In 1988 several mountain bicyclists joined together in response to trail closures that were rapidly occurring in the Northwest. This group, originally called Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA), officially incorporated with Washington State as a non-profit in April 1989. By the spring of 1990 another mountain bike group had formed, the Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC), which was also working on mountain bike access issues. By June 1990 these two groups merged and adopted the latter name.
Originally oriented towards political advocacy, the club has expanded over the years to focus on education and facilitate recreation. Hundreds of riders have acquired trail care skills, responsible riding techniques, and trail safety knowledge through the trailwork parties, educational sessions, communication methods (website, newsletter, action alerts), and group rides offered year-round. The BBTC has become very well known within the riding scene for providing access to organized group rides, and within the external community for its strong foundation and solid reputation based on training, commitment, and follow through.
As an organization, we are proud of our successful shift from a reactive stance, fighting for public trail access, to a proactive approach geared towards building positive, cooperative relationships with federal agencies, public & private land owners/managers, environmental organizations, and other trail user-groups, while consistently taking care of the trails we ride on!
