--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Improved Sandy Ridge Trails Re-open with Additional Singletrack, Bridge
The Sandy Ridge mountain bike area re-opened in late July with some very welcome additions--a
bridge over Little Joe Creek, and even better, a brand new section of trail.
The new loop high on the ridge, called the "338" trail for it's mileage
measurement (3.38 miles), has been getting rave reviews. It includes several
technical features such as a rock drop, and also a bypass for intermediate
riders who prefer not to photo: Michael Whitesel
 | tangle with the advanced challenges. In addition, the Hide and Seek Trail has been added to the Oregon Super D schedule for September 5. With the 338
trail, the system now boasts 6.5 miles (excluding the up-road) of the planed total of 16-18 miles of singletrack.
Eventually, the 338 trail will be incorporated into a longer loop called
Communication Breakdown. The BLM built a bombproof $60,000 bridge over Little Joe Creek on the
Hide and Seek Trail, saving wear and tear on the streamside and keeping rider's
feet dry. The upper Hide and Seek Trail was closed for much of the summer to
repair damage caused by unexpectedly heavy use and rainfall over the spring.
Expanding race opportunities in Oregon, the Super D series has quickly added this excellent site. Organizers are looking for volunteers for the September 5 event (as well as the Aug 29 Oakridge Super D). For details contact Brandon Ontiveros brandon@oregonsuperd.com.
Thanks again to the BLM for joining with IMBA to create this fantastic
resource. Check out the new revised trail map here (PDF).
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Black Rock Shuttle Day Brings Trail Machine Closer to Reality
On July 24th/25th, at Black Rock Mountain Bike Area near Falls City, Oregon, Northwest Trail Alliance hosted a shuttle day for individuals who donated at least $55 towards grant matching for purchase of the ST240 single track construction machine. More than 100 people had the rare opportunity to enjoy the Black Rock goodness without the pedaling (at least uphill)! This aspect of the FR/DH segment of mountain biking is a ton of fun, and on par with going to a ski resort with lift access to top of mountain. Black Rock Mountain Bike Area began development in 2002, has gained legendary status among Freeriders, and has been featured in several mountain biking videos as well as immeasurable numbers of YouTube videos (just do a search). At the end of an incredible day, NWTA netted more than $3,500 in donations towards the ST240, which means we can place our order to begin fabrication process on serial number 0003 ST240! Expected delivery of the machine is Summer 2011. Special thanks go out to Joe Rykowski for taking on the organization, as well as spearheading our ST240 grant writing effort! Also, huge thanks to our friends at BRMBA for making their incredible playground available for our use. Donate towards grant matching here. The more money raised means less has to be allocated out of our general funds. We need of about $3,000 more of the total of $11,000 as required by the grant. For more info on our Trail Development Partnership Program how NWTA plans to use this machine to build more trail near where you live, see this article. See Video/Photos from the shuttle event: Stepup and Road Gap in Granny's Kitchen (courtesy of Luke Welch) Coverage on ihatebikes.net (courtesy or Jason VanHorn) More Excellent Photos (courtesy of Andrew Q. Smith) |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tour de Tillamook Attracts an All-ages Crowd by Ryan Kilgren
Nearly 70
participants, ranging in ages from less than two to 65 years old, and coming from
New York, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, joined Northwest Trail
Alliance (NWTA) for the 3rd Annual Tour de Tillamook, July 30-August 1. Based along the Wilson River in Tillamook
State Forest, the event is the premier family friendly mountain bike skills
instructional and camping event in the Pacific Northwest. Camping,
instructional sessions, group trail rides, adult and children-sized demo bikes,
on-site bike mechanic, and other activities all featured in the fun-filled
weekend.
Photo: Joe Rykowski
 | This year,
approximately 20 children received mountain bike skills instruction from City
of Hillsboro's Parks and Recreation Department's Bud Harris and NWTA board
member Joel Holly. Northwest Trail Alliance member Cage Aaron and board member
Dennis Veatch unveiled the organization's adult beginner skills course to about
10 participants. NWTA's mobile
skills park starred in both programs, and was on hand for all event participants
to hone bicycling skills, including balance, cornering, obstacle
negotiation and just plain having fun. Seven volunteers led
group trail rides for various skill levels throughout the weekend.
"My daughter wasn't sure she wanted to come today and by the end of the day, she was begging not to leave," says NWTA President Tom Archer. "This is definitely a must-do event for riders of all levels." Watch the
calendar and announcements closely for next year's registration information and
to do so early! NWTA extends a BIG thank you to all those who helped make the
Tour de Tillamook such a success!
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northwest Trail Alliance Hopes to Reclaim Beaverton Bike Park
by Tom Archer Northwest Trail Alliance is in discussions with Tualatin Hills Parks and rec to reclaim a bike jump area at Eichler Park in Beaverton. A tip from one of our members, Jason VanHorn, led to discussions with THPRD staff, who are excited about the prospect of NWTA taking the lead on refurbishing the jumps and taking a long-term stewardship role. Our existing connections with THPRD staff (our Board member Joe Barcott is on their Recreational Advisory Committee) paid off and we met with staff in June to talk about the possibilities. As soon as we formalize an agreement, we'll be looking for people to help move dirt. On an equally exciting note, we are also in discussions with Portland Parks about developing two pumptracks in the Portland area. I hope to have more to share next month! Check out VanHorn's post about the park. |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar
Sat, August 14 (10 am-4pm) - Tour de Fat Come one, come all to the biggest and best bike circus in Portland! Bring your bike and helmet for the parade at 11 am! Bring your ID if you want to enjoy New Belgium's fine products, and bring cash - there are no ATMs on the property. We need volunteers for ride registration and to ride as a marshal from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. (You don't have to ride, but it's fun!). Or volunteers can help in the merchandise booth from 10:30 AM til 2:00 PM or 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM. Lots of fun and proceeds benefit NWTA. Don't miss the show! Volunteers receive free t-shirt and beer tokens. Questions or to volunteer, email amy@nw-trail.org.
Wed, August 18 (5:30pm - 8:30pm) - Wednesday Night Forest Park Ride and BBQ Join NWTA for our Wed night BBQ ride in Forest Park. We'll meet at the Skyline Tavern @ 6:00 break into groups based on who shows up, then ride the "wild side" of Forest Park (German town area). We typically cover ~10 - 20 miles. Follow it up by a potluck style BBQ at Skyline Tavern, Bring something to Q and to share. NWTA will supply the hot coals & post-ride drinks can be purchased from the bar. No one left behind. Non-Members welcome. Questions: Contact Shane Gould at shane@nw-trail.org.
Tue, Aug 31 (7:30pm) - NWTA Monthly Meeting & Social - Poker Ride Enough sitting around talking about riding! We'll fore-go our monthly indoor meeting for some outdoor fun. Join us for a "poker ride", followed by beer and food will be enjoyed at a bike friendly location after the ride.
Think you got it in you? THE BIG RIDE is in it's third year, but never has it been this BIG! 2010 will be truly EPIC. If you only make one trip to ride Mt. Hood, this is the trip to make. In one day you'll have the chance to ride every inch of the best singletrack Mt. Hood has to offer. You can choose from two options, 35 miles/4,500 elevation gain or 60 miles/7,000 elevation gain. Bite off the Big One, you'll thank yourself later.
Sat, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 3 -IMBA Trail Solutions Visits Portland! Are you ready to move beyond simply riding your local trails and learn to build them? The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program is providing that opportunity in our own backyard!. The team will be leading a two-day session at LL Stub Stewart State Park. This is a great opportunity to see first hand the new and expanding trail network at "Stub" and learn how to build and maintain the trails you love to ride. Includes a day and a half of classroom and field instruction and combines interactive learning and hands-on trailwork. For details contact Will Heiberg: will@nw-trail.org.
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