NWTA Newsletter - September '11
NWTA Rings in Those Last Days of Summer

 

It's official, Summer is over.  Even though this time of year is bittersweet, we wouldn't have it 

any other way. We've been lucky enough to be part of Biketoberfest, Eichler Grand Opening, the Ventura build, and some great group rides. Really, its amazing that we were able fit all of this action into one month, and NWTA couldn't have done it with out you.  Yes, September was awesome, and its sad to see the sunshine go, but with every season brings new opportunities. Speaking of opportunities, you're in luck because we definitely have plenty of chances to become involved with some great build projects.  Let October be known as the month of the build day. Work parties are happening out at Stub Stewart, Ventura, and Cascade Locks.  The bonus is that at the end of the day, there's usually a chance to get in a good ride.

 

In This Issue:
Announcements
Eichler Grand Opening Recap
NWTA in the Community
Trail Talk
Spotlight on Service
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars

Announcements

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Portland Racing- Short Track to Success

 

Our sponsors continue to step up big time in supporting our efforts.  This time it's Portland Racing, promoter for the Portland Short Track Series and other local race events. This last August, Kris Schamp let us know NWTA would be the beneficiary of the proceeds from the team relay held during the final race of the short track series.  About 25 teams entered, and in the process raising $700 to add to NWTA's coffers.  Big Thank You! to Kris and Portland Racing!    

 

 

2012 NWTA Board Elections

 

Interested in getting involved at a higher level?  Help shape the future of mountain biking in the Northwest? This is the time of year we start thinking about board elections, which are slated for January.  We rely on our board to keep things running smoothly and we are always looking for folks with passion, energy and a little free time. Our work is incredibly rewarding and you'll have the opportunity to work with some great folks on some great projects.  This is an incredibly active time for the organization and mountain biking in the NW, and you can be a part of it! In particular, were looking for people with interests in event coordination, website maintenance, marketing, communications and just plain having fun. Think about giving back to the trails you love!  If interested, send a brief note to: [email protected] 

 

 

Chris King Ringtone - Ringing the Bell for NWTA! 

 

As we mentioned last month, Chris King is supporting NWTA in their own creative way - again! If you haven't already, here's your opportunity to represent!  Now you can have that unabashedly awesome Chris Kink bottom bracket sound as a custom ringtone on your iPhone with a simple click in the iTunes store (must be accessed from your iPhone). The best part is that $99c of each purchase goes directly to NWTA!  (Hang on Droid users, your version coming soon.)

 

 

"Ride to 1,000" Membership Drive 

 

Just a reminder that we still have some work to do before we hit 1,000 members.  Let's ramp up our efforts and ask that friend, neighbor, or co-worker to hit up some trails and sign up to be part of the NWTA family.  If you've bee looking for a new way to be involved, this is your chance!  If you know someone who has been tossing around the idea of riding, don't hesitate- ask them to Join Us

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eichler Bike Park GRAND OPENING Recap

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From Big Air to Big Fun- Festivities Abound at Eichler's Grand Opening

by Michael Whitesel

 

 

NWTA celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated bike park at Eichler Park on Saturday, September 24 th in Beaverton.   For those of you who haven't visited, the newly renovated track is located on the west end of Eichler Park on 13710 SW Farmington Road, next to the Fire Station. We wish to thank to all those who helped make this happen, especially Raul Atencio and Mike Hogan for leading the build, Star Rentals for extending our budget on the heavy equipment and all of the volunteers and riders who showed up.  Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District really is the model agency as a development partner, helping remove obstacles, facilitate the work and organize a great opening celebration with food and amenities.  Thanks to all our vendors who turned out - Riders and Sliders, The Lumberyard, Bike Gallery, Morpheus and GT. 

 

All those who attended had a great time.  The kids swarmed the track for hours, and we got to see a ton of great jump action by some of talented locals during the Jump Jam, with Mike Hogan deferring to Harley for the prize 3-day admission pass for the Lumberyard indoor bike park (coming soon).  This is NWTA's first collaboration on a bike park project in the Metro area with lots more to come! 

 

If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, here's a video for you! Never to Young for the Track


NWTA in the Community

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Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

  

We have but a few short days before this great event, and just to be clear NWTA wants to see you there! Son, daughter, niece, nephew, neighbor kid... bring 'em, bring 'em all!  Be sure to Invite their folks, too, because this really is an event for everyone.  If you've missed out on last years of TAKMTB, this is your chance to join in the fun.  The action is set to happen at Stub Stewart State Park on Saturday, October 1st!  

 

Here's a refresher on the details:

Just bring bike, a helmet, and $5 for park admission.  If it's your first time, or you don't have the gear, you needn't worry.  Northwest Trail Alliance will be there to supply bikes, helmets, instruction and the fun! Transportation to the park from Portland is also available if needed.  After a fun-filled day of excitement, stick around for a post-ride BBQ.  We'll get to chat about the latest happening with mountain biking, NWTA and the park.  We look forward to seeing you out at Stub!  Be sure to fill out the registration form on the NWTA website.  For more information, check out the NWTA website or contact Jon Pheanis at [email protected].

   

 

Family Friendly Trails- Cascade Locks Build Days

 

Have you ever been out on the trails and wished the family was riding with?  Or maybe you would like to introduce a good friend to the joys of riding, but don't want to scare them away with multi-mile climbs followed by a super tech decent?  Then this project is for you!  What we're talking about, of course, is the proposed Cascade Locks Trail System.  NWTA has recently entered into an agreement to build a beginner-friendly trail network right in the heart of Cascade Locks.  This project has come together very quickly and we're excited about the prospects of developing a low elevation, beginner/intermediate oriented trail system within 45 minutes of Portland - situated on the beautiful banks of the Columbia River!  

 

To help make this happen you can join NWTA build the first in a series of trails right in the heart of the Scenic Columbia Gorge.  The ST-240 will be there, too!  If you haven't had a chance to see "the beast" in action, we will have the trail building machine there to work some earth moving magic. So, be sure to come on over October 15 and 16 for the Cascade Locks Build Days.  We'll be looking for some bright eyes and strong backs to help on either both days or one.  Keeping with the family theme, kids are definitely welcome and more than encouraged to attend.  NWTA hopes to see you there!

 

 

Sunday Parkways 

See You Next Year!  


 

This year's Sunday Parkways events were a hit!

We simply cannot say enough thanks to everyone who came out and helped staff the NWTA activities.  Even if you just stopped by to say hi- we want you to know it made a big difference.  We've been plenty excited to bring what NWTA does into the city.  Joining festivities like these go along way to ensuring more great urban projects like Eichler and now Ventura continue to happen.  No matter how you slice it way being part of Portland's rich bike culture was a real treat for us and introducing all the new faces to NWTA been heaps of fun.  Suffice to say, we can't wait to have another outstanding Sunday Parkways with all of you next year!

 

 

 

 

Trail Talk: Ventura, Work Parties, and...

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Shaping up at Ventura 

 

 

After great turnouts at four work parties in the last two weeks, Portland's first pumptrack is rideable! Last night we got the "junior" track roughed in and scultped some of the rollers on the main track - just some small changes made it faster.  Great to see the neighborhood kids using the track already.  

 

Come on out and work on your pumptrack skills while the weather is still dry. And keep an eye on the calendar for more build days.  

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Good Housekeeping
 
Make no mistake, build days require a hefty share of manual labor.  That being said, they're also a lot of fun! Honest.  There is nothing more satisfying than working hard on a trail all day, and then riding it just to make sure its as awesome as you thought it would be.  October has plenty of opportunities for you to join in on some great projects.  When you are done helping out at Ventura, be sure to save a few dates for some upcoming ventures out at Stub Stewart.  Specifically, come on out to Stub Freeride Area builds on October 1st, 15th, and 29th, with a XC trail building day sandwiched between 'em on the 8th.  

 


 

 
Mt. Hood Women's Ride Report
by Amy Singmaster

Fifteen riders braved the chilly damp weather Saturday Sept. 17 for a fun September women's ride on MountHood! We started at Summit Sno-Park. Eight people shuttled Crosstown and Pioneer Bridle, three double shuttled while the rest rode Crosstown and Pioneer Bridle down to the tunnel and back up to Summit, then Camp Creek loops.

 

 

 

 

 

Mollala "Ride 'em All" Women's Only Ride Event 

by Susan Martin

 

 

Women only, grand tour of all that the Molalla forest has to offer.  Plan for this great ride geared for all levels to be held on Sunday October 9, 2011.  Ladies should meet at the Gateway south parking lot at 8:30 a.m.  Carpools will attempt to be arranged based on how many hours you wish to ride.  This grand tour will encompass both the north and south side trails plus some hidden gems.  Please bring rain jackets and layered clothing in case it becomes chilly.  The ride will begin with the South side trails.  Those who still have the desire will then be given the grand tour of the North side trails.  Please plan for the ride to last 4 to 6 hours,  with nearly all the riding terrain being undulating single track.  Though no long assents or descents are involved, aerobic fitness is beneficial. 


 


Member Spotlight

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By now you've probably become familiar with one of our favorite sections.  This is where we have the opportunity to showcase a different member each month who has, in some way or another, been an NWTA superstar.  While you might be expecting the usual tidbits of member info, this month we have a twist...

 

 

Paul's Excellent Adventure  

 

NWTA member and Giant Bikes rep Paul Lacava has been on quite a journey, and while distances like this are normally reserved for those lycra-festooned bikepacking roadies, Paul made the epic trek from Bend to Oakridge feel like something a mere mortal might be able to pull off (well, almost).  If you consider yourself hard core, this trip ought to be on your list.  Who better to relate this two-wheeled off-road excursion than Paul himself. Click here for the chronicle of his truly excellent adventure.  Congratulations Paul!
 
P.S. Just a heads up on a couple of the NSFW-ish comments on the blog. Otherwise, enjoy! 



Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar 

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All Month Long!  Ride to 1,000 Membership Drive This is a really important event and worth mentioning again.  We've been rolling out projects with some HUGE momentum and when we hit 1,000 members it will surely put NWTA on the map!  If you've got a friend that's been itching hit the trails, get them on board with the NWTA train- next stop 1,000 members!  WHOOT! WHOOT!

 

Sat, Oct 1st (9:00am)  Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day If you missed the chance last year here's you opportunity to bring the whole family out for some MTB FUN.  The adventure starts at 11:00am when we meet up at the Stub Stewart Hilltop Day Use Area.  After a day full of fun, we'll settle in for some grub at the post rid BBQ.   

 

Wed, Oct 5th, 12th, 19th... (5:30pm) - Weekly Forest Park Ride 

Join us for our regular Wednesday night ride in Forest Park. 

 

Sat & Sun, Oct 15th &16th (9:00am - 3:00pm) Cascade Locks Build Days Here's your chance to witness the awesome ST-240 in action and build some trails for the whole family to ride on!

 

Wed, Oct 12th (7:00 - 8:30pm) - Tillamook Trail Patrol Like Peanut butter and jelly,  riding and patrollin' are two things that are just meant to go together.  C'mon and take a bite!    

    

Fri & Sat, Oct 21st & 22nd (9:00am) Pacific Northwest Mountain Bike Summit On October 21st & 22nd 2011 join IMBA staff, club leaders, advocates and land managers from across the region for the Pacific Northwest Mountain Bike Summit. Topics will cover a range of subjects aimed at building organizational capacity, developing great projects, and building partnerships.

 

Tue, Oct 25th (7:00 - 8:30pm) - October General Meeting  Head on down to where everybody knows your name- Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB).  Stop by and find out about current projects and rides, and get the insider scoop on upcoming events as well. Members and non-members are always welcome.

  

Tue, Nov 29th (5:00 - 7:00pm) - Women's Group Meeting  If you're not already familiar with the good folks at HUB, you'll soon be a regular!  We'll be meeting in the same banquet room the NWTA General Meeting is held each month.  

 

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.

 

NWTA is real proud to have some great sponsors that have stepped up to help us out, but it never hurts to have Portland Metro by your side!  Recently some faithful NWTA members did some major clean up and Metro chipped in for the disposal.  Thanks for keeping our trails clean!

 






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