Multi-use trails are a hot topic for outdoor enthusiasts. Bikers want biking trails, hikers want hiking trails and horseback riders want equestrian trails.

One problem that exists, though, is the conservation agencies don’t have enough resources to create trails for specific types of recreation. To combat this problem, multi-use trails are created to keep up with the increasing demand for trails from the outdoor conscious public.

Story County is working together with biking clubs and equine groups to create a coexistence on the Heart of Iowa Trail.

“We are currently managing the trail specifically with biking and horseback riding in mind,” Linda Zaletel, naturalist for the Story County Conservation Board said. “There is a crushed limestone path for bikes and low mowed grass for horses.”

Since all types of uses have to be facilitated on these trails, people have to respect the rights of all uses of the trail. Mountain bikers get a bad rap for not respecting slower modes of recreation, such as hiking and horseback riding.

Because horseback riding and mountain biking have become increasingly popular in Iowa, there are certain safety issues at hand when using multi-use trails that people should learn.

To address these issues, The Story County Trails Advisory Committee and the Story County Conservation Board are sponsoring the Fifth Annual Horse Bike Trail Ride on Sunday Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. in Rhodes.

The goal of the ride is to help trail users understand the concept of multi-use trails and how they can treat others they meet along the trails. The ride will emphasize how to safely approach horses on the trail while hiking and mountain biking.

The ride will begin at the Rhodes trailhead of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail and will trek down the crushed limestone trail east to the Collins trailhead.

There is no cost for the ride and registration is requested, but not required.

For more information about the ride contact Carol Williams, Ranger, Story County Conservation Board at 232-2516.