Mountain bikers have lost access to the popular Como trail after property owners closed off an access road and local advocates are urging mountain bikers to avoid the area while they work out an alternative.
Here’s a snippet from the post on Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists’ website:
Late last week, representatives from SDMB, TORCA, and CASA met with area property owners and a representative from Saguaro Ranch with the end result being that the present trail access from Como Road being declared closed. Sadly, there were a number of events cited that lead to their decision, each of which reflect an escalation of behaviors and emotions with the closure of access being the only remedy acceptable by the property owners. Additionally, Saguaro Ranch is under new ownership, and in the near future, a larger gate was slated to be installed, further declaring the community as closed.
This is not the same access threatened by Rancho Vistoso homeowners we reported earlier this year.
SDMB says they are working on a new trailhead that will access the Como Loop trail, but are urging mountain bikers to be patient.
On the silver-lining side of the story, a meeting has already been scheduled with Marana’s Planning & Development and Parks & Recreation Departments to resurrect the plan for a new trailhead access to be granted (knowing that the current situation was not acceptable). More information will be coming out as comes available.
Obviously some will want to keep riding through this access, or certainly know people who will. Please don’t, and urge others not to as well. While it was the unfortunate build-up over several confrontations that lead to the road closure, it is these same people who have indicated support for the new trail alignment, and will encourage the owners of the two other properties to support the re-route that will benefit all. Continuing to add fuel to the fire will only jeopardize what remains.
SDMB is also suggesting people get involved with their organization to help get more access to trails.