(Jan.
15, 2003) The Texas Bicycle Coalition has launched
a new program that will be of great benefit to mountain
bicyclists as well as other trail users in Texas -
the Subaru/BikeTexas Trail Doctors. With generous
support from Subaru of America, Inc. and grants from
Texas Parks & Wildlife's Department Recreational
Trails Grant Program, the program started in January
with funding available through December 2004.
Modeled
after the highly successful Subaru/IMBA
Trail Care Crew - the Subaru/BikeTexas Trail
Doctors will travel across Texas to lead trail workdays
and to host trail construction workshops. This new
program advances TBC's role as the country's leader
in bicycling access, safety and education by being
the first statewide organization to launch a state
specific program of this type.
"The
Texas Bicycle Coalition is proud to be able to provide
Texas mountain bicyclists the opportunities to increase
their skills in the latest in sustainable trail
design and construction," says TBC Board Chair
Jeanne Patterson. "Not only will these newly
gained skills help us improve current trails and
increase trail mileage, but provide a great opportunity
to once again show off-road cyclists are stellar
stewards of our public lands."
The
experienced and talented duo of Ryan Spates and
Susan Stormer will make up the team known as the
Subaru/BikeTexas Trail Doctors, and hit the Texas
highways in a 2003 Subaru Baja vehicle. Both have
been very active in the mountain biking community
for a number of years - both in trail advocacy and
racing. Additionally, Ryan and Susan are experienced
trail builders and have supplemented their knowledge
by working closely with one of the Subaru/IMBA Trail
Care Crews during IMBA's Hot Spot visit in Houston
in early January.
The
Subaru/BikeTexas Trail Doctors will work closely
with Texas' many mountain bike clubs to host trail
construction workshops throughout the year (see
schedule). Special thanks go to IMBA
for the Trail Care Crew concept, tools, and most
importantly, the training to insure the success
of this program.
