The old saying goes that many hands make a heavy load lighter. We’ve learned that over the past few years.
That’s one of the reasons we’ve partnered with the Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship, a group many mountain bikers are familiar with, but maybe not as much for those outside of that community.
So who is this group, and how do we work with them?
OEF was formed in 1996 as a group of Oklahoma cyclists intent on advocating for trail systems throughout the state. Over time, they’ve become experts at trail construction, maintenance and repair. Members attend courses on how to build trails that can take the wear and tear of frequent mountain bike use. Trails built to these standards also hold up well for runners and hikers.
In the past, OEF has helped with trail projects at Turkey Mountain, bringing not only the manpower, but the tools and know-how to repair badly damaged trail sections. OEF has also been active in trail projects around Claremore Lake – helping build that trail system to what it is now – and in other parts of the state.
The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition has done a number of projects over the past few years, sometimes on its own, but often with partners like OEF. We’ll continue to work with OEF, River Parks Authority and other like-minded groups and individuals to help maintain our trail systems and advocate for their long-term future.
Get to know OEF. You can learn more about them at okearthbike.com and their facebook page
