Lake Tahoe Yoga volunteers work on Elks Point bike path

Volunteers with Lake Tahoe Yoga came together to clean up the bike path that runs from Elks Point Road to Pine Ridge. The studio, serving the South Lake Tahoe area community for ten years, demonstrated their dedication to keeping Tahoe blue with a focus on Ahimsa (non-harming) and rallying residents to help on the path.

Kudos: Lake Tahoe Yoga is offering gratitude to the volunteers who gave their time and energy to clearing the path. Special thanks to Forest, Chrissy & Anna Silverman, Iris Kamm, Steve Wetterer, Kelly & Mike Garcia, Kathy Fields, Aimee Leskovic and Geoff & Lisa Valentine. In addition, they would like to thank TAMBA (Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association) for donating the use of tools and Tahoe Justice Department for supplying tools, trash bags, gloves, and dog poo bags.

The volunteers raked pine needles from the trail, shoveled sand and debris deposited by eluvial fans, redirected watershed, and did their best to clear the path.

“The perfect day to be out [clearing the trail],” said volunteer Chrissy Silverman. "The overcast skies and cooler temperatures made for great working conditions and the rain held off until the teams had completed the clearing."

“I hope that Lake Tahoe Yoga hosts this event every year. I would love to do this again,” said Aimee Leskovic.

In the past, Douglas County had maintained the trail. Although many of the area residents utilize the trail, the county has not tended to it in the last few years. Jenay Aiksnoras, owner of Lake Tahoe Yoga, regularly commutes via bike on the trail. She has been planning a trail day for the past year and reached out to Douglas County Parks (DCP) for information about the future intentions for the trail.

“I hope that our efforts make it easier for Douglas County to come in and repair the trail so that it can continue to be used by the community,” said Aiksnoras.

She said DCP has mentioned that they plan on sealing the trail this June.

"Clearing the bicycle path is just one way to practice Yoga everywhere," said Aiksnoras in a press release. "The physical activity is Asana (poses), being outdoors connects you with nature (Dharana), volunteering is a way to be in service to others (Karma) and joining in the activity with others encourages Satsang (conversation). Lake Tahoe Yoga® invites everyone in the community to discover how Yoga can be part of your lifestyle regardless of age or ability. Contact the studio to learn about how you can practice Yoga."

Every practice at LTY is designed to encourage self-awareness, directed breathing, and mindfulness. You can join any of studio owner, Jenay’s, classes and be treated to philosophical conversation, physiological exploration, traditional Yogic breathing techniques, sound vibration and more. For more information: http://www.laketahoeyoga.com/.