Author: pagodapacers

by Kelly Ammon

On August 1, I ran the Art Loeb Trail in Pisgah National Forest completely solo and self-supported, and it was perhaps the biggest “jump into the unknown” feat I’ve ever accomplished.

ALT is a trail that runs approximately 30 miles (with ~9k ft of climbing) from start to finish in western North Carolina. Every summer I travel for a weeklong company conference in eastern NC, so this year I thought, why not leave a few days early and score a great trail run in the process?

When the idea first crossed my mind, I was excited but also incredibly anxious. I love running 50ks, but it’s something completely different, especially as a woman, to take on a completely unknown trail, completely alone. My sister connected me with her friend, Stephanie, a wilderness badass in her own right, who would provide me with some insight into the area and a shuttle the morning of my run.

I “took off” around 7:30 Saturday morning. I say “took off” ironically, because it was about 16 miles up of rhodie tunnels (aka, tight single track of rhododendron). Just climbing, not really even views to speak of, just climb, climb, climb, and more climb. I moved with purpose but mostly power-hiking and singing so I wouldn’t get eaten by a bear.

Around mile 18, I reached the most “tourist-y” section of trail and was rewarded with some great views and human interaction. At this point I was running low on water and started using my water filter. (Nothing makes you feel more like a badass than filtering water from moss runoff in the middle of the woods.)

In my mind, I just needed to make it to mile 20, and it would be all downhill. That was mostly true, but the last 10 miles were also the least traveled and most overgrown. The trail became very, very narrow and shiggy on both sides, taller than me. Although it was easier than the climbing, it wasn’t easy to send it.

Most of the ALT is marked by white blazes, but in the shining rock wildness there is nothing marking the trail. I had the route saved to my watch, and with about 4 miles left, it told me to go a very hard 90° (or more) to the left. Around the same time, janky, homemade, red, spray paint blazes began. I trusted my watch but at one point wondered if I’d ever get off the mountain or if I was being lured to a serial killer’s lair. (I’ve seen Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Deliverance, so that baseline of fear is always there.) I was so incredibly happy to finally make it to the trailhead and see my car waiting for me.

If you’ve made it this far through my “race” report, thank you. A few friends have asked me, “Why ALT?” Yes, it was convenient with my work schedule, but mostly because of my cousin, DJ. A handful of you met him when he ran the Conestoga with us. We ran Boulder Field and Bull Run together (team win!). He ran ALT with some friends a few years ago, and we were always talking about runs/races/FKTs we wanted to do, together or solo.

DJ was an awesome runner, loved an adventure, and last October, he took his own life. Trail running for me has always been part adventure, part escape, and absolutely more than just fitness. That’s only been amplified since last October; my bucket list has only grown for me, but also for him, for runs he did and those he didn’t get to. I only hope that I can keep doing this for years and years and years to come.

Sometimes running or “trail therapy” isn’t enough, and when it’s not, don’t hesitate for one second to reach out to me or a friend or a professional. There’s no shame in it.

Berks County pedestrians and cyclists have a chance to be part of a Steering Committee that will update the County’s “Active Transportation Plan.”

Interested in representing the Pacers on this committee? Reach out to Newsletter Editor Matt Brophy for more information (Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com).

Below is an overview of the committee, and the important work it will be doing, from the Berks County Planning Commission:

Every person that lives, works, or visits Berks County depends on the transportation system to get around.  They travel not only by motor vehicle but also by walking, rolling, riding, or using public transportation. The Reading Area Transportation Study (RATS), the federally designated Metropolitan PIanning Organization (MPO) for Berks County, recognizes these various modes and has initiated work to update the 2020 Berks County Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan with a completely new Active Transportation Plan.  This Plan will examine issues related to bicycle, pedestrian, and accessible transportation and how they integrate with safety, community health and movement.  It also serves as the non-motorized component of the county’s Long Range Transportation Plan.

As a vital part of the process, we are looking to establish a Steering Committee composed of community members who represent constituencies with interests in the issues to be covered by this Plan.  Based on your demonstrated commitment to local planning or your interest in bicycle, pedestrian, accessibility, and safety issues, you have been named as a possible candidate to serve on the Active Transportation Plan Steering Committee.  If a representative of your organization elects to participate in this process, we estimate that your commitments to this task would be limited to one meeting quarterly scheduled over a 15-month period that would culminate with Plan adoption in November 2027.

A kickoff meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, September 29, 2026, beginning at 1:30 p.m.  This meeting (and all subsequent meetings) will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.  Please let us know if you or a representative are willing to participate in this effort no later than Monday, September 21, 2026.  During our initial meeting, we will determine a coordinated meeting schedule for the rest of the project duration.