Lunchtime rides are common practice at this company; we got to join one as we set out on our ‘rolling’ trail overview on Thursday afternoon. Aside from the incredible backdrop, we were most impressed by the people pedaling through it. Fun, smart, and positive, the folks from JensonUSA were a good barometer for everyone else we would meet throughout the weekend.
The secret ingredient? F-U-N. Great clubs do this well. Sure, they spend much of time their working with decision makers and building trails, but they also spend some time perfecting their social skills. It’s always good to know what your fellow mountain biker looks like without a helmet and sunglasses or a Pulaski in her hand. This balance of physical, political, and social is what we call the Triangle of Advocacy.
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.
Check out photos from week 2. The weather finally dried out and we made our way south to Phoenix and Tucson. Highlights include The Black Canyon Trail, National Trail, and the AZT.
Today’s shot is from McDowell Mountain Park in Phoenix, AZ. Note that Leslie is riding her cyclocross bike and wearing her climbing helmet. The bike was planned – the helmet was not. However, looking like a communist-era cyclist was a better option than not riding.
Life on the road as a Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew classifies as anything but normal. Our Monday is Thursday; Friday is Monday; and we never spend too many days in the same place. We give presentations in lodges, libraries, and even the pizza joint in the local mall. We’re a mix between trail evangelists and a low budget lounge act; ready in a flash with our portable laptop and fold-up movie screen.
It’s no secret – Chris and I prefer cross-country riding to most anything. However, when we knew our Subaru/IMBA TCC schedule included a stop in the Seattle area, we knew that a visit to I-5 Colonnade was in order.
During the ride, we had a chance to see the distinctive line of the WUI from the top of Wildcat Mesa. Our IMBAru looked tiny compared to the sea of humanity lapping in the background.
Today was a day of firsts. We fired on up to Boulder this morning to pick up a couple of laptops. I found myself scratching …
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Tag: Rolling Trail Assessment