South Cumberland State Park ranger Jason Reynolds, left, and park manager John Christof show off two of three new mountain bikes donated by the Friends of the South Cumberland State Park to help rangers patrol the back-country. The rangers plan to use the bikes for some duties rather than pickup trucks and four-wheelers that are less environmentally friendly.
Contributed photo/South Cumberland State ParkSouth Cumberland State Park rangers now can be seen out of their cars, off their four-wheelers and aboard new mountain bikes, thanks to a gift from the park’s friends group.
In December, park manager John Christof asked the Friends of South Cumberland State Park to fund the rangers’ request for bikes, as such items deemed nonessential are difficult for the park to buy under current budget constraints.
“When the rangers showed interest in having bikes, we were excited to help supply them with this, as the request fits well within our mission of supporting the park,” said Ty Burnette, Friends president.
Supplying the bikes is great for the public image of the park and its environmental conscience, Burnette said.
The outfitted Trek mountain bikes, bought from Woody’s Bicycles in Sewanee, Tenn., have racks and packs and cost $650 each. The group has given three of them to the park.