Our View: Focus on the bicycles

A lot has been said about boosting tourism in Green River.

Already, the city has Flaming Gorge Days, River Festival and the National High School Finals Rodeo shooting competition this year, as well as the Mansface Mountain Music Festival. Events do bring people to town, there’s no denying that. However, we think those promoting Green River as a tourist’s destination should consider how perfect the city is for bicyclists.

Admittedly, this isn’t a new idea we’re proposing. We used this space to discuss the benefits of highlighting Green River as a place for bicyclists to visit years ago and, to a certain extent, it has. A lot of text, both digital and print, has been published about the Wilkins Peak Trail System and how the system was awarded the titles of “Best Single Track Mountain Bike Trail in Wyoming” and “The Most Popular Single Track Mountain Bike Trail in Wyoming” according to singletracks.com. The Sweetwater County Joint Travel and Tourism Board has a two-day itinerary revolving around the trail system posted on its website. The system is undoubtedly a jewel for the area. However, the city can offer more than just the Wilkins Peak system to mountain bikers.

The Greenbelt offers bicyclists the chance to ride along the Green River. Riders can enjoy peddling through Expedition Island and Riverside Park as they follow the river.

Wild Horse Canyon can also present riders with a unique experience. Climbing to the top of the canyon from Green River, bicyclists are treated with a spectacular view of the city and the contrasting desert landscape. Another obvious selling point for the route, which is part of the Wild Horse Loop Tour, is the chance to see horses in their habitat.

Bicycling in Green River isn’t just limited to the Wilkins Peak Trail System and marketing the city a whole for mountain bike enthusiasts could draw more people and tourism dollars.

With some investment from the city in improvements to help promote bicycle travel on city streets, Green River could become a must-see stop for mountain bikers.

We think heavier emphasis on mountain biking opportunities outside the Wilkins Peak Trail System could entice more visitors to the area, which in turn would help support local restaurants and hotels.

An entire brand could be built from bicycling in Green River, with the potential for the city to be a regional attraction.