The Alliance went for a ride up Jardine Juniper last night to do some trail work. When I say Alliance, I mean me.

My legs were toast. I could definitely feel our little road stint the night before as I attempted to climb the trail. I had to stop and rest more than ever. So I made it a point to not stop until there was something that needed to be done on the trail so I could do a little work while my legs rested. I did make it to the top where I spent about two hours trimming the vegetation that has overgrown the trail. I didn’t even make a dent.

Once it began to get dark I headed back down the trail. I had noticed one corner on a switch back that was covered with loose rock due to people taking the turn a little hot. I stopped and began to remove the rocks. Just as I was finishing a female rider came up from the bottom. She looked as if she was blown and had really been pushing it. She looked at me and then asked, “What are you doing?” She said it in a way that denoted how ridiculous she thought what I was doing was. I explained that I was doing a little trail work and trying to keep the trail rideable for others. She continued on her way.

I don’t write this to toot my own horn (I have been a bit relaxed with my trail maintenance) rather to bring attention to the issue at hand. I’ve read in several places and would like to repeat it here, for every ten hours you spend riding you should spend one volunteering for trail work. I can’t imagine what kind of trail system could be developed if we all did that. Our trail would be beautiful and we would have plenty of time to design, plan, and build many more. IMBA, if you aren’t already a member you should be.

Anyways, there is an Alliance ride tonight, 6:30 at Sunrise Cyclery.

Peace. Love. and Revolution. Do your part.