ADK - Genesee Valley Chapter

Note - This hike is cross-posted from the ADK-GVC Event Calendar:
https://adk-gvc.org/calendar/…

Hybrid hike split between a 40-minute hike around the reservoir and on flat, well-maintained trails in Washington Grove looping back to the cars, then a 70-minute moderate hike at a faster pace circling Cobbs Hill with 2 descents/climbs and a brief stop at the Portage Trail plaque for the rest of the 2-hour hike. Meet 9:45am at Cobbs Hill Reservoir, parking on Reservoir Rd (43.13958, -77.56959) alongside Washington Grove before the Monroe County Radio Center Bldg for a 10:00am hike start. Please dress for the weather, wear boots or trail shoes with good traction, bring some water to drink and some tick/mosquito repellent. Hiking poles would be useful on the steeper trails. Contact Jim Bishop at adk.gvc.trpldr@gmail.com with any questions. Dogs are not allowed on this hike.

Our hybrid hike consists of 2 hikes that allow us to drop off hikers who prefer a 40-minute to 1-hour easier hike at a slower pace with less elevation change, then continue with the 2nd hike for the rest of the 2 hours at a faster pace with some short climbs. This allows all of us to keep hiking together, when some of our old and new friends need to shorten their hike or some are just starting back hiking after a time off or recovering from surgery.

You must read and sign the “club’s release of liability form” which will be available at the parking lot.
NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT without signing a LIABILITY RELEASE FORM.

The Adirondack Mountain Club-Genesee Valley Chapter's free and open to the public meeting at the Rochester Museum and Science Center's Eisenhart Auditorium will include:

6:30pm book signing by the popular outdoor writer Larry Weill. Larry Weill has been many things in his life: financial planner, technical writer, trainer, Naval officer. He’s also been a wilderness ranger in the Adirondacks, and that led to another item on his resume—storyteller.

7:30pm presentation entitled Land Use & Legacy: Dispelling the Myths of Shared Use Trails by John Frame.

Trail networks in our area have grown exponentially over the last 30 years, expanding access and encouraging inclusivity. So why are some of the hardest working contributors being shunned by those who benefit from it the most?

Imagine your perfect day out on the trails. What does it look like? What if you helped build those trails but were told you were no longer welcome on them? As avid mountain bikers, we frequently hear grievances on usage that don’t align with our own perspective. We’ll discuss the demographics tied to trail creation, utilization and advocacy over the years.

In order to have trails to enjoy, it is important to know who is responsible for bringing them to fruition. The cycling community has logged decades volunteering and building trails they couldn’t legally ride. Many years after a successful mountain bike pilot program, we are seeing negative motion toward the same cyclists who built the trails – by non-cycling users. As we age, our personal usage may change, but everyone should maintain access. Keeping the next generation interested and involved is critical to sustainability and growth. It’s time to talk about who is using the trails and how there is room for everyone.

John Frame is a lifelong cycling enthusiast committed to sharing the fun on two wheels. Bicycle design, fabrication, trail building, advocacy, technology, and creativity all play into the evolution of this sport. When he’s not pedaling around local parks like Tryon and Bay West, you can find him managing the bike shop at REI.