Under a light mist on a cool morning, numerous people headed into a stretch of untouched woods with picks, shovels and rakes, ready to get dirty and leave a new hand-cut trail in their wake.
Approximately 30 volunteers cut a new quarter-mile trail last Saturday, Sept. 8, connecting Woodbridge Lane to the popular Flo Ride trail.
"We got it knocked out in three hours," Progressive Trail Design trail builder Uriah Nazario said. "I was expecting this to be my third job until the race."
The light mist was perfect for working outside, he said, and helped keep everyone cool as they hammered away at the earth.
The project was a collaboration between Friends of Arkansas Singletrack and Ozark Offroad Cyclists, two local International Mountain Bicycling Association chapters.
Lindsay Custer, president of FAST, said this section is made entirely with hand tools, unlike the Back 40, which is largely machine-built.
FAST is a group that puts on rides, as well as volunteer efforts, she said.
"We're a bunch of people who like to work hard, play hard," she said.
Brannon Pack, executive director of OORC, said this connector will provide better trail access to nearby neighborhoods.
"It keeps people off of Lancashire. Any time you can separate recreation from transportation, that's a win."
He was glad to see a healthy volunteer turnout, he said, especially one that included all ages. There were older people and children, he said, men and women and families all working together.
Moreover, he said, it was great to have a collaborative project between the two groups.
Among those volunteering was David Godwin, who lives in Springdale and is a member of OORC.
It was exciting, he said, to build something for everyone -- hikers and dog walkers, as well as mountain bikers.
"Lots of people are going to use it ... we've created something for everybody to enjoy."
Another volunteer, Cedar Culpepper, 5, said it was mostly a good way to spend the morning with his father, Justin Culpepper.
"It's really fun, I really like to build stuff," he said.
Another trail worker, Abigail Butcher, 6, was less verbose after a quick test ride down the trail section. She didn't say a word but did give a thumbs up.
General News on 09/12/2018