The Portland United Mountain Pedalers (PUMP) have been maintaining and riding mountain bike trails in and around Portland for 20 years.
(Photos © J. Maus)
Twenty years ago, at the cusp of the mountain biking boom, Portlander Theo Patterson spoke up to make sure knobby tires weren’t banned from Forest Park — an expansive natural area adjacent to downtown Portland and one of the largest urban parks in the country.
To help make his voice heard, Patterson founded the Portland United Mountain Pedalers (known locally as PUMP). As a result, 29 miles of fire access roads and (a mere) .27 miles of singletrack trail are open to mountain bikes — and those numbers are on the upswing.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary PUMP has planned a ride and party at the end of March. They’ll lead a relaxing ride through Forest Park and then party it up at the Lucky Lab Beer Hall (1945 NW Quimby). PUMP member and mountain bike history buff Bob Crispin will bring his “Tankagnolo”, which has been recognized by the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame as the Northwest’s first mountain bike.
PUMP volunteers account for hundreds of hours of trail maintenance each year.
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PUMP was instrumental in opening the first trail for mountain bikes in Forest Park.
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PUMP organizers say everyone is welcome at the ride and party. Vintage bikes and clothing are encouraged, “to celebrate the start of mountain biking in Portland and the founding of PUMP”.
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PUMP’s 20th Anniversary Ride and Party
Sunday, March 30th at 1:00pm
Meet at Lucky Lab (1945 NW Quimby)
Party will start around 5:00p
Learn more about PUMP at PUMPClub.org.