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The Christopher Martin Ashby Memorial Trail is more than just a biking and walking trail.
The 1.95-mile paved trail is the family’s lasting legacy to the community that has supported them through one of the hardest experiences of their lives.
Friday afternoon Barb and Gene Ashby of rural Luverne were surrounded by family, friends and individuals who worked behind the scenes to make the trail a reality.
The Ashbys unveiled the metal sign designating the trailhead and officially dedicated the trail to their son, Chris, who died at age 16 in a car accident in 2006.
United Methodist Church pastor Dorie Hall, Luverne, offered a prayer blessing the new trail.
“May those who travel enjoy this path — as it may be by the many manners we have available: feet, big and small; and wheels of all sizes, paws and strollers,” Hall said.
“May this trail be a blessing. May those who enjoy the time upon it feel peace, protection, safety, a deep sense of joy and the beauty of your gifts in the nature which surrounds them.”
Emily Crabtree, executive director with the Luverne Area Community Foundation, organized the event that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Crabtree helped the Ashbys invest $1 million toward the trail almost six years ago. She said the couple started planning the trail four years before they entered her office.
“About 2 1/2 years ago they said it was time to start doing this,” Crabtree said. “They said ‘We need to do this. How do we do this?’”
DGR Engineering out of Rock Rapids was hired to design the trail, which at Gene Ashby’s request, now ties into two existing bike and walking trails, The Luverne Loop and the Blue Mound Trail.
The Ashby trail starts near the Rock River and goes west goes through Luverne City Park and to County Road 9 near the Luverne Country Club.
In an agreement with Rock County commissioners, the county will maintain the trail.
Crabtree said if landowners were not willing to give up a portion of their land, the trail wouldn’t have been possible.
The Ashby trail winds through farmland owned by Jennifer and Dean Tofteland, a campground developed by Mike Davis and Billy Cowell, and around the north border of the Rock County Sportsman’s Club.
Henning Construction of Adrian completed the work.
“It starts with taking risk,” Crabtree told the group gathered for the dedication. “You don’t know what you can do until you try.”
On the trailhead sign the Ashbys (working with Luverne Economic Director Holly Sammons and sign fabricator Scott Viessmen with A-1 Jet of Luverne) include pictures of Chris and share how they enjoyed biking as a family.
In part the sign reads, “This gift allows them to share this recreation and experience with other individuals, families and bike enthusiasts.”
The sign’s other side contains information in remembrance of the Luverne High School sophomore.
Barb, whose Parkinson’s Disease confines her to a wheelchair, thanked everyone who helped the memorial trail become a reality.
Gene also thanked everyone, hinting that the couple’s legacy is not done. “I’m glad we have this part at least done,” he said.
Currently the Christopher Martin Ashby Memorial Trail ends at County Road 9, near the Ashby home on County Road 4 east of Luverne.
Original plans had the trail looping north to County Road 4 and past the Ashby home as it turned back to Luverne, but a safe pathway along the busy road wasn’t found.
However, shoulders along County Road 4 will be paved during next year’s reconstruction project. They will not be marked as a bike path.