It was easy for Jim and Sheryl Jones, of Stanley, to commit to a fund for the good of their community. The hard part was deciding how to direct it. Leaving a legacy requires self-reflection. After 42 years of marriage, many community involvements and interests between them, it was challenging to find something that felt just right.

Jim's background was in agriculture. He went on to be a teacher and a school counselor, and retired as the Stanley School District Superintendent. Sheryl's career was in the information technology sector as a programmer and analyst.

"When you're making a long-term commitment, you want it to be something significant and meaningful, both to you as the donor and to others," said Jim.

They kept coming back to something they've been doing a lot of in retirement: bicycling. It may have been too obvious or lacking the gravitas they thought an endowment deserved. That is, until they considered the joy they've experienced on the trails, the health benefits of bicycling, the wholesome activity for young families, and the adventures available to all ages on a bike. They believe access to beautiful trails connected to parks, playgrounds, eateries and small business leads to the kind of infrastructure and economic growth rural communities need more of.

"You can see so much more on a bike," said Jim. "You go at the pace you like, go off the beaten path and take in small town charm, support the local mom and pop shops. We have great experiences and we meet interesting people no matter where we go."

The couple had always enjoyed the area bike trails with their family, but during the summer of 2020 they biked a lot more. It was something they could do outdoors with others and remain relatively safe from coronavirus. It wasn't long and they upgraded to e-bicycles, putting on hundreds of miles across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, the Dakotas, Montana and Idaho, and beyond.

Now the Joneses travel annually to Majorca, Spain, where the professional cyclists train. They cover about 500 miles of coastline, mountains and beaches in two weeks, soaking up the views and culture of the island.

"It's a great thing when you become empty nesters," said Sheryl. "You get to an age where you realize that you need to keep active and be in good health if you want to be able to do things and enjoy the time you have."

Two years ago, Jim began advocating for a six-mile long bike trail in Stanley with the local Lions Club -one that would go past the school and wind through both Oriole and Chapman Parks. As interest and significant donations grew, it was suggested to Jim that he apply for a state grant. In June, the Joneses were thrilled to learn that the project was granted $682,000 for 5.4 miles of trail, including 300 feet of boardwalk over the wetland.

The Jones' favorite pastime, vision and funding are coming together to create a valuable amenity for the community. With their donor advised fund, they will recommend annual grants to support their passion.

They can make a difference now, and with enough future gifts to the fund, ensure that this and many other trails will be accessible to people of all ages.