Cow Boys and Mountain Bikers

You know, it's funny how a bunch of people who love trails for very similar reasons so often don't get along. I'm always hearing my peeps talking about how to reduce user conflict on trails between equestrians, hikers, bikers, runners and dogs. Personally I don't see the problem because I'm a dog and I love everyone but every week the topic comes up. So, last weekend we were all really psyched to work with the most united group of trail enthusiasts we've come across. We spent the weekend camping, working, playing and eating with representatives from the Montana Wilderness Association, the Wilderness Society, the Last Chance Back Country Horseman's club, the MSU mountain bike team, the High Divide Cyclery Club, a bunch of other people and their dogs.


So, if you're up on trail politics you probably understand how unique this situation is. It would be similar to getting a group of hunters, animal rights activists, and wildlife conservationalists together for a weekend of fun. And everyone had a great time!


We did a ton of trail work, enjoyed some good home cookin done right by the horsemen & women, shared a little whiskey, talked about hunting, biking and hiking adventures, walked on a slackline, and enjoyed the Back Country Horsemen's luxurious wall tents with wood stoves during the cold evenings. The coolest thing was seeing everyone realize how much they had in common despite their difference in recreational mode, political views, and backgrounds.


I took it upon myself to make sure none of these tasty sticks of meat were wasted. The locals took pity on my sad sad story of nomadic traveling and days without food and I left camp bloated and happy like a Lab should be.


We also helped the local wilderness advocates and mountain bikers find a new mountain bike route that will circumnavigate the new proposed wilderness area south of Helena MT.

Now we're kickin it in Bozeman with our friends Chad and Devri from Bend who we haven't seen in about 4 years. It's amazing how time doesn't really count anymore. It feels like maybe we haven't caught up with them in a few months... not a few years!