, I am delighted to see the EXPLORE Act pass through the Senate and become law. Specifically, I am thrilled about the addition of the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act therewithin.
Alaska’s backcountry is its most remarkable and economically salient feature. Our iconic terrain and unique cycling opportunities keeps Alaskans at home happy and sustains robust ecotourism. According to a 2020 Utah State University report on the benefits of long distance cycling tourism, long distance bike routes offer the largest return on development investments of any form of outdoor recreation and – in particular – benefit small and rural communities disproportionately so. Once visitors make the long trek to Alaska with their bike in tow, the longer the trail network is for them to ride, the more money they will spend along the route with the average bikepacker actively spending $104 per day on supplies and food.
We have an incredible opportunity at our fingertips to identify and expand on backcountry cycling here in Alaska. The existing Kenai 250 route, Southern Trek Iditarod Trail, and the Alaska Long Trail can all coalesce to create one of the world’s premier backcountry bikepacking routes. Should these existing trails become recognized as a singular iconic bikepacking opportunity, efforts to maintain and promote each individual segment of this broader long distance route become less burdensome.
By leveraging existing historic, cultural, and natural federal designations in the region and building upon momentum already in place surrounding restoration projects along Iditarod Historic Trail and the development on the Alaska Long Trail, we have a strong case:
Alaska must be included as one of the key 10 Development Regions identified by the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act.
Thank you so much for prioritizing outdoor recreation, which is important to Americans all across the country and across political affiliations. As your constituent and a recreationist, I’m thrilled to see the bill pass.
SIncerely,
Happy Trails,
Cameron Sanders
A Lens for Wanderlust
He/Him/They
Merry Masher course has about an inch of new snow. Most of the trails are riding great. Enjoy!
The largest barrier to healthy youth mountain biking is access to trails that kids can pedal to from school or home.
CMBR envisions local mountain bike trail systems built on public lands adjacent to:
To connect these trail to neighborhood we are advocating for:
Please come this Wednesday Nov 20th 6:30pm to the Beach Lake XC Ski Chalet to be involved in the Chugiak-Eagle River Recreational Trails Plan, and help make these dreams a reality.
We super excited to see this new Mirror Lake map art, check it out!
Chugiak-Eagle River trail development for the next 20 years will be guided by the results of this public workshop.
Want to see more trails? What kinds of trails? Should we develop trail connections to access existing trail systems?
SHOW UP at 6:30pm. (Anchorage workshop is the following day.)
“The Recreational Trails Plan will serve as the local government’s guide for trail management, maintenance, and development. Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS) and the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department are updating the Areawide Trails Plan from 1997 to reflect modern trail needs and plan for the years ahead.”
Race 1 of 3 of the TREK WINTER FAT BIKE SERIES!
Friday December 27th 7pm at Mirror Lake Park
Register here: 24-25 Trek Winter Fat Bike Series
We’re going AFTER DARK for the 8th annual Mirror Lake Merry Masher winter bike race, a fundraiser for the Mirror Lake Singletrack.
* Registration ends Thurs 12-27-22 11:59 pm. There is NO IN-PERSON registration*
https://chugachmtb.redpodium.com/24-25-trek-winter-fat-bike-series
We are pleased to announce Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage as the sponsor for the eigth annual Mirror Lake Merry Masher winter bike race!
It’s gonna be a PARTY! Light up your rides, as we’re going after dark on a mix of flowy singletrack, a bit of nice wide doubletrack, a couple of great hill climbs, and some beautiful lake riding in the shadow of Bear Mountain in Chugiak.
You will have the option of two or three 3+ mile laps. You must complete the race in the 2-hour time limit.
If you’re not racing, you are welcome to come out and cheer!
Thanks to Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage for sponsoring this year’s race.
This event is a membership drive and fundraiser for Chugach Mountain Bike Riders and proceeds will go to support the improvement of the Mirror Lake Singletrack.
When: Friday, December 27th. Bibs Pick-Up 6pm. Race Start 7pm.
Where: Mirror Lake Park, Mile 24 Glenn Hwy, Chugiak, Alaska.
Cost: $45.
https://chugachmtb.redpodium.com/24-25-trek-winter-fat-bike-series
Chugiak-Eagle River Survey open until Oct 19th, 2024.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MOALongRangeTransportationStrategyChugiak-EagleRiver
Good news! Chugiak-Eagle River is getting its own chapter in the Muni’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. This is where local residents can prioiritize road and pathway improvements for the next several decades.
Do you want faster roads with an emphasis on commuting to Anchorage? Or do you want safer streets so that our kids have pathways to get to parks and schools within our community?
Funded projects that CMBR has advocated for include extending the Glenn Hwy bike path and additional 0.5 mile past the Ladybug Rock towards Mirror Lake Park and Eklutna (to start 2026), extending the Eagle River Rd bike path 1.5 miles towards the Nature Center to Mile Hi Rd (also 2026), and construction has already started on the first 2.5 miles of the Northern Extension Coastal Trail connecting Chugiak High School to the Inlet in Beach Lake Park (2024).
We see these three multi-use pathways as the backbone of a safe active transportation network for our kids and familes to walk dogs, ride bikes, and get to parks, schools and adjacent nighborhoods.
Are you satisfied with the existing network? Is it is safe? Does it connect within our community? Would you like to see the Glenn Hwy, Eagle River Rd and Northern Extension Coastal Trail nonmotoized pathways completed to solve these problems?
DON’T DELAY, TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY!
More information at:
Please take 2 minutes and submit a comment in support of expanding the Mirror Lake Singletrack and ask that hikers yield to bikers on singletrack trails.
This is for the 20-year Mirror Lake master plan.
https://mirrorlakemasterplan-huddle.hub.arcgis.com/pages/draft-master-plan
We have had some incidents of hikers walking up the jump lines at Mirror Lake and causing crashes. This is not safe for anyone. All two-way trails will stay multiple use, but we are asking that MTB have right of way on bike-optimized singletrack, while hikers will have right of way on multi-use trails. High-speed one-way trails will be managed for MTB-only.
Mirror Lake Park is cut in half by the Glenn Hwy. We support expanding singletrack trails to the Inlet side of the park and connecting to Mirror Lake Middle School. Trails will connect under the Glenn Hwy at the Mirror Lake exit.
There’s a 100+ page plan at the link, or message CMBR if you have any questions.
CMBR is a proud member of the Alaska Off-Road Cycling Alliance (ORCA)
Check out all the ORCA happenings at ORCA.bike and www.MTBsummit.com
Be sure to click the ORCA riding the mountain bike to get your FREE STICKER!
Thanks to the 14 volunteers who SHOWED UP for our Mirror Lake trail work party last night. We hope to see the rest of you this Sunday Sept 8th, 2024 at 1pm!
Please RSVP at https://x.gldn.io/9IvcdrklGMb
Thanks so much to Michael for some show-and-tell at our aMTB/MTB combined group ride this past week! Next aMTB/MTB group ride Tuesday July 23rd, 6:45pm at Mirror Lake Park in Chugiak, Alaska.
Hello CMBR families,
The Bear Paw Parade is coming up in Eagle River on Saturday, July 13, and this year CMBR is participating!
We would love for our CMBR families to join us in the parade!
Below are a few main details, with more details coming via the scheduled event on the TeamSnap app this coming week. Please let us know if you are coming by shooting us a email.
What: CMBR in the Bear Paw Parade. Ride your bike (helmets required) or walk along with us! We’ll have candy to hand out and banners to carry! Kids are encouraged to wear their CMBR jerseys if they have one (coaches, too….or their coach shirts).
When: Saturday, 7/13/2024 – meeting time at parade rally point (TBD but will be somewhere near Eagle River Elementary) is 8:30am-9:30am.
SPECIAL NOTE: We are asking that a parent(s) please accompany their kiddo in the parade. Also, if you have some candy to contribute, we’d greatly appreciate it!!!!
After CMBR kids practices on 7/10 and 7/11, we’ll have some supplies for kids to decorate their bikes!
Thanks so much and we hope you can join us. It will be a blast repping CMBR in the parade and totally rad to show our community how awesome CMBR kids are 🙂
-CMBR kids crew
Funding to connect the South Birchwood bike path on the hill between the Glenn and Old Glenn (up from Chugiak High) has passed the Alaska Legislature and is on Governor Dunleavy’s desk to sign or veto.
We are thrilled to have our Chugiak State Rep Dan Saddler as the driving force behind this request. Please contact Governor Dunleavy at (907) 269-7450 or (907) 465-3500 and let him know your thoughts about finishing the South Birchwood Path!
Prefer sending something electronically? Click the link below!
Spring trail work at Mirror Lake Park! We need everyone out to help clear hazards and fix trail tread before we can open!
BRING LEAF BLOWERS IF YOU HAVE THEM
Waivers are on-line. You only need to sign once for the year.
Meet at the main trailhead just off the Glenn Hwy Sat May 18th at 1:00pm next to Ben’s Bike Playground. We will be opening drains, repairing trail tread, clearing sight lines, lopping hazards, and prepping the trails for summer opening.
Bring rakes, flat shovels, hand saws, and loppers if you have them, but we will provide tools if you need them. Youth are welcome, but will need a parent signature and a responsible adult with them.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all out there!
Remember, Ben’s Bike Playground and Pump Track are already open, so bring your bikes and ENJOY!
A new bike path is coming to Eagle River Road!
Thank you to everyone who attended AMATS meetings and sent in public comments. This is how trails happen!
A bit of background:
Chugiak-Eagle River and the Anchorage Bowl are lumped together for federally-funded transportation projects under AMATS, Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions. In order to qualify for funding, our roads and adjacent pathways are nominated by the public, and then scored, ranked and listed in the MTP, the 20-year Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Unfortunately, this scoring criteria doesn’t look at geographical equity, so we’re stuck with a plan where 99 out of 100 nonmotorized pathway projects are proposed for the Anchorage Bowl, leaving Chugiak-Eagle River underfunded.
Luckily, AMATS has a system where the public is encouraged to participate and help balance regional investment. The Policy Committee includes representatives from the State of Alaska and the Municipality of Anchorage. This committee approves which projects from the MTP that are funded for the next four years in what is called the TIP, Transportation Improvement Program.
TIP funding is updated frequently, and projects can be added or removed. In this last amendment, tens of millions of dollars of funding for Eagle River Road was shifted to Anchorage Bowl projects. Because of the massive amount of comments in support of Chugiak-Eagle River, the Policy Committee voted to keep funding for the nonmotorized part of the larger road project.
CMBR will continue to advocate for our trails and pathways. Please consider donating today!
Do you want MORE TRAILS at Mirror Lake?
Show up this Tuesday, April 11th, 2024, 6pm at the Community Room next to the Eagle River Library for a Mirror Lake Park visioning session.
What you ask for will determine the next 20 years of development at the park.
This is how TRAILS HAPPEN!
More information here: https://mirrorlakemasterplan-huddle.hub.arcgis.com/
Registration for the 2024 CMBR Kids Program opens Monday April 1st at 7 pm.
Space is limited, so save the date & time and register your child early. Please use the link below:
CMBR Kids Registration: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/423686
If registration is full, please register using the CMBR Kids 2024 Waitlist link below. Priority will be given to parent volunteers.
CMBR Kids Waitlist: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/425395
CMBR Kids relies on our volunteers to get kids out on the trails. If you would like to volunteer as a Parent Sweep, Pavilion Parent, Assistant Coach, Site Coordinator, or Coach, please use the link below:
Volunteer Sign-Up: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/423687
2024 Schedule:
Tues June 11th 7pm Bike Checks (youth and adult required bike safety check)
Weds June 12th 7pm Coach Bike Skills Night (coach training)
Thurs June 13th 7pm Coach Safety Orientation (coach training)
Tues June 18th 7pm First Night of CMBR Kids
CMBR Kids 2024 is a 6-week program that will take place from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Mirror Lake Park in Chugiak on Tuesday and Thursday nights from June 18th to July 25th. There will be a total of 11 sessions (break for July 4th). Riders should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to unload bikes and be ready to join their group.
Age Requirements:
CMBR kids is intended for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Parents of children ages 7 and younger must remain at Mirror Lake for the duration of the session and are highly encouraged (but not required) to ride along with the group.
All Riders – Required Gear:
– A reliable bike with hand brakes and gears that shift
– Bike helmet
– Closed toe shoes: NO slip-ons or sandals
– Water bottle or hydration pack
– Small snack
– Extra inner tube
– Comfortable clothes. Try finding clothes that are a blend of poly or another moisture wicking fabric. No jeans, please!
All Riders – Recommended Gear:
– Bike gloves
– Protective eyewear
– Bug spray
Competitive Rider Program – Recommended Gear:
CMBR is pleased to account the Competitive Rider Program this year. The following gear is recommended, in addition to the “Bike, Helmet, and Riding Gear Requirements”:
– Disc brakes (hydraulic preferred)
– Air suspension (hard tails are okay, but no rigid forks)
– Knobby tires
– 1x drivetrain (no front derailleur)
– Dropper post or quick release for seat
In January 2024, non-motorized advocates successfully championed extending the separated bike path on Eagle River Road from Eagle River Loop Rd to Mile 5.3 (O’Riedner) as a part of a larger road rehabilitation project.
Construction was slated to begin in 2025.
In February 2024, AMATS (Transportation) staff proposed cutting the entire $60M road/path project (paid for 90% with Federal dollars) and shift funds from Chugiak-Eagle River to Anchorage Bowl road projects.
Over the past decade approximately $60M has been invested in Anchorage Bowl pathways, and zero funds have been spent in Chugiak-Eagle River.
Our vision is to connect the Moose Loop in Anchorage to outlying communities, including a path along the Glenn Hwy to Eklutna, and a path to the Nature Center along Eagle River Rd.
Please email AMATS and let them know your thoughts about the PROPOSED funding cuts to the Eagle River Rd pathway, and about prioritizing bike path projects along the Glenn Hwy and Eagle River Rd.
Should AMATS cut funding to the Eagle River Rd Pathway? Let them know, send an email!
Comments and Information Here:
Request for Proposal open Jan 17 – Feb 16, 2024.
Chugach Mountain Bike Riders requests proposals from qualified contractors to design and construct approximately 1.5 miles of hardened gravel trail at Beach Lake Park in Chugiak, Alaska.
Donate here! Chugach Mountain Bike Riders
The expansion of the Chugiak-Eagle River trail system and the growth of Southcentral Alaska’s mountain bike community depends on donations from our trail users. Historically, CMBR has been able to match $10 to every one dollar you have donated. (Many employers have also doubled your donations, thank you!)
Please consider an end of year donation of $35, $50, $100 or $500 to allow us to continue our work into 2024.
Donate here! Chugach Mountain Bike Riders
2023 CMBR Successes:
Our Vision:
2024 Proposed Projects:
Donate here! Chugach Mountain Bike Riders
Your support is crucial to our efforts. Thank you for your donations!
What: Urban Design Commision Public Hearing
When: Weds Dec 13th 6:30pm
Where: Loussac Library, Anchorage
Eagle River Parks and Rec is proposing a new gravel multiuse path connecting Chugiak High School to the Inlet. CMBR has already raised over $250k to build this trail. This is the LAST meeting in the process to approve this trail. Please come and show your support!
This trail follows the path of the Historic Iditarod Trail, and provides a route for the Alaska Long Trail. It has been in Chugiak-Eagle River Trail plans for 40 years, as the Northern Extension of the Coastal Trail.
As a part of this project, almost a mile of new mushing trail will be built to keep mushers and the walkers, bikers and skiers on the new trail separated.
Details here: 2023-0133 STAFF REPORT.PDF.pdf (muni.org)
Mirror Lake Merry Masher 2023 Race Course Winter Fat Biking Route | Trailforks
Friday Dec 29th, 2023 Race Start 7pm.
5.0 miles – 232 ft Climb
The 2023 Mirror Lake Merry Masher race course will be a little more straightforward this year. The new connector trails built this past summer have allowed us to machine groom the entire course, with more flat and wide sections to allow passing. Yes, there will be singletrack, twisting through the woods, but we’ve cut out the big climb. So, put it in high gear, and best of luck
Register here: Trek Winter Fat Bike Series Entry Form (redpodium.com)
Register here: Trek Winter Fat Bike Series Entry Form (redpodium.com)
Chugach Mountain Bike Riders (CMBR) 501(c)3 is donating staff time and resources to keep the enthusiasm from the 2nd Alaska MTB Summit going strong.
Four statewide ad-hoc committees are forming to continue the conversation:
Sign up for announcement emails (low volume) here: http://eepurl.com/gplptH
Join the Microsoft Teams conversations (high volume) here.
If the link doesn’t work, send us an email to authorize your account.
AMBA Organizing Committee | General | Microsoft Teams
AMBA Youth MTB Committee | General | Microsoft Teams
AMBA Trail Builders Discussion | General | Microsoft Teams
Or just download Microsoft Teams and join us at our first virtual meetings:
Monday Nov 6th, 2023 7-8:30pm AMBA Organizing Committee
Wednesday Nov 8th, 2023 7-8:30pm AMBA Youth MTB Committee
Thursday Nov 9th, 2023 7-8:30pm AMBA Trail Builders Discussion
Huge SHOUT OUT to Kendall Toyota of Anchorage for sponsoring this year’s trail work at Mirror Lake! Thanks so much for your investment in our community!
MORE NEW TRAILS ARE ALMOST READY!
We need everyone out to lop roots, haul logs and drag off branches and root balls before we can open!
Waivers are on-line. You only need to sign once for the year.
https://app.waiversign.com/…/6088f0f7ccb8b000196265c6…
WHAT: Volunteer Trail Work.
WHEN: 6:45-8pm Tuesdays Aug 22, 29, Sep 5, 12, 2023.
WHERE: Meet at the first road crossing on CAMP GORSUCH RD in Mirror Lake Park.
Bring gloves and loppers if you have them, but we will provide tools if you need them. Youth are welcome, but will need a parent signature and a responsible adult with them.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all out there!
Registration is open: 7-14-23 Mirror Lake Midsummer Masher – Arctic Bicycle Club
Free youth bike checks Tuesday, June 20th 2023, 7-8:30pm at Mirror Lake Park.
Bring your kids, helmets and bikes! We will have a line of coach volunteers to safety check bikes and helmets, as well as mechanics from the Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage and Off the Chain Bicycle Collective to make simple adjustments.
Youth participating in CMBR kids are required to have their bikes safety checked before riding with the club. If you are unable to bring your child, their bike and their helmet to this Tuesday’s free safety checks you will need to bring it to a shop for a safety check, this usually runs $50-$100.
Youth from the community are also invited to bring their bikes for a free safety check.
THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF EVENT. A responsible adult must supervise your child(ren) for the entire evening.
We always recommend bringing your youth and their bike to the nonprofit Off the Chain Bicycle Collective. Off the Chain is not a drop-off bike shop, but rather a volunteer run bike collective that will help you and your child to repair their own bike. Off the Chain runs by donation, so this is an affordable option for families that cannot make the Tuesday bike checks.
The Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage (907-743-6000), is a sponsor of our 2023 CMBR Kids program. They are open 7 days a week, located at 530 East Benson Boulevard, STE 9C Anchorage AK, 99503. A safety check or tune-up at Trek or any other local bike shop will fulfill the CMBR kids safety check requirements.
Bikes that have already had 2023 tune-ups, or were purchased in 2023 do not need an additional safety check.
The 1st Alaska MTB Summit happened in 2017. Alaska Trails brought IMBA and the BLM up to highlight their newest publication, the GQTE. “Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience.”
It’s been six years since we all got together!
Save the date! Alaska Trails, the BLM, Chugach Mountain Biker Riders, Singletrack Advocates, Arctic MTB, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers, Mighty Bikes, Hilltop Ski Area and Bike Park, and other Alaskan MTB clubs are banding together once again for the 2nd Alaska MTB Summit at the Government Peak Chalet in Palmer.
The Alaska Mountain Bike Summit seeks to bring together nonprofits, clubs, and mountain biking advocates from across the state to share information and plan a way to maximize the knowledge and expertise in the state to build, maintain, and ride more mountain biking trails.
At a glance:
REGISTER at MTBsummit.com
*Scholarships available
*Individuals $125 (includes lunch both days)
*Club table $1000 (up to 5 participants)
More information including registration, agenda, and other pertinent news at MTBsummit.com
Mirror Lake Singletrack Trails are OPEN!
Thanks to the 22 people who showed up last night to get them tuned up for your riding pleasure! Early conditions exist, so pre-ride, re-ride, and free-ride. We will have volunteers out working again today, so be aware. (Donating to CMBR is a great way to say thank you!) Enjoy!
Special shout out to the #AdoboMTB crew for bringing the families to trail work parties!
#MirrorLakeSingletrack #BensBikePlayground #ChugachMTB
To clarify: ALL of the singletrack trails are open. Some of the multiuse trails are still pretty wet. Just turn around and use an alternate path if possible. Load up https://www.trailforks.com/region/mirror-lake-18283/ for a map. There’s almost always 2 or more ways to get to the top!
New Date! Weds June 28th.
Please come join us in celebrating love, diversity and equality and the powerful history of the LGBTQA+ community with a CMBR BBQ and tour around the Mirror Lake Trails to celebrate Pride month! This Pride Ride is designed to be fun and inclusive for cyclists of all stripes.
We will have 2, well marked, self paced, routes set up for your enjoyment and of course Ben’s Playground!
1. Single Rainbow Route: This 1 mile route will take you around a wider, multiuse trail route that is great for beginner bike riders and kids or anyone just after a relaxed roll in the woods.
2. Double Rainbow Route: This 3.5 mile will take you through some of our favorite single track in a route that is great for the more adventurous riders looking to get familiar with the awesome trails around Mirror Lake
Take your time exploring the trails and bike park, enjoy the amazing lake, company and tasty BBQ prepared by CMBR. We will have trail volunteers riding the trails periodically to check in with all the riders and are happy to offer additional route suggestions and information if you are interested in exploring beyond the marked routes.
Bring the kids, the partners and the friends!
This event does not require registration and is a free event aimed to bring awareness and show support to our LGBTQA+ community but CMBR does request you complete a waiver to participate (https://cmbralaska.org/waiver/) and if you are able to, we would love you to become a CMBR member!
TRAILS ARE ALMOST READY!
WHAT: We need everyone out to clear hazards and fix tread before we can open!
WHEN: Thursday May 25th 6:30-8:30pm.
WHERE: Meet at the main trailhead just off the Glenn Hwy at 6:30pm next to Ben’s Bike Playground.
BRING LEAF BLOWERS IF YOU HAVE THEM!
Waivers are on-line. You only need to sign once for the year.
https://app.waiversign.com/e/6088efcaccb8b000196265a7/doc/6088f0f7ccb8b000196265c6?event=none
We will be opening drains, repairing trail tread, clearing sight lines, lopping hazards and prepping the trails for summer opening.
Bring rakes, flat shovels and loppers if you have them, but we will provide tools if you need them.
Youth are welcome, but will need a parent signature and a responsible adult with them.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all out there!
Remember, Ben’s Bike Playground and Pump Track are already open, so bring your bikes and ENJOY!
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR 2023.
CMBR Kids Youth MTB Club provides an introduction to basic mountain biking by teaching fundamental bike handling skills, building confidence on singletrack trails, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through mountain biking.
NEW THIS YEAR: CMBR Littles! 5-7 year olds are welcome to ride with us, but meet for a shorter time (7-7:45pm). Kids will need a bike with hand brakes (no coaster/foot brakes) and must already be able to ride well on pavement and grass. Parents of 5-7 year olds need to remain at the park during the session, and are encouraged to ride with their child(ren).
WHO: Youth ages 5-15 (CMBR Littles ages 5-7)
WHERE: @ the Mirror Lake Singletrack Trails, Chugiak (Mirror Lake exit off the Glenn Hwy)
WHEN: Tuesdays & Thursdays
For 2023 we will meet June 20, (not 22), 27, 29 July (not 4), 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, August 1, 3.
TIME: 7:00pm – 8:30pm (CMBR Littles 7pm-7:45pm)
COST: $100 CMBR 2023 Family Membership + $50 each child
(Membership is automatically included on registration page)
How do I sign up?
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR 2023.
Teamsnap is our new registration system this year:
https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/369381
*Please note at the end of registration it is not necessary to Protect Your Investment. We will of course work with you if you need to cancel your registration.
What is CMBR Kids Youth Mountain Bike Club?
CMBR Kids (Chugach Moutain Bike Riders) is a parent-led mountain bike club serving youths from 5-15 in Chugiak-Eagle River. The club teaches on the 6 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails at Mirror Lake Park in Chugiak. We do not travel to other locations.
Now in our seventh year, our club typically hosts about 75 youth split into several groups. We meet at 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays late June through early August.
For the first 30 minutes or so we work on that evening’s mountain bike skill, and then break into small volunteer-coach-led groups to ride with other youth of a roughly similar skill level. Within the groups, there will be some faster and some slower youth together: the focus is skills, not speed. Over a 6-week period we work through a good overview of mountain bike fundamentals.
Our lead coaches are Level 1 certified through the Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP).
We require all youth bikes to be professionally tuned up and safety checked (we offer this $50 safety check for free on June 20 at 7:00pm) and we require everyone to wear helmets.
Other local youth mountain bike programs include the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers’ Sprockidz program in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and Mighty Bikes in Anchorage.
CMBR is soliciting proposals to build 1. a gravel multiuse loop for hikers, bikers and dog-walkers to use year-round, 2. a connection from the purple trails to the trailhead at the beginning of Raven’s Ridge, and 3. an uptrack for the new jump lines.
Bring your shovels and snowblowers! We’re going to be clearing off the pump track and jumps at Ben’s Bike Playground!
The Mirror Lake Middle School Mountain Bike Club needs a place to ride at the beginning of May, so we’re going to do the best we can to hurry up the melt by clearing the snow for them.
CMBR will have the BBQ going for you. Please sign the trail work waiver before your show up. Thanks!
https://app.waiversign.com/e/6088efcaccb8b000196265a7/doc/6088f0f7ccb8b000196265c6?event=none
Need a home loan? Be sure to thank Prime Lending for a double Trail Sponsorship! Thanks for supporting our Phase 2 trail expansion project!
Thanks Alaska Dispatch News for the positive coverage! We’re really pleased how the new trails are coming along. Next work party Weds Sep 7th, 6:30pm. Yes, we’ll be working even if it’s drizzling!
