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Trails committee backs completing Swell Retreat course as organizers seek NICA races
Summary
The Emery County Trails Committee heard a presentation from Swell Retreat representatives and NICA liaison Mike Anderson on finishing a 5.2‑mile, race‑quality course; presenters asked for county equipment and logistical support and the committee agreed to draft a commission request.
The Emery County Trails Committee on Wednesday heard a presentation from Swell Retreat representative Lacey and Mike Anderson, a liaison with the high‑school mountain‑bike league NICA, about completing a mountain‑bike course at the privately owned retreat with the aim of hosting league races.
Lacey, who is managing the trail work at the Swell Retreat, told the committee she and volunteers expanded an initial 3.2‑mile layout to roughly 5.2 miles and about 450 feet of net climb to approach the league's stated mileage and elevation guidance. "We got to about 450 feet in elevation and about 5.2 miles," Lacey said, describing revisions made after league feedback that the course needed to be less technical and more "flowy" with bermed corners.
Why it matters: NICA races can bring thousands of participants and spectators to host communities, offering a boost to hotels, restaurants and local vendors. Mike Anderson described the league's focus as "getting kids on bikes," and said races create substantial local economic activity, citing Richfield as a notable example and describing multi‑county spillover from similar events.
County support requested: Presenters asked the committee to help secure heavy equipment (excavator/dozer), water trucks for compaction and assistance from a professional trail builder so berms and corner radii can be reshaped to meet league standards. Lacey said liability and access will be managed through an online waiver for users; the retreat plans a gated parking area and QR signage for on‑site waiver completion.
Committee reaction and next steps: Committee members expressed broad support and agreed staff should prepare a formal package for the county commission. Chair (speaker 2) asked staff to draft a letter and, if required, place an item on the commission agenda for formal approval. Amy of the Emery County travel office said her office will help with outreach and coordination if the commission approves county assistance.
What remains unresolved: League approval requires the course to be reviewed by league staff before it can be placed on the season schedule, and organizers said the league makes final allocation decisions in January. Presenters warned that the league typically expects professional‑quality flow and recommended the county help with heavy equipment this fall so the course can be race‑ready in time for next season if resources allow.
The committee did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting; members asked staff to prepare the materials for a commission action.
