These four riders share a common bond: they’re all members of the OutRide Club where Saranac Lake Middle School students go mountain biking on local trails after school. One of the leaders of OutRide is Karen Miemis, a teacher at the school, a board member for BETA, and an incredible advocate for local youth in mountain biking.

YOUTH MOUNTAIN BIKING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
“On average, kids spend up to 7 hours a day on screens. Mountain biking gets kids outside. It’s a great way for them to build strength and endurance, connect with the beautiful nature around us, and make new friends,” Karen shared. 

“We're working to bring people together, promote trail stewardship, make the sport more accessible for kids, and increase outdoor fun in our community. … From picking up trash to volunteering on BETA trail days, they're getting their hands dirty and making a real impact on our biking community.”

HOW THINGS CHANGE
“When I was 4 or 5 and my parents would go to Pisgah, I would walk right up the middle while they were [riding],” Sam recounted. Nowadays, Sam has no problem riding along with them at Pisgah, but his favorite place to bike is Craig Wood and Scott’s Cobble.

Simon thought about how his experience mountain biking has changed with time. “[I remember] looking at [some feature] and thinking, ‘wow, people can do that!?’ and now I'm the person doing it,” Simon said. 

“I think I’ll continue to get way better at [biking]. And people will look up to me because I’m older,“ Henry mused, thinking about what mountain biking will look like for him in the years to come.

ADVICE FROM YOUNG RIDERS
Henry and Simon had some words of wisdom for folks new to mountain biking. 

“I’d say don't feel like you have to be amazing right away, because you won't be, right?” encouraged Simon. 

Henry added, “Don't get down on yourself too bad. It takes time.”

WHAT THEY KINDLE
These four riders’ reflections remind us that mountain biking trails, like those that BETA works hard to provide, are more than just avenues to a fun-filled afternoon. 

They’re hubs for community and family connections, opportunities for personal growth through overcoming challenges, a place for healthy exercise, and an inspiration for dreaming big. They are soul-stirring places where people of all ages can learn who they are and who they want to be.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this story. It is the fourth and final in a series you’ve seen through the end of the year that featured a handful of incredible community members with a variety of stories and perspectives. We’re glad to have shared them with you as part of our Double Your Donation campaign.

DOUBLE YOUR GIVING POWER

​Happy update: We have hit our original target! Thank you so much to everyone who has given – our community truly rocks. Our anonymous donor was so impressed by your support that he has offered to extend the match from $12,500 to $15,000.

He has pledged to match every dollar of community donations, now up to $15,000, made to BETA between November 15th and December 31st, 2024.  All gifts received by December 31st are eligible to be matched up to a total of $15,000, worth $30,000 if fully matched!

​East Branch Community Trails (often shortened to just “East Branch”) is a story of powerful community buy-in, knowledgeable partners, and a user group coming together for purpose-built trails. The sense of community such an undertaking can create gets at the very heart of BETA’s purpose and mission.

TAPPING BETA'S EXPERTISE 
Joe Pete explained, “When we engaged in our community master planning in Keene, one of the top focus areas we identified was community recreation.” As the planning process continued, the Keene Youth Commission started pushing for more mountain biking trails. “There was nothing [in the area] for a kid or a family who wanted to try mountain biking.” Joe Pete observed. The Keene Youth Commission was incredibly motivated by this community demand and instrumental in securing the initial funding needed to create a visionary plan. From the start, they turned to BETA as an experienced and trusted partner.

“We realized we needed a partner with technical skills and with a real network of support.” Joe Pete said that BETA was the clear choice, especially given the organization's trail building accomplishments in the neighboring towns of Wilmington and Elizabethtown. “They’re the [local] leader in developing bike assets and multi-use trails – not just building, but making them a part of the community and having community involvement to maintain them.” ​

A Community Vision
Anyone who has pedaled, walked, or run at East Branch since the first trail opened in 2022 knows it offers a different experience than other trail systems in the region – and it continues to get better each year. 

The shared-used network was planned to provide fun experiences for a wide range of users, everyone from tiny striders to hikers to absolute air hogs. In addition to the trails themselves, East Branch boasts an exceptional trailhead that kindles community and connection. People can comfortably practice bike skills in the field before heading out on the trails. The large pavilion offers shelter and seating for maximum pre- or post-trail snackage. Designated fire pits can come to life in chilly evenings, inviting people to congregate after using the trails.

When asked about his own experience riding at East Branch, Joe Pete exclaimed, “Oh my God, it was so much fun.” He was especially entertained by Downriver, the first downhill-only trail of its kind in the region, with flowy turns, rollers, drops, and berms. Downriver is known to elicit spontaneous whoops of joy while the gentle rock outcrop at the top of the climbing trail offers a sense of reward, and, let’s be honest, a moment to catch your breath.

The Power of Stewardship
Joe Pete explained that trail networks like East Branch that are designed, maintained, and used by a local group of mountain bikers are perfect for a town like his because bikers come from a culture of stewardship, where taking care of the resources and respecting the neighbors is standard. 

“They promote that to new users and they bring those new people into the organization. [They] teach them how to build and maintain the trails. I think that makes them better stewards because they see what happens when something is damaged because they were involved in repairing it or maintaining it.” 

Since the construction at East Branch began, Keene locals have become a bigger part of the fabric of BETA as a result of this cycle of stewardship. “The local people who are involved with BETA are really invested – not just for that day’s ride, but for next week and next season and the season after that.”

THANK YOU
East Branch is a much-loved resource for the residents of Keene and a destination for visitors thanks to extensive initial planning and local support as well as the ongoing stewardship initiatives that help keep the network in incredible condition. As we wrapped up our conversation and said our goodbyes, Joe Pete reiterated, “We couldn’t do [this] without BETA as the backbone. Happy to do anything I can to help.”

The feeling is mutual. BETA appreciates working with land managers like Joe Pete across our region and we are excited to imagine what is possible through those partnerships. Thank you, Joe Pete, and thank you to every land manager we have the opportunity to collaborate with.

While many skiers are familiar with the Jackrabbit Trail, it is not the only thing in the Adirondacks named in honor of Herman “Jackrabbit” Johannsen. Johannsen’s Last Call (JLC) is a DIY ski touring challenge that Bill devised during the COVID pandemic as a means to encourage people to get outside in the wild spirit of Johannsen.

It only took an idea (inspired by a regional DIY mountain biking challenge called the Over Easy), a bit of route planning, and a social media presence to get people excited to get out and ski. The route strings together 28+ miles of the same trails that Johannsen braved over a century ago. The same challenge, excitement, and awe Johannsen must have felt as he skied through the snow-cloaked Adirondack wilderness in leather boots and wooden skis can still be felt today by modern adventurers sporting fiberglass and Gore-Tex.

WHAT'S IN A NAME
At the inception of Johannsen’s Last Call, the Cascade Nordic Center at the terminus of the route featured “the coolest old-school ski bar,” Bill recalled, explaining that the space was truly special. An essential aspect of the JLC was to reach Cascade before their literal last call. Johannsen himself was no stranger to the sweet taste of a good drink at the end of an adventure; he famously said, “The secret to a long life is to stay busy, get plenty of exercise and don't drink too much. Then again, don't drink too little.” The center is now managed by the Adirondack Mountain Club as the Cascade Welcome Center which focuses on hiker, biker, and skier educational programs and no longer operates a similar bar.

THE ROUTE
Bill laid out the 28+ mile route with the goal of featuring BETA-maintained ski trails – Wright Peak, Mount Marcy, Mr. Van, Whale’s Tail, and Avalanche Pass ski trails – while keeping people off avalanche-prone terrain. 

​The trails in the winter are different day-to-day depending on the conditions. Bill figures the Mr. Van Ski Trail near the end of the route is most people’s least favorite part of the JLC. "It's at the time when people want to be done." On the flip side, there’s a clear standout for the best section in Bill’s opinion: Avalanche Lake. “You just can’t beat that.” For many people, skiing to Avalanche Lake is plenty to test their skills and endurance while still enjoying both the journey and the destination – the views at Avalanche Lake (below) can be absolutely surreal.

TIPS FOR THE CURIOUS
For folks intrigued by the JLC, Bill has a few pearls of wisdom to impart. He cautions that, in general, you better know what you’re doing. While some folks add an extra layer of challenge to the JLC by striving for speed (like Jan Wellford who has set the fastest known time at an impressive 5 hours, 5 minutes), the name of the game is to enjoy your adventure. "We got no trophies, nothing like that," Bill said, but "there is some sense of accomplishment.”

As he stated in an Instagram post from 2020 at the launch of the JLC, “Only attempt if you’re confident in your backcountry ski abilities! … Do your research!” Part of that research should probably include checking BETA’s frequently-updated and incredibly detailed ski trail conditions report authored by another local legend, Tony Goodwin (who has been sharing these reports since the 80s). 

If striking out to do the entire route at once is daunting, he suggests doing it in sections before stringing them all together. His last piece of advice is to “Remember this is supposed to be fun!”

SIGNING OFF
Backcountry skiing in the Adirondacks is not just a recreational pursuit; it is an evolving tradition that connects people to each other, to the land, and to the history of this wild and beautiful place. We owe much to the private landowners and public land managers who have partnered with BETA, the generous contributions of dedicated volunteers, and organizations who have advocated for and maintained the trails in our region. You can count on BETA and our partners to continue our work to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same experiences that we appreciate today. When we glide through the woods on skis, whether for a casual mid-day foray or for a grueling dawn-to-dusk challenge like the JLC, we tap directly into that lively community and dynamic history.

Even so, Bill emphasized the importance of being grounded in appreciating your time on skis and accepting it for what it is. “Sometimes we’re literally just hiking with our skis and the turns are terrible. I call that the Adirondack Two-Turn. If I go out for 10 hours and I get two good turns in, then I did it right.” He chuckled at the fact that the skiing itself might be better at a nearby resort, but “I’d rather be out in the woods making my own adventure.” When reflecting on his hopes for this winter season, Bill has one thing in mind: “I’m just excited to ski!”

Remember Johannsen and “Ski, ski, ski!” this winter – whether you have the skills and knowledge to tackle an epic adventure or are just starting out!
​
​We hope you’ve enjoyed this story. It is the second in a series you’ll see through the end of the year that features a handful of incredible community members with a variety of stories and perspectives. We’re excited to share them with you as part of our Double Your Donation campaign.

​DOUBLE YOUR GIVING POWER
A generous anonymous donor has pledged to match every dollar of community donations, up to $12,500, made to BETA between November 15th and December 31st, 2024.

Give now to support trail maintenance and advocacy efforts that make epic adventures like the JLC possible for current and future generations to enjoy.

All gifts received by December 31st are eligible to be matched up to a total of $12,500, worth $25,000 if fully matched!

Together, we can ensure that our trails continue to be a source of connection and joy for our community.

Join us in making a difference.

Amanda Grant’s (pictured) favorite mountain biking trail in Wilmington is the Ridge Trail. It’s a bit gnarly and she likes that it requires focus and technical finesse to ride it well. “That was where I started mountain biking in the first place,” she said. The Ridge Trail, part of the Flume trail system nestled in the valley below Marble and Whiteface Mountains in Wilmington, was one of the first in our area opened up to mountain bikes back in the 2000s. 

Our trail network has changed a lot since then. Many of our trails look and feel quite different than when they were first built and we’re committed to investing in their maintenance with the cherished help of many hands. At every phase in our trail network’s evolution, one thing has remained constant: volunteers are the heart and soul of the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) and the frontline stewards of the trails. Amanda is one such volunteer.

GOING ALL IN
Amanda guesses that she’s worked in most of BETA’s trail networks, but the trail that she’s the proudest of is the one she’s put the most work into: All In at Hardy Road. It was a trail day focused on the construction of All In back in 2010 that really connected Amanda to BETA in the first place. 
​
It was the trail days and the community she found there that resonated with Amanda. She said, “The more time we spent here, the more we met people, the more we enjoyed being here.” The profound sense of stewardship for the trails and connection to community that was nurtured during the trail days was something that struck Amanda and Jim from the beginning. It wasn’t long before they relocated to Wilmington permanently. Since then, she’s become an avid rider, a longtime member, and a committee-leading volunteer, going all in as a BETA supporter.

HEEDING A CALL TO ACTION
Amanda, like most trail users, has observed changes in our trails over time. “Hardy is very different [today] from when it was first built,” Amanda said, recalling what the trail once looked and felt like in the early 2010’s when she helped build it. Like many of you, driven by a commitment to community and stewardship, she stepped up as a volunteer to address the very issues that she saw on the trails that are important to her.

​Volunteers are one of the main reasons our trail network is so incredible, both as a result of their hands-on trail work and their input on trail-related decisions. Moreover, volunteers are typically the ones managing day-to-day maintenance like getting out to clear trees, blow leaves, clear drainages, and snip branches each season, a tall order for 125+ miles of trail under BETA’s management. As people who are intimately familiar with the network and the needs of the community, their insight is a powerful guiding force for addressing issues and dreaming of improvements to the trails. 

A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
It is thrilling to see our network swell with the addition of new miles of trail each season. Seeing our trail network expand to include bike specific trails laced with the echoes of gleeful whoops and exuberant cackles is an exciting triumph. BETA recognizes that at the same time, some of our beloved older trails have matured to the point that significant restoration work is called for. We’re committed to investing in this effort through trail crew, contractors, and our ever important volunteers – this kind of collaboration is the secret sauce behind BETA’s success and sustainability.

Volunteers are a critical, inspiring part of building and maintaining trails. They are also supercharged powerhouses of community connection, the heart and soul of BETA. Amanda knows this well. “Jim and myself, we came here originally because of the activities. We quickly realized it was the community that kept us here.” Adventure lies in nearly unlimited places – you could enjoy trails all over the world, really – “but this great community is why [we’re] here.” 
​
To Amanda and every volunteer like her, thank you. It cannot be said enough. BETA would not be what it is today without your diligence and generosity; we are immensely grateful for your continued support.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this story. It is the first in a series you’ll see through the end of the year that features a handful of incredible community members with a variety of stories and perspectives. We’re excited to share them with you as part of our Double Your Donation campaign.

​DOUBLE YOUR GIVING POWER
A generous anonymous donor has pledged to match every dollar of community donations, up to $12,500, made to BETA between November 15th and December 31st, 2024.

Give now to support critical projects that build and restore sustainable, smile-inducing trails to be enjoyed for years to come.

All gifts received by December 31st are eligible to be matched up to a total of $12,500, worth $25,000 if fully matched!

On a late September Saturday morning, a bright, unobstructed sun rose over a forest ripe with Autumn, the passing of months churning greens over to yellows, oranges, and reds.  A crew of women dressed in their finest work clothes congregated in the Fowler's Crossing Rail Trail parking lot and sipped from steaming cups of coffee donated by Capisce (the owner of Capisce, Maria, among the crew). You couldn't ask for a better start to the Women's Volunteer Trail Day, a collaboration between BETA and Women of the Adirondacks (WOTA). 

People wrote down their names, signed the necessary risk waivers, and snagged stickers as Kyra explained where we were headed for the day.  We each loaded up on buckets and tools before walking into the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest via Oseetah View Loop.  Past the hitching post, past the split for Ballyhoo, and transitioning from a cool, shaded evergreen forest to a stand of golden-cloaked deciduous trees, we came to the worksite: a series of new switchbacks cut across a steep section of the trail in various states of completion.

The BETA trail crew worked on the switchbacks further up the hill on the other side of the original trail in the days prior to our volunteer day.  Kyra, BETA's Trail Crew Leader and a Board Member of WOTA, used those sections of finished fresh tread to show us what we were aiming to build, a useful frame of reference for a group of folks with trail work experience ranging from "former professional trail builder" to "first timer." 

Kyra showed us how and when to use each tool, noting that the right tool and the right technique is much more powerful than brute force. "We call it digging trail, but it's really a lot more like scraping," she said, wielding a hoe to remove leaf litter and duff (a layer of small roots and partially-decomposed leaves under leaf litter).  Before divvying up the work for the day, Kyra reiterated that she was there to answer questions and help us when we needed it.  She said, "One of the really exciting things about trail work is that is can involve a lot of teamwork."  Right before we dispersed, Kyra let us in on one final surprise, "We'll have a muffin break later," and then, as a bit to an aside and a bit quieter, she continued, "...and they're gluten free." to which Chris exclaimed, "Oh!  Come on!" in the most 'you shouldn't have!' way I've ever heard.  A sense of community can be so strongly fostered by being remembered, being thought of.  With the energizing promise of a future snack break we could all enjoy together, we got to work.

People worked alone or in small groups along the stretch of new trail we hoped to finish that day.  Rachel, Steph, Toni, Krissy, Maddy, Chris, Maria, and Jess struck out with rakes while Louise and Jackie worked together to roll huge logs out of the trail.  Rakes scratched at the earth all around us, a raspy chorus broken by bouts of laughter and greetings of "howdy neighbor!" here and there.  Eventually, rakes switched out for hoes and cutter mattocks to to remove duff and get at bigger roots. Louise enthusiastically cut out lever-stumps one by one as other volunteers exposed and graded mineral soil.  The rough scraping chorus of leaf raking was punctuated further by bassy thunk-thunk-thunks.  

Small orange and brown American toads hopped among the crunchy leaf litter.  Every now and then we unearthed a striped salamander hidden in decomposing logs.  Maddy, originally from Arizona, even saw her first salamander ever.

Our day concluded after a couple hours of sun-dappled work with conversation, admiration for the beautiful fall weather, and mild disgust at finding a dead bug or two at the bottom of Karen's half-full kombucha bottle.  The trail section we had worked on was rideable but not quite "finished" when we called it a day -- Dusty and Kyra returned to fine-tune the tread at a later date before it was considered done. 

Thank you again to every person who generously donated their time, energy, and body to give back to the trails and community we love.  Could not have asked for a better crew.  Hope you get the chance to enjoy the trail with your dog, your daughter, on your own, or with each other.  Until next time...cheers!

Be safe.  Be seen.  Wear blaze orange (and your little dog, too!)

BETA encourages mountain bikers and other trail users to be courteous and respectful of all hunters you meet in the woods or in the parking lot this hunting season (modern rifle season is Oct 26th through Dec 8th). Remember that hunting is a traditional and popular activity on public and private lands in the Adirondacks. Hunting license revenue supports fish and wildlife conservation with millions of dollars annually. Many of our fellow mountain bikers and skiers are hunting this time of year, too.

Wear that blaze orange, friends – dress your pup in orange, too. Consider avoiding riding at dawn or dusk which is prime hunting time, especially during deer season. Above all, use common sense and respect other users and the Forest Preserve lands we share.

PS -- Thanks, Jamie, for a wicked picture showcasing how fun wearing blaze orange can be. We might not have QUITE as much snow as this picture just yet...but it's coming. Be safe, be seen, ride another day. Have an awesome time out there, folks!

Many employers offer a matching gift program which could allow you to amplify your support for BETA at no additional cost to you.  Some companies and organizations that are known to have a gift matching program are listed below.  Check to see if your employer is on the list -- if they're not, ask you HR representative if your employer offers this perk.