I had seen bicycle rental kiosks on my trips downtown, on the North Shore and throughout the Southside and at the urging of a friend, I decided to try bicycling.  It was something that I had not done in 40 years.  My first ride started at 27^th Street in the Southside and I bicycled along the riverfront trail all the way to Sandcastle Waterpark and back (approx. 6 miles).  For an experienced rider, that would have been a good warm up but I was proud of myself for completing it.  It was incredibly beautiful, serene and most of all, fun!  In my ensuing rides, I found that it was so pretty and so peaceful that it was hard for me to believe that I was in Pittsburgh and not on vacation!  How did I not know about these treasures that were literally in my own backyard!

My trips to the trails became the highlight of my days.  On days when the weather wasn’t conducive to riding, I would walk the trails which actually gave me a better chance to explore all that they had to offer.  As I continued to utilize the trails, my health improved, the weight came off and I found that the tranquility of the trails gave me a much needed mental health break from the problems of the world. 
When I used the trails, I found it hard to do anything but live in the moment and enjoy my surroundings. I also began to wonder who in the world developed and maintained these miles and miles of paved trails along the rivers through some of the most beautiful scenery in Western Pennsylvania.  Whoever it was, I owed them big time!

During my trail visits, I came across some signs for some Friends of the Riverfront events posted along the trails. I looked them up and
my questions about who I owed my debt of gratitude were answered. I started my involvement with Friends of the Riverfront by being a financial supporter but I found myself wanting to be more involved.  It seemed that I had conflicts and could not attend several of their organized events but then I saw in an email that they were starting a new program called Trail Ambassadors and they were looking for volunteers.

I signed up and attended an orientation and training meeting.  They explained three ways that Trail Ambassadors could contribute.  One way was being a Riding Ambassador which consisted of wearing a green “Friends of the Riverfront Ambassador” vest and ride a segment of the trail looking for and reporting possible safety hazards, stocking maps of the trails in map boxes posted along the trails, offering assistance to anyone who appeared to need it, and being a presence who reinforced that the trails were a safe place for all to enjoy.  The second Trail Ambassador activity is to volunteer at events to promote the organization.  Often times, a “Friends of the Riverfront” tent will be set up at a community activity or special ride along the trail and we explain what Friends of the Riverfront does, answer questions, allow interested people to sign up for email or to express an interest in volunteering.  We offer trail maps, treats and set up games to help make the event more festive for the public.  The final way that Trail Ambassadors can contribute is to hold a “Trail-gating” session at predesignated locations along the trail.  The Trail Ambassador will set up a table with a yard style sign identifying them and greet riders and walkers who are using the trail and offer maps, answer questions, gather feedback about user’s experiences on the trails.  Users are also offered the opportunity to sign up for emails and or volunteer possibilities.      

I have been a Riding Ambassador and an Events Volunteer on several occasions.  Both have offered me the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and pass on what the trails can offer and how “Friends of the Riverfront” contributes to that experience.  I look forward to adding Trail-gaiting to my activities next year and I’ve heard that an exciting new component of leading group rides on the trails is in development. 

Although it is not part of the Trail Ambassador program, I also plan to add “Friends of the Riverfront Trail Tuesdays” to my activities. This is where groups of volunteers address graffiti, litter, and brush/vine overgrowth to keep the trails beautiful and safe.

While I don’t see any way that I can pay back those that came before me in the creating and maintaining The Three Rivers Heritage Trail, “Friends of the Riverfront” is giving me a wonderful opportunity to pay it forward for those that come after me.