NWTA Newsletter - March '12
A Message From Our New NWTA President

Ride to Where You Ride: Support the NWTA
I just got back from riding endless rolling single track in Fairfax, California right from the front door. It was awesome--front door to trail. Residents and businesses know that mountain biking is a big part of the economy and the trails, parking lots, bars and restaurants are full of mountain bikers.

 

So how did it happen?
In short: Advocacy, volunteerism, and continued support. IMBA was founded by a small-but organized-rag-tag collection of California mountain bikers that felt compelled to do something about the threat of trail closure. If you want to ride to where you ride right here in our own region, like I did in Fairfax, become a member or renew your membership and help the NWTA.

 

Your Support is Making a Difference
With your support, 2011 was a big year for mountain biking in northwestern Oregon and southwest Washington. New world-class mountain biking trails and urban bike pump tracks; exposure at city-wide events; more women on mountain bikes; more kids getting pumped on pump tracks; and a lot more NWTA members helping to get it all done. Our message is spreading and even local businesses are doing their part in putting our region on the map. At the 2012 North American Handmade Bike Show this year, Portland's very own Tony Pereira of Pereira Cycles took home the award for Best Mountain Bike. Congratulations Tony!

 

Shifting into High Gear
We have several excellent new additions to the Board of Directors bringing fresh perspective and renewed energy to our organization. This winter, we have been busy setting goals and planning for the years ahead. We'll soon be publishing the results of these efforts to the website. The NWTA is more organized than ever and stoked to keep momentum going. But we can't do it alone. So do your part and help organize a ride, take a kid mountain biking, build some trail, or staff our tent at some upcoming events.

Thanks Tom
Along with a new board of directors, our tireless leader Tom Archer is stepping down as NWTA President. Tom has done a great deal for NWTA helping to build an organization with a stronger voice. Thankfully, Tom will continue to serve as NWTA's Advocacy Director, leading the way to more mountain bike access and opportunity. So when you see him on the trail or at a meeting, be sure to say thanks. 

Jon Pheanis

Incoming NWTA President

In This Issue:
Project Updates...
Volunteer Opportunities
Announcements
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars
Call for Content

Project Updates...   

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Alert: Storms Effect Post Canyon, Scappoose, Sandy Ridge

On Jan 21, Hood River's beloved Post Canyon mountain biking trail system took a massive storm hit, closing 90 percent of the trail system. It is un-rideable for the near future. "We just want to be sure people don't make the trek all the way from Portland and expect to ride," says NWTA's Tom Archer. Hood River Area Trail Stewards (HRATS) hosted a work party full story on March 18th to begin clearing the trails. Fifty six volunteers made good progress on Family Man, 8 Track Basement, Drop Out, Toilet Bowl, Charlies Trail, The Boot, Bad Motor Scooter and Extended Play. The next HRATS work party will be March 31.
 
A later storm created significant obstacles at Scappoose. A small invite-only group is working to re-route around the damage. If interested in joining the email list, contact [email protected]. A more formal clean up will occur in Early April.

 

The BLM has closed Sandy Ridge for the near future due to wet conditions. "Sandy Ridge is designed to withstand a ton of winter weather, but the combination of late winter snow along with the recent heavy rains means that Sandy Ridge will need to close for some maintenance and rest," says Trail Steward Tom Slovak.  Consider joining NWTA and the BLM for the next Sandy Ridge Trail Maintenance day, at 9 am, Saturday, April 7, 2012.

Big Plans for L.L. Stub Stewart State Park  

Since 2007, NWTA volunteers have hand-dug three miles of trail in L.L. Stub Stewart State Park , 31 miles west of Portland on Highway 47. The beginning of 10 miles of planned biking-dedicated single track, the new trail was established in two separate areas. This summer plans are afoot to carve out 1.75 mils of new trail to link the two sections.  

 

NWTA is hopeful that we'll be able to connect the south ridge line trail with the north loop. But it'll only happen if volunteers come to the scheduled work parties (100% volunteer work is what is getting trail put on the ground in the Stub mountain bike area. No volunteers = no trail, few volunteers = slow progress). Want to ride more single track this summer built specifically for mountain biking?  Come help dig. Need inspiration? Check out this narrated slideshow of a Stub work party. 

 

NWTA has not one, but TWO volunteer trail stewards dedicated to leading crews to add more miles of single track at Stub Stewart State Park. Local bike racer and trail-building veteran Robert Clark has joined the charge to build out Stub into a local Mecca for mountain bikers, and Joe Rykowski, who has been helping with project since 2007 and leading volunteer teams actively digging trail since 2009.  In addition to NWTA teams, West side Trail Federation volunteers are building out the flow trail area link here  which is on target to open this summer! Please check out the NWTA Website for more info, including work party dates here.    


Cascade Locks Keeps Expanding 
Big things are planned for the easyCLIMB trail at Cascade Locks (Trail Wiki).  A new inner loop called Bobsled was added to the brand new 2-mile system in early March and just needs some heavy buffing. A dual pump track for side-by side race is in the plan. According to easyCLIMB organizer Andy Jansky, "Friday Night DimwitsWithBriteLites will be more regular for all of you softies who don't like it dark and cold."

Jansky is creating an opt-in email list for Cascade Locks, so if you are interested in events and helping build, email [email protected]. The next work party will be in early April. In the meantime, Jansky urges all NWTA members to fill out this survey: (https://portlandstate.qualtrics.com//SE/?SID=SV_57LVFs198aRS5kE) for recreational opportunities in Cascade Locks and the entire Columbia River Gorge. Our answers may improve mountain biking opportunities in the Gorge for years to come. Check the DimwitsWithBriteLites page on Facebook for more updates.

NWTA Reaps Benefits of National Trail Funding Renewal

THANKS to all for contacting your elected officials to convince them to protect Recreation Trail Program (RTP) funding.  Thanks to IMBA members' efforts (full story), $85 million in Federal funding was preserved for building and maintaining trails through the legislative process.

 

NWTA has applied for $55,000 from the RTP to purchase additional trail construction equipment-mainly accessories for the ST240 (more info). Presentation to grant review board is slated for end of April. We can expect a thumbs up or thumbs down on if we'll receive funding before June. If awarded the grant, then we'll need to raise $14,000 in match funding (minimum required for RTP grants is 20 percent matching from other funds). There will be fundraising efforts announced in May. If you can help (either with outreach, organizing event, or outright donation), please contact  [email protected].


Volunteer Opportunities 
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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? 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? Harness those skills in the service of NWTA! To pitch in contact our volunteer coordinator Vic Sandrin.  

 

 

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 (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 email to Raul Atencio.


Graphic Artists Needed 

Do you have graphics skills? NWTA has a need for graphics support - putting together flyers, announcements, and various paper and electronic materials. Just a few hours/month. Get the inside scoop on the many events and activities that we're involved in!  If interested, please send a note to [email protected].   


Recreational Trails Program Application Review Committee Openings 
Want to help build trail but not get your hands dirty? The State of Washington is looking for volunteer committee members to help determine how millions of dollars in state trail grants should be spent. Wouldn't it be great to a have few mountain bikers on this committee? These committees are a great stepping stone for your career and are also fun.   

Four volunteers are needed to review applications for projects that build or renovate trails. Volunteers should represent trail users; one of those should be a person from a public agency familiar with managing trails. Also encouraged to apply are people with expertise in project design or management, landscape architecture, planning, engineering, permitting or property acquisition. Volunteers meet infrequently (about six weekdays overy two years). Each volunteer is asked to serve for four years.

See the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program's Trails Advisory Committee page here.
To apply, send a completed application and support materials to RCO by March 30. Applications are available online. More Information:  Lorinda Anderson, (360) 902-3009, TTD (360) 902-1996, or [email protected] .   
 

 

Tool Storage Area Needed  

We are in need of an area to store one of our trailers and tools.  Preferably a central Portland location. Area needs to be secure, but not necessarily covered.  All or a portion of rental could be a donation to our non-profit. If you have info, please send an email to [email protected].    

 


Announcements

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2012 NWTA Intense Tracer Shimano Saint Bicycle Raffle!!!

Universal Cycles Donates $5000 Bike to NWTA       

Portland-based Universal Cycles has donated a custom painted Shimano Saint by Intense for a raffle to benefit NWTA. The 999 tickets for the custom painted, size medium Intense Tracer will go on sale at the  Portland Bicycle Show on March 22nd at the Portland Expo Center and will remain available until gone or until July 1, 2012, with the winner announced at the annual Trailfest event. 

 

The bike has a full Saint and Pro components parts kit, a Marzocchi fork and Michelin tires. "We received the bike from one of our distributors and thought that such a unique bike should be raffled off for a good cause," says Victor Sandrin, retail store manager at Universal Cycles and a NWTA board member. "Who better to benefit than the Northwest Trail Alliance? The funds will help them continue their exemplary trail building and stewardship."

 

Raffle tickets will be sold at Universal Cycles at 2202 East Burnside Street in Portland, where the bicycle will remain on display, and at various NWTA events, including the Portland Bicycle Show. "We are floored by Universal Cycles generous donation," says NWTA's president Jon Pheanis. "The nearly $10,000 we hope to raise in the raffle will go a long way towards increasing opportunities for local trail riders. We are proud to be an organization that is generously supported by community members and business."

 

Support the March 31 River View Planting Party   

In 2011, the City of Portland Parks Bureau, Bureau of Environmental Service and METRO collaborated on the purchase of the 180-acre River View property. The purchase was focused primarily on maintaining and improving water quality and the City is in the process of "stabilizing" the property - conducting a thorough assessment of the property, removing invasive species, cleaning up trash, installing signage and, most importantly for mountain bikers, determining which of the existing user-created trails will be allowed to remain.  

 

The property has been in use by mountain bikers for over 20 years. Shortly after the purchase, Tom Archer of NWTA and Chris Bernhardt from IMBA met with City staff to advocate for continued bicycle access. From those discussions, the City agreed to allow mountain bikers to continue to use the property, at least until a long term plan is implemented. However, an area used for dirt jumping was not spared, and the City removed the jumps late last year.  

 

From 9 am to noon on March 31, the City is hosting a work party to install plantings in the area that was previously the site of the dirt jumps.  NWTA will collaborate with Sellwood Cycle to assist with the plantings, which include 200 native varietals. "The River View property has been my favorite Portland natural area for nearly 20 years," says Sellwood Cycle owner Erik Tonkin. "I'm hopeful of its promise as part of an urban green corridor and as a multi-use trail system, and I'm proud of Portland Parks for going out of their way to secure it for and keep it open to all users. Nicely done. Sellwood Cycle Repair is here to help."

 

NWTA will continue to work with the City to advocate for long-term bike access to the property. Helping with these plantings will aid our advocacy efforts over time, so please consider pitching in. This is a great opportunity to see the property first hand and talk to Parks Bureau representatives and make your voice heard. Tools, gloves, and training will be provided. Meet at the corner of SW Palatine Hill Rd and Brugger St. at 9 am for the 15 minute hike to the planting area. Please contact Rachel at 503-823-9423 or r[email protected].

 

2012 McKenzie River Trail Camp Out on Tap for June 29 
Join us June 29 - July 1 for a weekend of riding on the McKenzie River Trail. Saturday will have the option of a 25 mile shuttle or 50 mile out and back. If the snow is melted enough we will do a road ride up 242 to the lava flows on Sunday.
NWTA has reserved a couple campsites at Paradise Campground.  

Bring your own camping gear, food, and cash to pay for parking or additional camp sites as necessary. Each campsite is allowed one car so please try to carpool if you can. Please RSVP to
[email protected] so that we know how many additional sites we need to grab on Friday night.

 

 

Helen's Fest III Slated for July 27-29 

Mountain bike events such as Kettle Fest and Helen's Fest are not only about riding your bike on awesome trails in spectacular areas, they are also as much about stewardship! Helen's Fest was started in time for the 1980 eruption's 30th anniversary. The first event's work party was the biggest single user volunteer work party event on the Mount St Helen's National Volcanic Monument in 2010. These events combine great riding, stewardship, and an opportunity to establish relationships between trail users and land managers.

 

The Ape Canyon and Smith Creek trail loop is the most well known trail. However, the mountain boasts trails that provide views of spectacular scenery to temper the tough riding conditions. The Wright Meadow and Craggy Peak trails provide a challenging climb and a descent that is not for the faint of heart. The cross country and snowmobile trails on the south side of the mountain provide a fun and challenging ride for beginners, and could easily be made into a nice series of connector trails, connecting the west side trails with the Ape Canyon/Smith Creek trails.

  

We expect to have Trek demo bikes again. Having demo bikes at the event allows people to try some world class bikes in settings they were meant to be ridden, but it also allows Forest Service land managers the ability to ride on trails and understand why we love doing what we do!

  

Our event operates under a special use permit issued by the Mount St Helen's National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which is our host. The event is jointly sponsored by Northwest Trail Alliance, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and the Mount St Helen's Institute. Base camp is at Marble Mount Snow Park. This year's event is being held 27-29 July 2012, hopefully late enough this year for the snow to melt. Signups can be done on the NWTA, Evergreen or on Helen's Fest 3 on Facebook sites.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar 

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Click on any of the highlighted titles below to link directly to more information...

 

Sat, March 24th (10 am - 2 pm)  NWTA Women's Group Ride - Rodger's Camp  The trail is an 8-mile intermediate loop with plenty of climbing and roots. The trail is soggy in spots so come prepared with fenders, towels, and a change of clothing, as well as a helmet, water, spare tube, food, etc. If weather turns nasty, Jaime will post a back-up ride (possibly Syncline). Check Facebook for ride updates on Friday, 3/23! To RSVP or with questions, contact Jaime at 503-544-1613 or [email protected].  

    

Sun, March 25th (9:45 am - 3 pm)  Women's Regional Ride at Blackrock  Calling all PNW Ladies of MTB! Join us for a regional women's ride at Blackrock on Sunday, March 25th. If you are an intermediate to advanced XC rider interested in getting your adrenaline on, this is your ride! Free riders and Downhill ladies, you can show us how it's done!!! RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected]. We really need to get a head count for this awesome day of shredding.  


Tue, March 27th (5 - 7 pm)  NWTA Women's Meeting
  The Women's Group meeting will be in the Banquet Room at HUB from 5-7pm.


Tue, March 27th (6 - 8 pm)  NWTA General Meeting   The NWTA General meeting will start at 7 pm at Hopworks on Powell. Come at 6 pm to find ways to get involved. Everyone always welcome!     

       

Sun, April 1st and Sat the 21st (9 am - 3 pm)   Stub Freeride Area Build Day with W.T.F.    Join Westside Trail Federation for a great day of building Freeride Trails out in Stub Stewart State Park.  We are making the final push toward the anticipated opening on June 2, 2012 and volunteers are the key to success. See Westside Trail Federation calendar for full details about this event. 

 

Wed, April 4, 11, 18, 25th (6 - 8 pm)   Weekly Ride at Scappoose  We'll briefly discuss landowner rules and guidelines we need to follow to maintain access to this private property, then we ride! The Wednesday rides will continue on a weekly basis through the end of September, but will be an informal Scappoose Ride, meaning they will NOT be guided rides. For directions to the trailhead or other questions, email [email protected] or [email protected].  

 
Thurs, April 5th (7 - 8:30 pm) Stub Stewart Presentation at Hillsboro REI  Are you a Portland-Metro area Mountain Biker? If so, prepare to be excited! REI is hosting an informational gathering led by the Westside Trail Federation and Northwest Trail Alliance.   

 

Sat, April 7th (9 am - 3 pm)  Sandy Ridge Trail Maintenance Day  Expectations? A few hours of trail work then on your bike by 1 pm. We'll shuttle 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.

 

Sat, April 7th (10 am - 1pm) Women's Group Ride at Growlers  The three-hour ride will be on dirt single track in the trees with roots and log-overs. This is a rain or shine event, so come prepared! Growler's is a great place for beginners and advanced riders. We plan to split into groups dependent on volunteers. Contact Debbie Causey at [email protected].

    

Sat, April 14th and 22nd (8:45 am - 3 pm)  Stub Stewart State Park Trail Building - XC/AM Check-in at the Welcome Center from 8:45 - 9 am. Work will be done on the new trail on South Ridgeline. Tools and parking passes provided by Oregon State Parks. Register on the NWTA website for last minute updates. Want to see what a typical work party is like at Stub?  Watch this from January 2012 event! 

 

Sat, April 14th (9 - 11 am) Friends of Powell Butte Trail Maintenance  Powell Butte often gets overlooked in the city of Portland--it's got great single track and is rideable from town. Consider arriving by bike on Saturday to help out the trails in the park. The Friends of Powell Butte host a monthly trail maintenance day. Repeats every month except August and December.

  

Sat, April 21st (8:30 am - 2 pm) Tillamook Forest Cleanup (SOLV/ODF) Meet at the ODOT sand shed on Hwy 6. For more information contact Stephanie Beall at (503)359-7464 or [email protected].     

 

Tue, April 24th (6 - 8 pm)  NWTA General Meeting  The NWTA General meeting will start at 7 pm at Hopworks on Powell. Come at 6 pm to find ways to get involved. Everyone always welcome!   

     

Sat, April 28th (9 am - 12 pm) NWTA Women's Group Ride NWTA women's group ride. Details to be posted soon. There is potential for groups of varying abilities depending on how many riders show up. Contact Debbie Causey at [email protected]. to get more information or to volunteer to help.   

 

Call for Content 
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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: [email protected].  

 

Support Our Sponsors! 

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Our family of sponsors have been more than donors, they are part the mountain bike community- and that sets them apart. Whether it's a place to ride, a bike shop and their service, gear for 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 support our sponsors, you are supporting our trails.

 

NWTA is proud to have great sponsors who 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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