Written by Kelsea De Filippis
NWTA would like to welcome Nell to the Board of Directors. Nell has been involved with North Coast Trail Alliance (NCTA) for three years and will now be the liaison between NCTA and NWTA, bringing a stronger tie between the two organizations. North Coast Trail Alliance was formed in 2015 and is a subchapter of NWTA supporting riders and trail builders on the Oregon North Coast, from Arch Cape to Astoria. “This partnership will help us grow the coastal trails while offering some amazing riding opportunities to Portland-based mountain bikers,” says Nell.
Some of Nell’s goals for the next five years revolve around inclusion and equity for everyone familiar with mountain biking and those who are not. “We should drive toward increased membership of women, BIPOC members, and the LGBTQ+ community in our rides, education opportunities, and trail building. We do fun stuff and throw good parties, but not everyone always feels welcome in the mountain biking community, and it’s up to those of us already in the community to make that effort,” Nell explains. With a fundamental drive towards inclusion, a spark for community engagement outside is also on the top of Nell’s list. With, of course, COVID safe activities.
Nell grew up from the Southern Coast of Oregon and joined the Coast Guard after high school in Portland. Since then, she has become a freelance writer on the North Coast of Oregon and Southern Washington. Biking since 2014, Nell’s first bike is (she still has it!) an extra-large Trek Lush – a full-suspension 29er. If you see Nell on the trails, give her a ‘hello’!
To learn more about North Coast Trail Alliance, head to their website HERE
Northwest Trail Alliance is a non-profit organization of volunteer efforts based in Portland, Oregon. Created in 1988 as a grassroots club of local riders, NWTA has grown into one of the largest regional advocacy groups. Advocating for trail access and stewardship in NW Oregon and SW Washington; covering the Portland Metro area to as far north as Mt. St. Helens, to the Western slopes of Mt. Hood, and as far West as Seaside. To find out more, visit our website at NW-trail.org