How and when did you first get involved with NWTA?
My first experience with NWTA was as a member starting around 2017 after we had recently moved to Portland from Michigan. A few years later I started going to dig days with Warpaint at Gateway Green and Rocky Point, then dig days with the Portland Metro Composite mountain bike team at Cascade Locks.
What made you decide to join the NWTA board?
NWTA does such amazing work for the mountain bike community and the agencies and municipalities it partners with. Having served on non-profit boards in the past I know board work is important and not very glamorous, but can have huge impacts on our community. My wife and I have two boys and they are now both in college and I have time to commit to working on the NWTA board.
What part of NWTA’s mission resonates with you?
“To create, enhance, and protect mountain bike opportunities.” I’m passionate about advocating for and advancing trail access for traditionally under-represented groups of riders–including BIPOC riders and those who have limited means to drive to mountain bike trailheads. Our region has so many amazing trail systems, but they can seem out of reach to those with limited means to access the trails, or who don’t know the trail systems exist.
When did you first start mountain biking and what was your first bike?
My first “real” mountain bike was a Trek Antelope 830 that I bought new in 1993.
What do you love about mountain biking?
In short, I love descending. But I love the sport because the trails are usually in beautiful locations and mountain biking gives you the opportunity to meet really great people–on the trail, in the bike shops, and in your community.
Favorite place to ride?
Cascade Locks is my new favorite trail system in the region, but Sandy Ridge Trail is an OG favorite.
What do you do during the day that pays the bills?
I am an attorney for the Department of the Interior and adjunct professor at Lewis and Clark School of Law.
What song or type of music do you listen to to get pumped up for a ride or for a dig day?
“Push It” by Tool or “One Weak” by Deftones.
Tell us something not mountain bike related about yourself.
I’ve been married 27 years to my beautiful friend, partner and wife and we have two amazing boys. One is studying Philosophy at the University of Oregon and the other is studying Engineering at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
You can reach Jay at [email protected].