|
NWTA Newsletter - January '12
|
|
Portlandia or Bend?
It's official, Summer is over. This statement is from the last newsletter! Until last weekend we've been able to enjoy some remarkably, unseasonably nice weather, almost Bendlike! This has given many of us the chance to hit a few favorite trails one or two more times on our own or with groups. Because of the weather, I've been able to participate in a few of the Women's rides and wow what a group of ladies! As a goal last year I was determined to reach out and find some new riding partners and give back to the groups that maintain and build some of the trails that we all enjoy riding. This is one year that I can say I've accomplished my new year's resolution! In the new year I challenge all of you to do the same. Set a goal of posting a group ride on the NWTA calendar, find a trail work day to contribute to (there are many options), or take a newbie out on a ride. Whatever you decide to do remember NWTA and think about how you can give back to your mountain biking community this year.
Gwyn Blanton
Newsletter Editor
|
|
|
Announcements
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 THE ST-240 HAS BEEN RECOVERED!
Woohoo! Wonderful New Years News!!!
A big sigh of relief as we received news just before the new year that the ST240 had been located on a private property in rural Washington County. Big thanks to everyone that helped get the word out and to the anonymous tipster! Also a big thanks to the Oregon State Police and the detective who worked our case with great diligence. The trailer was damaged (scrapped for metal salvage, bummer), and a good number of tools are missing. The machine had some damage to the ignition and is currently at the shop undergoing repairs. According to Trail Development Partnership Program Interim Manager Joe Rykowski "one suspect is in custody and others are being questioned and the case is not yet closed." Although the trailer and machine were fully insured, NWTA will have to absorb some costs associated with recovery. All in all, a happy ending, but still a major hassle and a lucky break.
From the Oregon State Police Press Release:
Anonymous Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Recovery of Stolen Trailer, $80,000 Trail Construction Machine; Investigation Continuing. Read more here.
2012 NWTA Board Elections
Board elections will take place during the January 31st NWTA meeting at HUB. We are incredibly excited about the talent and diversity of our candidates. To learn a little about the candidates before the meeting click here. While you must be a current NWTA/IMBA member to vote, everyone is welcome to attend and there will be an opportunity to join at the meeting. If that's not enough the beer will be free!
Although our board is responsible for the overall direction of the club (and a good amount of the daily operations as well), we also rely on our members to help us get things done! As we grow, there are an increasing number of tasks/roles that need to be filled to keep things running smoothly. As we head into 2012, now is a good time to consider giving back. It's a great cause, and an opportunity to have some great fun with others that love riding bikes! As a monthly feature in our newsletter, we'll be publishing a list of our needs (see below), so please consider volunteering a few hours a month.
Portland Design Works Supports Ventura Pump Track
After almost two years of working with Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland got it's first public pumptrack just last September, at Venura Park in SE Portland. There's still some work to do, but the track is rideable (*in dry weather only please!) and saw alot of use this past fall. This project was funded almost entirely by NWTA, with some pro-bono contributions of dirt and plants by Portland Parks. Thanks to all those who helped build!
The biggest expenditure of the entire project was a kiosk, which had to be built to PPR standards and which cost almost $4,000 to construct and install. Fortunately, that cost was covered entirely by a generous cash donation from one of our favorite sponsors, Portland Design Works. Though their products are generally oriented toward the cycling commuter, these guys have been one of NWTA's largest supporters over the past couple years. They understand the value of cycling as a lifestyle in whatever form and the importance of getting more people to enjoy the bliss of riding on two wheels (as these kids demonstrate)!.
Thanks PDW for your your continued support!
First Aid/CPR Class in the Works
Last year, one of our members Dan Werle, approached us about sponsoring a First Aid/CPR class oriented towards mountain bikers. NWTA put Dan (a registered nurse) through the class so he could provide training to our members at a discount. Dan's ready to schedule a class and we're hoping to do it sometime in early March. This is a great opportunity for you and your fellow riders to be prepared in the unfortunate case of an injury on the trail (or any other of the outdoor activities you enjoy). NWTA members will receive a discounted rate. Final date TBD. If interested, please sign-up here.
"Ride to 1,000" Membership Drive
Just a reminder that w
e 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
!
|
|
Project Updates
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In case you haven't been paying attention, the riding scene in Oregon and the PNW is exploding. We've seen new projects become reality and several more are in the works. With all that's going on, we've decided to include updates on various projects as a monthly feature. Here's a quick overview, with more to come next month.
Stevens Pass Gravity Park Opens to the Public
Last September, the new gravity park at Stevens Pass opened for your riding pleasure. Early reports are it's going to rock. This looks like a great option for a weekend trip, when Whistler is a little out of reach.
Timberline Proposal Moving Ahead
Timberline Mountain Operations Manager Steve Kruse reports that the Environmental Assessment being prepared for the proposed Timberline Gravity Park is proceeding, with a decision expected from the Forest Service in March 2012. We couldn't be more stoked about this. But, there's still some hurdles to be cleared. Friends of Mt. Hood, who has expressed strong opposition to the project, has given indications that they might try and delay the project through legal means. If that happens, the project could be delayed. So, stay tuned...
Mt Bachelor Bike Park Proposed
Did you know that there is a second gravity park proposed in Oregon? That's right, it hasn't gotten much attention but in the spring of 2011, the operators of Mt Bachelor resort filed a proposal to make a major expansion to the facilities, including a new lift, lodge, and a lift-assist bike park! The proposal is still in the analysis phase, and according to media relations manager Andy Groggins, if all goes well, construction would begin in 2013.
If you've never ridden a bike park, or consider yourself a "cross-country" rider, don't write off these projects. Gravity parks are a way for riders of all abilities and skill levels to expand their riding repertoire. Even though these projects will be gravity-oriented, they will have something to offer riders of all skill levels and abilities.
Sandy Ridge Continues to Expand
If you haven't ridden Sandy Ridge, all we can say is - get out there! For those that have, you understand how fortunate to have this riding nirvana in our backyard. Don't be deceived by the total number of miles of trail, this riding venue packs more thrills per foot than anything around.
This past fall, construction was completed on a new parking area. If you haven't seen it, check it out. We now have a great place to hang - when completed, the facility will include restrooms, a shelter, BBQ pits, picnic tables, a pumptrack, dirt jump area and perimeter flow trail! (Sorry, no overnight camping facilities...). This will be a great place to come for the day with family and friends. Something for every rider to enjoy.
In addition, work is nearly complete on two additional trails. The first is located near the top of the system and will provide more climbing/descending opportunities. A second line, designed as a "Mini DH" trail, will connect the 338 loop to the Hide N Seek trail, near the existing bridge. Initial reports are that this trail rips! These trails will formally open in the spring of 2012.
Also, NWTA is working with the BLM (manager of the Sandy Ridge system) and Clackamas County (adjoining landowner) to come to some agreement on formally incorporating the lines known as "TnT" and "Little Monkey" into the system. You may not be aware, but these trails are not formally part of the system, and lie on land owned by Clackamas County. These trails have been in existence for several years and were built by some very diligent and talented locals. These lines are relatively short and feature small table jumps to large gaps. Over the past year, NWTA has been talking with the BLM and Clackamas County about how to incorporate these lines into the system. Over the summer, NWTA submitted a proposal to the County and BLM, which is now under review. We hope to have more information soon. In the meantime, please respect the County's wish not to do any additional building on this parcel.
If you ride and enjoy the Sandy System, consider sending a note of appreciation to one of our favorite land managers, Zach Jarrret at the BLM (and who also happens to rip on a bike!). Zach has put countless hours (and a significant amount of funds) to developing what is a world class riding area in our own backyard.
Ventura, Castle Rock Bike Parks Coming Together
NWTA worked with the Portland Parks Bureau for over two years to get Portland's first public pumptrack on the ground. We got some laps in before winter came (or has it?) and we'll be tuning up the track in 2012. We hope to use this new venue for a kids camp in 2012.
Meanwhile, in Castle Rock, Washington, a group of locals is building the Castle Rock Skills Park on City-owned landnd. We haven't seen this project yet, but it could be a great place to stretch your legs on trips north.
And What's up with Forest Park?
Ah, our update wouldn't be complete without addressing Forest Park. Obviously this has been, and continues to be a contentious issue. Since the conclusion of the Forest Park Singletrack Advisory Committee's work in 2010, not much has happened. Needless to say, we were more than disappointed at the lack of real outcomes from what was at times a painful process. That said, NWTA is still committed to try and get some real singletrack riding opportunities within the park. We recently met with Parks staffers to discuss modifications to FL5. Nothing concrete to report yet, but we hope to have more info soon. Wouldn't it be great to see the ST-240 building a sweet new line in FP?! Long term, we intend to put forward a proposal to build a purpose-built bike trail. Stay tuned on this one.
|
NWTA In The Community --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Help Pass the Torch to the Next Generation of Cyclists This from our friends at Camas bikes -
Youth participation in cycling is on the decline...help grow the High School Cycling League Movement! There was an informational meeting at Camas Bike and Sport Thursday, Dec. 15th on joining the 2nd season of The Washington NICA League. The meeting included an informational Power Point and Q & A session for anyone that is or knows students that would like to ride and/or race mountain bikes in a HS specific program, or teachers, other adults, or yourself, that would like to be involved as a leader or volunteer. Join us in spreading the word and helping establish teams in our area for the 2nd season this winter/spring.
The goal is to establish more teams and grow the league in SW WA and Portland. Last spring for the inaugural season, we fielded the only team (out of 14) from south of Olympia. The team ended up the largest registered team in the state and finished 2nd in points for the race series, so we have proven there is the potential for our region to have a significant presence in the state league, and it will be further supported by us hosting a state race here at the Washougal MX Track.
The league is blowing up in the Seattle area, and we need your help promoting the league and getting Southwest, even Portland students competing with the rest of Washington.
We are also looking for gear, parts, accessories, apparel, even bikes to get donated(501c non profit status) or loaned out for students. Our goal is to give any student desiring to join a team the opportunity and don't want financial limitations or lack of equipment and/or bike to be an obstacle. We have already had several quality bikes donated to help get students started.
If you didn't make the meeting, but are interested you can contact me anytime, and for detailed info on the League, go to www.washingtonmtb.org<http://www.washingtonmtb.org>
Facebook link to meeting ; http://www.facebook.com/events/192509704172078/?context=create
Thanks!
Ed Fischer
Camas Bike and Sport- Home of Lifetime Tune-Ups! Dimwits Withbritelights NWTA Night Riding Group! 
Semi-weekly rides, weather dependent, with a postride bonfire...what more do you need to keep those legs going through the winter!
Thanks to all who came out the last two Friday nights, January 6th and the 13th, for some riding at the easyCLIMB trail system in Cascade Locks. The weather gods shined down on us again as the rains stopped once we got there and no wind for a great night of riding and bonfire party.
The Cascade Locks Port maintenance division have staged piles of gravel for us to put down on the trail, so look for a chance in the near future to participate in the first night trail maintenance party. Well, it will be more of a party than working, but with a few hands, shovels and buckets we should be able to lay down some gravel for a few minutes before riding.
Friend the group on Facebook to get updates on rides. Watch the profile bulb (on the Facebook page) to see if there is a ride on (green bulb). |
|
Trail Talk: Ventura, Work Parties, and...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lumberyard
As some of you may have heard, Portland is getting its own indoor bike park. The Lumberyard, as its called, has positioned itself to be the premier indoor bike park operation in the Pacific Northwest. With the initial location slated for here in Portland at 2700 NE 82nd Ave, across from Madison High School. It is founded by two of our board members, Will Heiberg and Michael Whitesel, as a for-profit venture. The Lumberyard will deliver year-round riding opportunities to fulfill an unmet need for mountain bikers of all types, ages and abilities in Portland. As mountain bike advocates, Will & Michael know all too well the nature of this need. In fact, the lack of mountain bike riding opportunities within the City of Portland has enabled this opportunity (with help from our weather, of course!).
Course design and construction will proceed as a collaborative process utilizing input from experienced indoor course riders, pro riders and local advocates. There are a variety of features that will be utilized, including technical skills building areas, jump lines, pump track, a toddler area and a XC loop and all of which will be continuously improved and expanded upon. To head up the design and build the course, Joe Prisel has come to Portland from the midwest. He's been involved in Ray's MTB Park from the beginning and is recognized as the premier indoor park designer.
Pricing is on par with other existing indoor bike parks, with a model similar to a ski area (but striving to be a better value). Day passes, multi-day punch passes, seasonal passes and annual passes will all be available. There will also be camps for children and group and individual instruction available for those looking to try out or improve on riding.
Will and Michael are excited for The Lumberyard launch, introducing a new cycling venue this Spring that will be a topnotch fixture for the bicycling community in Portland for years to come. Interested in a preview? Check out the Cross Up event on February 5th!
Inquiries can be referred to info@lumberyardmtb.com. "Like" them on Facebook to stay current on all things Lumberyard.
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.
And the Women Ride Again!
Thirteen riders braved the chilly weather Saturday, January 7th for a fun adventure ride at Hospital Hill near White Salmon, WA. Driving into the Gorge the drizzly, western Oregon conditions carried on and on until Hood River was in sight. The day ended up slightly sunny creating amazing views from the top of the climb and fantastic conditions for the flight back down to the parking area. Make sure to attend the next Women's meeting on the 31st to work on planning more rides for the coming year. Thanks for the great picture Debbie Causey - as she captioned the photo "See the riders waaaay down there?"
|
|
Member Spotlight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
Joe Barcott
Joe considers himself to be one of our several elder statesmen and is basically, a cross country rider (he plans to be a regular at the Lumberyard but more for grandchildren than for him). He was a trial lawyer for 30 years, practicing in Anchorage, Alaska; Mount Vernon, Washington; and Fruita, Colorado (where he was a member/board member of COPMOBA) before retiring and moving to Portland in 2006. He joined PUMP and actively participated in the transition to NWTA, serving on the first NWTA board from 2009-2011 as vice president. During that time Joe's legal and organizational skills were critical in working out the details of becoming an IMBA chapter, and setting up the framework for our Trail Development Partnership Program. In addition, Joe has been a representative for mountain bikers on the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreational Advisory Committee. This provided opportunities to collaborate with the City of Hillsboro on various bike events and with THPRD on Eichler Park. Since leaving the board he's remained active and has assisted with our search for a Development Director and been a member of our nominating committee which identifies potential board candidates. Joe is also representing the interests of mountain bikers on Metro's newly formed Westside Regional Trail Stakeholders Advisory Committee whose function is to determine the best alignment for the Westside Regional Trail, including a section from Skyline Blvd. through Forest Park to Highway 30. Whew!
While living in Mount Vernon Joe rode a lot of Washington trails including those around Winthrop and Twisp. While in Fruita he rode that superb singletrack, and with Moab only 90 minutes away he rode much of Moab's slickrock and singletrack, and other Colorado Plateau locations such as Gooseberry Mesa. Currently, for day rides, he likes the east side of Mount Hood, including the trail networks off Road 44 and Highway 35 (where he attends all of Ranger Jim's trail work parties); and makes at least one annual riding trip to Bend. He hopes to explore a new destination this summer and is considering Sun Valley/Ketchum and/or the Lake Tahoe area; if not a return to Fruita or Moab.
Thoughts about a statewide mountain bike organization. Lately Joe's been thinking about the potential benefits of developing a statewide, umbrella mountain bike organization, whose purpose would be to unite all Oregon mountain bike groups for more political clout on local issues, leaving the national focus to IMBA. He encourages and solicits feedback from anyone who might have thoughts about the efficacy of such an organization, and how one might best operate for the benefit of all Oregon riders.
Beside all this, Joe is just a heck of a nice guy and brings an "even keel" to our board discussions. Thanks Joe, we can't thank you enough for all your time, enthusiasm and great attitude!
|
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fri, Jan 21, 27 (6:30pm - ?) Dimwits Withbritelights easyCLIMB Ride Semi-regular Friday night ride and bonfire. Bring good lights, beverage, wood for the fire. Ride the trails for an hour or two then stay warm by the fire and enjoy good company. Friend Dimwits Withbritelights on Facebook to get updates on rides. Sat, Jan 21st (9am - 3pm) Stub Freeride Area Build Day W.T.F. Join the Westside Trail Federation for a great day of building freeride trails out in Stub Stewart State Park. Tue, Jan 31st (5pm - 7pm) NWTA Women's Meeting The Women's Group meeting will be in the Banquet Room at HUB from 5-7pm. The focus of this meeting will be planning our monthly rides for 2012 and getting ride leader commitments.
Tue, Jan 31st (6pm - 8pm) NWTA General Meeting and Board Elections The NWTA General Meeting will start at 7pm at Hopworks on Powell and there will be an election for new board members. You must be a member of NWTA in order to vote although members and nonmembers are always welcome. Oh, and we forgot to mention one other thing that might get you there, FREE BEER! Yep, the tabs on us this month. Sat, Feb 4th (9am - 3pm) Sandy Ridge Trail Maintenance Day Expectations? A few hours of trail work then on your bike by 1PM. We'll get you and your bike up to the work area and then you can ride afterwards. Never been to a work party? No problem, come and we'll provide instruction. Sun, Feb 5th and Sat Feb 18th (9am - 3pm) Stub Freeride Area Build Day W.T.F. Join the Westside Trail Federation for a great day of building freeride trails out in Stub Stewart State Park. Sat, Feb 25th (10am) NWTA Women's Group joint ride with Growler's Gulch Girls All skill levels welcome! We will split up into smaller riding groups according to skill level. We need a couple ladies to help with leading or sweeping the beginner, intermediate, and fast groups. Please RSVP to debbiec@nw-trail.org asap if you can help lead/sweep. Tue, Feb 28th (6pm - 8pm) General Membership Meeting Come find ways to be involved or just grab a beer and talk bikes! 7pm News from the trail. Sunday Mar 11, or 24th (date TBD) - NWTA's own First Aid/CPR class. We'll determine the final date based on interest. |
| Volunteer Opportunities
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's Not All About the Shovel... Feeling like you want to give back after you've ripped down a trail in the dappled sunshine on one of those perfect Oregon summer days? Sitting around this winter watching bad reality TV on Netflix and thinking that there's got to be something better to do with your time? We have the answer! There are many ways that anyone can contribute to NWTA, becoming a member is one of the most obvious but there are many other ways to get involved. Have ideas on how to build excitement and awareness or other ways to get people outside and on their bikes? Do you own or work for a business that might be interested in giving back in some way? Well, all of those skills would be handy to harness as well! It's not all work gloves and shovels...here are some of the ways that you can give back, and have a great time in the process! Pumptrack Coordinator - Ventura Park - Want to be involved with Portland's first (public) pumptrack? This is a great opportunity for someone who lives close to the park. The track was very popular as soon as it opened and we expect that to continue as more people ride it in 2012. Duties would include regular visits to monitor usage, pick up trash, help organize work parties and become a pumptrack riding master! Previous experience with pumptracks not required, but desired. Contact Trail Care Director Tom Slovak for more info. Sunday Parkways Volunteers - NWTA's skills park has been one of the most popular attractions at Sunday Parkways over the last couple years. These events are a blast and a chance to introduce kids (and big kids too) to the challenges of riding "off street". We're looking for go-getters who could help with one or more events - setting up our snazzy tent, interacting with the public and showing people how to nail the "skinnies". For more info, please send an email to Will Heiberg. Grant Writers - Do you have experience writing grants? If so, we'd love to talk to you. There are numerous opportunities for us to seek funding for our various programs. Help NWTA raise money and have an even bigger impact on the local biking scene. Send email to info@nw-trail.org. Youth Camp Coordinator - We are working with Portland Parks and Recreation to host a 3-day MTB camp for youth ages 6-16 over the summer. This camp will help kids develop bike handling skills, introduce them to the concepts of sustainable trail design and responsible trail riding, and get them out in the woods on their bikes. Riding locations will include Ventura Park, The Lumberyard and Cascade Locks or Sandy Ridge trail systems. Duties will include coordinating with PPR, working with trainers to develop curriculum, and with sponsors to solicit donations. If interested, please contact Andy Jansky. |
| Call for Content
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We want your stories and ideas! Do you have an event to advertise, a ride or trail report or other idea that you would like to see in print? Send story ideas and information to: newsletter@nw-trail.org
|
|
|
|
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Links...
|
|
|
|
|
