Recently, I had the honor and pleasure to spending some time with David Anderson and Amy Singmaster on the Smith Creek Trail near Mount Saint Helens.  Brian Bogan and I traveled out from Fort Collins CO early for our Portland Tour de Fat (this Saturday, August 14, in Waterfront Park) to soak up the scenery and enjoy the company of our friends from the Northwest Trail Alliance.  The NWTA will be benefiting from the Parade and will be benefiting from the Merchandise and Do-It-Yourself Booths.
 
I had been tentative to commit to such an adventure.  I am much more of a utilitarian bicyclist, I commute almost daily and on the other days I walk.  But getting on a mountain bike and riding singletrack with locals is a little daunting when you are not much of a mountain bike rider.  Don’t get me wrong, I love to ride-but I have been working for a brewery for over 8 years, let’s just say I’m really good at 12oz curls.  Bogan, on the other hand, can shred with the best of them-so he was psyched.

What better way to celebrate Labor Day weekend than volunteering some time to do some needed trail work?  The Forest Service would like us to concentrate our work efforts on the Smith Creek Trail, Mount St Helens.  This work party is being spearheaded by Bike Gallery employees, James Ceccorulli and David Anderson. 

What better way to celebrate Labor Day weekend than volunteering some time to do some needed trail work?  The Forest Service would like us to concentrate our work efforts on the Smith Creek Trail, Mount St Helens.  This work party is being spearheaded by two Bike Gallery employees, Darrin Joos and David Anderson. 

We came from near and far to pay homage to the Mountain that rules all.

 (photo verslowrdr)

From as close as LaCenter to as far as Norway they came

(photo David A's Photos)

 There was no sleeping in

photo David A's Photos

There were trails to ride

Due to rain on June 6th this ride was postponed.  The weather forecast for Sunday June 13th calls for sun and 80F - but I'm not holding my breath. 

The road to Ape Canyon Trailhead is now open!  It's time to ride up at the Mountain!  To celebrate we're going to do an out and back ride on the Smith Creek Trail.  We don't know what conditions await us since this will be the first ride of the season up there. 

We'll combine some work and play on this ride.  I'll be bringing some loppers, brush saws and a few other tools on this trip.  If you have loppers or brush saw bring them too!

We meet at the Powell Blvd Park and Ride - on the Max Green Line  located on 3618 Southeast 92nd Avenue (at the stop light turn east!).  This Park and Ride provides a slightly easier on/off the freeway than the Gateway Park and Ride).  Be at the Park and Ride so we can LEAVE by 08:00.  Those wanting to meet at the Ape Canyon trailhead should be there by 10A.  Parking permits are required at Ape Canyon and Lava Canyon parking lots; those can be obtained in Cougar at the Lone Fir Resort.  Please advise if interested in attending! 

The Mount St Helens Institute has a lot of great volunteer programs that help visitors to the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument.  I encourage everyone to get out and do some volunteering on your public lands!  It's a great way to meet people and help maintain what we all appreciate.  The season's first work party in March 13th at the Monument Headquarters and it will be working on the tools we use to do trail maintenance.  There are also trail work parties on trails mtb'ers use, such as South Coldwater and Butte Camp trails.  Check the Mount St Helens Institute's website out for the individual work parties, and sign up for one or more!  You'll be glad you did!

Dave