There’s no better way to support the trails than by using them to raise money! On February 23, Jared Dunham is going to ride for a massive 12 hours to help us bring 11 miles of fresh singletrack to the Cadillac Pathway.
After nearly two years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources approved our trail proposal to add eleven miles of trails to the Pathway. Over the next two years, we’re working on funding this ambitious addition to our current trail network. It’s been a lot of time and energy, but area riders know that the Pathway needs more mileage. Much like the Vasa Pathway in Traverse City, the trail was designed initially for cross-country skiing, with wide trails, sweeping turns, and no narrow singletrack. What little singletrack is present on the Pathway is ‘bandit’. Not just technically illegal, it’s also unsustainable and contributes to erosion.
Our new trail proposal will bring in a better riding experience for area mountain bikers and give events like the Bear Claw Epic even more trail to work with as it grows. To that end, Jared announced last week that he’ll be attempting to ride a full 12 hours on February 23, an ambitious effort that he expects will end up totaling roughly 90 miles! He’s welcoming area riders who love the Pathway to hop on their fat bike and join him for a lap, an hour, or whatever they feel like doing.
If you can’t make it to Cadillac, consider supporting Jared’s big effort with a donation. Your funds will be earmarked specifically for this important project and help us hit spring with the funds to get construction underway!
You can learn more about Jared’s ride plans here, and make online donations right here. Jared is also the mastermind behind the Polar Bear Epic fat bike race series, which is back in action on February 17.