uman Powered Trails, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is:  “To develop and maintain first class sustainable and environmentally correct, human-powered, shared use trails for the La Crosse, WI region."

Home News The Journal IMBA came and went
IMBA came and went PDF Print E-mail
Written by Jed Olson   
Thursday, 25 June 2009 11:36
altSorry this is a bit late but HPT has had a whirlwind of building and training activity and I allowed myself to get lost in summer (which is finally here by the way).  The IMBA Trail Care Crew was a great success from all viewpoints.  IMBA's Midwest Regional Director - Hansi Johnson along with one of IMBA's road warrior crews made up of Collins and Kelly Bishop made a brief stop in La Crosse on a dirt-filled weekend in mid-June.  HPT hosted an entire weekend of events, rides, trainings, and build time. 

The Bishops were welcomed to La Crosse by some of HPT's members with a social gathering Thursday evening, but the big kickoff was Friday evening's screening of the film "Klunkerz".  The film highlights the early days of mountain biking in Marin County in Northern California.  Lots of great footage and inspiring stories lead to some memory sharing and story telling down at the Bodega following the viewing.  (If you'd like to purchase the film for the one-time-only "Sham Wow" low price of only $20, please fill out THIS FORM.)




Saturday morning saw a great crew of about 30 gathered at the new Myrick Hixon EcoPark center for the classroom session.  Attendees learned all the basics of trail design, erosion influences, and proper construction followed by lunch provided by Lindy's Subs.  We got out just in time to take a breath and venture up the hill for 2009's 2nd HPT TrialFest.  We couldn't have asked for a better turnout or better weather.  As the multiple group rides wrapped up and hungry riders culminated back at the trail head HPT busted out in classic fashion with free food and fun under the big top.  I can't forget to mention all the "juicing" of the pumptrack on full bellies.

Mid morning on Sunday the build crew met at a top secret location to break ground on the mind-blowing amazingness of the new Vista Trail.  Four hours later, a tattered crew emerged from the forest having completed several hundred feet of buff new singletrack.  When complete, the new trail will have approximately 2 miles of brand new trial to sustainably link the bluff to the city and allow users access to two great vistas. 

Collins and Kelly must have liked what they saw because when we showed up to the Holiday Inn on Tuesday, they still hadn't left town.  All in all, it was a great weekend.  Thank you to IMBA, HPT members, Lindy's, Myrick Hixon EcoPark, and all those brave souls who ventured in from places like Menominee, Sioux Falls, Duluth and the Twin Cities.  If you took part in the weekend but aren’t listed above, maybe it is because you are not an HPT member.  Join today at www.humanpoweredtrails.com

Links:

WXOW news

WKBT news

Trail building

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