Hit the Trails

Photo By Emily McCamy | Petty Officer 2nd Class Kate Morris and Petty Officer 2nd Class Edith Mitchem, both Sailors deployed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo, squeeze in a hike along Ridgeline Trail before sunset, Dec. 9. The Ridgeline Trail offers challenging terrain for outdoor enthusiasts as well as scenic views overlooking U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detained enemy combatants, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the Global War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations.  

12.12.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Emily McCamy 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

By Emily Russell
Joint Task Force Guantanamo

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Kick up your heels or grab two wheels and make a plan to hit the trails around U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Whether a hiker, runner, biker, or just an outdoor enthusiast, the recreational trails offer scenic views, challenging hills and technical riding for those saddled on a bike.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation recently began coordinating group bike rides. The most recent organized ride took place on the Leeward side of base.

"The mountain biking trip was suggested by a patron," said Becky Creed, Liberty events coordinator for MWR. "So far it's been very successful. It's a great event. You get exercise and it gives you a different look at the base."

The trails around base offer varying levels of difficulty, from stretches of flat trail to steep hills. There are sections that travel along the coast as well as a nature trail at the marina. With 14 named sections such as the Hutia Highway, Ridgeline Trail and Pelican Pass, there is plenty of ground to cover.

"It's a nice path along the Leeward coast," Creed said. "It's approximately four miles, and very scenic."

If you don't have a bike, rentals are available at the MWR Marina.

According to Creed, the next organized ride should take place sometime in January.

With heavy rains, especially during the hurricane season, Creed noted the trails occasionally close due to poor trail conditions.

On another organized ride – taking place on the Windward side – a section of trail was closed, so riders took on John Paul Jones hill instead and traveled the steep climb up to the wind-turbines.

When travelling the trails, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, plan your route and be respectful of wildlife and others enjoying the trail. Know the rules of the trail and abide by them and, most importantly, practice safety. The full list of trail rules can be found on the back of the MWR hiking and biking trail map.

http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

• Date Taken: 12.12.2008
• Date Posted: 12.15.2008 13:25
• Story ID: 27710