The 2009 ride season is getting well under way for many of our members (especially the members in the Sunbelt) while it is just starting for others whose weather is just beginning to break. It is time to start making plans for the upcoming year.

While you are working on your ride schedule, think about attending a ride that you have never been to in the past. Try to make some type of new goal for yourself. How about attending a ride distance you have never tried, or riding a multi-day ride?

Try just going to a ride to volunteer for one day and then maybe ride one of the days. It can be a lot of fun to have a goal to aim for.

Continue to support the rides in your area too as ride managers are grateful to the riders that they can depend on to sign up ride after ride and support the ride.

While we are thinking about the upcoming ride season let's also remember to volunteer. Be sure to keep an eye on the new riders and jump in and help them anytime you can. Mentor them during the day; they will appreciate it.

There are so many jobs that you can be of great service. Every ride manager is looking for dependable people to make their ride run more efficiently.

Take time out of your busy schedule to plan a work day on your favorite trail. If you are physically able to attend a work day with a trail group put it on your schedule. You will be amazed at how much your work can improve a trail in just one day. It is also fun to ride over the trail once the improvements have been made that you took part in.

If you can't get a group together just go out and pick up trash on the horse trails; everything you do makes a difference.

Looking forward to seeing you out on the trail, either riding or working.