CHICO — Kirk Monfort has a lot of happy memories from Old Humboldt Road.
During his teaching days at Chico State, he and colleague David Winzenz made an early-morning ritual of biking up the hill and looping back down along Highway 32 before starting the workday on campus. The route is popular among cyclists, especially those who belong to Chico Velo, an organization in which he and his wife, Billie, have been driving forces. On clear days, the road offers a panoramic view of the north valley.
Mixed in with happy reminiscences, Monfort has disappointments, too. He’s had a few crashes; so, too, did Winzenz. They saw the pavement deteriorate to the point it grew treacherous for cycling — not to mention furniture and trash dumped onto the gravely shoulders and unsavory behavior from people cruising and camping along the winding road.
Old Humboldt runs through two jurisdictions: the city of Chico and Butte County. In 2020, both closed the road to vehicle traffic. The lower-most portion closed entirely a couple years later in conjunction with the Oak Valley Development of single- and multifamily housing bordered by Old Humboldt, Bruce Road and Highway 32.
Monfort isn’t sure when the idea hit him — he called the epiphany “one of those benzene rings” — but in fall 2021, he proposed repaving a three-mile stretch from just past Yosemite Drive to the upper entrance off 32. He made the pitch to Chico Velo and literally put his money where his mouth was by offering to pay for the project when grants didn’t materialize.
He liquidated nearly $1 million in stocks to do so.
Friday morning, Chico Velo held a ceremony that officially reopened the path to cyclists and hikers. An artistic metal gate, next to a monument harkening to bikes and the area’s history, keeps cars out (though the gate can open for utility trucks, fire engines and other emergency-response vehicles). Two signs facing downhill alert drivers to proceed no farther.
Tuesday morning, Monfort referred to his speech from the opening while speaking about the project and its process. Several cyclists and scooter riders stopped at the gate and expressed their appreciation.
“What I wanted to share with present and future generations of bikers, walkers and runners is what David and I had for over 30 years: a hard hill close to Chico in a bucolic atmosphere up the road and a stunning view of Chico and its context in the north valley,” he read. “Enjoy — and take care of the path.”
‘Legacy project’
Fellow cyclists share his admiration for the path and its new condition. Old Humboldt Road has long been part of Chico Velo’s annual Wildflower Century race, though participants tended to bypass it once the pavement grew pocked.
Mandi McKay, board president for Chico Velo, has ridden the route numerous times. Thad Walker, board treasurer as well as district manager for the Butte County Resource Conservation District, rode it less frequently until the path was ready to open. It even has boosters in local agencies, including Chico Public Works Engineering director Brendan Ottoboni and Butte County Association of Governments programming manager Ivan Garcia.
“We are fortunate to have such a committed and engaged community that would provide such a substantial amount of personal monies for this benefit that the community will get to use,” Ottoboni said, adding that “Chico Velo continues to be a great community partner in providing amenities that make Chico’s quality of life better.”
McKay remembers the voicemail she received from Monfort broaching the notion. At the time, she said, Chico Velo was recovering from the pandemic — like so many — and lacked both staffing and resources.
“It was just one of these random, off-the-cuff voicemails: ‘Hey, I want to pave Old Humboldt Road; I don’t know if Chico Velo can help; give me a call back,’” she recalled. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, no, I don’t know how to help him with this!’ I didn’t know he was thinking about donating, wanted to give back, his whole legacy.”
Before this, Monfort explained, the largest sum Chico Velo had held was around $30,000 from a Wildflower event. This project required nearly $950,000. Velo initially approached the North Valley Community Foundation, he said, before Walker stepped up to manage the funding. Velo partnered with the city, county and BCAG to bring the vision to life.
‘Destination spot’
Monfort and Walker brought requisite experience to the undertaking. As a former planning commissioner, Monfort understood how government and development work. Walker had complementary knowledge from managing RCD projects.
“I rode (the road) occasionally and knew just how important it is to have a place that serves a more recreational purpose than it does a transportation purpose,” Walker said. “I know how important it is to have routes like that where you can get out in a safe way.”
Both he and McKay noted Chico Velo’s mission to get more people involved in cycling. This is helping, Walker said — “I’ve heard just since this project was implemented how many folks are picking back up their road bike or have gone and had an amazing experience.”
Monfort hears the same positive feedback. Though he footed the bill and received corresponding recognition, he said he sees this as a “legacy project” not so much for him as for the broader cycling community. Monfort hopes others will make the route their own by placing commemorative benches along the way, akin to those in Bidwell Park.
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“It belongs to the bike community; that’s really who did it,” he said, leaning against the gate. “All I did was contribute the money and kind of get it going.”
McKay sees something greater coming out of it.
“We’ve joked, ‘Man, hope we see people taking selfies’ — in front of the gate, in front of the monument,” she said. “I hope it’s long-lasting and it becomes this destination spot for locals and for people coming from out of town.
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