ELIAS FOLEY
How and when did you first get involved with NWTA?
3 years ago my son got into mountain biking, bringing me back to the sport. We started volunteering at Rocky Point and in the Tillamook Forest that fall
What made you decide to join the NWTA board?
I joined the NW Trail Alliance board because I’m seeking connection to community through service, and NWTA demonstrates real organizational maturity in how it balances access, stewardship, and growth. I’m motivated to wrestle with the hard issues in mountain biking—equitable access, rider representation, and the high barriers to entry, both financial and geographic. Trails are often far from where people live, and expanding who gets to ride requires more than passion; it requires durable systems and thoughtful partnerships. At this stage of my life, I’m less interested in symbolic leadership and more interested in service that compounds; supporting organizations that protect access, welcome diverse riders, and steward land with humility. NWTA is doing that work, and I want to contribute in a grounded, practical way.
What part of NWTA’s mission resonates with you?
I’m inspired by NWTA’s mission to build, steward, and protect sustainable trail systems in ways that honor land, foster community, and expand access for riders of all backgrounds.
When did you first start mountain biking and what was your first bike?
I first started mountain biking in 1987. My first bike was a green GT Timberline. When I came back to the sport I embraced the full squish life and now ride a Norco Fluid.
What do you love about mountain biking?
Coming back to mountain biking has been a profound experience. It has improved my fitness, my mental health, it constantly challenges me to face fear, and do hard things. Since coming back to the sport I am amazed at how far it has come with purpose built trails and incredibly capable bikes. I am also impressed by the openness and supportive community. Sharing the stoke is real!
Favorite place to ride?
Cascade Locks is my home court, but my favorite place is finding more places!
What do you do during the day that pays the bills?
I am the general manager at Good Wolf Probiotic Sodas. I am an operations and systems nerd with many years in food and consumer packaged goods.
What song or type of music do you listen to to get pumped up for a ride or for a dig day?
I am a huge electronic music nerd, especially drum & bass, but these days I am enjoying metal and have been listening to Cosmic Reaper. After not listening to The Cure for years, their latest Songs of A Lost World is 🤌
Tell us something not mountain bike related about yourself.
I am obsessed with bakeries and make a mean scratch sourdough pizza.