Strengthening Community and Trails: The Powerful Partnership Between The Shad Co and Hawes Trail Alliance
- Kirby Wisdom
- Oct 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 4
When community and nature come together, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what we’re witnessing in the relationship between The Shad Co bicycle shop and the Hawes Trail Alliance (HTA). Together, they’ve not only helped grow awareness for the beauty of the Hawes Trail network but also created a space where cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts can come together to protect and preserve these cherished trails.
A Partnership That Paves the Way for Community Engagement
The Shad Co, a local gem in the cycling world, has long been more than just a shop selling bikes and accessories—it’s a cornerstone of the outdoor adventure community. By working hand in hand with the Hawes Trail Alliance, they’ve created an impactful partnership centered around advocacy, education, and sustainability for the Hawes Trail network.
One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is the way it encourages community involvement. The Shad Co hosts volunteer trail days in partnership with HTA, where outdoor lovers of all ages come together to lend a helping hand in maintaining and improving the trails. These volunteer days are more than just an opportunity to work on the trails—they’re a chance for people to connect with nature, support their local trail systems, and make lasting memories with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
The Heart and History of the Hawes Trail Alliance
The Hawes Trail Alliance was formed with one goal in mind: to protect and enhance the Hawes Trail network for future generations. With miles of stunning trails that weave through the Arizona desert landscape, the HTA works tirelessly to preserve these paths, advocate for outdoor recreation, and promote responsible trail use.
Through their outreach programs, the HTA has garnered a large community of supporters who share their passion for preserving the Hawes Trail network. The organization focuses on building awareness and educating the public about sustainable trail use, ensuring that this beautiful part of the world remains accessible for everyone, whether they’re cyclists, hikers, or nature lovers.
As an exclusive dealer of HTA merchandise—ranging from hats and socks to t-shirts—The Shad Co gives people the opportunity to wear their support for the trails proudly. Every item purchased from The Shad Co not only supports local businesses but also directly benefits the ongoing work of the HTA in keeping the trails in top condition and open for all to enjoy.
A Bright Future: Growing the Hawes Trail Network
Looking ahead, the future of the Hawes Trail network is incredibly exciting. HTA is committed to expanding the system and enhancing the experience for trail users. In the coming years, there will be many more miles of trails added to the network, offering new and diverse routes for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers to explore. These new additions will provide even more opportunities for outdoor recreation, bringing more people into the area and strengthening the connection between the community and the outdoors.
HTA’s expansion efforts aren’t just about adding more trails—they’re about creating sustainable, accessible, and well-designed paths that ensure the integrity of the land is preserved. The alliance is dedicated to maintaining the balance between growing the trail system and protecting the natural beauty of the region, allowing future generations to enjoy the same experiences we do today.
With a strong focus on long-term sustainability, HTA also plans to implement more educational programs and workshops to engage the community in trail stewardship. These initiatives will continue to foster a culture of care, ensuring that the trails remain not only accessible but also well-maintained for years to come.
Giving Back to the Trails, Together
By bringing together passionate individuals from all walks of life, The Shad Co and HTA have created a community-driven movement that is making a real difference. The volunteer trail days are a beautiful reflection of what can happen when we all pitch in to support something we love. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker, a weekend hiker, or a first-time visitor to the area, the work being done by these organizations ensures that the trails will remain a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
For The Shad Co, it’s more than just repairing bikes—it’s about building a culture of stewardship and care for the outdoors. Their continued support for the HTA's mission allows them to serve as a hub of information, collaboration, and action for trail advocates. When you visit The Shad Co, you’re not just shopping for gear; you’re becoming part of a movement dedicated to preserving the trails and the natural beauty around us.
Looking to the Future
As the partnership between The Shad Co and the Hawes Trail Alliance continues to grow, it’s clear that their impact will be felt for generations to come. Through their combined efforts, they’re making the Hawes Trail network a stronger, more accessible, and more sustainable place for everyone. The Shad Co’s volunteer days, HTA’s educational programs, and the ongoing advocacy work are just the beginning of what promises to be an enduring and vibrant partnership.
The future of the Hawes Trail network is bright, with more trails to explore and a stronger community of supporters behind it. So next time you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, grab some HTA merch, sign up for a volunteer trail day, or swing by The Shad Co to get involved. It’s a partnership that’s not only helping to protect the trails we love but is also bringing our community together, one ride, one hike, and one volunteer day at a time.
Let’s keep the trails beautiful—and let’s keep the momentum going!
Check out the Hawes Trail Network on TrailForks!
If you would like to know more or donate to HTA check out this link!
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