Miss. River Trail and String of Pearls Project

In Sept. Terry Eastin, the Executive Director of Mississippi River Trails, responsponded to a letter I wrote.

Blogger Larry Lagarde, a New Orleans Cyclist, and Blogger, responded to Mr. Eastin.

Now comes word of collaboration between the 2 men:

Kiril,

Just a quick update regarding Terry Eastin and the Mississippi River Trail (MRT).

Thanks to you, the MRT Executive Director Terry Eastin invited me to attend the annual meeting of their board of directors and to participate in their round table discussions concerning the MRT's future, a future that is bright indeed.

Not only are they creating a new and exciting website, the MRT is spearheading the String of Pearls project to promote growth and awareness of trail projects up and down the course of the Mississippi River.

For example, one portion of the project known as a Pearl In The Rough concentrates on redeveloping the MRT in the New Orleans area. Given New Orleans' flat and compact layout and that the city is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, this project could make a major impact on improving the local quality of life.

The MRT has asked me to come up with 3 ways that I can help promote and develop the trail both for today and for future generations.

As step one, I've created a Yahoo Group to serve as a discussion forum and information archive that further leverages the power of the Internet for trail advocates and users.

The group is open to everyone; users can opt to be notified whenever new topics or posts are added or can opt out at any time.

To join the MRT's Yahoo Group, visit here

The MRT's website is here

Best wishes,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com

From the ashes of Katrina bike trails will rise again, and I am responsible for bringing people together to accomplish this.

I am humbled, and am sitting here with tears in my eyes.