Paying it forward to the next generation.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a lap out at River Doc or seen the next generation of riders tearing up the dirt in Rice Lake, you’ve witnessed the handiwork of Eric. A lifelong cyclist and deeply dedicated community member, Eric has spent decades turning people onto the joy of riding through the woods.

We connected with Eric to talk trails, community, and what keeps his tires spinning:

Why do you love the trails?

“It goes to the core of probably what all of us do. I got my first mountain bike in 1986, but way back in the early ’60s, we were already riding bikes through the woods where I lived. There’s just been a lifelong passion for having fun and riding through the woods with my friends, turning other people onto it, and making new friends along the way.

People have built a lot of trails for me in the past, so this is my time to pay it forward a little bit. I do it for my own personal satisfaction, not for glory or anything.”

Why is CORBA important to you?

“The main reason is that as we build and maintain trails for silent sports, we need an umbrella organization to protect us with a proper insurance policy. Up here, the River Doc trails are on private property, and without CORBA’s insurance policy, it just wouldn’t have happened.

Beyond that, there’s the camaraderie of being with like-minded people and the organizational structure. CORBA has been around for quite a while. Over the years, it’s had its ups and downs, but somehow, the trails keep getting ridden and taken care of. That’s a great success.”

What is your favorite volunteer memory?

“There are a whole bunch. When we started building out at Pipestone, it was really fun to see a core group of Barron County volunteers come together—people who initially had no idea how to build a trail—and unite around that project.

But probably my favorite memory is working with the local NICA youth cycling team. When the kids come out for a trail-building day, they work on a rock garden or clear a section of trail, and then they ride it afterward. It becomes theirs. To see the smiles and hear the laughter of the kids going through the woods… there is just no better reward.”

Organizations like CORBA thrive because of people like Eric. Next time you see him out on the trails or at a work day, be sure to give him a massive “attaboy” and a high five!