Evergreen’s Statewide Volunteer Program Manager, Brandon Lester, celebrates their hard work, “A huge shoutout to everyone who has volunteered with Evergreen over the past year, whether it was the first time or thousandth time. Evergreen would not exist without you!” Every single one of our volunteers makes Washington state an amazing mountain bike community to be a part of.

Take a look at what Evergreen volunteers have accomplished this year:

There are so many of you to thank, but a few who stand out for their exceptional efforts and generosity of time. The following volunteers have been selected as Volunteers of the Year by Evergreen’s chapter councils, statewide boards, staff, and other volunteers. Each of these folks will receive a patch of honor to wear on their packs as well as a new jersey to wear out on the trails! If you see these folks, be sure to say hello and thanks!

We’re proud to introduce you to Evergreen’s 2024 Volunteers of the Year nominees!

Cascades to Sound Chapter

Alex Blanchard

Testimonial:

“Alex Blanchard has taken on the Cascades to Sound events with full force! He jumped in to assist Peter Sherrill with running the Tiger Passport 2024 and is now embracing the role of Chapter Events Lead. Alex's positive attitude and team spirit are truly inspiring. The way he unites the MTB community is remarkable, and we're eager to see more exciting plans come to fruition in 2025”

Fun fact:

“Alex used to work with Alex Showerman (Who used to be one of our trail builders) at Weston Snowboards! A full circle Evergreen MTB connection.”

 

Evan Weiler

Testimonial:

“Evan Weiler is an all around rockstar. He is always happy to support community events and helps to make volunteering fun for everyone. His help was crucial to bringing a timed segment to add a little fun to the Tiger Passport ride.”

Fun fact:

“Evan is 'the man behind the scenes.' We've actually relied on him for every CTS event we've run as a team since I've been in this position. He always answers the phone and the answer is always yes.”

 

Matt Crisler

Testimonial:

“Matt Crisler stepped up to lead the CTS chapter as President and is absolutely crushing it. Matt has been making a remarkable impact in the community. He comes to all the chapter events with a smile and lending a hand however he can, whether to pitch in with trail work, or greeting attendees at the Evergreen booth. We are fortunate to have him at the helm of the CTS Chapter.”

Fun fact:

“Matt led the build on the PCT climbing trail at Raging!”

 

Jim Denison

Testimonial:

“Jim has put in countless hours organizing and running every work party to get Cheasty going. He has filled up diesel jugs, put up and taken down fencing and waddles, worked with forest stewards, and put up sign posts and signs. He is as much a part of the Cheasty build and project as us at EMBA.”

Fun fact:

“He also manages and maintains Cheasty south and will be on the north project when completed.”

A quote from Jim:

“What I will say is this… working on this project has given me a deep appreciation for all the hours and years of work that my predecessors have done to get our many trail systems built. I’m thinking of Mike Westra when I say that. People might think that you come with the idea to put in a trail or trails, and then you just do it….but so many people have to do some much work to get to the finish line. Thanks to EMBA for sticking with us neighbors on this project….and huge thanks to Matt Blossom for being the anchor leg on this relay…he (and Jeremy) got us to the finish line.”

Central Chapter

Ray Birks

Testimonial:

“Ray is the secretary of Central's board and he attends every board meeting and executive board meeting. He sends out the meeting minutes the next day, every month. Ray is also in charge of Central's monthly newsletter. 

Ray is a volunteer clinic instructor and he signs up for a 4 or 5 classes a year. Additionally, Ray is a member of Central's Education Committee and he is the guy that has been responsible for Central's Youthfest race day, from course set up, to organizing the camping reservations. 

Ray also shows up regularly to Central trail work parties as well as membership outreach events at local trailheads. 

Ray also has connections with local sponsors and has been able acquire local fruit-based snacks that we give out to our dirt campers or trail users.

The real question is:  what doesn't Ray do for Evergreen Central?”

“Ray is a rockstar who shows up for nearly everything! He’s a riding skills coach, event planner, trail volunteer, and made a huge effort in 2024 doing trailhead outreach and stabilizing our membership.”

Favorite Story:

"Ray was the true instigator in setting up our membership table numerous times up #2 Canyon, Squilchuck and Ski Hill. Then he tried to give me credit for boosting our membership, but it really never would have happened without Ray!"

Fun fact:

"Ray is a Middle school Technology teacher in Wenatchee"

Nick Fugazzi

Testimonial:

"Nick is a new board member for the Central chapter this year and has dived headfirst into volunteering. He offered to be our work party coordinator and spent almost every Wednesday up at Number Two Canyon, as well as many Tuesdays at Squilchuck State Park, managing tools, organizing volunteers, leading trail work parties, and cooking hot dogs! Nick has a "do whatever needs to be done" attitude and doesn't expect anything in return. He also headed up our entry into the Apple Blossom Youth Parade as well as represents the Central chapter for many local trail building and maintenance projects, such as SageFest, Make a Difference Day, and our Youth Bike Festival. Nick is a great asset to our riding and trail building community."

Fun Fact: 

"Nick has taken it upon himself to organize the local Thirsty Thursday rides, sponsored by Wenatchee Valley Velo. The rides are open to anyone, of any ability level, and most often involve a moderate, social ride that ends with tailgating and beverages. It's a great way to deepen the bonds in our riding community and we appreciate Nick's willingness to organize these rides."

Cowlitz-Naches Chapter

Tad Knipp

Testimonial:

"Tad routinely goes above and beyond to ensure our local trails are in good riding condition. He never says no to a work party, and is continually asking when and where he can provide his time and labor throughout our riding season. Tad sacrifices his riding time to stop and brush a trail that needs it and is the first to accompany our sawyers to swamp for them. Trail maintenance would be a non-issue if all riders took it as seriously as Tad."

"Tad has more than once taken his wife and young children out to do maintenance on a Saturday, even though he is the only rider in his family."

Fun fact:

"Was moved to Yakima as an Army recruiter in 2021 and just pinned Sergeant First Class in October."

Quote from Tad:

“Wow. This is really cool. Love this community!!!! I don’t even look at volunteering as a task. It’s more of an opportunity to be secluded in the woods with your riding pals.”

East Chapter

Mike Granneman

Testimonial:

“Mike is  a talented and generous volunteer who gives of his time and skill in whatever area we need. He was one of the lead trail builders for our newest trail at Liberty Lake. He shows up at group rides and is happy to ride as a sweep to encourage others and make sure everyone enjoys the event. Mike quickly responds when equipment breaks and provides fixes and solutions. Whenever and wherever we need a reliable and fun volunteer Mike is on the top of the list!”

Favorite Story:

“After building a corner on a new trail last summer Mike got on his bike for an assessment ride and clipped his bars on a tree at the exit resulting in a tumble. He promptly got up, grabbed a saw and took out that tree. He also made sure to get the short video that we took of his crash to his wife so she could laugh at him just like we did (after ensuring he was okay of curse).”

Fun fact:

“"How can I help?" is always Mike's attitude wherever he goes”

Jerrod Snyder

Testimonial:

“Jerrod is a second year coach. Since signing up he has been an integral part of our education program. He frequently signs up for classes and even teaches on short notice. He has been very helpful in stepping into classes for me during an injury. He is a very excellent coach. He took it upon himself to take the PMBIA training this year and since then our chapter has relied on him to teach private lessons. Our education program is better because of Jerrod.”

Fun fact:

“He’s always cheerful, thoughtful and helpful.”

“He’s retired and likes to travel a lot.”

Kittitas Chapter

Bob Bournique

Testimonial:

“We affectionately refer to Bob as "Teanaway Bob" because of his longtime passion for the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF). Some of you may know Bob from the yearly "May in the Way" Ride/Campout that he has lead for many years, but Bob has also been responsible for more trail building and maintenance in the TCF and holds more knowledge of the TCF then the next ten people combined. More recently Bob has been a big contributor to the Teanaway West Fork Trail Coalition where he helped to create the TCF trail plan that is currently in Phase 2 of implementation. As part of Phase 1 implementation, the Kittitas Chapter took on the Upper Big Sandy trail build, and Bob was a key leader in the creation of that trail.”

Fun fact:

“Bob has strong opinions and is not afraid to express them. We like that.”

“Bob has his fingers all over trail systems on both sides of the Cascades.” He has been a member since 1991 when Evergreen was still the Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC), and he’s been leading rides for 33 years!  

Scott Gray

Testimonial:

“Scott is one of those "under the radar" people that just goes out and gets things done with little fuss. Scott mostly focuses his attention on the Cle Elum Ridge trail system (MixTape, Brass Monkey, Ewok, Beer Can and Rat Pac being the most ridden trails) where he puts in numerous hours building and maintaining trails. Scott has also driven the build of some lesser known trails in this system, including "The Italian Warmup" which fits his riding style perfectly. Scott has had a big impact on Mountain Biking in Kittitas County, but he is so low-key about it, you would never know. Well, now you know.”

Fun fact:

“Scott likes his trails to be steep and fast. You may not want to follow him down.”

“Several years ago, when the future of the Rat Pac trail was in doubt, Scott took the lead to get the trail sanctioned with local landowners. If not for Scott, the trail could have been lost.”

Once described as "be careful he's terrifyingly optimistic".

Nick Newhall

Testimonial:

“Nick established a residence in Kittitas County this past year and has had an immediate impact on Mountain Biking in our County. Nick has been a longtime trailbuilder on the West side of the Cascades, well known for his work building trails at Tiger Mountain. Now Nick is applying his passion to trails in Kittitas County, including the Cle Elum Ridge trail system and in the Teanaway Community Forest. Nick was one of our top volunteers this past year on both sides of the Cle Elum Ridge puting in maintenance hours and helping with the build of the Upper Big Sandy trail. We are fortunate and to have Nick contributing to our mountain bike community and grateful for the hours he has worked to make our trails better.”

Fun fact:

“Nick is an experience sawyer, which comes in handy, but he likes BIG saws which is not so handy when we need to hike a couple miles into a trail system.”

“Nick's wife Katie is also a great contributor to our community, serving on the Kittitas Chapter Leadership Council, leading events and helping to organize womans rides. Thanks Katie!”

Methow Chapter

Mallory Hirschler

Testimonial:

“Mallory has achieved legendary volunteer status because of the big pots of gumbo she has made to feed our volunteers on multiple dig days this year. As a native Louisianan, her gumbo is LEGIT and our hungry diggers rave about it! Mallory's contributions have added a ton to our dig days and helped bring people together. Her home made cookies were also a massive hit at our dig ride campout, and not only that, she made sure to deliver them even though she was sick. Mallory is all in and shows up in ways that bring folks together and adds a literal 'special sauce' to our dig days.”

“Everybody loves to eat, especially after a long, hard-working volunteer dig day. She spends an average of an hour or two each time she comes out just preparing food for the volunteer dig days. And it's a lot.  Whether it's jambalaya, chicken and sausage gumbo, or any other Louisiana-themed food, this southern lady brings it.”

Favorite Story:

“I think my favorite Mallory volunteer story this year was when she missed the previous volunteer work day party because she was out of town. However, she said that she still really wanted to come check our new section of trail on Oso Peligroso and help to put her time in. I went to work at 7 AM with her and she put in some good hours in the morning and then ended up taking a nap after lunch because she was exhausted from the physical labor and lack of sleep with our dog on the dusty new trail. An hour later, she woke up got back to it, and worked till 7 pm.”

Fun fact:

“She loves to cook and she loves to help. Might not be that little of known of her people that know her though.”

Southwest Chapter

Jerry DeRuyter

Testimonial:

“We call Jerry D. "Old Skool" because he has been here the longest and done more trail work than anyone.  He used to focus on the backcountry stuff and trails that many don't tend to work on, like Smith Creek and Souixon. However, since retiring, he can be found anywhere. Jerry's commitment and good nature are inspiring!”

Fun fact:

“Jerry is cookie monster. Give him a cookie and you will have a friend for life!”

West Sound Chapter

Jason Eidsness

Testimonial:

“Jason goes above and beyond not only for our chapter, but Kitsap parks. Keeping our kiosks, sign post, fencing and even painting numerous shipping containers for us.”

Fun fact:

“Loves every genre of cycling, gravel, xc, DH he does it all!”

Bradlee Barry

Testimonial:

“Bradlee steps up whenever we need something, cleaning trails, helping move logs, sweeping. Keeps the ride park and Ranger corridors pretty spotless.”

Quote from Bradlee:

“I'm happy to help whenever I can. Keeping things nice, clean, and in the best riding condition I can is really a selfish effort. I like riding, and I like predictable nice trails.”

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Thank you, volunteers!

Get involved in 2025!