When I was in college, I thought getting out on the trails required a lot of pre-planning and equipment. I grew up in Mississippi and Georgia, not exactly outdoorsy areas. I started working at an outdoor store and became even more confused. Customers would come in the store and tell me about these “hikes” they were going on and how they needed fancy shoes and that they would spend months breaking them in. After college, I fell into a job in the ski industry. It didn’t take me long to realize that spending time out on the trails really didn’t require much at all. The last few weeks, Sam and I have introduced you to some of our favorite trails around the area, but I thought it might be a good idea to give you a look into what trail blazing means to me.

Spending time on the trails is a way to unwind, a form of exercise, a source of sheer joy and for me, a defining piece of who I am. At least once on every mountain bike ride I think to myself how grateful I am for my mountain bike. My bike was a birthday gift a few years ago. It is probably one of my favorite gifts ever and still provides unlimited giggles and shrieks.  As much as I love my bike, sometimes what I really need in life is a quick loop on Lower Sweeney’s in order to clear my mind or let Stella release some energy. For me, both activities are extremely important in different ways.

I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature on a daily basis, but even if you don’t live in a place as amazing as Park City you may be surprised at what opportunities surround you. The best news is that you really just need some comfortable shoes, plenty of drinking water and some sunscreen.

Why do you choose to trail blaze?

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