Colorado Springs-based mountain bike advocacy group Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates has begun implementing a plan for significant expansion.
In response to rapidly increasing popularity and demand for mountain bike trails – especially the Lake Moraine Trail on Pikes Peak, formerly known as the Missing Link – the number and scope of Medicine Wheel’s projects have accelerated in recent years. The non-profit volunteer group has adopted a new strategic plan to increase capacity, starting with the addition of a paid executive director and additional board members.
Effective immediately, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates has appointed Cory Sutela, Ph.D. as the interim Executive Director. Sutela comes to the non-profit group from engineering positions in the automotive, petroleum and bicycle industries. He will serve until a permanent director is hired in early 2020.
“Over the last several years, successful trail projects like Codell (in Red Rock Canyon OS), Lake Moraine, Chamberlain and the Ute Valley DH trails have significantly increased the demand for Medicine Wheel’s expertise in advocating for and building trails,” Cory Sutela said. “The additions to our board and the establishment of a Director position will enable us to grow to fulfill this need. The Pikes Peak Region is on the way to becoming a great mountain biking destination, and Medicine Wheel is positioning itself to be a major voice in guiding it.”
Since its founding in 1991, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates had operated as an all-volunteer effort, taking the lead in planning, designing, building and maintaining mountain bike trails throughout the Pikes Peak region. Mountain biking continues to rise in popularity in the Pikes Peak region, as more and more locals and visitors recognize the many unique riding opportunities afforded by our local terrain. To meet the increased demand, in addition to hiring a Director, MWTA also recently expanded its board of directors with the additions of: Michael Merrifield, Jeff Ricks, Alan Higbie, Bryan Gilman and David Adair. More board appointments will be announced through Fall 2019.
