January 2025
News From the Trail

From the Chair

Achievement Through Strategy

Welcome to 2025!  This will be a big year for the TPT as we launch into our newly formed strategic plan, and guess what our #1 Goal is? To finish the Trail! We can’t imagine anything as exciting as finishing the entire route, and I’m sure you agree.

We actually have five goals, and for each goal there are a number of more specific objectives, measurements, start and end dates. Sometimes strategic plans look good on paper but ours will be evident to trail users. We are very highly motivated and can always use help, so if you see anything you’d like to help with, please let us know. My email is caskin@tptrail.org.

For Goal One, our primary focus is initially on the feasibility study from Sparks to Wadsworth, while laying the groundwork for funding construction for the two remaining sections: 1) Sparks to Mustang, and 2) USA Parkway to Wadsworth.  The study also includes a connector to Fernley so that residents and workers there can access the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Park using the TPT.

Goal Two is working on trail improvements and developing alternate routes to improve connectivity. This goal includes exploring partnerships with other trail groups, expanding volunteers helping with the trail, and of course additional routes including one we are working on now from Mayberry Park to Quilici Ranch.

Goal Three is working on sustainability which is primarily focused on robust leadership, volunteers and staff, and sufficient financial resources to maintain and improve the TPT in perpetuity. While not always the most exciting work, this goal is likely the most important to the long-term success of the TPT.

Goal Four is all about trail sustainability and maintenance. The TPT runs through two states, five counties, multiple cities and the Paiute Reservation. Agreements, communication, cooperation and coordination is necessary, every year, to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that improvements can be made. In addition to these partners, volunteers and donors play a key role.

The final goal is focused on trail users. We have ambitious goals to increase trail use and also the diversity of users. The TPT is for everyone, so we have put in place a number of objectives and strategies to increase and measure the success of reaching out to more people. Trail counters, increased presence in hiking/cycling apps, partnerships with user groups, and more will be implemented shortly.

Everything we’re doing to complete, improve and maintain the trail is for you and for future generations of users. Thank you for your help and best wishes for the New Year.

~ Chris Askin, Chair of the TPT Board

Tailwinds Stories

Living Healthier Through Trails

 ~ Photo by Addy Garibay

We’ve just passed over the winter solstice, and the days are getting longer, thank goodness. I still find going outside and facing the cold and wind we are experiencing this winter has been difficult. My faithful walking companion, Cosmo is experiencing some health issues so he’s unable to walk much which meant I was not walking either. I found myself not feeling the holiday vibe. Mentally, I needed help.

I had to make a change. I bundled up and got on the trails and even though I found it difficult to walk without my dog, I started to whistle those Christmas songs after all. I’m still working on getting out there more days than not, but I know it’s beneficial mentally and physically.    

Being outside, whether you find yourself on a dirt trail hiking or biking or an urban paved trail walking around the neighborhood, is restorative. Being outside for even 20 minutes can reduce stress. It may not be every day, but you deserve to take care of yourself. How about inviting a friend or neighbor to join you? The buddy system, be it a dog or a person, makes it easier to fall into a routine. Challenge yourself. Let’s get out there and if you are walking at night, make sure you are visible! A flashlight or headlamp is a good idea and wear reflective clothing.  

Happy New Year!  

~Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

Photo Contest Winners!

 ~ Photo by Will Stoeger

The votes have been tallied, and the winners have been announced on Facebook and are on our website. Thank you to all of the amateur photographers who entered our competition this year. The categories ended up being landscape, bikes, and people.  

In the landscape category, our first-place winner was Will Stoeger, second place goes to Aubrey Peterson, and third was a tie with John Von Wagner and Susie Lippuner.  

Jo Meachan’s photo took first in the people category with Michele Welch and Sandra Poupeney taking second and third place.  

The winning bike photo was Addy Garibay. Will Stoeger took second with third going to Tari Hawks.  

Best story, which was not a category but may need to be next year, went to Veronica Gerhard. She and her friend did sections of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail this summer with their children in carriers. Sandra Poupeney also did portions of the trail with her friend this year. One of her photo’s was a winner in the people category.  

Thank you to all who participated in our contest over the past two years. We will be doing another contest in 2025. Make sure to snap those photos when you are on the TPT. You may have a winner!

 ~ Photo by Jo Meacham

https://tahoepyramidtrail.org/2024-photo-contest-winners/

Much Appreciation to our

4th Quarter Century Circle ($100+) Donors!

We want to thank our outstanding supporters that provided donations during the 4th quarter of 2025! The TPT has many maintenance and trail enhancements in the planning stage and your generosity will ensure we can complete these projects in early 2025.