Hello TARTans,

On Wednesday, I had a meeting about the Iron Belle Trail Fund at Crystal Mountain. We spent much of the day talking about the major impact trails are having on communities and people all around the state. We shared our passion for community connections and brainstormed how to better leverage public and private efforts to elevate and showcase the incredible resources Michigan has to offer. And if the conversations with passionate advocates for a stronger, healthier, more connected Michigan weren't inspiring enough, that afternoon I got to ride with friends old and new checking out the fantastic Betsie Valley Trail. We learned more about the efforts the Friends are making to connect Frankfort and Elberta and eventually Thompsonville - where TART hopes to one day connect. We rode the trail and explored the backroads, soaking up the stunning scenery and enjoying the simple pleasures of beautiful views, rolling hills and fantastic company. The picture perfect day ended with an always satisfying stop at one of the best joints in Benzonia for great Mexican food and margaritas. It's hard to ask for a better way to start September and such an inspiration for connections to come.

With gratitude,

Julie Clark, Executive Director

NEWS TO KNOW

In late August, we received word that Team Elmer's crews were officially on-site and had broken ground on the final section of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Pilings for the boardwalk over the cove are getting set and ground cleared for where the new trail will connect the NMC University Center to Logan's Landing, Medalie Park, and then to the East Boardman Lake Trail. We are so excited to celebrate the completion of this over 30 year project with you next summer. In the meantime, it's some pretty cool progress to watch take place.

Join Cherry Capital Cycling Club for the Fall 2021 Bike Maintenance Class. The series begins September 23rd and will be held at the Recycle-A-Bicycle Workshop, 1220 Woodmere, Traverse City. Former Mclain’s Bike Mechanic Chris Remy will be the instructor. You do not have to be a CCCC Member to join.

To register, send an email to:
membership@cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org. Hurry, spots will fill up quick!

Are you in need of a bike? The Recycle-A-Bicycle Workshop currently has tons of bikes in stock looking for a new home. The RAB Workshop is located at 1220 Woodmere in Traverse City and is open Monday through Wednesday from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Check out their stock and start making plans for enjoying fall colors via bike and know your purchase helps give someone who needs it a new way to get around. 

Over 100 people attended Glen Arbor Township's Open House on August 19th to learn about and share feedback on a proposed M-22 connector route to the Homestead and connection to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Township officials shared an overview of the planning process and SBHT leaders shared the history and impact of the Heritage Trail followed by the Township consultant's presentation on a proposed trail route. Residents are invited to provide input to help inform further design. To review the proposed routing and facilities, visit Glen Arbor Township's website here. Comment forms are available online and in hard copy format through September 3.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Nan Ray
TART Trails Board Member


 

Meet TART Trails Board Member Nan Ray. Join us in a big thank you to Nan for her commitment to the community and the impact she is making with TART. She is a fourth-generation Traverse City local and finds delight in everything Northern Michigan has to offer and has a garage full of recreational equipment to prove it. She joined Century 21 Northland as a full-time Realtor in 2016, carrying with her a degree and prior career in construction management. She loves being able to combine her professional disciplines, create relationships, and think creatively to align clients with their housing goals, as well as “multi-event” play dates with her husband Pat and two amazing kiddos. 

Recently Aspire North asked Nan about her community involvement:

Aspire North: How did you first get involved with TART Trails?

Nan: I was approached to serve on the TART board by an active board member that knew of my experience and background both as a Realtor and a former civil engineer and construction manager. Paired with our family values of bikes and fresh air, it's a great fit and I'm flattered that he thought of me to help serve in this capacity. I'm most definitely an activity enthusiast and habitual user of many segments! 

Aspire North: Tell me about some of the projects you work on with TART.

Nan: I have done a handful of trail cleanups in 2021, associated with Aspire North and Century 21 Northland, and I had my first Development Committee this past month. It's really easy to travel down sections of trail and appreciate what they are and where they are, but my education of what it takes to maintain and build trail up and down four separate counties has been fast and furious. This staff, and a huge network of incredible and dedicated volunteers, never quit! Every mile of trail takes a small village to make sure vegetation is kept cut back and the trail stays relatively clean!

Read more of Nan's interview on Aspire North's blog here.

EVENTS AROUND THE BEND

TART TRIVIA

Did you know Michigan has 13,000 miles of state-designated trails? Plus thousands of miles of local, county and federally managed trails, and more rail-trail miles than any state in the nation!

These amazing resources are celebrated during the week of September 19th-26th with the Michigan Trails Challenge. Team up for a collective 100,000 miles during eight days devoted to trails. Register for free, log your miles and earn badges (no limit) for entries in a drawing for cool outdoor gear and Michigan branded prizes.

More info here!