NW Trail Alliance kicks off annual ‘Trailfest’ with Forest Park ride tonight
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor) on July 5th, 2012 at 10:43 am

With summer weather finally looking like it’s here to stay, I can’t think of a better time to kick-off the Northwest Trail Alliance’s annual Trailfest mountain biking festival. This year’s theme is “Fun in every direction!”
Beginning this evening with a ride in Forest Park (meet at 5:30 pm in parking lot of Fat Tire Farm on NW 27th and Thurman), the Northwest Trail Alliance will host five days of rides and events. Trailfest is a way for the group to highlight local off-road riding opportunities, share what they’ve accomplished in the last year, and find more members and volunteers for their advocacy efforts.
Tonight’s ride in Forest Park will be followed by a party at The Lumberyard, Portland’s new indoor mountain biking playground. The NWTA will host a pump track clinic, a “Pump-a-thon” contest, and then settle in for a welcome rally, free pizza, a movie and a raffle. Then this weekend, they’ll get out of town (which is, unfortunately, where Portland’s best trails are) with rides and events planned at Sandy Ridge, Stub Stewart State Park, and Surveyor’s Ridge (Mt. Hood). On Monday, the off-road advocates return to Portland to join the Portland Parks & Recreation department and Parks Commissioner Nick Fish for the official grand opening of the Ventura Park Pump Track.
Mountain bike advocates in Portland have come a long way in recent years. Despite the sting from slow/no progress in garnering better riding in Forest Park, there is a lot to celebrate (and a lot more work to do!). Sandy Ridge and The Lumberyard have become prime riding destinations, and the NWTA has positioned themselves as the go-to organization for pump track design and development. The NWTA is a dynamic non-profit with great support from sponsors and growing membership base.
If you’re interested in getting involved, or just want to learn more about mountain biking in and around Portland, the Trailfest is what you’ve been waiting for. For more info, check out NW-Trail.org or visit their Facebook page.
NOTE: We love your comments and work hard to ensure they are productive, considerate, and welcoming of all perspectives. Disagreements are encouraged, but only if done with tact and respect. If you see a mean or inappropriate comment, please contact us and we'll take a look at it right away. Also, if you comment frequently, please consider holding your thoughts so that others can step forward. Thank you — Jonathan