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NWTA Newsletter - July '11
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NWTA Soaks in the Sun- SPF Awesome!
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While the Northwest has quietly been borrowing the "Sunny and 70 degrees" moniker, we've certainly been taking advantage of that summer weather. Instead of groggy mornings, we wake up for those brisk early rides before the sun sits at dead center. It's also that time when we hit the trails at dusk to catch that last glimpse of sunset just before the dark sets in. Yup, summer in our neck of the woods is truly a special thing.
As a case in point, I went for a long ride the other day. It was great. I didn't really have anything planned, I just rode. The next day I met up with some friends to catch an earful of summer exploits and in passing I mentioned that great long ride. As usual when a group of two-wheeled braggers get together we have to compare mileage, drops, climbs, etc., but when it was my turn to weigh in I couldn't. I had no idea how far I rode, how big those drops were, and whatnot. Sure, I could've guesstimated, but that wasn't the point. I honestly didn't really care- I just rode, and it was perfect.
Well, likewise, NWTA has been on quite a ride this summer and boy has it been fun. So far this season has been chock full of movie premiers, Sunday Parkways , campouts, group rides, and trail build days/work parties. In addition to all that typical summer goodness, NWTA has been lucky enough to take possession of the awesome ST240 Trail Building Machine . We've also been able to add Eichler Bike Park to the already sweet roster of opportune riding spots. Just in case you were wondering- we're not done yet!
Just like you, we've been really excited for the 3rd Annual Mountain Bike Oakridge . Likewise, our winter legs have thawed just in time for " Helens Fest II ", the Mt. St. Helens Mountain Bike Festival. Along with everything else August is stacked with these two HUGE events so we're sure to see you at one or the other- or both! For those looking for new ways to become involved, join us as we ramp up efforts for Ride to 1,000 Membership Drive. No matter what you end up doing, be sure to follow us over on our facebook and the NWTA website as the next month has some truly great things happening.
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Announcements
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NWTA Juniors Short Track Clinic
With just two more chances to ride in the Portland Short Track Series it's the perfect time to make the most of it! NWTA is hosting a free one hour short track clinic for Juniors starting at 4:30pm. The goal is to be schooled up on some skills such as bike set up, race prep, cornering, pace, and getting a good starting position. So, Juniors, if you're interested, meet at the registration booth at 4:30pm. As a reminder, all participants must have a waiver signed by their legal guardian, and be racing the night of the clinic. For more info on the Portland Short Track Series stop by their website.
Upcoming Membership Drive With all the big things happening lately like the Eichler Park build , the upcoming membership drive, or even the general day-to-day NWTA awesomeness, communicating the significance of these recent projects has been a major priority. On the rare occasion, though, we are asked just what exactly it means to be a NWTA member. Without touching on the mantra of riding, building, or being a steward , what most folks are asking for is empirical details- which is dandy, because we've got that covered, too! Being a NWTA member is great. You have access to all manners of bargains from vendors, travel benefits, a free subscription to bicycle magazine, the Subaru VIP Program, and discounted health/life/prescription plans- perfect for the fixie 29er crowd. What? Don't give me that look. You guys are always getting injured! While we're crunching numbers, lets talk about you- number one. When NWTA hits number 1,000, we will have become a powerful collective of advocacy, a strong voice in our community, and you will have helped NWTA get there. Make no mistake, your membership makes a big difference. So, next time someone asks you about being a NWTA member, you know what to say, right? <wink> We have some work to do before we hit 1,000 members. If you are looking for a new way to get involved join us as we brainstorm and implement exciting ideas for attracting new members. We will be setting up a weekday evening meeting soon. Please email Brian Baumann at brian@nw-trail.org if you are interested. |
"That There is an RV..."
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 We can just imagine hearing Cousin Eddie's voice. Yup, to many of us our RV, our "tenement on wheels," as Clark Griswold puts it, is our bike. All joking aside, we only think of recreational vehicles because we have two great overnighters coming up- Helens Fest II and Mountain Bike Oakridge . While many may seek the ease and comfort of a motorhome, it's hard to deny the simple joy of camping with tent and your bike. If you missed out on the Mckenzie River Campout, don't let these two events pass you by.
3rd Annual Mountain Bike Oakridge
Three Days of Shuttle Riding! That's 16,000 feet of vertical for $120 Bucks. Aye, 'tis a pretty sweet deal, and the camp ground is included (first come first serve for free car parking). Just so you know, the event is capped at 20, so be sure to register and put your deposit down now.
Also, don't forget to bring cash or check for shuttle payment to Oregon Adventures. You can notify Dennis at dennis@nw-trail.org when you register and pay the deposit with the days you will be attending.
Northwest Trail Alliance welcomes Oregon Adventures shuttle services to do the 3rd Annual Mountain Bike Oakridge! Word on the street is that this year is both bigger and better- is that possible?
Of course! Making the rounds will be everyone's favorite Portland microbrew from Hopworks Urban Brewing . A pony keg of their finest will be on hand Friday and Saturday night for campfire festivities. Sounds perfect. Thanks, Dennis! As usual get the full details at the NWTA website .
Mount St. Helens Mountain Bike Festival- aka Helens Fest II
Excerpt by David Anderson
We will again be returning to the Marble Mountain Snow Park on the south slopes of Mount St Helens for a long weekend of comraderie, stewardship and riding. This is a great time to enjoy riding the many trails around the mountain while getting to know the land managers whose responsibility it is to take care of the National Volcanic Monument we get to enjoy. Last year's event's work party was the largest one day single group volunteer work event on the Monument.
Trek and Felt bikes will be there with their demo fleets, so you can enjoy riding state of the art mountain bikes on some pretty awesome singletrack. The bikes available to ride will be announced soon, so take advantage of a great opportunity.
 As we did last year we camped around the Snow Park, where there are only toilet facilities. You must bring your tent, or RV, sleeping bags, water and food. This is back country camping with not too many amenities. Brings clothes according to the weather forecast. Weather can be in the high 90's one day and then in the 50's the next. Be prepared. There is ample space for our group.
Sign up now to assure your spot on Helens Fest II. Space is limited. IF you have signed up on the facebook event page for Helens Fest there is no need to resign up on the NWTA or Evergreen websites.
Our host for the event is the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument without whom this event would not be possible. The Mount St Helens Institute is co-hosting the event along with both the Northwest Trail Alliance and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.
Outstanding! Thanks for making this happen David. Without a doubt, this will be a blast!
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NWTA in the Community
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 Sunday Parkways
A Fun and Easy Way to Be Involved.
All the good times happening out at the Sunday Parkways events have definitely caught some attention. As expected, the turnout has been tremendous. City streets have been canvased with over 30,000 active, social neighbors getting outside to walk, skate, jog, or bike. Here at NWTA we feel very fortunate to have been part of such a celebrated event. The NWTA skills course has definitely had it's fair share of use from the kiddos and has also been a great way to connect with community.
If you've been looking for a way to be part of NWTA's efforts, this is your chance! With the next two Sunday Parkways coming up soon NWTA is happy to have new some volunteers join in the activities. This is the perfect opportunity for those who have wanted to help out, but haven't had the time. For a few short hours you can help with setting up and staffing the event. Save the dates! Join us from 11am - 4pm on July 24th for the Northwest/Downtown event, and 11am - 4pm on August 28th for the Southeast event. For more information email Will at will@nw-trial.org See you there!
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Trail Talk: Bike Patrol, Rules O' Scappoose, and Eichler
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Bike Patrol at Haag Lake
Mustaches Not Required.
Here's your chance to follow suit.
Now, we're not looking to piece together the next delta force . In fact, the point of our bike patrol is to make sure everyone's riding experience is as safe as it is fun. So what's the scoop? Well, NWTA
is in talks with the Washington County
Parks Department to discuss starting a Mountain Bike Patrol at Hagg Lake. Leading the effort is Lee Duncan, NWTA Bike Patrol director. Lee has been an NWTA member for over six years, and has been looking for the right opportunity to start a Bike Patrol. It sounds like Hagg Lake will be the perfect place to start building a NWTA-wide Patrol. Thanks, Lee! If you are interested in becoming involved with the bike patrols please contact Lee at- Bike Patrol HQ: 503-967-5MTB
On the Loose in Scappoose
Trail Guidlines, Fire Protocol, and Fugitive Peafowl. You know, the Usual.
 If you've been out riding Scappoose you may have heard the distant call from a pair of truant peacocks. Well, rest assured, by the time you read this animal control will have found them a new place to hang. Now that we have you thinking about Scappoose, we've got a refresher course on some "rules of engagement" for riding the trail system.
As many of you know there has been some closures this summer, and for the most part the trails are open again. This is a good time to remember that closures can still come from fire danger, spraying, or replanting schedules. Note that closures may be updated daily per the land manager, and
it's the rider's responsibility to abide by any posted closures at the gates. If and when fire closure kicks in, know that ALL of the property will be closed. Also, for the night owls out there, riding after dark is not allowed- the area is daytime use only. Again, if there is any question, signs are posted at each gate regarding allowed activities. Class dismissed. Now let's get out there, have some fun, and ride!
P.S. Don't forget about the Scappoose Trail Cleanup and Clearing happening July 27th. This is our chance to show the land owner that NWTA is on it! Oh, and there might be some ridin' post cleanup...
 | | Ride leader Susan Martin at Hidden Falls |
Tarbell Women's Group Ride
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Sara and Susan riding away on a mellow climb
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by Julie Kramer
On the morning of Sunday, July 10th a small but fierce clan of ladies from the NWTA Women's Group joined forces to ride the epic 25 mile Tarbell Trail near Camas in SW Washington. This loop is challenging, and frequently
cli
mbs technical, seemingly relentless singletrack. The rewards are equally steep and flowing downhill, which alleviates any swearing and sweating that might have occurred o
n the previous uphill sections.
We started (and finished) at Rock Creek Campground, stopping for lunch at Grouse Vista, and for snacks and photos at Hidden Falls, which is only accessible on foot or by
bike. Incidentally we happily shared the trail with a few pleasant folks on horseback, as well as hikers, backpackers, and the occasional fellow mountain biker. The weather cooperated perfectly, and offered views of Mt. St. Helens on occasion. We're looking forward to the August Full Moon Ride at Ape Canyon near that famous volcano! Stay tuned for details by checking the NWTA Calendar of Women's Forum , and the NWTA Women's Group on Facebook. Eichler Bike Park Almost There 
Work over at Eichler has happened at nothing short of a blistering pace. Since May the volunteers have poured in and given us more than 500 hours of their time over the 5 work parties. Understandably the whole community has been brimming with excitement. Neighbors passing by are just overjoyed when they hear the plans for the bike park. Of course, the big question from everyone has been, "are we there yet?" While we fight the urge to reply, "do not make me pull this car over," instead, we're happy to report that with one build day left, yes we are almost there. If you haven't had a chance to join in the efforts, please do. NWTA would love to have your help. We'd also be plenty happy to simply see some curious faces stop by to scope out the ruckus. So come on out to Eichler Bike Park Saturday, July 30th. Also, be sure to stay in touch on our website and facebook for details on the nearing grand opening. |
Spotlight on Service ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 | | Ted workin' that heavy machinery! |
Welcome to one of our favorite sections, where we showcase a different member each month who has, in some way or another, been invaluable to NWTA. These are the people, like all our volunteers, who have made what we do possible.
Meet Ted Dodd. Trail leader, trail builder, trail rider. Really a Jack of all trails, er... trades? Above all Ted simply shares a ton of his time and energy with us and wants nothing more than to get some great rides in with some good friends. We can't show enough appreciation and some big time kudos have been long overdue. Thanks, Ted!
Who: "Ted D"
You're Involved Because...: "Mountain biking has become my one and only sport. My bike is the mode of transport to some incredible places, extraordinary adventures, and really fun times. Thus I felt compelled to promote, enhance, and protect the sport (& trails) that I enjoy. I joined in 2008 because I was looking for more people that I could ride with as well as was looking for more information about great places to ride. But after "plugging into" the group and getting involved, I caught the "trail bug" and became and "active member" working on various NWTA trail projects, committees, and leading events. And of course, the more I contributed my time and energy the more I got in return (on all levels)." Why You Ride: "I enjoy the constant challenge to increase my skills, stay fit, and have great times with my friends. Oh yea, if you live in the Pacific NW and you don't mtn bike, you are missing out. Mtn biking is the best way to enjoy the natural wonders we are blessed with." Favorite Trail(s): "Lewis River, Dog River (on Mt. Hood), Mackenzie River, Upper Middle Fork (in Oak Ridge) and Post Canyon. In addition, the "new" Bend trails are cool too (in the spring and fall)." Best Post-Ride Grub/Drink: "Everybody's Brewing in White Salmon, WA. Great food and the Good Will IPA is consistently tasty." Handshake, Hug, or Hi-Five (if given a preference): "Hi-five a after sweet ride." What's on Deck: "Christian Rock." There you go folks, your monthly dose of "Spotlight on Service." Until next time, drink it in, it always goes down smooth. |
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mon, July 25th, Aug 1st - Portland Mountain Bike Short Track Series 2011 Hop on the last two dates of the short track series. Short Track Clinic for Juniors starts at 4:30pm. Don't forget new NWTA members enjoy a discount on registration. See you at the races! Tue, July 26th (6:00pm - 8:00pm) - July General Meeting For this month's General Membership meeting we will be taking a field trip to Scappoose for some riding! If you are looking for a great way to help grow our organization, local legend Ted Dodd will be doing a quick seminar on how to become a ride leader. Food and beverages afterwards at New Old Lompoc on NW 23rd. Wed, July 27th (5:00pm - 9:00pm) - Scappoose Trail Cleanup and Clearing Come help our NWTA community show the land owner that we are serious about moving this relationship forward. You might be surprised, but a little housekeeping goes a long way. Be sure to get in on some cleaning and clearing, with a bit of riding thrown in for good measure. Wed, Aug 3rd, 10th, 17th... (5:30pm) - Weekly Forest Park Ride Join us for our regular Wednesday night ride in Forest Park.
Fri-Sun, Aug 5th-7th (10:00am)- 3rd Annual Mountain Bike Oakridge 3-Day Campout and Shuttle Three Days of Shuttle Riding! 16,000 feet of elevation loss. $120 Bucks. Camp ground included (first come first serve for free car parking). Event is capped at 20, so register and put your deposit down now.
Sat, Aug 13th - Women's Full Moon Ride at Ape Canyon Keep an eye out on the women's forum on the NWTA website as well as the women's group on facebook . Fri-Sun, Aug 26th-28th (8:00am) - Mount St. Helens Mountain Bike Festival Sign up now to assure your spot on Helens Fest II. This will be a blast, guaranteed! |
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Support Our Sponsors!
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This is the space where NWTA has the opportunity to thank some of our dedicated sponsors for their continued involvement and support. They have shown us true generosity and have been a tremendous help. Our family of sponsors have been more than donors, they are part the mountain bike community- and that sets them apart. Whether its a place to ride, a bike shop and their service, gear for us riders, gear for our dogs, or a refreshing post-ride beverage- they are part of our lifestyle. Their committed support and donations have helped bring us to where we are today. Next time you're restocking on all the goodies you need to ride, please be sure to tell them thanks. When you patron our sponsors, you are supporting NWTA, and you are supporting our trails.
In particular we would like to thank Charlie Frye at Metalcraft Fabrication . Charlie has ungrudgingly indulged us in our need to for trailer storage. Through his hospitality we've had a home for our mobile skills course for nearly an entire year. Next time you need to fab up all things stainless or perhaps the raddest home brewing system ever built, think Metalcraft. Thanks, Charlie!
  
   
            
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