How FOTW chose the names of Saxon’s newest trails
The Climb
We worked behind the scenes for years to build a foundation of funds needed to take on a project like this. One important source of funding is made possible by the VMBA Naming Grant program. This allows chapters to partner with local businesses to make a meaningful impact in our respective communities.
This project was perfect for our summit loop idea. This will improve the trail user experience, enhance our network, and build a stronger community around Saxon Hill, which is already bursting with good energy.
This brought us to The Royal Group. The goal was to partner with a VMBA Chapter on a project near Chittenden County directly benefiting the surrounding community. We were awarded a grant of $15,000 to be put towards the new build.
As a thank you, we asked Rex from the Royal Group, what would you want to name the trail? The answer, a very special dog, Moki. Keeping true to Saxon’s flow, we think this climb will be a special new kind of flow, so Moki Flow is here to stay!
The Descent
If you came to our kickoff party, you already know where this one is headed. If you have been reading along all summer, we have been sharing all sorts of stories about our 25 year history. The culmination of this trail, this year, could not be more special. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for one person. Hans Jenny.
I had the pleasure of gathering these stories about our history. Everyone I spoke with shared a common theme about Hans, unmatched enthusiasm for trails and endless encouragement to get people on a mountain bike. He has introduced mountain biking directly to countless folks over the years and 1000’s more through the trails he has rallied behind. You will be hard pressed to find a person who loves trails as much as Hans, so this is why we are naming this trail for Hans.
Our board noodled over different names like “Put Your Hans Up” “Hans in the Air” “Look Ma, no Hans”, but after consulting with Jade, he confirmed that this man loves his flow trails these days, so Hans Flow it is.
We are honored to have an incredible builder like Brooke from Sinuosity who honed his craft on our trails. Our board and staff have enjoyed bringing this dream to reality. We are thrilled to finally share this with a community built on the enthusiasm and encouragement of Hans. Without further ado, we bring to you, Hans Flow.