Bighorn National Forest

A Forest Service Volunteer's Testimony

Giving Something Back

by Wendell Alumbaugh

We come from Texas; Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Amarillo, and various parts in between. We own and ride motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles, and we have been going to Colorado and New Mexico for longer than we can remember. Over the years, we've driven thousands of miles, brought friends and family, and spent tens of thousands of dollars pursuing our passion for the adventure of riding in the Rocky Mountains.

We're mostly a bunch of "old guys”, now in our 60's. A few years ago, we decided we wanted to "give something back." The problems seemed to be getting more difficult, and many of the places to ride were being closed. We contacted the Forest Service in Salida, Colorado, and became volunteers.  We also signed a document formally “adopting" a nine-mile section of the Rainbow Trail near Salida. 

The Rainbow Trail is a multi-use trail stretching about a hundred miles across south central Colorado. On our adopted section we are responsible for constructing water bars, trail widening, building retaining walls and removing down trees and big rocks, etc. 

Also, twice each year, once just before Memorial Day and again just before Labor Day, we are responsible for clearing all of the fallen trees on the entire Rainbow Trail that lies within the Salida Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.    The Rainbow Trail is mostly single-track and in the spring there are more trees down and sometimes the remaining snow can be a problem. 

We started our volunteer work in 1996 and we've been faithfully working on the trail ever since. Four or five of us make at least three trips a year to do our "volunteer thing".

Usually, there are 30 to 40 trees to be moved, but riding our motorcycles we can usually clear the 6o plus miles in the Salida Ranger District in two days. One trip however, after a real hard winter, turned into a work-a-thon; it took five long days and we removed 321 trees.

 Some of the South Texas guys have been doing volunteer work in the Gunnison National Forest for several years and are known there as the "Sidewinders".  I wish I had started earlier; it's a good feeling knowing that your contribution is making the fun better for everyone. 

Now, when I talk to others about the wonders of riding in the mountains, I make it a point to encourage them to go, but to always stay on the marked trails and to please leave the excessive noise at home. 

I plan to continue doing volunteer work for as long as I am physically able and as long as motorized access to public land is still permitted. It's the best way I know to say "thanks" for the very rewarding, sometimes incredible, experience of being with good friends, riding in the mountains. 

Contact:  Wendell Alumbaugh, wa@mcsdallas.com

USDA Forest Service, Bighorn National Forest
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Last modified January 27, 2004