In trailbuilding, just as in life, it’s important to make connections.  Land managers, volunteers, other trails, and nature; these are all important relationships to have.  Last weekend we spent time with Fats in the Cats, the local club who is working hard to make connections that benefit the entire Hudson Valley.

Our visit to New York State began in the town of Highland, located somewhere south of Albany and west of Poughkeepsie.  At first thought, it may not seem particularly interesting but, as we learned, this area is going to be very remarkable in the near future.  Highland is currently at the crossroads of many existing and developing trail projects.   In our short time there we were able to imagine starting a journey from New York City by putting our bikes on the train, pedaling across the Hudson River (on the existing Walkway Over the Hudson) and going for an awesome ride on singletrack.  This wonderful scenario is one step closer to reality with the completion of a rail trail later this summer. 

Our TCC visit was an important step in making the singletrack part of that dream a reality.  We spent Thursday working with Scenic Hudson’s Parks and Trails Coordinator on the gateway trail alignment at Illinois Mountain.  A definite challenge, the trail would have to transition from gentle terrain to a steep hillside before connecting to the rest of the planned system.  As we worked, we knew it was important to make the design something that would result in the trail being inviting for everyone to use.  Fortunately, we were able to take Jill’s thoughtful vision, made a few adjustments, and put pin flags in the ground.  After digging a few pilot holes to test the soil, we were more than excited to come back the next day to build on a very beautiful site.

On Friday we got in the IMBAru and headed north to the capital of state, Albany.  There we gave a special trailbuilding presentation to some important players in the New York trails scene: the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Places and the Department of Environmental Conservation.  There was a lot of great discussion generated and together we all took an important step towards strengthening the bond between land managers and their constituents.

We couldn’t have asked for a better Saturday; it was bright and sunny with a lot of enthusiastic volunteers.  The end result was some sweeeeeeeeeeeetnew singletrack.  The building wasn’t easy (very steep sideslopes) and the soil didn’t cut like butter (it was more like rubble) but we didn’t hear one single complaint.  I think everyone was just trying to contain their excitement at the notion that Illinois Mountain is soon going to be one heck of a trail system.

Thanks to: The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Places and the Department of Environmental Conservation for spending a Friday morning with us, Scenic Hudson, Fats in the Cats, Jill and Pete for organizing an awesome and productive visit, and finally, all of the volunteers who worked their tails off on Saturday afternoon.

Special thanks to our lodging host in New Paltz (he couch surfed so we could have his place to ourselves…)
More Photos from the Weekend: