It’s almost May and while it still feels like winter in Oregon, trail season is coming fast! Last week we announced four new trail stewardship events. The board is working hard behind the scenes, planning for another OTT700 Grand Depart, which will include our second BIPOC scholarship. Registration for both will be live in May. We're planning detours to account for fire closures. With all of this in the works, you may be asking yourself what can I do to help? How can I be more prepared for a season of working on and riding trail.
Five things you can do today to get ready for the season
1. Take a first aid or saw class
Let's be prepared to take care of each other on the trail. Safety starts with knowing what to do when the unexpected happens. We published a list of upcoming training opportunities. Sign up for a class today.
2. Volunteer
We just announced registration for our first four stewardship events. Sign up for one or all four today. Why do trail work? We asked a few of our repeat volunteers, sponsors, board members why they do trail work on the OTT. This is what they had to say
3. Donate
Help support a BIPOC scholarship and/or a trail stewardship party. Make a tax deductible donation now to support our mission of stewardship, education, community, and quality trail experiences throughout the Oregon Timber Trail corridor. Your donations allow us do the work to keep this trail open for all to enjoy!
4. Share your love for the OTT. Tell a friend or three. Ask them to become OTT supporters. Reach out and tell us why you love the OTT. We love to hear about your experiences.
5. Ride the trail. We want you to get out there and experience the OTT. The best way to know the OTT is to spend time on the trail, whether a day ride or a multi-day thru ride. Visit Lakeview, Paisley, Chemult, Sisters. Get to know your fellow Oregonians.
The view of Summer Lake from Winter Rim is breathtaking and unique on the Oregon Timber Trail.
When the OTT was getting started we knew the biggest challenge would be maintaining the trail year after year. We’ve come to love trail work as much or more than simply riding a trail. It’s a great way to spend time on the OTT, to get to know the trail intimately, to get to know fellow volunteers. There is a genuine camaraderie that develops at trail work parties. You do as much work as you can - nobody will ask you do more than that. That level of work is very personal and varies day by day. We take breaks, eat snacks and lunch. At night, we make food and spend time chatting by the fire. Aside from donating, it’s the best way to give back to the trail. So, don’t delay, sign up today and make your mark on the Oregon Timber Trail. We can’t wait to see you out on trail. Everyone is welcome at Oregon Timber Trail stewardship events!