Dirt don't hurt – Springtime at Tsalteshi

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Soup’er NaturalTrail conditions continue to dry out and firm up at Tsalteshi, though some loops remain soupier than others. As always this time of year, please practice leave-no-trace touring — if you are creating foot divots and tire tracks in the trail, please return to firmer ground. Not only is mud-bogging bad for your laundry, it prolongs the wrinkle-release cycle for the trails.
Want to stay dry-ground bound? Following is a guide to current trail conditions, expressed in viscosity of soup:

  • Wolverine: Porridge left on simmer overnight. In other words — a soggy spot or two, but mostly dried out to the point of solidified.

  • Porcupine and Vole: Chowder. Some chunks of firm consistency, but otherwise runny.
  • Goat: Even older porridge — dry all the way through.
  • Bear: Gumbo — spongy in spots, but mostly thickened up.
  • Lynx: Bisque — not broth, but not much better.
  • Coyote: Old porridge.
  • Raven: French onion — looks solid but has some deceptively spongy spots.
  • Beaver: Bisque
  • Wolf: Gumbo
  • Moose: Gumbo
  • Squirrel: Bisque
  • Owl: Bisque
  • Rabbit: Gumbo
  • Fox: Bisque

 
Don’t make life any more wildWe humans aren’t the only creatures out on Tsalteshi. Moose, porcupine, coyote and even the occasional bear have been known to wander through the trails. Spring is a stressful time for wildlife, and mama moose are especially touchy these days as they’re about to calve. It’s more important than even to keep dogs restrained. Demonstrated, consistent voice control is a minimum, and leashes are best (you never know when excitement might overcome training). For us two-legged wildlife, please be aware. Don’t get so lost in your music or conversation that you don’t notice what’s around you.
 
Bike trail expansionSingletrack development is back at Tsalteshi! Please be aware that the start of Mosquito Snowshoe/Singletrack Trail at the Wolverine Trailhead off K-Beach Road has been rerouted to begin behind the gate by the informational kiosk, so please begin your ride from there. More work to extend the Mosquito Trail is beginning now. Check in from time to time to see the progress. And thanks to our singletrack trail crew volunteers, especially Nic and Natalie Larson!

 
Events!Yes! We’re having them! Time to shrug of your shoulder-season rest period and get back up and running (or biking).
 

Caveman Barefoot 5k6 p.m. May 22, Wolverine Trailhead off K-Beach Road.
Join us for Tsalteshi’s second annual barefoot race. This 5k, shoes-optional fun run/walk is free for TTA members and just $5 for everyone else.
Not a member yet? BECOME ONE HERE.
No preregistration necessary, just show up from5:30 to 5:55 and race.
 
Return of the Salmon (Run Series)Back for Season Four! The Salmon Run Series of races will begin Wednesday, July 8 and continue weekly until Wednesday, Aug. 5, atTsalteshi Trails. Each race is 5 kilometers and utilizes a variety of trails in the Tsalteshi system. It’s a great way to build your skills, test yourself from week to week and get to know the trails!
Individual race signups will be available soon, and registration for all five races is available now on Tsalteshi’s website.
Youth Division: Before each 5k, there will be a 1k race for children 6 and under. Youth registration will be available for the individual races.
Proceeds are used to fund the Kenai Watershed Forum’s summer youth camps.
Individual races are $10 for Tsalteshi members and $15 for nonmembers. Register for all five races for a discount — $45 for TTA members or $70 for nonmembers. Not a Tsalteshi member? Become one today and save on these and other awesome events!
Race 1: July 8
Race 2: July 15
Race 3: July 22
Race 4: July 29
Race 5: August 5
 
Rotary Unity Run9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11
Join us for this signature summer race! The annual Rotary Unity Run 10-mile and 5-kilometer race is back, hosted by the Kenai River Rotary Club and Tsalteshi Trails Association.
Bib pickup is 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Soldotna High School.
Race day registration and bib pickup are 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at SoHi.
Buses leave at 9 a.m. July 11 from SoHi, taking 5k racers to Peninsula Powersports, and 10-mile racers to Kenai Central High School.
Preregister online HERE for a $5 discount! Active Tsalteshi TrailsAssociation members get a $5 discount. Not a member? Become oneHERE.
Registration is $20 for individuals, $10 for youth and $50 for families.
Want a t-shirt? (YES, you do — long-sleeved tech shirt with an awesome race logo design.) Purchase online early for your preferred size. Shirts will go fast!
 
TSA Run and Ride!Looking to sharpen your skills? Tsalteshi Sports Academy will have two sessions this summer — TSA Run Training and TSA Bike Training. Join knowledgeable instructors for an introduction/skill-building series on thetrails.
TSA Run Training will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays in June.
TSA Cycle Training will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays in June.
Stay tuned for more information!
 
More to come…

  • Bike season kickoff film fest, 7 p.m. Friday, June 19 at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center.
  • Mouth-to-Mouth run or ride along the Cook Inlet beach from the Kenai to Kasilof Rivers, 11 a.m. Sunday, June 21.
  • Relay for Life Paint it Purple 5k fun run/walk, 10 a.m. Sunday, June 28.
  • Color Us United Run, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4.
  • Progress Days Disc Golf Tournament, 5 p.m. Saturday, July 25.
  • Fountain of Youth Pursuit Run, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.
  • PsychoCross bike race, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.

Stay tuned for more information!
 
 

Support TTA

Tsalteshi Trails Association is committed to providing a venue for fun, healthy, family friendly outdoor recreation year-round, but we need your help to do it! Financial support from trails users is invaluable in offering programs, holding events and maintaining the trails. Please consider supporting TTA.

  • Pick. Click. Give. Alaskans who registered for the Permanent Fund dividend can elect to donate a portion to TsalteshiTrails Association.
  • AmazonSmile. Shopping online? Participate in AmazonSmile and give a gift to TsalteshiUse this link when shopping on Amazon and 0.5% of the purchase price will be donated to Tsalteshi TrailsAssociation.
  • Fred Meyer Community Rewards. You can also support Tsalteshiwhen you shop at Fred Meyer. Visit this site to link your Fred Meyer Rewards card to TTA.

 
Follow Tsalteshi on Facebook for grooming and other trails updates.
 
Happy trails!