Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) is a non-profit organization in the Twin Ports area that builds and maintains almost 100 miles of multi-use trail. This is all done through the efforts of volunteers. 

Executive Director Ansel Schimff helps organize volunteers for trail maintenance days, which occur frequently leading up to and during the mountain biking season. The focus is often on keeping the trails dry.

“That’s kind of the whole thing we’re doing out here when we build a trail, and then when we’re maintaining the trail, is designing the trail so that water, when it lands on the trail, it just flows off the side instead of running down the trail. That keeps the trail dry, and it also keeps the trail from eroding,” explained Schimpff. 

John Lingren has been volunteering for COGGS for around a decade. He regularly helps maintain the Hartley trails but occasionally assists with other trail days. 

“I started mountain biking, and I seem to have a propensity to help out once you start doing something,” said Lingren. “When you ride on a trail where you’ve done a reroute or fixed the big wet spot, it makes you feel good when you’re riding it. You actually got some sweat equity in the deal.”

Anyone can participate in trail maintenance days, and COGGS is always in need of more volunteers. 

“The trail work that we do is super easy to get involved with. You don’t have to have any experience. We provide all the tools and the instruction, and it’s a great way to give back to the trails that we use every day,” said Schimpff.

If you are unable to help out with trail maintenance, the least you could do is stay off of closed trails.”

“This time of year is especially important to watch those trail conditions. The trails are most susceptible in the spring as the frost is coming out,” explained Schimpff. “As we go through these spring rain cycles, walking or riding on wet trails causes ruts, and that leads to water staying on the trail longer and then keeping the trail muddier for a longer time. So when we can stay off the trails for that little bit after rain, we can open them up sooner after it starts to dry out.” 

Information on how you can volunteer for COGGS can be found at this link.