The Vienna Yacht Club in conjunction with other local organizations has participated in a variety of environmental activities including: trail maintenance, river cleanups, and general trash collection. Some of us are also participating in advanced kayak instruction.
Over the past few decades, mountain biking has evolved into a sport that is geared to getting people closer to nature, and has become very popular creating more use out of our parks and recreational areas. Because more people are getting out there and using our trails, there is a greater need for taking care of them. Trail maintenance is an excellent way to get people together in a positive, active way that will benefit both nature and people.
Mountain Bike Activities For 2003 Included But Were Not Limited To The Following:
- Fall Mountain Biking trip to Douthat State Park in Southwestern Virginia. The annual trip was attended by 12 members of the Vienna Yacht Club. Our campsite was on the lake and provided pristine views of the mountains. Attendees spent both days attacking the 40+ miles of trails and fireroads that encompass the Douthat State Park system. After grueling morning and afternoon riders, members could be seen fishing, hiking, and enjoy the many numerous sights Douthat has to offer.
- Colts Neck Trail Maintenance at Lake Fairfax park. Due to the heavy spring rains and the impact of Hurricane Isabelle, Colts Neck was in dire need of maintenance. Members of the Vienna Yacht Club came out to support MORE (Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts) in repairing the neglected trail.
Throughout 2003 members of the Vienna Yacht Club volunteered as ride leaders for Trips For Kids at Wakefield Park in Fairfax County. Members shared their biking knowledge and life experiences with children from Southeast DC.
Kayaking the Potomac on a spring day with the cherry trees blossoming and the spring flowers blooming can be a wonderful experience. However, there is nothing worse than seeing piles of trash and debris along the banks of the river from the snowmelt and rains of a new season. The increase in water level and runoff can pull in all kinds of bad things into the watershed.
