Baileys Trail System

06/23/2026

There is one week left of pre-registration for the 2026 Baileys Dirt Fondo! Prices will increase June 30th. The earlier you buy, the more you save. We can't wait to see everyone out there on race day, October 24th, 2026!!

Register HERE: https://www.bikereg.com/75692

06/21/2026

Meet Kincaid, our Trail Maintenance Manager! Read his introductory quote below:

"Hello, my name is Kincaid Rood. After working in a variety of roles throughout my 20s, I found I wasn't ever content with the work I was performing until I joined the team at ORCA. I am an avid outdoorsman and feel most at peace when recreating in nature. As the Trail Maintenance Manager at ORCA, I am able to use my passion for the outdoors to foster that same feeling for all users of the Baileys Trail System by providing consistent and sustainable trail maintenance."

We're so grateful to have Kincaid as part of the team!

06/19/2026

After 2.5 years with ORCA as an Economic Recovery Corps Fellow, Jess Leibson is reflecting on the partnerships, projects, and people that shaped her fellowship experience.

Read her full reflection and learn more about the work behind cross-sector collaboration in Ohio HERE: https://baileystrailsystem.org/2026/06/ditching-labels-for-common-ground/

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

URGENT: Contact Bonnie Ward Today to Protect Ohio’s Outdoor Recreation Future
Ohio’s outdoor recreation economy is at a critical crossroads.

The Ohio legislature has removed $750,000 in funding for ORCA, the organization responsible for managing and developing the Baileys Trail System and supporting outdoor recreation, economic development, and community growth across Appalachian Ohio.

Without this funding, ORCA could lose the ability to leverage $2.6 million in federal investment, putting trail maintenance, future recreation projects, local jobs, small businesses, tourism, and community development efforts at risk.

There is still time to make your voice heard.

Governor Mike DeWine and his administration need to hear from Ohioans who support outdoor recreation, economic opportunity, and investment in Appalachian communities.
Contact Southeast Ohio Regional Liaison Bonnie Ward today and urge Governor DeWine to work with legislative leaders to identify a path to restore ORCA funding and protect the future of the Baileys Trail System.

[email protected]
(740) 373-5150
Tell her:
Work with legislative leaders to restore ORCA funding.
Protect the Baileys Trail System.
Preserve $2.6 million in federal investment for Appalachian Ohio.
Support local jobs, small businesses, and rural communities.
Ensure continued investment in outdoor recreation and economic development across the region.
The Baileys Trail System is a world-class Ohio asset and a proven driver of economic opportunity throughout Appalachian Ohio. Losing this funding would have consequences far beyond the trails themselves.
For more information and ways to help, visit:
https://mailchi.mp/orcaohio/action-alert-state-budget-line-item-veto-needed-voice-your-support-to-governor-dewine
Contact Bonnie Ward today. Budget decisions are being finalized, and public input can help demonstrate the importance of maintaining support for ORCA and Appalachian Ohio’s outdoor recreation economy.

06/17/2026

A bill awaiting Gov. Mike DeWine's signature would strip ORCA, the org that manages Baileys Trail System, of $750,000 in funding. The proposed cut comes after lobbying firm Sunday Creek Horizons declined a new contract with ORCA, and Mayor Steve Patterson stepped down from ORCA's board and pulled Athens from the organization. Link in comments.

06/17/2026

Get to know another member of the 2026 AmeriCorps Summer Trail Crew!

We're excited to introduce Addie McGarry, one of the crew members helping maintain and improve the Baileys Trail System this summer. Learn more about Addie below:

Where are you from?
"Athens Ohio, I currently attend school at the University of Vermont "

What led you to the Baileys Trail System?
"I've grown up around the area so I knew about Baileys and the trail system and then wanting to do AmeriCorps over the summer, it was a great fit to serve here!"

Why were you drawn to the Baileys Trail System?
"I chose to work for the Baileys to be able to be outside every day, help the community I grew up in, and see a real impact from my work."

How do you enjoy spending your time outside?
"Hammocking and exploring in the woods."

Everyone please welcome Addie to the crew!

06/15/2026

The next Baileys Dirt Fondo sponsor spotlight is here! Today, we're recognizing the Athens Bicycle Club and thanking them for their continued support of both the Dirt Fondo and the Baileys Trail System.

A huge thank you to the Athens Bicycle Club for their generous support of this year's Dirt Fondo and for everything they do to support the Baileys Trail System year-round. Beyond sponsoring the event, ABC volunteers dedicate countless hours to trail maintenance, stewardship projects, and race-day support. Their commitment helps keep the trails in great shape and ensures events like the Dirt Fondo are a success.

Don't forget! Registration pricing increases throughout the season, so the earlier you register, the more you save.

Registration Schedule:
• May 1–June 30: Pre-Registration
• July 1–August 31: Early Bird Registration
• September 1–October 21: Regular Online Registration
• October 23–24: In-Person Late Registration at Packet Pickup and Event Weekend

Athens Bicycle Club

06/11/2026

Did you miss our latest newsletter?

This spring, we're celebrating the momentum that comes from communities, organizations, and partners working together across Appalachian Ohio. From the completion of all 88 miles of the Baileys Trail System to the launch of Ohio's Rolling Hills, this season has been a reminder of what's possible through collaboration and a shared vision for our region.

Read the full newsletter HERE: https://www.orcaohio.com/newsletter?pgid=lk8qppe5-dcfddffb-0836-4ab7-9245-0fb63725b242

Sign up to receive future newsletters HERE: https://www.orcaohio.com/newsletter

06/10/2026

June Maintenance Day Recap!

Thank you to everyone who came out this past Saturday to help with our June Maintenance Day! Volunteers helped retire an old trail and return it to natural vegetation, pick up litter, and trim trails.

Learn more about volunteering with the Baileys HERE: https://baileystrailsystem.org/volunteer/