Welcome to the latest edition of "Tales from the Trails," the newsletter from NavajoYES! This issue celebrates the vibrant activities, events, and projects that have been unfolding across the Navajo Nation, offering a glimpse into the community's commitment to health, wellness, and outdoor recreation. Here's a summary of the key highlights:

Diné Bike Project

In February, NavajoYES distributed over 100 bikes through three Bike Exchange weekends. Donations came from Aspen and Carbondale, Colorado, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, including 120 bikes, parts, accessories, and safety gear.

Trails Conference 2024

The 9th Annual Outdoor Recreation & Trails Conference took place in Window Rock, AZ, featuring prominent speakers from Rail to Trail Conservancy, Revolution Rail Company, and Navajo Parks & Recreation. The conference fostered discussions on enhancing outdoor recreation and developing rail-to-trail initiatives.

ARPA Grant and Park Improvements

Thanks to an ARPA grant, NavajoYES provided 100 park benches to various parks, including Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. Future plans include adding exercise stations and picnic tables to support these parks further.

Rail to Trail and Revolution Rail Company

Eric Oberg and Kevin Bell from Rail to Trail Conservancy visited Navajo Nation to discuss rail-to-trail efforts, while Robert Harte from Revolution Rail Company explored the potential for rail bikes on the former Black Mesa to Lake Powell Railroad.

Exciting Races and Events

• LCR Half Marathon: Kicked off the Navajo Parks Race Series with a winter run in February.
• MV Ultra: Celebrated its 10th anniversary with new courses that were well-received by runners.
• Chiltown Bicycle Classic: The first event in the Tour de Rez Cup Series, supported by Chilchinbeto Chapter and Canyonlands Healthcare.
• Antelope Canyon Ultra: NavajoYES served as an official charity and hosted an aid station.
• Wilderness First Aid Course: Conducted a two-day training in January, attracting participants from various backgrounds.
• School Visits: Promoted health and wellness at schools around the reservation, with more visits planned in April.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:

• March 30 & April (TBA): Bike Exchange in Beclabito, NM
• April: School visits around the reservation
• April 6: NavajoYES Board Meeting in Page, AZ
• May 4: Shiprock Marathon in Shiprock, NM
• May 18: Hashkeniinii Bike Race in Navajo Mountain, UT
• June 8: 12 Hours of Asaayi in Camp Asaayi, NM
• June 2024 (TBD): Wilderness First Aid Training in Monument Valley, UT

In Memoriam

NavajoYES honors the memory of Larry Holiday, a beloved MC at many events. His stories, humor, and spirit will be dearly missed but forever remembered.

Stay connected with NavajoYES through their social media channels and website for the latest updates and ways to get involved. Ahéhee’!
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www.NavajoYES.org | @NavajoYES | @navajo_yes