July is almost upon us, and that means mountain biking and trail running season is now in full swing! The Outdoor Center is fully open for business on both fronts and the trails are begging to be ridden and run. Aside from the beautiful green foliage and undergrowth, there is also a smattering of local art that awaits you in the woods. Last summer GRP and U23 athletes printed and displayed artwork by Cy Whitling, author and illustrator of the book: Raccoons Borrowed My Bike. The book features 60 short stories that describe comical encounters between woodland critters and our beloved sport of mountain biking.

Initially, all of the prints were hung on trees close to the most notable features on the trail network. We soon realized that people would actually be moving too quickly or would be too focused on the trail to read the stories and appreciate the artwork in those places. So this fall, right at the end of the season [to seemingly ensure no one actually saw the art], I went out and re-hung the prints at intersections where people would naturally stop.

Now, with the season upon us again, I hope people are meandering through the woods and happening upon the stories in the woods! If people are not noticing then it’s good that I’m writing a post about it.

There are eight of these signs sprinkled on the singletrack trails that get the heaviest use. All of the prints are at intersections and should be easily found if one is to take a cursory look. However, if they prove too tricky to find, there is a map attached that could be used as a guide to a fun little scavenger hunt for the young ones.

In addition to the short stories, there are also some original images by Cy that have nothing to do with “Raccoons Borrowed my Bike”. Take a poke around and see if you can find our lady of the brake bleed or other characters out of Cy’s imagination.

Cy’s artwork is not the only non-trail attraction that our trail network has to offer. If you’re in the mood to go out and appreciate things, go take a second look at all of the beautiful mosaics done by local resident Kim Stewart.

Kim lives adjacent to the trails and has spent years walking the land with her dogs, first Farley and now Penny. She has quietly adorned most of the trails at the Center with art inspired by her time in the woods. Kim’s art celebrates the woods and trails we all love, even if some of it is inspired by her husband’s love for the dreaded New York Yankees

All in all, go check out the trails and maybe slow down at an intersection or two if you’re looking for a laugh. I hope to see you out there.

-GRP skier Jack Young

Trail Art