Volunteer effort brings it all together

On February 8 a grand opening was held to celebrate a new connecting trail between Taylor and Price County. Though the trail was open last winter, final work was done this past summer to complete the 37 mile connecting trail through one of the largest open spots without a trail in the state. Because it is a major connector between two counties it was approved for funding last year.

The project has been in the works since club members attempted to gain access through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) property in northwest Taylor County around 30 years ago. Finally in 2013 the proposal was finally approved with the original decision being contingent on a connecting trail through southern Price County be established before any work would be allowed in the CNNF. Thanks to several Price County individuals and the Drift Splitters SC that connector was completed and after several delays and a lot of work the trail was finally a reality. While much of the 13.4 miles of trail located in the CNNF utilized existing trails and roads, there was 1.5 miles of new trail to be developed. The Westboro Sno-Dusters provided much of the labor, though other Taylor County clubs including the Black River Rock Dodgers, Tired Iron Vintage Riders, We Whittlesey Whizzers and West Side Trailwinders also sent volunteers.

Some of the key individuals involved in the project were able to see the trail to its completion including Bob Meyer, Frank Dusek, Jim Walcisak, Jake Walcisak and Chuck Meyer.

A couple of visionaries, Mike Roiger and Dan Halmstad have since passed away.