The Ozarks reminds us of the best of Vermont without the endless winters of heavy snows. The lakes and rivers perfect for kayaking, the trails perfect for hiking and biking. We often hiked on the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail or VAST (Vermont Association of Snowmobile Trails). Dave’s a mountain biker and loves the cross-country trails here.

One thing we are both know is that those who get out in nature are more likely to take care of the land. That is why September’s organization of the month is CC Rider’s (Carroll County Off Road Cyclists).

Formed in 1997, this 501c3 nonprofit organization is “dedicated to creating and maintaining sustainable soft-surface multi-use trails in Eureka Springs and Western Carroll County. This year, their volunteers have already completed 200 hours of trail maintenance and creation of accessible beginner cross-country trails. They’ve formed a bike club with Clear Springs school and are working towards a club with Eureka Springs Public Schools. The volunteers have cleaned up the cross-country, muti-use trails at Lake Leatherwood and Black Bass Lake making them the most accessible they’ve been in years.

All this has been done while maintaining social distancing. No group workdays have happened since the COVID shutdown in March.

Their goals for this year are to provide matching funds to Clear Springs School for a fleet of bikes, maintain and upkeep of tools and equipment for trail maintenance, and find a location for tool storage.

Go take a hike or ride your bike every Thursday this month and then come have a beer. 100% of the tips received will be donated to CCRiders as well as 10% of the proceeds from the artwork sold. This months artist is Tom Rzonca and the exhibit is “Ozark Backroads: and observation of light.”

If you’re still social distancing, you can always get beer to go and tip on Thursdays. Or make a direct donation by contacting CCRidersOORC@gmail.com.