A few weeks ago, we attended a public meeting to learn more about the Flagstaff Loop Trail. I thought this was a Forest Service public meeting, and, indeed, it was. But it was also a meeting of the Flagstaff Biking Organization, which I had never heard about. This just proves, again, that there is so much to do and so many wonderful groups in our wonderful Flagstaff community that no one person can know it all! The Flagstaff Biking Organization is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting cycling as a means of transportation and recreation. Its initial project was the 2002 “Bike to Work Week,” which has become an annual event (and which I had heard of). The group has run bike safety classes in Flagstaff schools, produced a commuter bike map, and advocates for trail improvements, among other things related to cycling. The organization is also the web home of the Coconino Cycling Club, a free system for organizing recreational bike riding using e-mail notices for regular events ranging from “DoDah Thursdays” – for the true easy-riders – to “Road Riders,” who do 30-50 mile rides for the truly fit, and the “Scalawags” – something in between. For those of you in the Midwest wondering where our Flagstaff Century riders are, come try a 50-mile ride in our mountain terrain at 7000-8000 ft. elevation! The FBO’s Youth Mountain Biking program provides opportunities for young people to ride challenging trails safely accompanied by adults. In the process, the kids will see some of the most beautiful country in the world and learn about Flagstaff’s history. Another of the more interesting programs is “Bicycle Rodeos.” Geared for kids 8-12, and in cooperation with Safekids, another great Flagstaff organization, Bicycle Rodeos teaches kids about bike safety while allowing them to have fun in a supervised environment. Flagstaff Biking Organization’s major fund-raising event is Tour de Fat. This, too, I had heard of. It’s a fun bike parade through historic downtown Flagstaff in early October, when the weather is always perfect. After the parade, the fun moves into Wheeler Park for a beer festival featuring our local Flagstaff breweries as well as lots of imported (non-Flagstaff) vats.  So, back to the Flagstaff Loop Trail. The Loop Trail will connect many existing trails and build new trails to provide an over 40-mile loop at the fringe of the City of Flagstaff. From the loop trail, there will be connections to the Flagstaff Urban Trail system (“spokes on the wheel” of the Loop Trail, in the words of FBO’s website) and to County, Forest Service and State Trust land trails. The meeting I attended was part of the National Environmental Protection Agency process for approval of the plan to use National Forest Service land as part of the Loop Trail.
The Flagstaff Biking Organization is one of example of the small communities that make Flagstaff a wonderful place to live. | 
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