Before Sioux Falls had an established mountain bike scene, it had a few dedicated riders who felt the city could offer more. These riders then organized the nonprofit, Falls Area Single Track (F.A.S.T.), trails built by the community, for the community. F.A.S.T has been shaping the outdoor recreational experience in Sioux Falls since 2010.
F.A.S.T. ‘s first project, Leaders Park, served as a proving ground. Ben Bloomberg, F.A.S.T. board member and former president, stated that the park was an opportunity to show the city what F.A.S.T. was capable of achieving. Through volunteers and community support, the trail system was completed and continues to be maintained today. This project showed the organization’s commitment and reliability, leading to their continuous partnership with Sioux Falls Park and Recreation.
“All these other properties open the door for Great Bear because we proved that we could maintain all these other trail systems,” said Bloomberg.
After a prolonged fight to add a new trail to their system, F.A.S.T. has taken on its biggest project yet, Great Bear. After Great Bear is completed, they will foster around 10 miles of multi-use trails. These new trails and their complexity have intrigued older riders and new riders alike to get back into their outdoor activities. As for the goal of this new trail, F.A.S.T. wants people to get outside and enjoy their trails as much as possible. Great Bear will add a new and exceptional trail to get F.A.S.T. one step closer to their goal.
“It is cool to see how the sport has grown in Sioux Falls. I would also say that on opening day last year. A lot of the old-school riders in Sioux Falls that disappeared for the last 20 years showed up,” said Bloomberg.
Since then, F.A.S.T. has continued to build and maintain trails around the Sioux Falls area. Some of their locations include Tuthill Park, Legacy Park and Yankton Trail Park. Instead of utilizing tax funding, the organization depends on volunteers and donations to continue its work. Its mission remains to provide high-quality trails that are accessible to the public while strengthening the biking community.
The riders, runners and walkers have been key to the success of that mission. Bloomberg says that the best way to contribute is to simply use the trails, bring friends and family along and donate when possible. Every participant helps to validate the continued investment and growth of these trails. F.A.S.T. is continuing to build something special, and they are not slowing down anytime soon.
