CDTA TrailFest 2006 World Class Adventures

April 24, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Bruce or Paula Ward
(303) 838-3760
bruce@cdtrail.org or paula@cdtrail.org

Get on the Divide at TrailFest 2006
World Class Adventure on the Continental Divide Trail

PINE, CO — Hikers, former hikers, aspiring hikers, tall tale telling hikers, and volunteers who are building and maintaining the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) are all joining forces to celebrate the Continental Divide Trail Alliance’s TrailFest 2006 in Buena Vista, Colorado on July 15.

According to CDTA’s Paula Ward, “No matter who you are, CDTA wants everyone to join us at TrailFest 2006, a day of world-class adventure and fun on the Continental Divide Trail and a benefit for the completion and protection of the 3,100 mile Trail.”

Free guided “Get on the Divide” adventures let you experience some of the most spectacular mountains, panoramic views and beautiful landscapes on this King of Trails. Choose the mode of transport—hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, llama and goat trekking—and the level of difficulty that’s right for you.

“TrailFest provides a great opportunity for friends of the trail to come together and share their experiences, while helping secure the future of the CDT,” said Royal Robbins, CDTA board member and renowned rock climber.

TrailFest 2006 Basecamp will be in downtown Buena Vista at Columbine Park. Start your morning with a pancake breakfast, leave for your trek, or stick around for gear demonstrations, product displays, and a kid’s adventure area with a rock climbing wall, kayak demo pool, and mountain bike track. The evening will bring local live music, a Taste of the Trail dinner, and a special recognition of CDTA volunteers, as part of the annual CDTA/Vibram Volunteer Awards program. Activities go from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Thirteen different Get on the Divide adventures, from llama treks to mountain bikes, from horseback rides and hikes to volunteering on the Trail are offered during the day.

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in Colorado is being built with help from the proceeds of the Colorado Lottery. TrailFest is, in part, sponsored by $35 Million Cash Spectacular, the newest Scratch Game from the Colorado Lottery. Coloradans are helping to complete this national treasure when they play the new Scratch game as proceeds from this game are returned to the state for the development of parks, trails and recreation facilities.

The CDT was established by Congress as a National Scenic Trail in 1978. When complete, the “King of Trails” will be the most significant trail system in the world. Stretching 3,100 miles along the backbone of America from Canada to Mexico, it accesses some of the most wild and scenic places left in the world while conserving the environment and promoting personal well being.

Since 1995, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance has played a central role toward the completion, management and protection of the Trail and it is the voice for unity in the diverse story of the Trail.

For more information about the Continental Divide Trail or TrailFest, contact CDTA staff at (303) 838-3760 or toll-free 1-888-909-CDTA (2382). Or visit www.cdtrail.org.

###