Photo courtesy of IMBA According to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), mountain biking contributes $133 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Interest in mountain biking continues to grow and evolve, especially with the rise of new trends such as bikepacking, gravel riding, and electric-assist mountain bikes (e-bikes). When the Pennsylvania Environmental Council wanted to […]
Trail Towns and Communities
Questions People Ask About Trail Towns (Part 1)
I’m passionate about the Trail Town model and have devoted the last 18 years of my life to the topic. Wow, just writing that is really kind of staggering to me! It’s more than just work for me. I feel deeply devoted to helping communities, trail managers, and entire regions figure out how to create […]
“You Can’t Bake a Cake Without Flour”: Reflections on the World Trails Conference
I have so much to unpack following last week’s World Trails Conference in Ottawa, Canada! The conference gathered 400 people from 35 countries and was a truly inspiring event. It was both a thrill and an honor to be among a global audience that was thinking about how trails can have a greater impact on planet Earth.
Swamp Rabbit Trail Trip Report
I stopped by the Swamp Rabbit Trail in early December. I had been in nearby Spartanburg, South Carolina attending the Appalachian Leadership Institute (and also had given a keynote presentation at the Carolina Thread Trail Forum in neighboring North Carolina)…
Gravel: Another Great Cycling Option in Pennsylvania
Gravel cycling, perhaps better explained as mixed surface riding, is one of the fastest growing forms of cycling. The sport is poised somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking. Most routes incorporate unpaved dirt and gravel roads, hence the term “gravel.” When the Pennsylvania Environmental Council wanted to advance a reginal understanding of the sport, […]
Gushing Over the High Trestle Trail
The High Trestle Trail in Iowa is one of my favorite trails to talk about. I visited in 2015 and was completely enamored with the High Trestle Trail Bridge. I’ve been sharing the story of the bridge ever since. In fact, when I issued the first “Trail Townz” Zine last year, I put it on the cover and included a story. I’ve pasted the story below…
Cycle Forward Celebrating 10 Years in Business
Cycle Forward is celebrating 10 years in business! It’s been a heck of a ride that continues to become more thrilling. Founder Amy Camp has built connections and shared ideas in communities far and wide and is eager to keep going. In the meantime, this is a milestone worth celebrating!
Cycle Forward at the International Trails Summit
It’s been a few long years since the trails community has gathered for the International Trails Summit (ITS). This year’s ITS is being held in Reno, Nevada from April 17-20. If you’re attending ITS, please stop by exhibit booth 217 to see me. I’ll have all sorts of info about Cycle Forward, free stickers, and […]
Start a Connellsville-Pittsburgh GAP ride with AMTRAK
Enjoy a 60-mile GAP ride without ever getting into your car. This route is made possible by catching an early morning train from Pittsburgh to Connellsville and then biking back to your starting point.
WV TRAIL: Building a West Virginia Trails Movement
Not all states have a statewide trail advocacy organization. West Virginia was among those without a statewide body until 2020, when a working group of trail leaders gathered to discuss common challenges. Their intent was (and remains) “to build a West Virginia trails movement.” Within a two year period, they achieved nonprofit status and raised […]
