BUILD.RIDE.PROTECT

Welcome back to a SDMB's Meet the Board, where we introduce our current board members and give them an opportunity to talk about what motivates them to volunteer their time with SDMB. Second up, acting board vice-president, Kirk Astroth!

1. How long have you been involved with SDMB?

I have been involved with SDMB for about 5 years. (I really am vague on this—who even knows anymore?)

2. What about SDMB’s mission and work really motivates you?

Two things really motivate me about SDMB’s mission: trail building and protection. I love the fact that we are working to actively expand trail networks in southern Arizona and that we have an advocacy mission.

3. What is one personal/professional asset you bring to SDMB?

I got involved in the board because I am passionate about protecting trails like Honeybee that are constantly under the threat of development and elimination. I enjoy working in the political realm. I also bring my passion for data collection to SDMB. I have been placing a bike counter on various trails for the past 4 years and conducting rider surveys in order to ensure that we have hard data to bring to public discussions about the importance of protecting trails.

4. What do you want to accomplish with SDMB moving forward?

Moving ahead, I would like to see SDMB continue to build out more trails, like the 100 Acre Wood Bike Park, Tucson Mountain Park, McKenzie Ranch and other places. I also see a critical role SDMB can play in larger advocacy coalitions like the Network for Arizona Trails and the Pinal Partnership Open Space and Trails Committee. It is important to me that we have a statewide influence on trails and collaborate with groups like the Arizona Trail Association to pursue an agenda at the state level that protects trails and helps get the people of Arizona outdoors. I would also love to see SDMB expand its efforts beyond Tucson and bring others in Pinal County, Santa Cruz County, and Cochise County into our outreach and advocacy efforts. There are many trails outside the Tucson basin that could benefit from our trail maintenance and advocacy efforts.

5. What is your favorite trail to ride (local preferred, but anywhere works)?

My two favorite trails to ride are Honeybee and Sweetwater. Both are very different experiences, but both provide the kind of outdoor Sonoran Desert environment that I seek when I want to go for a spin. Plus, I almost always see someone I know when I am out riding those trails!

Thanks Kirk! Be on the lookout for more bios coming soon!