The Trek at Tehaleh: Trails Being Assessed for aMTB Accessibility
The Trek at Tehaleh MTB trails are being assessed for features that can be adjusted to improve accessibility for adaptive riders.
Our Trail Program Manager, Brian Tustison, recently rode the Trek at Tehaleh trails with adaptive rider Jim Martinson (77) and his riding partner Jeff Kindle to identify where and how we can improve the trails to be accessible for adaptive riders.
The focus was on "Resto-Mod," a legacy trail that was updated to be included in the official bike park. This trail is an intermediate technical trail, with a lot of exposed roots and a steep slippery chute that offers a challenge for all riders. Jim says he enjoys the technical challenge of the trail, and explained to Brian that this is a good example of a Black Diamond adaptive trail. Jim shared stories of he most recent trip to Whistler where a wooden feature suddenly became too narrow for his bike.
Jim highlighted the need for adaptive-specific adjustments, sharing stories of navigating similar features with his three-wheeled bike.
Pierce County Parks and Evergreen MTB are collaborating to update the Trek at Tehaleh's trails and signage to include adaptive ratings.