“Making it easier to go from your front door to the outdoors than ever before” is a fun marketing slogan. We know quick, convenient access to safe, sustainable trails helps more people stay happy and healthy. We also know community trails bring people together. And it is hard to think of an example better than the story of Craig and Brian Kittelson, who were able to ride together thanks to your newest convenient, accessible trail – The Green Room Trail at Malcolm Wallop Park.

Like so many, the Kittelsons gathered in Sheridan to reconnect with friends and family during Rodeo Week. Brian had followed along with the updates as Ronnie and a team of AmeriCorps members built the trail this spring. He was eager to get his father out on the trail.

“I knew that my dad, who is not an experienced singletrack rider and does not ride a mountain bike, would likely be able to safely ride the trail while enjoying the new challenge as well as time together,” Brian explained.

During some down time, Brian and Craig chose to enjoy a wonderful Wyoming summer day by hopping on their bikes. Together, they cruised town utilizing the Sheridan Pathway system for nearly their entire ride. But it was their time together on The Green Room Trail that provided memories they won’t soon forget.

“I’m 77 years old and therefore not able or interested in serious mountain biking,” Craig recounted. After riding The Green Room Trail, he sang its praise. “I enjoyed the new singletrack in Sheridan as it was a new experience on a trail that was within my ability level. A great place to learn and practice new skills.”

Brian, a self-described “adventure cyclist,”praised the trail, too, saying it made great use of space and was ideal for new and beginning riders to learn cycling skills here they can use anywhere. “Having accessible singletrack trails provides so many benefits to a community! They provide a means of fun, healthy, active outdoor recreation for people,” he relayed.

Most importantly, Brian said The Green Room Trail is a perfect place for friends and family of many abilities to enjoy nature together. “It was great to be able to ride The Green Room Trail with my dad because I was able to spend time with him as well as share the joy that I get from riding singletrack. All of our most meaningful times together over the years have been
in the great outdoors and this was another great day together!” he concluded.

Those are exactly the kind of memories you help make with your generosity. More of those memories are made when it is easier to go from your front door to the outdoors than ever before in Sheridan County. But those memories cannot be made without your support.