TTC Captain Spotlight: Aidan Long
When student-athlete Aidan Long kept getting turned around on the trails at the Birdsboro Preserve, he saw more than a problem - he saw an opportunity to help his community. Aidan, a sophomore at Twin Valley High School and four-year rider on the Twin Valley mountain bike team, turned that experience into a TTC Captain project focused on creating and installing handcrafted trail signs to help all trail users navigate the preserve more easily.
Inspired by the trail stewardship values he learned through PICL, Aidan discovered that giving back to the trails could have a real impact. Working alongside his coaches, teammates, scout troop, and Berks Trail Works, he designed, painted, and installed signs at key intersections where riders and hikers were most likely to get lost.
The project also challenged Aidan to grow as a leader. He learned how to use a CNC machine, coordinate volunteers, communicate with organizations, and even secure donations from local businesses like Walmart and Elverson Supply. Along the way, he learned that successful projects take planning, teamwork, and flexibility - and that people are often excited to support a project when they see the passion behind it.
“Looking back, I would start earlier and communicate event details sooner. Overall, the experience was incredibly rewarding. ”
For student-athletes considering a TTC Captain project, Aidan’s advice is simple: start with something you care about.
Whether it’s fixing a problem, improving a trail, or helping other riders have a better experience, one idea can grow into something meaningful. Passion, teamwork, and a willingness to step up can create lasting impact - both on the trails and in yourself.