Daniel Abernethy: Volunteer of the Month

Daniel Abernethy, also known as Lt. Dan, has been a stalwart volunteer of MBoSC for years. He always shows up with a smile on his face and brings happiness to all. What a joy it has been to have Dan in our community. Dan has just made the move to Klamath Falls and will be sorely missed. Thank you for all of your work and support, Dan!

Hey Dan, how are you doing today? - I'm blessed with another day!

How old were you when you started riding bikes? - Training wheels came off the 20" at 6 yrs old - BMX til 13, MTB since 1982.

How long have you been riding in Santa Cruz? - I began riding legal singletrack in Wilder in 1992, I ran an email list at Sun Microsystems. Doug Landauer (MBoSC founder) introduced me to SLV.

How often do you get to ride? - My Cardiologist has prescribed 1 hr exercise a day - I ride when I can but I move daily.

What’s your favorite trail these days? - any trail that I've had a chance to put a tool to is my favorite I suppose.

If you could change one thing about riding in Santa Cruz, what would that be?- I would like to see more courtesy between Cyclists and other trail users. I'm alarmed at a lot of the selfish attitudes.

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of riding in Santa Cruz? - after 25+ yrs of advocacy that has thawed the Ice against bicycle recreationists, we are in a spring melt rush of growth.

Who’s your favorite riding buddy or crew? - the Cadre of MBoSC crew leaders, and the dedicated volunteers who show love for the Crown Jewel that Santa Cruz riding is.

What’s your dream ride day look like? - bluebird day, coffee, a morning rise (Fly fishing), Brekkie, a rolling scenic climb to a vista, snacks, a blissfully long, flowing, technical descent, Coldies, evening rise, Supper, Campfire choppin it up with the tribe.

What was your favorite MTB trip? - I have been making junkets to Southern Oregon for the last 5 yrs., NZ, Australia, Moab, Sedona, Grand Junction, Tahoe, THE SIERRA

Where are you going next? - Southern Oregon - AMF

What do you appreciate the most about MBoSC? - I really appreciate that MBoSC has been the driving advocacy champion for MTB access in Santa Cruz county - 20+ yrs of advocacy is a lot of work and immense dedication.

Why do you volunteer for MBoSC? - I'm a lifelong Bicyclist, and as a Mountain bicyclist I desire to help create, maintain and sustain opportunities for wheels in the woods, as John Muir wrote:

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. "

This is why I volunteer.

Lt.Dan