Letter from Board President
One of the greatest joys of this work is watching people discover what's been here all along. I can’t wait for more people to realize what adventures we have just outside your neighborhood.
From Expo to Trail: A Cub Scout Troop’s Mountain Biking Journey
The scouts needed to ride 5 miles to earn their badge, but the event soon became about more than just the distance.
Still on Track: Omaha Responds to Turnback Tax Setback
Nebraska's recent denial of Omaha's proposed "Turnback Tax" has raised questions about the project's future — but the City of Omaha says there's no cause for concern, maintaining that the project remains on track for an August 2027 opening.
The Season Starts Here — Gearing Up for 2026
The 2026 season is underway, and the energy at our preseason kick-off said it all. Here's a look at what we heard from our volunteers.
Roots, Rocks, and Right-of-Way: A Volunteer Day at Swanson Park
How a small crew of dedicated trail stewards — and one very generous nursery expert — helped make a beloved park safer for everyone.
THOR Receives Laurel Award for Environment & Open Space
We’re honored to share that Trails Have Our Respect (THOR)—alongside our project partners at the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and Omaha Parks & Recreation
Partnering with the City of Bellevue to Enhance Swanson Park
Big improvements are coming to Swanson Park, thanks to a collaborative effort with the City of Bellevue — complete with a centralized trailhead hub featuring a new kiosk, updated trail map, benches, and native landscaping.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kyle Hansen—A Decade of Dedication
For more than a decade, volunteer Kyle Hansen has helped shape, repair, and reimagine the singletrack many of us ride today.
THOR Receives $15,000 Grant from the REI Cooperative Action Fund!
We’re thrilled to share that the REI Cooperative Action Fund has awarded $15,000 to Trails Have Our Respect in support of our mission.
Tranquility Trail System Project Update: Introducing the Design Team
Big steps forward for Tranquility Park! THOR has brought together a design dream team of Erin Rushing of OZTB Consulting and our longtime partners at IMBA, the national leader in sustainable trail development.
Volunteer Spotlight: The REI CO-OP Team—The Spirit of Stewardship
Trail work isn’t glamorous — it’s sweaty, gritty, and deeply satisfying. The REI Omaha team knows that every hour spent directly impacts the rider, hiker, or runner who hits that trail.
Building Nebraska’s Trail Future Together—IMBA Trail Care School
Trail professionals, park leaders, and community members from across Nebraska came together for the 2025 THOR–IMBA Trail Care School.
Putting More Smiles (and Kids!) on Bikes at Ponca State Park
What a weekend! THOR’s booth at the Missouri River Outdoor Expo was packed from start to finish—over 300 kids and families got fitted with helmets, hopped on bikes, and rode our All-Skills Track with smiles that stretched for miles.
Building Trails, Building Community, Building Connection
Executive Director Community Updates: The goals are clear: Outside for all, movement in nature for everyone, common ground for our communities.
Building Better Trails Together: Black Elk Prairie Downhill Reroute
The finished reroute delivers exactly what riders love — a fun, flowy trail experience with minimal pedaling, smooth sight lines, and wide, gentle berms. Designed to meet trail industry best practices, it’s welcoming for new riders while still keeping things exciting for seasoned enthusiasts.
Volunteer Spotlight: Todd Grassman— Keeping Manawa Alive (and Mowed!)
Meet the man behind Manawa! Todd Grassman is putting in big hours to keep this beginner-friendly trail alive and fun for everyone.
Volunteers Are Amazing (and so are you!)
Why you’ll love volunteering: It’s the ultimate win-win—you help others while gaining something for yourself. You meet new people, build friendships, and pick up new skills.
Smoother Rides Ahead at Black Elk-Neihardt Park
Our trail crew is hard at it in Black Elk-Neihardt Park, shaping 1,500 feet of new flow on the Prairie Downhill reroute. Their expertise keeps trails fun, sustainable, and race-ready — all for the community to enjoy.
Volunteer Spotlight: Howard Shear, a lifelong love of the outdoors
For Howard Shear, retirement wasn’t about slowing down — it was about giving back. After a 42-year career, he found new purpose with THOR, pouring his love of mountain biking and the outdoors into the trails that inspire him.
Good Vibes Ride: Community Appreciation Day
We’re thrilled to introduce a brand new event from Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) — the Good Vibes Ride, happening Sunday, September 28, from 12–5 PM at Platte River State Park.