The threat of rain postponed a planned ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday of the Mala Compra Trail in the Hammock area of Flagler County.
Just because a ribbon wasn't cut on this day doesn't mean the project is not in use though.
Mala Compra translates into “Bad Purchase.” But that couldn't be further from the truth here.
The mountain bike trail, about five-and-a-half miles, has been a work-in-progress between the county and local enthusiasts for a couple of years now.
Faith Alkhatib, the county's Public Works Director and Engineer said the county has a lot to offer.
“We do have really nice space and parks existing for Flagler County," Alkhatib said. "So it's really great when we have the funding to do all these improvements for the public out there to go out there and enjoy it.”
But for this project to become successful, how vital is it that the county partner up with the experts -- those who ride these trails?
Anthony Libretti owns a local bike shop and is the Mala Compra director for the local off-road bicycling association.
They've lent their knowledge, expertise and sweat in improving the bike portion of the trail.
Yet it could not have been done without help from the county.
“It's very hard for just a group of volunteers to do everything on their own," Libretti said. "And besides that, we need approval from the county and also their expertise to tell us what's right and what's wrong, what we can do, what we can't do.”
And successful trails can pay off in the long run. Members of Libretti's club often travel out-of-county to ride. These are people who aren't afraid to push thousand-dollar bikes to their limits.
"We're trying to bring more trails here, which brings more people, more tourism money, a more healthy economy, healthy people,” Libretti said.