We had a big turnout last night at Velo Cult catching up with friends, snacking and sipping, and getting the low-down. First, the announcements:
CLIMB Andy Jansky delighted us with news that the planned CLIMB (Cascade Locks International Mountain Bike) trail near Cascade Locks, big sister to easyCLIMB, is coming out of hibernation. Initiated in 2009 and laid out by IMBA and Alta Planning + Design, the CLIMB trail will combine new and existing trail on USFS property around the Herman Creek and Wyeth Bench areas into an intermediate-skill network of approximately 25 miles. The NEPA review will be starting in the next few months, with trail construction beginning one to two years hence.
NICA Robert Ping brought us up to date on plans for an Oregon NICA league. “Our first goal is to host several riding events and races as early as this Fall, and to win a bid to become an official NICA racing league.” The NICA bid will be submitted in May, and help is needed to put together a list of potential race venues, teams, coaches and schools, and to show a lot of support on social media. Help get #morekidsonbikes by contacting Robert Ping at [email protected] or (503) 289-0441.
Ladies Repair Clinics Sarah Olsen, our LST lead for Ventura Park, is producing a series of ladies repair clinics with beloved shop Cyclepath PDX. This first, March 10th from 7:30 to 9:00pm, will cover the basics: flat repair, caring for your chain, general maintenance, and a pre-ride checklist. Clinics are free (RSVP required) and classes are limited to 15. Beer and cider will be available for $2. Look for the event to pop onto the NWTA website in a day or so.
Women’s Group First Ride of 2017 Jocelyn Gaudi Quarrell announced the first ride of 2017 for the NWTA Women’s Group, March 25th. Given the winter’s wild weather, the decision on a location is being held off until there’s confidence in which trails will be accessible and in good shape to ride. Details will be posted on the NWTA website and on the Women’s Group Facebook page by Wednesday, March 15th. Mark your calendars now to come out and ride with your fellow lady shredders, including new board members Erin Chipps and Abby Watson!
And then, on to the the main event!
Tillamook and Lacamas/Fallen Leaf Trail System Updates Ben McCormack and Sean Vergillo, our LST leads for the Tillamook State Forest and the Lacamas/Fallen Leaf trail systems, respectively, each presented an overview, maps, pictures (Tillamook right, Lacamas, below right), conditions, and challenges for these beautiful riding destinations. View the presentations: Tillamook and Lacamas/Fallen Leaf.
The winter has not been kind to either location, especially the Tillamook State Forest. Get set to help out by emailing [email protected] and [email protected] to be placed on an outreach list for coming work parties.
As always, more to come: Metro takes center stage at our next meeting, March 28th at Velo Cult.