LOCALadk Magazine

Fall 2019 LOCALadk Magazine 19 LOCALadk Eric Adsit Evan Williams Evan Williams That was just the beginning. Trail work has continued in 2019, and this is where it starts to get good for businesses in the town. From the start, C A A and town officials have stressed that we need to create a situation where residents and visitors can hop on their bikes (not into their cars) and get to mountain bike trails of all types, designed for all lev- els of riding. It sounds easy given the proximity of the TOBIE Trail and Maple Ridge. Thanks to extensive investigation, and Eli's expert trail building skills, our Build Team found a solu- tion. A new climbing trail from the Nordic trails to the crest of Maple Ridge was completed earlier this year and then ex- tended down into town, terminating at a new trailhead just a block off Main Street in Old Forge. This trail allows riders to travel in both directions, from Old Forge to McCauley Mountain and back. AFTA's Build Team and volunteers have also added a third flow trail on Maple Ridge, from the highest point down into town at the base of Maple Ridge. When I think of towns where you can ride professionally built mountain bike trails straight onto Main Street to grab a bite to eat, a beer, some souvenirs, or right to your hotel, I certainly don't think of New York. Don't get me wrong, I love it here and wouldn't live anywhere else. It's just that this kind of experience has been reser ved for oth- er places, mostly in the West and in some of our East Coast resort communities. That's no longer the case. Old Forge is quickly becoming exactly what local leaders have tasked AFTA to bring to fruition. As a community planner, mountain biker, father, and lover of the Adirondacks, I'm over whelmed by what's happening. It feels like a dream come true, and I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be working with such a supportive group of like-minded individuals. It's a shining example of what's pos- sible when people come together around a common goal, set personal interests aside, and find ways to simply say "yes, let's make that happen." You really need to come check out what's happening around the Fulton Chain these days. In the near future you'll be able to say, "I remember when this all got started and I can't believe how the Old Forge mountain bike scene has ex- ploded!" That's where we're headed, and we'll be celebrating with a festival and race weekend October 5- 6th. We'd love to have you along for the ride! * Maps are posted at trailhead kiosks and published on Trailforks.com. Please ride safely and responsibly. * AFTA is a member-supported organization and relies on financial support of donors to continue improving experienc- es. Please visit adkfta.org to help support our efforts.

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