Meet the New TPT Board Member, Micheal DeBlasi
Michaels’s Brief Bio:
An experienced educator, long-time cyclist, and trail advocate, Michael not only sees the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail as a giant classroom (science, biology, art, environmental trail stewardship, etc.) but also as a corridor of opportunity for nature lovers, community recreation, community building as well as bicycle commuting!
As past president of the Cascade Bike Club in Seattle, he has worked on many “bike to school” events and other cycling-related events. Michael recognized the endless opportunities to use the trail and we are looking forward to incorporating his ideas into the continuing evolution of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail
Summary of the Interview with Michael DeBlasi and TPT President Mary Beth Roselli
The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail has completed 81% of the trail, leaving probably the most difficult section until last, the eastern section between Sparks and the Tahoe Regional Industrial Center (TRIC). Currently, this is the focus and goal of the TPT, to complete this section and hopefully, one day on to Fernley. But we had no connection out there!
Enter Michael DeBlasi… Janet and Michael met at a Procrastinating Pedalers’ meeting, hit it off, and began a conversation on this very topic. Michael happened to work out at TRIC as a teacher and was interested in the trail both as an alternative commuting route for bicycles, but also as an “outdoor classroom” for his many students. Over time, Janet and Michael continued to run into each other at various trail and cycling events and also continued their conversation on this topic.
Janet, forever being the recruiter of people with talent, invited Michael to attend a board meeting in 2022, which led to a formal invitation to join the board. (Janet was always so good at bringing in people with a special skill set that the TPT team needs – and once again, mission accomplished!)
Michael believes that community connectivity is important and the two links that are open are a big disconnect for the communities along the River. Michael has commuted to TRIC on his bike a dozen times or more, probably one of only a handful of people who have and sees the opportunity there. He sees the opportunity to connect communities along the trail and have a commute route whether it be to TRIC or other locations along the way. It will also attract workers to the region and provide a healthier lifestyle and a beautiful space for recreation.
He is also an educator and sees the trail as a big classroom. This may entail lessons on science, the environment, bike skills, and eco-friendly ways to live our lives. As past president of the Cascade Bike Club in Seattle, he has worked on bike-to-school events. There are endless opportunities to use the trail and we are looking forward to incorporating his ideas into the future.
Welcome Michael to the TPT Board. We are really looking forward to working with you!
