The school year is upon us, and with it comes the first whispers of fall. Already some aspens are starting to show their yellow hue, the chill is more palpable in the morning air, and the wildlife sure are up to something! Nature is giving us the gentle reminder that summer’s long, adventure filled days are giving way to a new season.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on what a busy and beautiful summer it has been! From trail rides under endless blue skies to evenings filled with laughter, encouragement, and community connection, Soul Dirt has had the joy of sharing countless moments on trails. This summer was overflowing with trail joy, made possible by the many programs we hosted and the incredible partners who joined us along the way. Before we fully shift gears into autumn, we want to take a moment to reflect on the highlights of this past summer and celebrate the partners who made it all possible.
Mountain Recreation






This summer, we partnered with Mountain Recreation to host 120 participants on women’s rides—spaces where “women” is a meaningful identifier. The trail became a place of both challenge and reward. Together, we leaned into the thrill of doing hard, sometimes scary things, and discovered the shared joy that comes from encouraging and lifting each other up along the way. From nervous first descents to finding that sweet spot of flow, these rides were about more than just biking—they were about community, confidence, and celebrating every pedal stroke forward. One participant shared “This isn’t just the highlight of my day, its the highlight of my week, if not the last two weeks. My mind and body feel so good after, its just amazing!“
Additionally, we partnered with Mountain Recreation’s Backyard Explorers Camp, bringing 26 kids out for two days that mixed mountain biking and trail work. It was the perfect balance of play and stewardship. From wobbly first pedals to hands and tools in the dirt, the camp was full of discovery, growth, and plenty of smiles. One kiddo shared with us “Thank you for making me do that. That was hard, but also actually really fun!”
Shaw Cancer Center

We joined the Shaw Cancer Center for a Spirit of Survival Hike in Maloit Park with five cancer treatment patients and survivors. The day was a reminder of the healing power of nature—rolling terrain underfoot, fresh mountain air filling our lungs, trailside berries ripe for the picking, and only a few mosquito bites to keep us humble. More than anything, it was about moving together, finding strength in community, and celebrating the simple joys that time on the trails offers. One survivor shared how meaningful these hikes are, “It is so important that we come together as survivors to celebrate how tough, special and resilient we are. I just love these hikes so much. You can feel the energy in the air when we move our bodies together!“
Mountain Pride




One of the brightest sparks of trail joy this summer came through our partnership with Mountain Pride. Together, we welcomed 26 participants into a space where everyone could show up fully as themselves and experience the joy of mountain biking. From first-time riders to seasoned adventurers, we hit the trails side by side, proving that mountain biking truly is for everybody. The energy was amazing; laughter echoing down the trail, encouragement flying back and forth, riders check in with each other and offering advice and support, and plenty of smiles at every rest stop. It was more than just a ride; it was a celebration of community, visibility, and the freedom that comes from being outside together. One newer rider shared “that was so hard and so fun. I can’t believe I did that!”
My Future Pathways



Forty-four kids joined us from My Future Pathways over two sessions. This program was all about firsts, or firsts in a long time. For many, it was their very first time on a mountain bike; for others, it was the first time they’d been back in the saddle in a while, or the first time they explored the Eagle Bike Park and its challenging and fun features. Every single one of them crushed it! The bike park was alive with wide grins, bursts of laughter, and that unforgettable mix of nerves and excitement that comes with trying something new (or rediscovering something you love). After riding the rock drop feature on the park, one teen shared “I was so scared but I told myself that I could do it, so I pushed any negative thoughts away and even with fear in my body, I did it!”
Exploremos






Our partnership with Exploremos brought trail joy to a total of 66 participants so far this summer, with adventures that opened the door to nature, movement, and community. Conducting the program in Spanish makes the outdoors more accessible and welcoming, allowing everyone to fully connect, embrace vulnerability, and feel truly seen and heard. One of the season’s highlights was backpacking trip to Lost Lake with six participants, where we traded bike wheels for hiking boots and set out to experience the mountains in a slower, deeper way. For many participants, this was the first time in a while they could truly disconnect and enjoy the quiet, slow moments the backcountry has to offer. We shared laughter around camp, encouragement on the climbs, and the kind of memories that only come from time in the backcountry.
Looking forward
As summer winds down and the school year begins, we’re carrying the spirit of trail joy into the fall ahead. The trails have given us so much this summer—connection, laughter, courage, and community—and we’re excited to continue building on that energy with our incredible partners. Whether it’s finding flow on a bike, sharing stoke on a hike, or simply pausing to breathe in the fresh air, our upcoming Soul Dirt events will keep creating opportunities for wellness, resilience, and belonging.
The seasons may be shifting, but one thing stays the same: the joy we find together on the trail. Be sure to check our upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!