Episode 2 - Anatomy of a Mountain Town - Ruidoso, New Mexico: Stephen Carter is the founder and Executive Director of EcoServants, a non-profit trail building organization in Lincoln and Otero Counties. Stephen has lived in Ruidoso since the 1980s. Like most mountain folk, he’s had many jobs, waiter, restaurant manager, computer repair, and he’s done some time in the oilfield. A part of living in the mountains is creating the job you want. Stephen has a passion for trails and community. His AmeriCorps EcoRangers program builds multi-use trails and rehabilitates current trails all around Ruidoso and the surrounding mountains. It also puts young people to work, teaching them the importance of proper trail construction and maintenance. There are currently 60 to 70 miles of trail built by his EcoServants organization.
This episode was recorded during the Texas Tech University Adventure Media bikepacking trip, along the Billy The Kid and Smokey Bear route outside of Ruidoso, New Mexico. This was day two, and we had fought the wind all day. The dirt and gravel had pelted us relentlessly. When I sat down with Stephen near our campsite at the Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, my face was coated with dirt, and I was knackered.
We talk about the art of trail construction and the camaraderie it builds within his crews and the greater community. Stephen gives me his breakfast, lunch, and dinner recommendations for Ruidoso, and tells me about village life in the the 80s. Stephen and his EcoRangers are building the future outdoor adventure infrastructure of Lincoln County. Ruidoso is a great mountain town, and its trail system is stellar. After you listen to this podcast, I’m confident you’ll load up the bikes and point the family truckster to Southwest New Mexico.
