What do an anesthesiologist, a Southern belle, a dog groomer, a teacher, an engineer, a landscaper, a nurse and two retired businesspersons have in common? As in most AERC functions, this eclectic group came together with a common denominator. This time, instead of a head-to-head horse competition, it was a search for the knowledge required in the building of sustainable trails that brought them to Tennessee for four days in November.

Along with two federal land managers, the intrepid group of AERC members followed the leadership of Mike Riter of Trail Design Specialists to learn the finer points of proper trail design, building, maintenance, and crew leadership. The group spent mornings in lectures with copious anecdotes and enlightening PowerPoint presentations, followed by a test of their recent knowledge. Afternoons were spent outside putting knowledge into practice in the lawns and woods surrounding Skymont Boy Scout Camp on the Cumberland Plateau.

As with most aspects of life, when examined more closely, there is indeed a difference between "just doing it" and "doing it right." Riter, of Conyers, Georgia, has developed and published, and indeed lives the concept of sustainable multi-use trail systems.

A mountain biker with horsey roots, Riter started his career as the original Subaru/IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) trail crew that traveled the world for three years, teaching, designing and building trails. His trail master/crew leader classes have graduated hundreds of enthusiasts and advocates around the country who are now working in the field on various projects involving sustainable multi-use trails.

This was the third class sponsored by AERC, bringing the total students to 29 AERC members and five land managers from 14 states. These students are now ready to take on the task of leading crews, building trails and "doing it right" for this and future generations.

The next trailmaster/crew leader class sponsored by AERC and taught by Mike Riter is planned for West Virginia in early 2006. Information is available by contacting Terry Silver at turquoisehorses@aol.com.