Volunteer Spotlight: Howard Shear, a lifelong love of the outdoors
Name & Hometown: Howard Shear – Lincoln, Nebraska
Years Volunteering with THOR: 8 years
For Howard Shear, retirement didn’t mean slowing down — it meant shifting gears. After wrapping up a 42-year career with the same company in 2018, Howard jumped headfirst into volunteering with THOR, putting his passion for mountain biking and the outdoors to work for the trails he loves.
About Howard
Howard first joined THOR’s volunteer ranks eight years ago, but his involvement deepened after retirement, when free time allowed him to give more back. Since then, he’s been a familiar and dependable presence at workdays, particularly at Calvin Crest, where he’s logged 85 volunteer hours this year alone tackling storm clean-up, repairing erosion, finishing a major re-route for the Five Bridges Trail, and adding a new optional section.
Trail Work
Howard’s trail work toolbox is wide-ranging: corridor maintenance, weed and branch trimming, storm recovery, erosion repair, and building new or re-routed sections. But ask him his favorite part?
“Getting to meet and work with other volunteers is really a joy. There are such great people involved with THOR.”
That camaraderie, combined with the satisfaction of seeing a well-maintained trail in action, keeps him coming back year after year.
Why He Volunteers
Howard’s passion for mountain biking spans 35 years. THOR's support of the community has given him trails to ride, friendships to enjoy, and a chance to give back. For him, stewardship is about more than just upkeep — it’s about responsibility.
“Trail stewardship is important, because the trails provide a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy nature. We have a responsibility to maintain them sustainably and provide a wide variety of experiences for trail users.”
Off The Tools
When he’s not working on the trails, you’ll still find Howard riding them — usually on a mountain bike, but sometimes on foot. He gravitates toward the hilly terrain at Jewell, Lewis & Clark, Platte River State Park, and Calvin Crest.
And Howard’s interests go far beyond biking: kayaking, sailing, gardening, board games, RC 4x4 crawlers, and even locksport (yes, picking locks as a skill and hobby) keep his days as full as ever.
Thank you, Howard, for your dedication, skill, and enthusiasm. Volunteers like him are the reason our trails stay safe, fun, and sustainable for all to enjoy.
Photos by Eric Freudenburg
Become a Trail Volunteer Today!
Become a TAP Trail Steward and be the reason our trails continue to thrive. Learn more and sign up at https://www.thortrails.org/tap
Let’s build and maintain great trails together—see you out there!
