We were humbled and inspired to work with everyone who participated in our Miami trail care crew visit; they were one of the most hardworking and enthusiastic groups of the year (30 people for a Sunday group ride for a 2 mile trail preview is proof). It reminded us that we should never take our trails for granted, not even for one single day.
Predicting the future of mountain biking is both exciting and challenging. It’s a sport that has many opportunities. For us, the future means more people on two wheels, riding on natural surface trails…Our visit to Frederick was a glimpse into the future as we might see it unfold. Like our visit to Duluth, we had the opportunity to use our full complement of TCC ‘tools’…
The Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain is 1,200 acres of land that was once slated to be an industrial business park. The Nature Conservancy changed all of that in 2001 and purchased the property for its unique ecology, among other things. The striking landscape is comprised of ridge-top barrens, upland forests, and vast expanses of slick rock. You would never know what this area holds until you get out and witness its diversity.
Just finished a stellar weekend in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Surprised? Dont be – just think about going there to ride! We worked with The Nature Conservancy and a very dedicated group of local trail users to improve the ‘Roman Road’ at Moosic Mountain (Eales Preserve). The area is one of the most unique landscapes we’ve worked in so far…
Recently, NAMBA used their clout to successfully negotiate a boundary adjustment in the Allegheny National Forest (Hearts Content) to keep a network of trails open to mountain bikers. To show commitment to their cause they took on trail maintenance duties and then requested a visit from the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew.
After stops in Huntingdon, PA (Allegrippis Trails) and State College, PA, we headed to northwest Pennsylvania to our visit in Warren. There we spent many hours exploring and working in the beautiful Allegheny National Forest.
Everywhere we go, we seem to discover new things with each club we visit. The Fellowship is no different. They’ve managed to leverage a small paid staff with a collection of ambitiously dedicated volunteers. The result is a vast and diverse amount of stellar trails. To us, it’s remarkable. To them, it just goes along with snow and maple syrup, the three things that define the state of Vermont.
Another great part of the Trail Care Weekend was getting to know all of the cool folks associated with NEMBA. As an organization of 17 chapters and 4,700+ members, it was inspiring to work with a group whose passionate mantra is to ‘Ride the Trails, Save the Trails’. It will be our pleasure to share their stories as we continue our journey around the US.
Gallipolis (say galli-police) is home to the Ohio Valley Bicycle Club and a handful of dedicated volunteers. They have some fun singletrack, an annual race, and a new place to build more trails. Realizing that they have great opportunities in front of them, the OVBC wanted to increase their knowledge base and build some strong relationships. A Trail Care Crew weekend was just what they needed. We aren’t the magic that happens each weekend; we’re just the catalyst for the magic to happen.
As sound of tools filled the air, my mind wandered to the idea of the CCC and the parallels to our presence in the forest. Every weekend we invest our time in being stewards of the land while teaching ourselves a new trade. The result is not necessarily always tangible, but can always be seen in the confidence that grows within the local trail community soon after we leave.
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