Kids swarming the Ventura Park
pumptrack.
(Photo: NW Trail Alliance)

For the first time ever, the City of Portland Parks & Recreation bureau will team up with local off-road cycling non-profit Northwest Trail Alliance to hold a kids mountain biking camp.

"Whether you want to become a mountain bike pro or are just checking out the sport for the first time," reads the camp description, "this 4-day camp will give you the hands-on experience you need to safely shred on your bike." The collaboration with Portland Parks is a great match, says NWTA's Director of Advocacy Tom Archer. The City provides the platform for the camp through their summer teen program, and the non-profit brings quality instruction and insider knowledge about the best local riding spots.
(more...)

Breathless and tired from riding,
this kid is why pump tracks rule.
(Still from video - Watch it below)

I just watched a video that, in just over one minute, makes the case for pump tracks better than anything I've ever read, seen, or heard. The video (watch it below) was shot by Northwest Trail Alliance President Tom Archer back in September and uploaded to the City's website a few days ago. It shows a swarm of kids devouring the newly built Ventura Park Pump Track out in East Portland.

If you have a heart and you love bikes, I will guarantee this is the best thing you will watch all week... (more...)

NWTA's trail building equipment
recovered near Forest Grove

A trailer full of equipment, including an $80,000 trail building machine, that was stolen from Stub Stewart State Park in November has been recovered by the Oregon State Police (OSP).

The trailer and its contents are owned by local non-profit the Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA). (more...)

Detail of flyer produced by NWTA.

The Portland-based non-profit Northwest Trail Alliance is scrambling this morning after finding out that a trailer full of trail-building equipment — including a $75,000 tractor for building singeltrack — was stolen last night.

According to the group's president Tom Archer, the trailer was parked in the maintenance yard of Stub Stewart State Park (about 35 miles northwest of Portland near Vernonia). Archer is asking everyone to keep their eyes peeled in hopes that they can track it down.

Please be on the lookout for an 18-foot, enclosed, gray utility trailer with the "Northwest Trail Alliance" black logo and the IMBA logo on both sides of trailer (license plate of U449427).

Here's a closer look at (click to enlarge and share in your networks): (more...)

Berm taking shape at Ventura Park Pump Track.
(Photos: Tom Archer)

(more...)

Fresh dirt and a new sign signal that a new pump track is coming soon in Ventura Park.
(Photo: Tom Archer/NW Trail Alliance)

(more...)

Eric Carter rides in the newly
rebuilt Eichler Bike Park.
(All photos © Tim Zimmerman)

The non-profit Northwest Trail Alliance has wrapped up work on their major renovation to the bike park in Eichler Park near downtown Beaverton (13710 SW Farmington Road).

The new design features three different "jump lines" suitable for all skill levels as well as a small pump track where riders flow through a series of whoops and berms to build momentum. The park was specifically designed for both 20-inch (kids/BMX) and 26-inch (MTB) wheeled bikes.
(more...)

Portland Parks & Recreation has given local off-road biking advocates official word that the Ventura Park Pump Track project will move forward. The project will be Portland's first official pump track and it will be managed in a partnership between Portland Parks Bureau and local non-profit group, the Northwest Trail Alliance. (more...)

You think the old track at
Alpenrose fixes itself?
(Photo © J. Maus)

Tons of volunteer opportunities this weekend to help maintain and build a fabulous bike scene whether your preference is mountain, track or just tootling around dressed like a bunny rabbit.

Enjoy the weekend!

Saturday, April 23rd

9:00am - 1:00pm: Stub Stewart Trail Fest work party
Join the Northwest Trail Alliance to maintain and develop the trail system at Stub Stewart State Park. Bring your bike! No experience necessary. Some food provided so sign up in advance over at NWTA. This is one of the most important things you can do to improve mountain biking in the region! (more...)

Trail Fest flyer.

The Northwest Trail Alliance is gearing up for their 2nd annual Trail Fest, a four-day event that will bring together off-road riding advocates, trail builders, and the local bike industry.

The event kicks off tomorrow night at the Hollywood Theater with a special screening of the new documentary Pedal Driven. The film, which was created in affiliation with IMBA and with cooperation from the U.S. Forest Service, takes an engaging look at the complex relationship between mountain bikers and federal land management agencies.

The NWTA's Matthew Mangus says, while the film doesn't highlight Portland specificallly, "It speaks well to others in the region and uses the close-by Sandy Ridge system as an example of how riders and land managers can work together towards a positive outcome."

Watch the trailer below: (more...)