Summer's happy with Tsalteshi Trails!

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We’ve got a lot of great things going on at Tsalteshi this season, but first a bit of difficult business:

Dog conflicts on Tsalteshi TrailsWe love hearing reports of people using the trails, but hate to hear this kind — a trail user recently reported being bitten by a dog while out for a run. The dog was unleashed, and while the owner attempted to call the dog back, voice commands did not prevent it from biting and injuring the runner. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of an unrestrained dog attacking and injuring another trail user.

Tsalteshi has a “leash or voice control” policy when it comes to dogs on the trail system in the spring, summer and fall (dogs are not allowed on the trails during winter). For this system to work, people need to make a reasonable assessment of their dog’s behavior around other dogs, wildlife and people. Your pup might respond to a voice command in their home or yard, but that does not mean they will do so when surrounded by all of the stimulation associated with outdoors surroundings, new people and the adrenaline surge associated with a nice run. If your dog displays any instances of aggression or unpredictable behavior, please leash them or keep them at home.

Tsalteshi Trails continues to experience increased use, and while it’s great to see more people enjoying outdoor fitness and recreation, more people on the trails can mean more potential for conflicts. Gone are the days of expecting to head out and not see another car in the lot or person in the woods. For the trails to be enjoyable to all, all users need to demonstrate courtesy, responsibility and a sense of safety for themselves and others.For those recreating with their four-legged friends, please be mindful of your dog’s behavior while using Tsalteshi Trails.

Single-track (on our) mindWork has been progressing upgrading the Snowshoe Trail from the Wolverine Trailhead to the base of the Bear hill into a single-track bike trail. Dubbed the Mosquito Trail, the first part of the single-track path is ready to ride. It is one direction only — from the Wolverine Trailhead toward the Bear hill. Riders need to take Wolverine back to the parking lot. The plan is for our excellent volunteer project coordinators (thanks Nic, Natalie and Shawn!) to have the Mosquito finished to the base of Bear by the end of this season.

Bikes are on the brain at Tsalteshi this season. It’s great to see the excitement and new trail users, but it is possible to get a little too enthusiastic. There have been instances of people building jumps on the trails, and using existing banks and slopes as biking obstacles to add difficulty to their rides. This kind of activity is not allowed. Tsalteshi Trails Association maintains the trails to be a safe, community-oriented, family friendly facility, and we can’t allow unplanned modifications to the trails, especially ones that cause trail erosion or that could be hazardous to less-experienced trails users. TTA is happy to be part of the expanding bike community on the central peninsula and is excited about opportunities for a bike-specific facility in the future, but asks that users on the existing trails keep in mind that Tsalteshi is a skiing and foot-powered facility first. Please don’t create your own bike obstacles on the trails!

Events(AKA: Why are you at home? There’s always something happening at Tsalteshi!)
July is upon us, and with that the beginning of Salmon running and cycling.

Salmon Run SeriesThis five-week series, offered in conjunction with the Kenai Watershed Forum, is held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. from July 9 through Aug. 6. Each 5-kilometer race utilizes a variety of trails, perfect for any type of runner or walker who wants to increase their endurance and fitness, and have some fun!
New this year — youth division! Before each 5k there will be a 1k race for kids 6 and under.
Proceeds help fund the Kenai Watershed Forum’s summer camps. Register for individual races or the whole series online at www.tsalteshi.org, with a discount for TTA members (become a member now at www.tsalteshi.org/about/join-us/). Day-of-race registrations will be available at the start line. All races begin behind Skyview.

Salmon Cycle SeriesThis nine-week series of races utilize a variety of trails and are a great way to build skills, fitness and familiarity with the trails — and to have some fun! It’s a great way to get ready for the PsycoCross off-road race on Sept. 6. Races are at 6 p.m. Thursdays, from July 10 through Sept. 4. Most races will start behind Skyview, but the July 10 event will use the Wolverine Trailhead. 
Races are $5 each, or FREE for TTA members (become a member now at www.tsalteshi.org/about/join-us/). No online registration, just pay at the start of each race.

Rotary Unity RunTsalteshi Trails Association is now helping organize this popular, fast-and-family friendly, 10-mile and 5-kilometer race! Hosted along with the Rotary Clubs of Soldotna and Kenai River.

  • Date: July 12, 2014
  • Races begin at 9:30 a.m. Runners must finish by noon.
  • Bib pickup: Thursday and Friday, July 10 & 11, from 5-6 p.m. at Soldotna High School
  • Race day registration and bib pickup: Saturday, July 12, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
  • Shuttle buses to the start lines leave at 9 a.m. from Soldotna High School, taking 5k racers to Peninsula Powersports, and 10-mile racers to Kenai Central High School.
  • T-shirt included in entry free. Barbecue lunch, prizes for the top placers, and raffle drawings will be held at the finish line.
  • Prices go up after online registration closes. Sign up today and save at www.tsalteshi.org.
  • Active Tsalteshi Trails Members — use promo code TTAMEMBER to get a $5 discount. Not a member? Become one HERE.
Fountain of Youth 5kAug. 13 at the trails. Essentially a “Sixth Salmon Run,” this 5k race follows last year’s start format — with head starts based on your age and gender, so anybody could win! To get your head start you MUST register online. Race-day registrants will start in the last wave. Keep an eye on www.tsalteshi.org for more information and registration links closer to the event.

We’ll see you on the trails!