Its out and in the OD Newletter....."The
Future: Tom Sites is heading a search team for the Old Dominion
trail of the future, looking for a new and even better trail and facilities for
when growth and traffic make the Front Royal and Fort Valley areas less
desirable for endurance.".... so i feel free to discuss the subject
of a new trail system we are exploring.
To me, the Trail is the most important part
of a ride and w/out that, the adventure is gone. The OD asked me to Chair
the Alternative Trail Committee. There are several areas that are under
consideration and any other areas that someone would like to put together in a
packet (consisting of photos, trail topo, facilities and access and minimum land
owners ) would be considered. This is an open Committee and communicaton
on all levels would be appreciated.
The location we are working on with the National
Forest Service and have their approval of a horse containment area with a 1
mile field is called Slate Lick Fields, alongside a native trout stream.
It is located 17 miles west of Broadway, Va. and is 18 miles from West Virginia
and a relatively short distance to Harrisonburg. A Project Proposal is underway
to the NFS.
The trail has rock but is not rocky. It has
plenty of overhang for shade. There is adequate water on trail. The
cimbs are gradual and everyone that has ridden our first 12 mile loop have
enjoyed the day.
The Goal:
To have a Trail System that is horse and rider
friendly.
To have 1 landowner, the NFS, and hopefully
therefore, a permanent trail.
To encompass Virginia, which at one time included
West Virginia, and last forever.
Jerry Fruth, aka St. Jerry for his involvement to
Trail, happened to be coming by from a trip to Capitol Hill and
speaking on behalf of AERC Trails, accompanied me to the first NFS
Meeting. Because it was a snowstorm brewing, Jerry left early on his way
thru WVa. to In. The NFS person said to Jerry as he left...."I feel very good
about this...." So do i, and at some time soon, there will be riding of
brand new trail, and new stories to tell. Because i am an OD lifetime
member, i see this as the most important mission i could be entrusted
too.
