Volunteers key to building, maintaining trails around Carson City

Johanna Foster, an ecologist and adjunct biology professor at Western Nevada College, moved to Carson City a year ago. The first organization she joined was Muscle Powered.

She believes in Muscle Powered’s mission to create a more walkable and bikeable community.

“I love being outdoors and hiking, just being around nature,” she said. “Human beings need to be connected to open space. People will protect the environment if they understand it. They’re interested in protecting what they know.”

Foster recently joined the group on an outing to repair the Ash to Kings Canyon Trail in the mountains west of town.

“This is such a treasure we have in Carson City,” Foster said. “In 15 minutes from town, you’re walking in the wilds.”

The seven-mile trail will be the centerpiece of this year’s Carson City Off-Road mountain bike race as the trails around Lake Tahoe are still covered in snow.

Crew leader Oliver Lieder said the race, part of the Epic Rides series, is a testament to the work volunteers have done to create and maintain the three-year-old trail. “I think it’s surreal and exciting at the same time,” Lieder said.

Hail the Trail, an Epic Rides fundraiser is giving the public a chance to win one of three mountain bikes from Ibis, Salsa and Norco while also supporting trail-building organizations, including Carson City’s Muscle Powered. To purchase a $4 raffle ticket, go to epicrides.com/hailthetrail. Winners will be chosen June 24.