Binkley Bike Park: From Trail Desert to Regional Mountain Biking Hub

Once considered a barren landscape for mountain biking enthusiasts, the city of Sherman, Texas, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Through the combined dedication of local cyclists, the city government, and the visionary trail-building expertise of Jeremiah Stone, this community, previously devoid of significant riding options, has blossomed into a prominent regional hub for mountain biking.

The Ascent of Binkley Bike Park: A Transformation Story

In the early 1990s, James “Jeff” Harrison, a lifelong resident of Sherman, first envisioned mountain bike trails on the land that now hosts Binkley Bike Park. He and his friends had previously carved out paths for their BMX bikes, and upon discovering mountain biking, Harrison continued this tradition, initiating the creation of trails on property designated for public park use. Despite early efforts, including a partial trail build by IMBA in the early 2000s that was halted due to a severe poison ivy infestation, significant development remained dormant for a decade.

The catalyst for change arrived with Jeremiah Stone in the early 2010s. An avid rider, Stone, finding Sherman a "trail desert," took it upon himself to craft a two-mile cross-country trail, named Hammerhead after his dog, in 2013. This singular endeavor marked the nascent stages of what would become a significant project for the city.

When Stone departed Sherman in 2016, his friend Brantley Blackburn, whom Stone had introduced to mountain biking, assumed the mantle. Blackburn, supported by the city and student volunteers from Austin College’s GreenServe program, expanded the trail network and introduced various features. His vision was to cultivate a local riding experience that could serve as a stepping stone to renowned destinations like Bentonville, Arkansas.

The year 2018 proved pivotal. Blackburn's efforts on the Parks and Recreation Board ensured local mountain bikers had a voice. Stone returned to construct dirt jumps and a dirt pump track, additions that significantly enhanced the park’s appeal and drew increased numbers of riders. This surge in popularity highlighted the park’s potential as a valuable community asset.

From 2021 onward, the city fully committed to Binkley Bike Park. Stone orchestrated a comprehensive overhaul of the Hammerhead trail, which was prone to water retention. With substantial rock donations from Scott Sanders and city-provided equipment, Stone, Blackburn, and a team of volunteers revamped the trail. Subsequent years saw Stone return to build downhill trails and fortify the dirt jumps with rock, further transforming the park. In 2023, the city invested in a VeloSolutions pump track, which, according to Blackburn, brought a "piece of Bentonville to town."

By 2025, Binkley Bike Park had solidified its reputation. Stone meticulously designed and constructed new, sustainable jump lines—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—using a blend of black clay, decomposed granite, and rock. The city also installed lighting for night riding, further cementing the park's status as a recreational haven.

Today, Binkley Bike Park boasts approximately 6.5 miles of trails, extending to over eight miles when connected to Herman Baker Park. Much of this remarkable development was a collaborative effort, relying heavily on volunteer labor, donated materials, and a modest city investment primarily for the VeloSolutions pump track. The park has become a magnet for visitors from surrounding areas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, profoundly impacting local youth. Future plans include additional skills features, a Strider pump track, restroom facilities, and expanded parking to accommodate the growing number of enthusiasts. The annual bike festival, initiated last May, underscores the park’s integral role in the community.

The transformation of Sherman, Texas, into a thriving mountain biking destination through the establishment of Binkley Bike Park is a testament to the power of community, vision, and sustained effort. This endeavor provides a compelling blueprint for other cities seeking to enhance local recreation and attract regional tourism through dedicated investment in outdoor sports infrastructure. The narrative of Binkley Bike Park underscores that with passion and collaboration, even a 'trail desert' can flourish into a vibrant hub, fostering health, community engagement, and regional pride.