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.