Ear to the ground:

“It was the girlfriend’s idea. I know it’s not the most manly thing to be pushing a small dog in a baby stroller.”
– Man defending the mode of travel for his furry, four-legged baby
 

Divine intervention

It’s going to be all about bikes this weekend in Durango, not that that’s anything new. In addition to Saturday’s grand fondo, Purgatory Resort will be holding the grand opening of its long-awaited Divinity Flow Trail. Done in partnership with the Forest Service and Trails 2000, the trail will be opened to the two-wheeled masses starting at 9 a.m. Sun., Sept. 13.

The new trail is being touted as “Durango’s longest and only lift-served flow trail.” In honor of the occasion, free lifts will be provided from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Lift 4. There will also be an official christening of the new trail from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Lift 4 base area. Local legends Todd Wells, Ned Overend, Greg Herbold and Travis Brown will then lead the procession down the new trail.

And when you’ve had all the excitement your brake-lever fingers can handle, head on over to the Purg plaza for a beer garden, taco bar and live music. For more, go to www.Trails2000.org.

You go, girl

Maybe you’re a shredder looking to fine-tune some skills, or perhaps you’re a complete newb working up the gumption to get out there. Whatever your skill or comfort level, the Trek Dirt Series Women’s Mountain Bike Camp has a spot for you.

This year’s camp, Sept. 26-27, features top-notch coaching – featuring a six-to-1 coach to rider ratio, none of whom happen to be your know-it-all boyfriend and/or husband – as well as skill sessions and group rides, all in a supportive atmosphere.

“Having a group of women to learn from and ride with are just part of what makes the Dirt Series so popular,” spokeswoman Janet Maineri said. “We have a number of participants who have gone on to win downhill and cross-country events, in-part crediting the incredible coaching they received from Dirt Series.”

Last year, 40 women took part in the Durango camp. Also, for those looking to up their game but find the $385 price tag a little too steep, scholarships are available. In addition, DEVO coaches, moms and friends receive a 10 percent discount for group registrations of six or more.
“We enjoy being able to give back to the mountain bike community,” said Maineri. “Our scholarship program is designed for passionate mountain bikers who have the desire to excel but can’t afford the camp on their own.”

Deadline for scholarship applications is Fri., Sept. 11. To apply, contact info@dirt series.com. To register or for more information, go to www.dirtseries.com