Prescott, AZ: Connecting Communities with Trails

Jason gave a safety talk to a group of volunteers before the dirt started flying.
One of the great things about the visit was the way that it opened a dialogue between various user groups.
Everyone pitched in to add a new section of bench-cut trail.
After the work session it was time to test the trails on our sweet new Gary Fisher bikes.
The safety talk was worthwhile ... 22 volunteers, sporting 220 fingers and 220 toes.

Prescott-based cyclists are a lucky bunch. The city is home to an incredible group of dedicated advocates, including Rob Hehlen. The volunteer coordinator for the Prescott National Forest, Hehlen has a lot to say when it comes to trail design and layout. When he requested a visit from the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Anna Laxague and Jason Wells were excited to answer the call.

Prescott National Forest is working with local trail users to build a 48-mile loop, one which will eventually circle the city. The TC-ers arrived in time to help design and build a trailhead and some swoopy new singletrack. The weekend kicked off with a great party sponsored by the Prescott Brewing Company and put on by the Prescott Cycling Club.

The equestrian, hiking and cycling communities all turned out in force for the workday, as did leaders from the local Sierra Club chapter. With such a vast array of trail users and experiences the opportunities for networking were incredible. While participants were building new trail they were also making new connections in their community.

One of the goals of a Trail Care Crew Visit is to help different user groups build relationships. When different user groups come together for a trail building project, the amount of camaraderie, teamwork and mutual respect creates a powerful sense of unity. It just takes is a little dialog -- and a whole lot of dirt -- to bring trail users together.