As we hit the halfway mark of the 2024 Soul Dirt season, it seems like the perfect time to reflect on the moments of connection, accomplishment and joy experienced by program participants this summer. At the heart of Soul Dirt is the firm belief that when people can safely access the outdoors, they are able to experience the transformative power of nature—making them healthier in mind, body, and soul. Trails in their most literal format exist to connect. To connect people to nature. To connect new friends. To connect with one’s self. On the trails we discover that with a little support, we find the strength to conquer challenges. Ask The Beatles, they get *by* with a little help from their friends.
Time in nature, social connectedness and overcoming hardship are just some of the many ways trail use contributes to a community where everyone thrives. These shared experiences of fun, friendship and resilience could not be possible without our trusted partners. Here’s a little look back at this season’s events so far…
Spoke & Stoke
Soul Dirt is now home to the Spoke & Stoke teen rides connecting kids through bikes and grounding in gratitude. Measured in smiles, not miles. Sixteen kids have conquered almost 30 miles of trail while learning important life lessons from Soul Dirt Ambassador, Spoke & Stoke Founder, and everybody’s bike bud, Bjorn Bredeson. Like this gem, “life isn’t about the likes, the comparison, it is about living and doing what makes you happy.” For more stoke, join us for our next ride on August 27th.
Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement
To improve outdoor access opportunities, Soul Dirt partners with Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement (EVOM) to provide Spanish-first adventures like family friendly mountain bike rides and new this year…backpacking! In July, six members of our Hispanic community (most for the first time) joined Soul Dirt for a one night wilderness backpacking trip on Cross Creek trail where they learned all the basic skills—including the fan favorite of pooping in the woods—needed to have a safe and fun time in the backcountry. Instruction, gear, food and transportation were all included at no cost to participants. Beautiful views, bug bites, overly spicy food and consequently, laughter were shared by all. For information on upcoming EVOM events, click here.
Shaw Cancer Center
In honor of Survivor’s Day, we partnered with Vail Health’s Shaw Cancer Center for a mindfulness hike. We listened to birds sing, basked in the beauty of the spring wildflowers, and enjoyed the fresh air. The restorative power of nature worked its magic, as Ben beautifully put it: “Negative thoughts from the past faded away as I walked the trail.”
Mountain Pride
In celebration of Pride Month we hiked up the stunning Stag Gulch trail with our friends at Mountain Pride to take in the breathtaking views, admire the rainbow of wildflowers and enjoy time with friends. In July, we continued the celebration (because pride doesn’t end on June 30th) with a Pride Ride at the Eagle Bike Park and Haymaker trail where Soul Dirt participant Casey shared, “I was so grateful to be able to connect with others in the community in this way! I feel like there aren’t tons of opportunities that involve outdoor movement…and is also an inclusive space that is accessible to everyone, so it was very encouraging to see a little light and hope in our community.” Save the date for our next Pride Ride—a downhill day on September 7th on Vail Mountain. Lift tickets included. Bikes available upon request.
Mountain Recreation
In partnership with Mountain Recreation, Soul Dirt ran two 3-part beginner ride series for people for whom “woman” is a meaningful identifier. Over 60 riders learned new skills, conquered obstacles, and found friends, all while occasionally enduring less than favorable weather. Just ask Casey, “The VVMTA does an incredible job of making these events easy to just ‘come as you are.’ It was a blast getting to experience the joy and empowerment others felt when mountain biking for the first time and pushing themselves!…I left feeling a huge energy boost, proud, and happy to have met more friends!” Newcomer Gabi agrees, “It was great to learn mountain biking for the first time in a safe and supportive environment…It was scary and out of my comfort zone but super empowering once I felt improvement settle in!” Our intermediate rides continue August 6th. Please email shawna@vvmta.org if you are interested in joining.
Gore Range Gravity Alliance & Ladies Trail Crew
With the opening of the high country trails brought East Vail adventures. World renown alpinist, wilderness enthusiast and VVMTA’s all-star volunteer, Ellen Miller led two hikes with the Gore Range Gravity Alliance and the VVMTA’s Ladies Trail Crew on Bighorn and Pitkin Creek trails, respectively. Ellen’s passion for wilderness education sets the tone for an awe-inspiring experience in which her deep love for the natural world is contagious. And we all leave with a little more respect for the Wag Bag (if you know, you know ;)). Ellen puts it best, “I like the way that the people that attend my hikes connect. They connect over wildflowers, views, and what they are experiencing in the wilderness. Many of them exclaimed about the beauty of the trail..”
My Future Pathways
Soul Dirt welcomed My Future Pathways middle and high school summer camp to the Eagle Bike Park where over 40 kids sent the jump lines, sharpened their bike skills, and challenged themselves. After facing their fears, some realized they are more capable then they realize. As shared by Mariah, “I didn’t know I had this courage in me.”
