Our Team

Bike: Minnesota Gravel Tour

Shannon Castle is an artist and elementary teacher in Colorado and Sarah Castle is a scientist and a founder of The Cairn Project. Since their first bike ride together five years ago, the Castle sisters have come to appreciate the special connections that come from shared time outdoors.

Instagram: @sc_castle

75 Miles of Rural Minnesota Roads

In October, the Castle sisters are meeting up for a day of gravel touring through southern Minnesota. This route pays homage to the rolling agricultural fields and small pockets of hardwood forest that were the home ground of their great grandparents, grandparents, and parents. Starting in Northfield, Shannon and Sarah will ride through places that they’ve visited since they were young girls. This day is an opportunity for the sisters to share their mutual love of biking and to raise support for programs that allow more young women to build community in the outdoors.

Fundraising Goal: $2,500

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About This Landscape

Protected in 1945, Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park is the largest remnant of the temperate hardwood forest that once covered south-central Minnesota. Much of the contemporary landscape now consists of agricultural lands dotted by rural townships and residential and commercial development.

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Why Get Out & Give Back

“I’m so proud of the work that my sister and Alison have done to create The Cairn Project. They have given amazing opportunities to so many young girls and inspired meaningful adventure for women across the country. I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this cause.” – Shannon Castle

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About 9
Sarah Castle
Founder - The Cairn Project | Read More Posts

Sarah Castle grew up in a small mountain town west of Denver, Colorado, and has spent most of her adult life a stone’s throw away from the Rocky Mountains. Though she held a fascination for wild places at a young age, it wasn’t until late high school that she became captivated by the high elevations and unbeaten paths of the mountains in her backyard. Merging her love for both exploration and grit, Sarah pursued a career in soil science, studying the effects of global change and land use on natural and managed ecosystems. Currently living in Saint Paul, Minnesota, you’re likely to find her either trail running or logging one of many 70mi. weekend bike rides. Sarah holds B.A. and M.S. degrees from the University of Colorado and a Ph.D. from the University of Montana.