‘Soles in the Backcountry’ challengers head for the trails

MAT-SU — Butte. Lazy. Marmot. Hatcher Pass. Eklutna.

These aren’t crossword puzzle clues for a puzzle titled “Milepost.” They are real places in the Mat-Su’s backyard. And they are proof of how a good idea becomes a movement among locals to embrace and enjoy the outdoors around them. That’s why Soles in the Backcountry Summer Challenge is becoming the new trend around town, and it seems everyone wants in.

“I guess it started out when I first climbed Pioneer Peak a few years ago,” said Tony Berberich, owner of Backcountry Bike and Ski, “I had lived here almost my entire life and had never hiked Pioneer, Then one day in January or February at the DMV I was standing next to this lady and I wondered if she had ever climbed Pioneer. Or even the Butte. Did she know even know where the trailheads were? That’s when I started thinking about putting together some sort of non-competitive event that anyone could do.”

Two months later in April, Berberich, Erin Kessler, Kate Arnold, and Ann Thomas, owner of Active Soles and Body in Balance Physical Therapy, met in partnership to iron out details for the Soles in the Backcountry Challenge. It was meant to give people the resources and incentives to get off the couch and experience the wonderful place called home in a non-competitive, fun way with a reward at the end.

“Erin [Kessler] really made it all happen,” Berberich said. “When you ask her to do something, she goes at full speed.”

One month later, posters, Facebook, and Adventure cards were ready to go. “It’s a way for people to get out there and have fun. It’s such a great place to live and there is so much to do,” Kessler said.

Throughout the summer and until Oct. 15, people can challenge themselves to 10 target adventures. Once an adventure is complete, stamps are earned by either presenting a photo document of the accomplishment, posting on the Soles in the Backcountry‘s Facebook, recording a GPS tracking of the adventure, or sending an email to solesinthebackcountry@gmail.com. Stamps are given out at Active Soles Shoes in Palmer, Backcountry Bike and Ski in Palmer, or at their Wasilla store.

“So far, we have passed out over 400 Adventure cards, and our Facebook has 1,000 likes. I can’t believe all the people who have come in to get cards and tell me that they didn’t even know where Lazy Mountain was before,” Kessler said.

Brandon Thielke, a recent transplant from Wyoming and part-time employee at Backcountry Bike and Ski said, “I have given out a lot of cards to mother-daughter pairs. It’s a great way to have some family bonding, plus it’s good for helping people new to the area to get out and meet people and get to know the Valley, too.”

But, Berberich, a self-admitted competitor, wanted the Adventures to be more than just about competition. “I wanted it to be non-competitive so anyone, their dog, their friends, their families, could be a part of this great place. I believe in community involvement, so I also wanted it to include being part of the community.”

Therefore, Adventure stamps can be also earned by volunteering at an outdoor event or race. A list of volunteer events and other adventures are linked on the Backcountry Bike and Ski website, www.backcountrybikeandski.com.

The Soles in the Backcountry challenges include:

• Hike the Butte

• Hike Lazy Mountain

• Climb a mountain

• Bike the Butte Bike Path

• Compete in a Triathlon

• Join an active club

• Compete in a Valley running race

• Compete in a Valley based bike race

• Explore the Matanuska Greenbelt

• Hike or Bike Eklutna Lake Trail

• Volunteer in the outdoors or at a local race

• Do an orienteering event or find a geocache

• Hike or bike a trail in Hatcher Pass

On Oct. 17, a grand ceremony is planned in Palmer to celebrate the Soles in the Backcountry Challengers. Prizes include a backcountry bike from Backcountry Bike and Ski, running shoes from Active Soles, massages from Bionic Chiropractic and Midnight Yoga sessions.

For more information, stop in at any one of the three sponsoring businesses, email at solesinthebackcountry@gmail.com or call Backcountry Ski and Bike at 746-5018 or 376-6262.