March 13, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PUMP!
ORbike wishes the Portland United Mountain Pedalers a very happy birthday and a huge congratulations! This Portland-based mountain bike club is celebrating their 20th anniversary this month. Not only does PUMP do a great job of getting more people on bikes to explore Portland's trails, they're dedicated to maintaining the trails of Forest Park.
Here's the message from newsletter editor Amy Singmaster:
The Portland United Mountain Pedalers will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, March 30th, 2008, with a fun ride in Forest Park followed by a party at Lucky Labrador Brewpub, 1945 NW Quimby. All riders are invited, from relaxed to speedy - either way you will be sure to have fun!
Bob Crispin of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame will ride the Northwest's first mountain bike, Tankagnolo, and riders are encouraged to ride vintage bikes and dress in vintage clothing to celebrate the start of recreational mountain biking in the city and the founding of PUMP. Admission to both events is free. The ride will be ending with good times at the Northwest Lucky Lab.
Riders will meet at the Lucky Lab at 1:00 p.m., break up into groups according to desire (fast, intermediate, slow, family) and go for a spin up Thurman into Forest Park. PUMP will regroup at Lucky Lab around 5 p.m. for our birthday party! Fun, games, a fix a flat contest and or course a birthday cake will be part of the festivities. Tankagnolo, the Northwest's first mountain bike, will be on display at the Lucky Lab along with other history of the mountain bike and PUMP.
PUMP was founded twenty years ago by Theo Patterson to prevent a mountain bike ban in Forest Park. Although very few singletrack trails in Forest Park are available to mountain bikes twenty years later, the twenty-nine miles of pathways and trails provide a rare mountain biking experience in the city limits of Portland.
PUMP advocates for recreational access on public lands, performs hundreds of hours of trailwork on trails in and around Portland, Tillamook, Mount Hood and Southwest Washington for the use of hikers, bikers and horseback riders and organizes rides and classes to train and educate mountain bikers.
PUMP hosts a Forest Park ride for all rider levels every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. during daylight savings time, women's rides and Mountain Bike 101 classes. For more information on PUMP or the 20th birthday party, see the website or email susan [at] workforce-dynamics.com.
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February 19, 2008
Brown Bag Lunch in Portland - Bike Lanes
Portland Department of Transportation's Bicycle Brown Bag series is a nice way to spend lunch in you're in the downtown area on you rlunch area. These free lunches happen once a month.
This month, the topic is Portland's First Bicycle Paths, 1896-1899. Historian Eric Lundgren will discuss early efforts to fund and build safe routes for cyclists. From do-it-yourself to public funding, a lot of effort went into making the area's first bike paths happen.
Bring your lunch, hang with other cyclists and enjoy this afternoon lecture followed by discussion.
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December 7, 2007
Syncline Non-Motorized Trail System
On December 12, 2007, 6:00 p.m., the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, USDA Forest Service, will continue the public participation process for planning a trail system in the Coyote Wall (Syncline) and Catherine Creek area. It will be the second of a series of three meetings to collaboratively to formalize a trail system in the area.
Area Manager Dan Harkenrider says "The purpose of these collaborative meetings is to develop a proposed trail system (non-motorized) that would recognize and address current uses, respect private property, provide a variety of recreation experiences, protect adjacent sensitive resources and be sustainable (minimize resource damage)."
The meetings will be held at the Pioneer Center, 501 NE Washington St., White Salmon, WA. The Forest Service has acquired several thousand acres of land since 1987 in the Burdoin Mountain, Coyote Wall and Catherine Creek areas. The area has become a very popular destination for recreational users, particularly mountain bikers and hikers. Numerous user trails and routes have developed over the past several years. The trails are located on a mix of public and private lands with some trails showing visible signs of erosion and impacts to adjacent natural and cultural_resources.
The proposed system would then be analyzed through the National Environmental_Protection Act (NEPA) process. For more information please contact Stan Hinatsu at 541-308-1708 or by email shinatsu@fs.fed.us.
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January 25, 2007
More Shuttles for 2007
The shuttle schedule for the 2007 Mt. Bike Oregon has just been released. It's jam packed. You've got some serious deciding to do. They're all great, but which combo will leave you exhaused and exhilirated at the end of each day? Ride guides who truly know those trails will be at the event to help you pick, and to tell you more about each ride.
In the meantime, take a look at this incredible shuttle list.
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December 14, 2006
Mt. Bike Oregon is Open - the Internet Goes Crazy
The regional forums on the MTBR.com website are always abuzz with the latest and greatest area mountain biking news. So perhaps it's no surprise the North Cali (where about 35% of last year riders live) forum is going crazy over yesterday's announcement that Mt. Bike Oregon registration is open for 2007.
The poster LemurianGuy says "Wow, I'm def. in. Would like to know when the rest of you guys are going, preferably. I'm thinkn July, but not positive yet. Def down to go, though! Maybe I'll try an ellsworth, see if all the fluff really pans out..."
85% of last year's riders at the sold-out event said they were planning to return with friends and riding buddies this year, so this year there are two weekends (July and August). There will also be trails, more shuttles, more food and more exhibitors. The price will go up in April and this event will likely sell out, so register early!
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October 20, 2006
Work Closes Esplanade on Saturday
Thanks to Roger Geller, City of Portland's Bicycle Coordinator, for sending out this message he received from Diane Hinton of the big pipe project.
Environmental Services' contractor will close the Esplanade between OSMI and south to the Portland Opera Building, this Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., October 21. The closure will allow the continued construction of the foundation for the conveyor to carry tunnel excavated material. Concrete pumping equipment will be used to pour the concrete and will cross the trail.
Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be detoured through OMSI's south parking lot, through the construction site using the west side traffic lane (old Water Avenue), and out to Caruthers Street. Flaggers will be available to assist in this effort.
The conveyor system will be used to move excavated material from the tunnel to a barge on the river. The conveyor system will be built prior to the start of tunneling activity that is scheduled for May 2007.
Diana Hinton
Community Relations
Willamette River CSO Tunnel Projects
Environmental Services
503-823-2827
dianah@bes.ci.portland.or.us
CleanRiverWorks.com
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May 31, 2006
Bicycle Trails Meeting
Roger Louton, president of PUMP just sent over an announcement about an important bicycle trails meeting on Thursday from 6:30-8pm at the Portland Building. There are 221 miles of regional trails planned (some complete), and Roger wants to know "How many will be open to bicycles, and of that how many could be classified as singletrack?" He's striving to pack the meeting with mtb-enthusiasts to show Parks and Rec there is demand for singletrack.
This file contains Portland Parks and Recreation's presentation about the project.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
You are invited to a presentation on the Strategy for Regional Recreational
Trails within Portland.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Portland Building - Second Floor, Room C 1120 SW Fifth Avenue Portland, OR
June 3rd is National Trails Day! What better time to think about Portland's
trail system?
Toward the end of June, Portland Parks & Recreation will be taking our Regional Recreational Trails Strategy to City Council. Regional Trails connect our city to adjacent communities and to regionally
significant features such as rivers and streams. Portland has 22 existing and planned Regional Trails, totaling 221 miles. Of those, 146 miles (66%) are complete!
Now, working within the context of other regional planning frameworks, Portland Parks & Recreation has developed a 20 year strategy for completing Portland's Regional Recreational Trail System. Please join us to learn about the strategy and how it will be used to guide future regional trail development decisions.
This presentation is intended to provide trail advocates and other interested citizens with an in-depth overview of the draft Strategy and an opportunity for Q & A and further discussion.
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May 23, 2006
Mt. Bike Oregon Draws From All Over
Mt. Bike Oregon is going to be awesome this year and people are coming from all over to ride the excellent trails in Oakridge. I've had a chance to speak with a lot of people over the phone who are wondering:
I'm a new rider, will there be trails for me?
Yes, there are a few very beginner trails and Randy from Oakridge says there are other trails that are great for beginngers if you just start part way down the trail, which is an option we offer.
What's the campsite like?
It's beautiful - right on the river and nice and shady. There's an open area where we'll have the beer garden and nightly activities, but mostly is very green and cool from the shade.
Can I bring my dog?
That's a tough call. All of us involved in organizing the event are big dog lovers and dogs are welcome at the park if they're leashed, but you have to think about what Fido's going to do all day while you're on the trails. Also, the campground will be full of people and activity. I wouldn't bring my dog.
What kinds of people come to this thing?
All sorts of people are coming, from very experienced hardcore riders to people new to mountain biking., People are coming from all over the country. Our latest list includes California, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
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March 30, 2006
Tell me About the Trails
Mt. Bike Oregon is a great three-day riding and camping event we do in Oakridge, Oregon (there is also an extended five-day option). A lot of people are wondering what the trails are like and if newbie riders will have a lot to choose from. Well, that's what makes Oakridge so great. There's lot of everything for everyone. Some trails have varying degrees of difficulty depending where on the trail you start.
I thought it would be good to put together a list of the trails, so I asked Randy from Oregon Adventures for a little advice. Randy is an Oakridge resident, a mt. bike expert in the region and he helps us organize Mt. Bike Oregon. Here's what we put together:
There are many trails in Oakridge, but these are he ones we'll feature on Mt. Bike Oregon:
Alpine Trail (20-50 miles) – The Crown Jewel
Smooth and fast, with breathtaking panoramic views. To earn the thrill, you climb 8-12 miles on forest service roads. Once you hit the trail, there is a little work, some minor technical, and then it’s all downhill for over three hours! Lots of loops and offshoot options including; Tire Mt, Cloverpath, North Fork and more. Moderate. Throw in Tire and Cloverpath and it goes up to Difficult.
Larison Creek – Highly technical single-track, particularly at the top.
The ride starts from camp, up three miles of paved road, then ten of gradually climbing fire road to the trailhead. The Creek ride is the perfect test of skill and courage. Extreme switchbacks, exposed roots, and stream crossings are a few of the challenges. About halfway down, it opens up and lets you ride, almost continually. Around two hours on the trail then a couple miles of downhill pavement back to camp. Expert most of the way, though it mellows out in the middle and at the end.
Larison Rock – Fun, short, and quick, with patches of technical.
A five-mile paved climb from camp puts you at the trailhead. The trail winds down the hills over camp. Although mostly smooth and fast, it slows down for some steep narrows and tight spots. Plan for 2-3
hours, round-trip from camp. Beginner, unless you take the shuttle to the top then it is moderate becasue you get going really fast.
Heckle Tooth (20-50 miles) – The other epic ride.
An easy ride from camp puts you on the Salmon Creek Trail. Then it is up the fire lane, how far is your
choice – the higher, the harder. The 20-mile loop climbs for six-miles before you enter the trail, a
speed zone through the rolling hills and generous switchbacks. The 35-mile loop adds elevation plus
climbing. It is only a steep climb in a couple of spots early and the reward is that you ride down the
edge of the mountains. The 50-miler is a rider’s ride – tight, technical switchbacks and obstacles reward the extra climb. Not for the weak!
Moderate if you take the shuttle. Special ride hosted by expert rider Bert is Expert level with a major work out including technical and hike a bike.
Salmon Creek – A beautiful flad ride ride up the river to the Salmon Creek Falls.
This flat, groomed trail runs right through camp and includes a variety of local points of interest along the ride. There are no hills or obstacles. A straight round trip is about 12 miles. For a harder Option: Cross the Salmon Creek Bridge for rolling hills with some technical patches. Gain some vertical with a trip up Dead Mountain then back on the Flat Creek Trail. Total beginner ride on the north side. South side is slightly more advanced as are the optional ad-ons mentioned above.
Willamette Pass – Steep technical slopes.
You can attack the technical steeps of the winter slopes and the downhill mt. bike race course or choose a cross-country route through the miles of trails in the national forest.
Additional Trails
There are many additional trails as part of the event or for exploring on your own. Oakridge is just loaded with great options for riding - no matter your skill level.
1-4 Routes: There are over 30 trails covering nearly 500 miles of single track within an hour and a half of Oakridge.
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February 21, 2006
Trail Closure Alert
The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is going to be doing work in a
couple of places this spring/summer on sewer and stormwater projects, which
will have impacts on a few trails around the City.
[ From Bryan Aptekar at Portland Parks and Rec ]
The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is going to be doing work in a
couple of places this spring/summer on sewer and stormwater projects, which
will have impacts on a few trails around the City. There will be some
closures during the spring/summer of 2006 of various sections of trails,
which BES and we at Parks want to give you an early notification about, as
you may be planning (or know of groups planning) events, rides, etc. on some
of these sections of trail.
I'm helping BES connect with various trail users and advocates, and
neighborhood associations so that you all may get the word out ahead of
time about these anticipated trail closures. Some of the details about
exact dates and re-routes are still in flux, but we wanted to give people an
early notification, then we'll keep you posted as things progress.
The two projects that we anticipate have trail impacts are as follows:
* BES project near the Columbia Slough and Peninsula Crossing Trails. The
project contact person is Joe Annett, 503/ 823-2934. There will be
intermittent closures of the Peninsula Crossing Trail beginning in April
2006. Complete trail closure will be from May - September 2006. The Trail
will be closed from the Columbia Slough Bridge to Old Marine Drive. This is
in the St. Johns Neighborhood.
* BES project in Tideman Johnson Park, along the Springwater Corridor.
The project contact person is Daryl Houtman, 503/ 823-5756. The closure is
anticipated to start as early as 4/15/06 with trail reopening to occur as
late as 10/15/06. Closure from SE 28th to SE 45th at SE Johnson Creek Blvd.
(The nearby Three Bridges project that Portland Parks & Recreation is doing
is anticipated to be completed by September 2006.) The project website for
this is: http://www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?&a=106228&c=33213. This
is in the Ardenwald/Woodstock Neighborhoods.
As we get closer to the start of these projects, signs will be posted on the
trails at key intersections, and more outreach will be undertaken by Joe,
Daryl and the respective project managers for each project. Signs and
outreach will include recommended re-routes.
At this point, we simply wanted to get the word out to you and others in the
trail using community, so that if you or your groups might have planned on
using these sections of trail, you would know and can plan accordingly.
While I am making this initial outreach to you all, if you have further
interest or questions, please contact the respective project contact, as
outlined above. Forgive me if I've neglected to put someone on this list,
but please do forward to whoever you feel should know.
Bryan Aptekar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bryan Aptekar
Community Outreach and
Property Management
Portland Parks & Recreation
1120 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 1302
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 823-5594
Fax: (503) 823-5570
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