Ambassador Leads: Ben Shay, Ian McQueen, Zac Baker

Program Coordinator: Kacy Guajardo

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What is the Friends of Virginia Canyon Mountain Park?

Friends of Virginia Canyon Mountain Park (FoVCMP) is a volunteer-based program of COMBA, aiming to support users of all ages and abilities as they visit the park.

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Who are the Friends of VCMP Ambassadors?

FoVCMP Ambassadors are friendly, knowledgeable riders or hikers who spend time both on the trails and in town, answering questions, offering guidance, and helping ensure that visitors have safe, enjoyable, and welcoming experiences at VCMP and in Idaho Springs.

 

Ambassadors are not enforcement personnel—they’re approachable stewards of the park who model responsible trail use, share information about local resources, and foster connections between riders, the broader community, and the park itself.

 

The ideal FoVCMP Ambassador:

• Has a friendly personality and enjoys talking with and helping visitors on the trail and in town

• Is comfortable modeling and promoting good trail etiquette

• Is knowledgeable about the park, the trail system, and the local amenities

• Is able to comfortably ride Drop Shaft as a minimum

• Can commit 3-4 hours per month to patrol rides

• Is willing to assist with minor bike repairs (e.g. fixing a flat) and offer basic first aid if needed

• Has a genuine passion for mountain biking and representing the Idaho Springs community in a positive way

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Why is the Friends of VCMP needed?

Since the City of Idaho Springs does not have a dedicated parks and recreation department, there’s a need for a community-led program to help support and represent VCMP. FoVCMP fills this role by serving as a bridge between the City, the park, and the Idaho Springs community—ensuring that visitors have a positive experience in both the park and the community.

 

What are the responsibilities of Friends of VCMP Ambassadors?

• Assist visitors who may be unfamiliar with the park, trail network, or town with things like parking, trail navigation, minor bike repairs, and first aid.

• Submit ride reports after each patrol, noting trail conditions and reporting any hazards.

• Promote trail etiquette so all users enjoy their time on the trails.

• Serve as community liaisons—helping ensure that mountain bikers are viewed as respectful, positive members of the Idaho Springs community.

• Assist with various COMBA-related events and activities as needed.

• Support stewardship by encouraging volunteerism, sharing information about events, and representing the park with pride.

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What are the benefits of being a Friends of VCMP Ambassador?

As a FoVCMP ambassador, you get to be a part of shaping the future of VCMP and the local riding community. We also offer a volunteer rewards program to show our appreciation for your hard work:

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• 10+ hours = FoVCMP jersey

• 100+ hours = $100 Ripton Co. gift card

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​​​​​How to Join

Please click the link below to fill out a short form to register your interest in becoming a Friends of VCMP Ambassador! Once submitted, we will reach out to you as soon as we can! For any questions in the meantime, feel free to send our Program Coordinator Kacy Guajardo an email—kacy@comba.org.​

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​Thank you to our generous program partners for supporting this initiative!

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