ESSAY

MOVED BY THE MOUNTAINS

Why I Opened an Outfitter in a Small Appalachian Town

BY MANDELA ECHEFU

STANDING IN FRONT OF THE 12-FOOT

showcase windows with a history of offering everything from pharmaceuticals to bridal gowns and other goods as far back as the early 1900s, I can’t help but be amazed by life’s twists and turns. In only a few weeks, a Nigerian immigrant and an adopted son of the Appalachians will be opening an outdoor storefront in the heart of one of Maryland’s most historic towns. I’m doing so in the hope of not just realizing the American dream for myself, but for all those who see themselves in me.

It’s regularly said that America runs on small businesses; according to JPMorgan Chase research, over 99 percent of America’s 28.7 million firms are small businesses. These operations not only provide an opportunity to earn a living, they also build and develop communities, and allow their creators to tell their individual stories. Most of the vibrant small towns around the country are made up of a variety of colors, ideas, races, and genres. That’s what makes them interesting.

My story is not terribly different from anyone who has a deep love for nature and understands the power of exploring the outdoors. It starts with my unscheduled encounter with the beauty of the western Appalachian Mountains in Cumberland, Maryland, while on what was supposed to be a short layover on my way up the corporate ladder. The intended destination was always a corner office with a view in the midst of concrete and glass skyscrapers. My story is of one who waded cautiously into the eddies of flat-water paddles, short hikes, and tow path bike rides, only to be sucked in by the escalating rapids of roaring whitewater runs, thrilling downhill mountain bike rides, earning turns in the backcountry skiing, and overnight solo backpacking trips. I was moved by the mountains, and among them is now where my heart feels most at home. “But the people who will most likely do the most good are POC like myself. That is one of the driving reasons why I have decided to roll my sleeves up and throw my hat in the ring.”

In these times of national selfevaluation, where race, equality, true happiness, and other values are being reassessed, I believe it may be time for people of color to reconsider the approach of asking for permission. There has been so much discussion about promoting diversity in the outdoors, leading to many companies showing good-willed gestures like sponsoring local minority groups, shooting a few commercials or catalog covers with minority models, or hiring a person of color as a brand ambassador. But the people who will most likely do the most good are POC like myself. That is one of the driving reasons why I have decided to roll my sleeves up and throw my hat in the ring.

In 2019, while guiding on a bicycle tour from Staten Island to upstate New York, I noticed town after town featured shuttered doors and nostalgic signs of Americana, and similar scenes exist across Appalachia. I find poignant parallels between black representation in business and the region I now call home—so much potential but not enough opportunities. That’s why I have opened Wheelzup Adventures in western Maryland. I want to take an impactful step towards more inclusion in the outdoor industry, while also helping revitalize the region by bringing others into the mountains that mean so much to us.

Starting any type of business is no walk in the park, no matter your race or industry. Overall, 20 percent of all employer businesses in the United States were at least 51 percent owned by minority entrepreneurs, and that number is much less in smaller mountain towns. Securing funding for a small business has many hurdles; banks are most willing to lend to those who need

THE AUTHOR (PICTURED) OWNS AND OPERATES WHEELZUP ADVENTURES (WHEELZUPADVENTURES.COM) IN CUMBERLAND, MD.

it least, brands won’t approve you until you have funding and no one wants to fund you until you can show that you have brands. Everything moves so slowly with permits and licenses, until it starts moving too fast. All these are worthy challenges and hurdles worth overcoming for the potential rewards to us and our community.

Ultimately, the pandemic has challenged us all to look inward and figure out how to be our best selves. None of us are guaranteed the next day, so how do we make the best of today? I believe access to, knowledge of, and community in the outdoors are vital for everyone. I believe people of color like me need to find ways to assert ourselves in these spaces so we can tell our stories, so the next generation of kids understand that we do not need to ask permission to partake in the treasures left for us by our forebears. We need to try to teach the next generation how to be competent in the outdoors and how to make a livable wage from activities centered in and around the mountains we call home.

Hit the Road

5 Adventure-Packed Journeys to Take This Summer The highways are calling. With this summer becoming the revitalizing season we’ve all been waiting for, there’s never been a better time to pack the car and cruise through the scenic stretches of Southern Appalachia. With that in mind we’ve assembled five adventure-based road trip itineraries to help you plot the perfect getaway.

BY MIKE BEZEMEK AND JEDD FERRIS

THE SCENIC WATERFRONT IN LOUISVILLE, KY. PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUISVILLE TOURISM

Rivers and Trails in North Carolina’s Nantahala Gorge

The Nantahala Outdoor Center—which offers trips on eight rivers across the Southeast—has their base right on the river next to Nantahala Falls. The center offers lodging options, a restaurant, a ropes course, and plenty more. Nearby, there are several private campgrounds with spots to pitch your tent or hook up an RV. More lodgings and restaurants are available in Bryson City, N.C., including a pair of breweries: Nantahala Brewing and Mountain Layers Brewing Co.

The Appalachian Trail passes through the NOC, and day-hikers and backpackers can explore the challenging terrain that rises steeply above the river. Nearby, mountain bikers can pick from four challenging loop trails at the Tsali Trail System, which winds through rugged hills overlooking Fontana Lake.

To the northwest, on US Highway 129, is the world-famous Tail of the Dragon, a favorite stretch of road among sports car drivers and motorcyclists, which packs 318 sharp turns into 11 miles. It’s tricky driving, so proceed with caution while enjoying the experience. —M.B.

Bourbon and Caves in Kentucky

Kentucky is perhaps best known for its pastoral horse farms, but the Bluegrass State also has the longest known cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park. You can spend hours exploring the geologic formations of this subterranean wonder on a variety of guided and self-guided tours (reservations are not required but recommended during the busy summer months), and then head above ground for even more adventures.

The park also has 80 miles of trails, including the Big Hollow Trail, which features north and south loops and is enjoyed by both hikers and mountain bikers. Big Hollow has been named an IMBA-designated Gateway Trail for offering novice riders a proper introduction to singletrack. Accordingly, it features flowy terrain among dense forests and scenic rock outcroppings.

When your legs are tired, pitch a tent at one of the park’s three main campgrounds. Then the next day drive an hour and a half north on I-65 to Louisville for some playtime in Kentucky’s largest city. Grab a room at the 21c Museum Hotel, which features its own art gallery, and sample the goods