Making "America's Best Bike City" Better  

Recently, Bicycling Magazine announced that Portland is this year's "Best Bike City;" a title largely based on bike lanes and off-street (paved) pathways. As a dedicated bike commuter and mountain biker, I'm only half-way excited about the honor. On one hand, Portland does a lot for bike commuters and road cyclists and it's a lot easier to get around by bike than most other places. But on the other hand, how would we rank on this list if mountain bike trails were part of the criteria? Shouldn't this be a factor?

Since the Northwest Trail Alliance's early beginnings, we've been striving to make our region better for mountain bikers. While we advocate for more trails and access, don't forget how much momentum we help build for the next generation of mountain bikers by introducing youth to our sport. At this year's first Sunday Parkways, we had over 100 kids (and adults) take on the popular NWTA skills course, and the first-ever Mountain Bike Camp is quickly filling up. These events introduce hundreds of kids to our sport and this is just part of what NWTA does. So help make "America's Best Bike City" better by supporting NWTA, getting involved and getting out on the trail. Here's how you can help:

Volunteer at Stub Stewart State Park

Trail builders and fun seekers are needed to help build trail at Stub Stewart State Park. To help, check out the event details on our website or email joer@nw-trail.org for more information.

Volunteer at an upcoming Sunday Parkways

We need 2-4 volunteers (or more) per event to help set-up and take-down the skills course, and be a friendly face at one of the most popular Parkway's attractions. Upcoming events are scheduled for June 24^th, July 22^nd, August 26^th and September 30^th at locations all over Portland. Email raul@nw-trail.org for more information.

Help with Trailfest 2012

We need volunteers to help us get ready for Trailfest 2012 (July 5-9^th). Food vendors, musicians and other ideas are wanted. To help, send an email to sonias@nw-trail.org (see event schedule below).

Lead a ride

Ride leaders are always welcome to organize and lead a mountain bike ride. All styles and abilities are encouraged. Contact debbiec@nw-trail.org for more information.

Get your friends to join and consider donating to NWTA

Your contributions are tax deductable and your support goes a long way. Find out more by going to www.nw-trail.org/join.

Thanks for supporting the Northwest Trail Alliance!

Jon Pheanis

NWTA President

Updates   

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State Parks Day/National Trails day @ Stub Stewart State Park

Grand Opening of the Freeride Area!!!

   

Free parking, free camping (first come first served). Come join the NWTA, W.T.F. and the Oregon State Parks in celebrating a westside treasure and a huge milestone - the opening of the new freeride area at Stub Stewart State Park. Volunteers have been putting in the hours to get the freeride area and many other trails into shape for your riding pleasure in time for the 2012 State Parks Day/National Trails day on June 2nd.  

 

• Noon - 2 pm Tables and activities
• BBQ from noon - 1 pm
• 1 pm group rides and hikes planned.
• Tour the Southridge trail line - almost complete!

 

Evening campfire programs to cap this awesome day. Make sure to come visit the NWTA tent while out at this fun, family friendly event!  

 

 

 

   

The Lumberyard Now Open!

First west coast indoor bike park now open for business.

 

The Lumberyard, Portland's new indoor bike park, opened May 11, 2012. The 48,000 square foot facility includes jump lines, pump tracks, skill sections and technical trail riding for beginners to experts. The Lumberyard is excited to offer programming for all ages and abilities, including skill-building clinics to improve technical riding and bike handling skills and summer camps for children of many age groups.      

 

The Lumberyard will celebrate on June 9th with a family friendly launch party from 3pm to 9pm. Festivities will include pro rider expos, vendor tents, food and drink, kids ride, equipment showcase, raffle prizes and after party with DJ.

               
Additional information about the Lumberyard, including operating hours and pricing, can be found on the Lumberyard's website and Facebook page. And to read the complete story follow this link to the NWTA website.

Contact: info@lumberyardmtb.com 

                503-252-BIKE (2453)
  

Intense 6.6/Shimano Saint Bicycle Raffle: Enter to Win!!!

 

Portland based Universal Cycles has donated a custom painted $5,000 Shimano Saint by Intense for a raffle to benefit NWTA. The 999 tickets for the custom painted, size medium Intense 6.6 went on sale at the Portland Bicycle Show on March 22nd and will remain available until gone or until July 6, 2012. The winner will be announced at Trailfest 2012. This is the first of two bike raffles we'll hold this year (more details to come on our next opportunity.) To enter, see us at any of our upcoming events, or order your ticket online here.

   

 

 

Hood River Trails Status

Everyone's rallied this spring to clear and rebuild many storm damaged trails out in the Hood River area. To check on trail status before heading out follow this link http://www.thegorgeismygym.com/mountain-biking 

 

Announcements

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Ventura Park Grand Opening!!!  

Many of you may have seen the video of the kids enjoying this new gem - if not check you should definetely check out the awesome energy! Though the park has been in place since last fall, Portland Parks has scheduled a ribbon cutting event celebrating our work and this great amenity for the City of Portland.   

 

Come on out, show your support and bring your bike for the grand opening!

July 9th noon-1:00 pm.

Ventura Park - SE 113th and Stark

 

 

 

 

Kids MTB Camp  

In collaboration with Portland Parks Teen Adventure Program, NWTA is hosting a 4 day kids camp for kids ages 10-14.  The camp, held July 9th - 12th, will help build bike handling skills and will include stewardship components on responsible trail riding, trail maintenance and construction and environmental education.  A great opportunity to ride some great local parks and trails including: Ventura Park Pumptrack, Powell Butte, Cascade Locks, Sandy Ridge, and, a chance to check out Portland's only indoor bike park, the Lumberyard! More here...

Family Ride and Camp at Cascade Locks easyCLIMB 

Event Spotlights

Thirty-two years ago Mount St Helens erupted and the north-west hasn't been the same since! We have the privilege of being able to ride over very young landscapes and watch it evolve year by year. That is a rare opportunity indeed.

The Northwest Trail Alliance this year has been recognized by the Mount St Helen's National Volcanic Monument in several ways. On May 18^th David Anderson accepted an award from the Monument on behalf of the club for the many hours we spend helping maintain the Monument's infrastructure. The club is also one of three partner groups given special recognition for the work we do in the annual Volcano Review. The other groups are the Washington Trails Association and the Back Country Horsemen of Washington, both of whom put in many many hours of work on the Monument. There were about 15 groups receiving recognition on May 18^th, including the newly forming group 'Friends of Coldwater', which is helping spearhead opening the loop trail around Coldwater Lake to mountain bikers. This is an exciting development, and we would like to thank the Forest Service for taking this initiative - which has been talked about, behind the scenes, for awhile now. Another very exciting development could be the official re-opening of the now technically closed portion of the Road 83 from Ape Canyon Parking lot down to the Smith Creek Trail. This would allow mtb'ers a safe and scenic alternative in accessing the Smith Creek trail instead of using the narrow and dangerous 8322 road which is technically the only way out of Smith Creek for mtb users.  

As revenues decline for public works projects the Forest Service and other land managers will increasingly rely on volunteers to get the work done needed to maintain basic infrastructure. If you want to see trails opened to our use be prepared to back up that request with a promise to help maintain those trails. The Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument is taking small, but very promising, steps in moving to open an existing trail to mtb use, and opening a closed road for our use as well. If we don't support them why should they support us? The managers at the Monument want and need our work.

Last year Jerry and Andrea DeRuyter, Paul and Melanie Norris and David Anderson all received yearly parking passes as a result of the amount of volunteer hours spent on the Forest. You too can earn a yearly parking pass by volunteering for NWTA work parties, or helping on the Mount St Helen's Institute work parties. Volunteering is both fun and gratifying.

Helen's Fest III is fast approaching on 27-29 July. Expect some great riding conditions this year, since there is now less snow than there was last year this time. Trek demo bikes will again be present. We are anticipating a good turn out, so be sure to log in the NWTA July calendar and sign up for the three day event which features two days of great trail riding and a day of stewardship.

Trailfest 2012: Get ready for the most fun you'll have all year!

NWTA's Trailfest is our region's premier mountain bike festival; a multi-day mountain bike extravaganza full of rides, food and fun for all ages. Save the dates ** July 5th - 9th ** on your calendar and stay tuned for more details. Here's a sneak peak:

• Forest Park twilight ride (Thursday July 5^th): Meet us out at one of the nation's largest urban parks for a fun ride at dusk. Learn about what NWTA is doing to promote access at the park and "ride to where you ride."
• Trailfest Kick-off at the Lumberyard (Friday July 6^th): The most anticipated party of the year will happen at the most anticipated spot in Portland. An evening of food, beer, bikes and fun for all. We'll be announcing results of the Intense/Shimano Saint raffle and you'll have a chance to cast your vote for NWTA's 2012 Mountain Bike Awards.
• Sandy Ridge Fest (Saturday July 7^th): Head out to one of the most popular mountain bike trail systems in Oregon for a day of mountain biking fun. NWTA will have everything you need to stay stoked once you've made it back to the trailhead.
• Women's ride at Surveyor's Ridge Trail (Sunday July 8^th): A guided ride geared just for women along one of the most scenic trails in the country.
• Family ride at Stub Stewart State Park (Sunday July 8^th): Join us at Stub Stewart State Park and explore the exciting new mountain bike trail system. The intermediate-level ride will have something for everyone.
• Gravity ride at Thrillium Trail (Sunday July 8^th): Find out what all the hype is about and bring your full-face helmet to the most talked about gravity trail in the region.
• Ventura Park Bike Pump Track Grand Opening Celebration (Monday July 9^th): Join NWTA and the City of Portland for the official grand opening of Portland's first bike pump track.
                       

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.  

Thanks to those people who have responded to our recent asks. We've had great response in some areas. But we still need help in the areas below.

Tool Storage Area Needed  

We are in need of an area to store 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 toms@nw-trail.org.    

TrailFest Planning  

We've moved TrailFest to July 6-8 this year to take advantage of better weather. Interested in helping plan the festivities and rides? Send a note to SoniaS@nw-trail.org.    

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar 

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We're putting extra effort into organizing/hosting more group rides this year.  Weekly outings to Powell Butte and Scapoose and campouts for the more adventurous.  Keep any eye on our calendar for updates.

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

Tue, May 29th (5 - 7 pm)  NWTA Women's Meeting  The Women's Group meeting will be in the Banquet Room at HUB from 5-7pm. Come connect with some like minded ladies and enjoy some food and beverages prior to the general meeting.  

Tue, May 29th (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. 7:15 pm - Cross Country Racing 101.  Come and hear from some amateur racers about the basics (how to prepare, the equipment, and what to expect on race day).  There will be plenty of time to ask questions, as well. Everyone always welcome!     

Tuesdays - October (6 pm - 8 pm)  Weekly Tuesday Powell Butte Ride  This ride happens weekly except when it conflicts with general meeting or weather. Variety of speeds and styles welcome the goal is to show a responsible MTB presence and enjoy the trails, of course. Contact Dennis - 503.860.2095 - dennisv@nw-trail.org  

Multiple Sat. and Sun. into June (9 am - 3 pm)   Stub Stewart Trail Building   Join Westside Trail Federation or NWTA for a great day of building trails 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 NWTA website for full details about these events. Want to see what a typical work party is like at Stub? Watch this from the January, 2012 event!

Sat, June 2nd (9 am Start)  NWTA Women's Group Ride   Join us for an all skill level ride at Stub Stewart State Park for National Trails day and Opening day for the Free ride area beginner line, Greenhorn. Meet at 9am at Hilltop Day-use area within Stub Stewart State park on Saturday, June 2. Contact Debbie Causey at debbiec@nw-trail.org.

Sat, June 2nd (All Day) State Parks/National Trails Day   FREE PARKING!  FREE CAMPING!  First come, first serve.There will be events happening up at Hilltop Day Use area (check OPRD site) as well as tours of mountain bike trails by the volunteer trail builders.  Come checkout portions of the trail system which have been freshly minted for your riding pleasure! Bike Gallery will have a stable of 2012 DEMO mountain bikes available for riders to try out (FREE!)

Sat, June 9th (6 pm - overnight)  Cascade Locks easyCLIMB Family Ride and Campout   Bring the family for an evening ride and campout. Bring necessary camping equipment and bikes. For details go to: http://nw-trail.org/wiki/index.php?title=Trail:Cascade_Locks_International_Mountain_Bike_(CLIMB)_Trail  and stay for...

Sun, June 10th (9 am - 3 pm)  easyCLIMB Trail Care Party  The plan is to finish the inner loop and set up the cyclecross route for this falls Double Cross race. Breakfast and lunch provided by Port of Cascade Locks!   

Sat, June 9th (8 am - 3 pm) Lewis River/Falls Creek Double  This event is the best way to hit two of my favorite trail in one day. Goal is to ride Lewis River as a out and back and finish with a shuttle on Falls Creek. Two separate rides combined into one day is not for the unprepared. So pull out your maps and check it out and see if you are up for the adventure.     

Sat, June 9th (10 am)   Washougal 3/6 Hour MTB Race  'Washougal 6 Hour MTB Race' The course will be at the Washougal Motocross Park in the beautiful Washougal river valley.  The race course will wind around the 263 acre venue. The route will be a little over 6 miles and will consist of forested climbs, single track with creek crossings, fast runs on a massive open meadow, and some Motocross track* action. Bring your climbing legs andgear those SS rigs right, expect about 800ft per lap.    

Sat, June 9th (9 am - 11 am)  Powell Butte Trail Maintenance  Powell Butte often gets overlooked in the city of Portland-- it's got great singletrack and depending on where you live, you can ride there and then ride the trails there. Join Friends of Powell Butte every second Saturday throughout the year and help maintain the trails that are right outside your door.      

Sun, June 10th (10 am - 1 pm)  Women's Group Ride at Sandy Ridge  Meet at the Sandy Ridge Trailhead. The group will be divided based on ability and ride interest. The ride is 8.5 miles with an initial 3 mile climb on paved road.Contact info:  Jaime Menagh pea_64@yahoo.com  Feel free to contact me with any questions!!!        

Sat, June 23rd (9 am - 4 pm)  Bell Mountain Co-ed ride  Susan Martin Susan Martin will be leading this Women's Group ride on Bell Mountain (Tarbell area).  We will open this group ride up to any men who are interested in joining, but keep in mind that the women will be setting the pace... and the pace will be based on the slowest of the group. This is an out and back intermediate to advanced ride - aerobic fitness a must. Contact Susan Martin with questions at 503-703-4300.   

Sun, June 24th (11 am - 4 pm)  Sunday Parkways Skills Course  Be part of the fun and join us at Sunday Parkways 2012! We'll have the popular skills course set up bringing fun for the whole family. Next Sunday Parkways will be held in North Portland.

Tue, June 26th (6 pm - 8 pm) General Membership Meeting Everyone is welcome! 6 pm committee meetings and social hour. 7 pm Trail report. 7:15PM Kent Howes, owner of Treadwerks Trail Construction, and selected contractor for the Powell Butte trail improvements will talk about the project.  Great opportunity to learn how the trails will be changing, and improving for mountain bikers!

June 29th - July 1st McKenzie River Trail Annual Campout   Saturday will be a mountain bike ride on MRT with the option to do a 25-mile shuttle or a 50-mile out and back.  If the snow is melted enough we will do a 45-mile out and back road ride up 242 to the lava flows on Sunday. Sign up on the NWTA site so we know how many campsites to hold.  

July 5th - 8th Trailfest 2012: The Most Fun You'll Have All Year!  NWTA's Trailfest - the region's premiere mountain bike festival. Multi-day event with rides, food and fun for all ages. Mark your calendar now. Contact Jon Pheanis at jonp@nw-trail.org for more info.  

July 9-12th (9 am - 4 pm)  MTB Kids Camp   In collaboration with Portland Parks Teen Adventure Program, NWTA is co-hosting a kids mountain biking camp for kids ages 10-14.  The camp will feature rides and education opportunities at Ventura Park, Powell Butte, Cascade Locks, Sandy Ridge and Portland's soon to be opened indoor bike park, the Lumberyard!  Go here for more information.

July 27, 28 and 29th  Helen's Fest III  Located at the Marble Mountain Snow Park on the south side of Mount St Helens in the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  A mountain bike festival of stewardship and riding the trails; we ride two days and perform trail maintenance on Saturday.  Rides offered will be advanced beginner to advanced level. 

Check the NWTA website frequently, new things are always being added to the calendar!   

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.  

Support Our Sponsors! 

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!