01
Why has this group formed?
Lefthand has become more than just a trail system we all love to ride. It has become a community that thrives from the actions of its users. As of 2022, the Forest Service has begun researching and surveying the area. Based on current meetings taking place regarding Lefthand, we are participating in the conversation about the future of the property. We are working to protect both the trails and the community from changes that may jeopardize what we currently have.
02
How do I get involved?
The first step is to sign up for our newsletter. This is where we update the community with the current progress and status of Friends of Lefthand. However, we have a place where you can ask questions, provide ideas, and contact us directly. In addition, you can help us by spreading word to those who use Lefthand. By increasing the size of our community, we are able to gain more ideas and benefit everyone that uses the trail system. With a larger community we will have a louder voice.
03
Who leads Friends of Lefthand?
Friends of Lefthand was created by a group of riders who genuinely love Lefthand. This group contains a variety of skill sets, yet we are united by one thing: our love for this trail system and the community that has been established through Lefthand.
04
What exactly are you saving Lefthand from?
A new Travel Management Plan process is currently underway, with a series of stakeholder meetings happening this year. While the return of motorized usage is not imminent, we believe that some change is. And with that change, mountain bike access will likely be impacted in some way. That is why we’ve made it our mission to protect mountain bike access at Lefthand, promote safe and sustainable use of the trails, and maintain the progressive nature and quality of those trails.
05
What does keeping Lefthand Progressive mean?
A progressive trail is a steep trail including berms, jumps, rock rolls, and drops with ride around options on all problematic features. Progressive trail systems have small to significant features that allow mountain bikers to advance their skills. We want to keep the area inclusive by having a range of trail difficulty in order to benefit all of the people who ride at Lefthand.
06
Is FLTA for or against Lefthand reopening for motorized use?
We are advocating for continued access for mountain bikes and the adoption of un-sanctioned trails into this trail network, not against other user groups. We would love to see this area stay just the way it is, but ultimately if concessions have to be made we will advocate for nothing more than two wheels as a way to maintain the current on-trail experience for MTBs.
07
Is FLTA for or against Ebike use at Lefthand if this remains a non motorized trail system?
We feel that Lefthand is an acceptable area for ebike use, with wide climbing access roads and trails that are directional by nature. However the final outcome of this really is up to the USFS and how the travel management plan is written. According to our recent community survey, roughly 75% support ebike access at Lefthand.
08
Can I help with trail building or maintenance?
Trail building and trail maintenance are both illegal as it stands today and FLTA has no association with either of these activities. It is our hope that we can one day organize legal community trail work days in cooperation with the USFS.
09
Why are we partnering with BMA?
Through our alignment with BMA, we gained a valuable seat as a stakeholder at the management planning meetings. Backed by their many years of experience, BMA’s deep involvement with the MTB community and governmental agencies gives us a solid head start in our advocacy efforts. FLTA and BMA share a common goal of preserving and enhancing access to progressive MTB trails at Lefthand.
10
What is FLTA’s ultimate goal for this trail system?
We want to be able to partner with the US Forest Service and other stakeholders to have a trail network that continues to offer progressive trails, be able to maintain those trails, and act as a continuing voice advocating for Lefthand.
11
Why is it important to show that our mountain bike community is organized and has a voice?
The more organized we can be as a group of users, the more likely we will be able to have a working relationship with the USFS for the future of this area.