Last week, I opened an email to learn that the Washington State DNR (Department of Natural Resources) would be having a public hearing that evening to educate trail users about new rules in the WAC . Rumor had it that access to virtually all DNR lands would be prohibited and unsanctioned trail work would be considered criminal. The reality was not as daunting — yet there were many doubts from speakers about whether vague wording in the new rules would protect their rights to use public land — or eliminate those rights.
Among the mountain bikers who showed up were Matt Patterson and Graham Barry and several others from Dirt Corps; Justin Vander Pol from BBTC; my husband; and myself. Continue reading ‘Save Our Trails — A Conversation with the DNR’
Seattle’s Pro Parks Levy was just the first income source that helped the Colonnade concept become a reality. The levy, approved by Seattle voters in November 2000, freed up $198.2 million for more than a hundred projects and programs, including $1.8 million for the project officially named I-5 Colonnade.
Other funding came from REI, Starbucks, Vulcan, Bikes Belong, King County (for a Youth Sports Facilities Grant) and the City of Seattle, as well as private donors.
Continue reading ‘Colonnade — The Money’
On Wednesday night BBTC.org held a reception out at the new Duthie Hill
mountain bike park location….
The reception was conducted by Justin Vanderpool and the new BBTC Director John Lang. King County, Various Local Bike Shops and many concerned riders were in attendance for this first look at the what will be King County’s Newiest Bike Park. Building on the ongoing success of The Colonnade, BBTC and King County have begun the work on this 120 acre park off the Issaquah-Fall City Road. King County has given a total of $150,000 in grants and further funding is being sought to complete work on this park that is scheduled to open December of 09. Continue reading ‘Duthie Hill Report’
Simon Lawton — professional downhiller and founder of first Downhill Northwest and now Fluidride — moved to Seattle in 1996. Two years later, he met Chris Leman from the Eastlake Community Council, who had seen Simon loading his bike for races, etc. Turns out both had envisioned mountain bike trails in the area below I-5 — and Chris had connections in city government from his work on the Council.
Suddenly, Simon found himself going to meetings with everyone imaginable — bike commuters, community councils, anyone who might work with him to create the Colonnade. Continue reading ‘Colonnade — The Concept’
According to the article at the end of this link, the President of Slovakia bans mountain biking on all of the small country’s trails. It turns out they don’t have any advocacy groups to help fight their cause. This really drives home the importance of supporting your local group.
The work on Phase two of the Colonnade ( the intermediate/advanace freeride part) is coming along great. It’s good to see so many riders down there digging and throwing dirt on a Saturday in January. Riding too! A builder has got to test the dirt’s durability. A Seattle Area rider wandering on down can easily find a way to get involved. Come join in the work and burn away tons of man hours and all that winter fat. Mike is running a very positive operation and work is getting down quickly. Check out the official BBTC.org site.
Continue reading ‘Colonnade Work Party’
Local ride group Olympic Dirt Society gets together with DNR and makes a ride area that is legal and challenging. Check out the video.
Continue reading ‘Dry Hill > Port Angeles, WA.’
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