Meeting Dave was a joy as i ventured South for a work party at Marble Mountain Snow Park, hosted by a number of organizations. It was a joy to talk trail with him, and his passion and hope for trail work is infectious. This particular day had us posting maps at various trail intersections, so we had plenty of opportunity to ride and chat.
We both are really excited by the opportunity for growth in advocacy in the Mt. St. Helens National Monument. Like Dave mentioned to me, "Where else on this planet can you ride your bike by an active volcano, other than perhaps Chile."
Next year under the collaboration of many mt. bikers and different advocacy organizations including NorthWest Trail Alliance, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Mount St. Helens Institute, and possibly COTA, and IMBA will be hosting a free event of riding and giving back. Riding opportunities and a trail work party, with an open invitation to all mt. bikers who can represent their own club. Helens Fest hopes to draw riders from a vast region, bringing us all together for campfire cheer, and lasting memories.
Mark the calendars for the July 11th weekend, it's still very early but there will be more announcements as time goes on, with rides, work party duty, and more and more big sponsors getting stoked on the idea of helping out the trails. And there is a chance that Smokey might be there too, so c'mon what more do you want?
We are so fortunate to have Mt. St. Helens, there are so few areas in the state with such upside for mountain bikers. Traffic from motorized use and equestrian use is minimal to non existent, so riding conditions are usually always good. Which goes a long way in doing trail work, as any tread work done will hold up well with minimal impact use. And really with the one of a kind nature on display, the variety of the areas trails from classic like Ape Canyon/Plains of Abraham to the scenic Lewis River Trail, what a perfect setting for mt. bikers to congregate, meet, and share the dream.
Thanks again to Dave A, Ken OB, Preston P, and Jon Kennedy for rallying for the cause, moving and shaking for a good cause. Helens Fest and Kettle Fest are sister events that are great ways to show the Forest Service we love the trails, and such a fantastic way to meet friendly riders from other regions in such a kick ass fun environment.
Stay tuned to these club websites for upcoming info on Fests.
http://evergreenmtb.org/home/index.php
http://nw-trail.org/
http://www.mshinstitute.org/
http://www.fttrc.org/
