Keeping the Momentum Going Earlier this month, the Northwest Trail Alliance presented at a conference to a crowded room full of park and recreation professionals from around the state. We talked about all the exciting projects we've been busy working on: the Ventura Park Pump Track, the Cascade Locks Trail System and trail building at Stub Stewart State Park. Then we  discussed our range of programs to get kids into our sport: the skills course at Sunday Parkways, Mountain Bike Camp and Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. All built, maintained and operated by volunteers. Then someone asked, "How do you get people to volunteer?" Good question. The short answer is we rely on our members to step up and pitch in where help is needed. The longer answer is, sometimes we don't. We have a shortage of volunteers and sometimes we don't have enough help to keep our projects and programs going. The Northwest Trail Alliance is your organization. We rely on your help to get things done. This fall, we have a number of ways for you to do this. Help us at our two Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day events on October 6th, run for a board position or organize and lead a mountain bike ride. Remember, you can always ask us how you can help and we will find something that suits your interest, whether its working in the dirt, getting kids on a bike, getting someone to join or just being a friendly face on the trail. As always, thanks for supporting the Northwest Trail Alliance! Jon Pheanis NWTA President |
Updates ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scappoose/Longview Trails Closed Until Further Notice
As of September 10, 2012, ALL LT property is CLOSED to public access-- due to extreme fire danger-- until significant rain occurs. All users, all LT property. Also, even after significant rain, there are active timber harvest operations occurring on BOTH the north and south side of Rocky Point Rd that are expected to continue through the end of the 2012 calendar year. During this time, LT property on both sides of the road are closed to all public access, including recreational cycling. Please do not trespass on the property during this period of active timber operations. Thanks for your cooperation, as cyclists, to help maintain our access to the LT property trails. ***9/21/2011, Longview officially lifted the closure for Scappoose. Thanks for everyone's patience during the closure.
The original herbicide application window was 9/6-10/7/2011 for the clearcut from last fall, so there could still be some localized closures on the south side until 10/7. Keep your eyes open and please respect any posted closures on this private land.
Thanks!
Tom Slovak Trail Care Director Partial Trail Closure at Henry Hagg Lake
Henry Hagg Lake trail is closed on the NORTH side of the lake, but still open for riding, out-and-backs are possible but no loop rides right now. Should be fixed by October.
 Raffle Ongoing: Win a Transition Frame and Support Rad Trails! You heard it right! If you have $10 you could be the winner of a Transition Bike Company Frame. As part of the Cold Creek MTB Experience September 29th and 30th we will be raffling off your choice of a brand new BottleRocket or Bandit frame, you pick the size and color*. The proceeds from this raffle will go directly to help support the Cold Creek Mountain Bikers in their mission to maintain existing and construct new trails in Southwest WA! Enter to win the Transition and find out more about the Cold Creek MTB Experience HERE. *depending on availability ***Remember to check the NWTA trail forum and WIKI pages frequently for updates on closures and work parties.*** |
Announcements ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---------------------------------
Coldwater Crew Gets it Done! 
A 70-person crew showed up at Coldwater Lake to open the 211 Trail to mountain bikers. It was an outstanding effort by all involved. Special props to Paul Norris, Melanie Norris, Andy Jansky, and Andy Crump, who led the effort. Thanks also to crew chiefs Kelley Hinkle, Lee Lemmon, Randy Toney, Kevin Knorr, Dave LeMonds, Ryan Hicks, Ryan McMaster, Bob Horness, and Vaughn Martin.
The work party was organized under the banner of Friends of Coldwater, with Growlers Gulch Racing spearheading the effort and Northwest Trail Alliance providing big support. Members of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance also showed up to lend a hand. We also received great support from the US Forest Service, which staged thousands of pounds of tools for us. Once you ride the 211, you will understand why it would have been both difficult and dangerous to transport digging implements and weedeaters to the work sites. Having the USFS handle this by boat was a key to the day's success.
 The 211 is approximately five miles in length. It goes up and down along the edge of the lake, with the exposure and up-and-down reminiscent of the Lewis River Trail. Features include an extended rock area, gnarly creek crossings, and massive old-growth logs overhead in several spots. I am confident that the 211 will become a staple for riders from this point on. It features a little bit of everything, including scenery that can only be described as spectacular and challenges for riders of all levels.
We already have access to the 230A Trail across the lake, which is in good shape. The next step will be to clear out a two-mile connector at the back of the lake that will link the 211 and the 230A to give us a loop.
Trail Work Events at Hagg Lake
 NWTA is entering into adopt-a-trail agreement with Washington County to help maintain and improve the trail around Henry Hagg Lake. Jon Peak and Bruce Gudmundsson are volunteer trail stewards stepping up to lead this next season of trail work at Hagg.
These Henry Hagg Lake trail work events will be posted on nw-trail.org event calendar... * Oct 20th
* Nov. 17th
* Dec. 15th
* Jan. 19th (2013)
* Feb. 23th
* Mar. 16th
* April 20th
Sign-up here if you plan to help! We'll be getting sponsors to help donate food/drinks for after work lunch. If you ride it, then help maintain it!
METRO Regional Parks and Greenspaces is conducting a survey on the level of support for a levy to maintain and improve natural areas. Please take a minute to complete the survey and indicate your desire for METRO to provide more areas for mountain biking. http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id/41591
Fundraiser for Mat Barton at the Lumberyard 
Friday, September 28th - Silent auction viewing begins at 5 pm. Events will include a silent and oral auction for some awesome bike swag including paniers, bike stroller, wine, massages, helmet, wheelset, and more! A bike raffle with the drawing that night, great food and drinks and attendees can ride the  Lumberyard for half price the night of the auction! If you would like to make a donation, but can't attend the fundraiser, visit www.bartonpdx.com We'll be delivering the NWTA funds raised for him that night!
REGISTRATION is now OPEN!
NWTA / VELO CULT Movie Night  Come join NWTA and VELO CULT for a showing of the MTB movie Seasons. On Thursday, October 18th at 7 pm. VELO CULT bike shop located at 1969 NE 42nd Ave Portland will be showing Seasons by the Collective. Movie viewing is free Click here to watch the trailerCome early, grab a beer in this great new bike shop and join us to view this killer movie.  Upcoming Fundraiser to support the completion of the Stub Stewart Cross Country Trail with Belmont Station!!!
October 20th from 3 - 8 pm Belmont Station "Portland's Premier Beer Store and Biercafe" will be hosting a fundraiser featuring 5 beers. 100% of the proceeds will go to NWTA! Make sure to stop by the store on the 20th sample some great beers and support an awesome and growing new trail system. |
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Trail Talk
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2012 Mt Hood Eastside Epic
Wow, what an adventure! 17 riders started in the A group for this year's Eastside Epic and only 5 finished. Just goes to show that it was a rough day with an aggressive pace and lots of steep climbing. With an additional group of B riders that rode a different route the total number of riders was 26!
Stats and Facts for the 2012 Ride46 Miles 6250 Ascent 8600 Descent Actual ride time: 5 1/2 hrs Actual total time from start to finish: 8hrs Average speed: 5.8 mph No injures No mechanical Lots of dust Temperature: high 60 to low 80s
The A route: Started at the 8 Mile Trail parking area and ride up 450 to 15 Mile. Do a quick counter clockwise loop. Then do a short section of 450 and connect with the gravel road and climb up to the top of 450. Do all of 450 as a downhill back to 8 Mile do a loop and then proceed down Bottle Prairie. Make our way west via the lower section Knebel Springs. Then take the road to Surveyors and travel to the top of Dog River and finish with the Dog River downhill.  In closing, it was a pleasure to ride with everyone. A solid group of strong riders who I enjoyed riding with as much as I enjoyed "hanging" with. Thank you for all your individual efforts to prepare for this BIG ride (both body & bike). No injuries or bike mechanicals helped kept things rolling. You should all be proud of your performance regardless the route you took to finish. Yesterday was a butt kicker with the addition of 15 miles added into the mix over past years. Already looking forward to next years Epic. Anyone interested in Sandy Ridge next weekend?
Ted Dodd
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| Volunteer Opportunities
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It's Not All About the Shovel... Not involved with NWTA advocacy efforts for a local riding area? Do you have friends in high places? Want to be a volunteer on a citizen board or committee that makes decisions about how parks and open space is used? Contact our advocacy director (tom@nw-trail.org) and we can find a place where you can make a difference. YOU CAN influence how far we all need to drive from the Platinum City to ride a Mountain Bike. Like it or not, trail riding starts by participating in the public process.
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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...
Tuesdays (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
Fridays (6 pm - 10 pm) Dimwits Withbritelights Semi-Weekly Rides Rides begin at the easyCLIMB trail system at Cascade Locks. Semi-regular Friday Night Riding events depending upon the weather. We will announce a ride on the Monday prior to the Friday night ride. There will be a big bon-fire to keep everyone warm, so bring a beverage and maybe something to cook over the fire. Check the Dimwits page on Facebook for ride status.
Sun, Sept 23rd First Annual Bridges to Breakers Century Bike Ride A 100-mile bike ride from Sauvie Island to McMenamins Sandtrap in Gearhart, OR, put on by the Harrington Family Foundation. Working toward providing helmets for kids. Return buses available for a fee. Tue, Sept 25th (5 pm - 7 pm) NWTA Women's Group Meeting Meeting will take place at the Lumberyard. This is a planning meeting for 2013. Come share what went well this year and what you think could be done better. It's time to get involved in making this Women's Group the best in the PNW!!! Debbie Causey will be presenting on "Leading a Ride". Food and beverages can be purchased there. Discounted $15 ride passes are available the night of the meeting. Tue, Sept 25th (6pm - Close) General Membership Meeting at The Lumberyard The theme for the General Membership meeting will be "Get Involved". NWTA members will get the $15 BMX night pricing all night (normally only available after 7pm). In addition, NWTA members can add a bike/gear rental for $10 more (a $20 value). Food from the Pub Menu and beer will be available by the pitcher for purchase. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Pub. Sat, Sept 29th (5 pm - 9 pm) Women's Group Full Moon Ape Canyon Ride This is a 12 mile out and back intermediate ride.
Bring fully charged RIDING lights (no flashlights or commuter lights), a NW Forest pass, a fully functioning mountain bike, spare tube, pump, helmet, water and food for this ride. Bug juice may be handy as well. Please RSVP for this ride to debbiec@nw-trail.org
Sat, Sept 29th 1st Annual Cold Creek MTB Experience Join us for an unforgettable two day MTB experince in SW Washington. The event includes guided tours, shuttles, epic rides, racing, raffles, great food, and fun for the whole family!
Sat, Oct 6th (9:30 am) Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Varied skill level groups will be organized - no one will be left behind and parents are welcome to ride along. Hillsboro Parks and Rec will have bikes and helmets on hand for kids while Bike Gallery will have adult bikes (first come first server) Free snacks, drinks, and post ride lunch will be served for riders and volunteers. Mountain biking video showing during lunch at Cabin meeting hall within the park. Try out single track trail digging machine too! Sat, Oct 13th (11 am - 6 pm) BBQ Bash at the Yard Local celebrities and chefs will be judges to determine the best BBQ in Portland. Come sample the food, beers available at the Pub @ the Yard, and try out the bike park. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA) scholarship for kids camps and programs. NWTA provides scholarships to disadvantaged kids to expose them to mountain biking and forest steweardship. Sat, Oct 13th (9 am - 11am) Powell Butte Trail Maintenance (with the Friends of Powell Butte) 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. Tue, Oct 30th (5pm - 8pm) General Membership Meeting Committee meetings begin at 6 pm, come find out how to get involved. 7 pm news and trail updates. If anything come grab a beverage and talk bikes.
Check the NWTA website frequently, new things are always being added to the calendar!
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| 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: newsletter@nw-trail.org.
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