My trails journey began almost 60 years ago in the Bavarian Alps. Over the decades, I have experienced trails from just about every perspective imaginable: hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, horseback riding, snowmobiling, dirt biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trails have always been part of my life, no matter the season or way I enjoyed them, and my tie to them has grown with time. That is why I am so excited to write this regular column: to raise awareness about the importance of trails and to educate the readers on how trails impact our lives on so many fronts, from recreation and health to community building and environmental stewardship.
Trails also play a huge role in attracting and retaining professionals, something rural communities like Williams Lake need more than ever. It's increasingly important to doctors, nurses and other professionals when choosing communities that offer a high quality of life, and often trails are the determining factor in relocation and retention. Well-maintained trail networks not only enhance our outdoor experience but also make our region more vibrant and desirable to live in and work.
Trails also reflect a deep history and culture of Indigenous Peoples. Long before they were recreational routes, trails were lifelines for Indigenous peoples, used for hunting, gathering, trading and connecting communities. Many of the trails we have enjoyed today had their routes used by our ancestors for thousands of years. After working with over 30 indigenous communities, I have come to appreciate that trails are part of the cultural and spiritual vitality of First Nations. Collaboration by Indigenous groups in the development of trails has formed part of reconciliation by affording the opportunity to pay respect due to these ancient linkages while building a foundation for new opportunities at shared stewardship and collaboration.
In this journey that we're embarking upon together in Trailblazer Chronicles, I am thrilled to dive into a number of interesting topics in the coming months, be it the economic benefit of trail networks or challenging questions regarding trail maintenance. We will delve deep into how the trails shape our communities and enrich our lives by telling behind-the-scenes stories. There's so much to discover, and I can't wait to share it with you, the reader.
About me, the author
My passion for trails runs deep. As a provincial trail advocate and as co-founder of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program and CEO of First Journey Consulting LTD, I have spent decades on the ground working alongside communities-more than 30 Indigenous communities-to develop and maintain trails for all. These are so much more than pathways through the wilderness; they form part of our physical health, mental well-being, and even our local economies. They connect us to nature, with each other, and to the rich cultural heritage of lands that we walk upon.
As vice-chair for the Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and President of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium, I am dedicated to giving back to my community. When I’m not working, you'll find me on my mountain bike or soaring through the air with my paraglider, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Cariboo.
I've seen firsthand the hard work that goes into maintaining our trail networks. In short, volunteers, community groups, and local governments expend massive amounts of time, energy, and resources in keeping such trails accessible and enjoyable for all. Yet hardly is the full scope of what goes into keeping such trails in tip-top shape even visible. That is why I am quite excited to tell these stories so we can appreciate, with fuller meaning-and support more completely-the trails that bring such value into our lives.
Thomas Schoen writes a monthly column on trails for the Efteen.
