Spotlight: Trailapalooza 2008
Last year, an event came out of nowhere that drew more than 2,000 people to Bogus Basin.It had nothing to do with fresh powder. In fact, it was during the blazing heat of summer, and people were hopping lifts, listening to music, eating, drinking, riding new trails and raising money for the development of a system that will stretch from the mountain above Boise all the way to the Idaho Velodrome and Cycling Park in Eagle.That was the inaugural Trailapa-looza, and this year’s version promises to be bigger and wilder while just as beneficial to trail enthusiasts - and not just on wheels.Jodi Peterson, owner of Open Space Advertising and creator of the event, explained that mountain bikers, hikers, runners and people who just love the outdoors are invited to attend the celebration and contribute to trail maintenance and development.The event will include guided trail rides, hikes and runs, a downhill slalom race, educational workshops, product samples, youth activities (including a kids rodeo area for mountain bike technique lessons), live music, food vendors, New Belgium beer and more. Fun will be in great supply, but Peterson said the core of Trailapalooza is teaching people about the trail system and how to treat it and each other while using it.The event is set for 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. It is free, though lift tickets are $10 and there is a $5 suggested donation per car, with proceeds going right back into the trails because of a collaborative effort by the U.S. Forest Service, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Ridges to Rivers and Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association.Peterson’s Web site is under construction, but questions can be directed to her via e-mail at peterson.jodi@gmail.com. Erin Ryan: 672-6732
