Blog
01 | Dec | '14
Bryan Rivard
Evergreen is excited to work with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to help extend the riding season on Tiger Mountain this year. Unlike the set closure date of past seasons, this season trails have remained open pending weather conditions—great news for anyone who’s enjoyed the last week’s cold snap.
But that also means riders need to take special care because the extended season offers more potential to impact trails. “Tiger Mountain is extremely wet and large sections of the trails have a higher clay content than other trails in our area,” says Evergreen Project Manager Mike Westra “and that can lead to more moisture wicking back up to the surface.”
During freeze-and-thaw periods that can mean moisture affecting the trail from above and below, and has the potential of turning your favorite Tiger ride into a wheel-trapping mud pit. And the worst kind of mud pit is the one that crews and volunteers have to spend valuable time fixing.
“We just ask that people ride cautiously and use good judgment,” explains Westra “some of the new trails on Tiger just happen to be more susceptible to impacts right now.” So if you’re in doubt about Tiger, give those trails a break— instead consider Tokul, Grand Ridge, or any number of winter rides here waiting for you.
30 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
If you're an Amazon Shopper it’s as easy as typing in a URL and you’ll earn a percentage of your purchase Evergreen can put straight into Washington Mountain biking! And it costs you nothing!
Just go to http://smile.amazon.com/ and type in "Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance" to select us as your charity. And spread the word to your friends and family!
Then anytime you (or they) get ready to shop, sign in at http://smile.amazon.com/ (Or use these handy browser add ons to remind you! http://amzn.to/1yqq9sn)
You'll get the exact same price and selection, but Amazon will match a percentage of your purchases as a donation to us. Keep us in mind if you start your holiday shopping early and please spread the word--more participation means more trails!
Thank you for your support and we’ll see you on the trail!
25 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
It's been a huge year for mountain biking in Washington. We've seen a groundswell of support for riding, the most volunteer hours yet, and more new trails being built for mountain biking than in our state's history. There is a lot for all of us to be proud of.
And it's because of your continued support that Evergreen has been able to accomplish more this year than ever before.
Sure there's still tons of work to be done-but take a look back on what you've helped achieve in 2014.
This is just a small sample of what your support resulted in:
Four new trails opened on Tiger Mountain- doubling the trail mileage!
New trails finished in Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, and approval for Tokul
Construction under way on a new descending trail on Tiger
Finishing trails planning at Raging River (I-90 near North Bend), Wenatchee, & Spokane
Completion of Phase 1 construction at Swan Creek Park in Tacoma
The launch of our brand new website and completely redesigned Trail Guide
But you won't catch us sitting back to admire those accomplishments - we've got work to do! We have momentum and we're ready to think, plan, and act big in 2015. Here's what you'll have to look forward to as Washington mountain bikers in the next 12 months:
24 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
By using it to link your Fred Meyer Rewards card! Watch the 2-minute video below by BryanR to see how easy (and impactful) linking your card can be. And if you don't have a Rewards Card you can get a digital one online and link to us that way!
It's a great way to benefit Evergreen that only costs you 5 minutes of time. And with Thanksgiving shopping happening this week it's a perfect opportunity to help fund the trails you love! Take a few minutes and sign up today!
www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards
15 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
Last Friday over 140 people—more than 3x last year’s attendance—came together to hang out and celebrate the hard work and dedication of Evergreen's incredible community of volunteers.
Volunteers, Evergreen staff, and board members spent the evening catching up, talking trails, and making plans for the coming year—all while enjoying pizza sponsored by Element Cycles, beer from Bellevue Brewing Company, and some great mountain biking movies. Attendees were even treated to a premier of the latest installment of the Peak to Creek series provided by our friends at Freehub.
The night allowed the Evergreen board and staff to publicly thank the volunteers who are the engine behind Evergreen. “Without your time, commitment, and passion” said Executive Director Glenn Glover “there would be no Evergreen. It’s all of our work together that has turned us into a powerhouse for mountain biking in Washington.”
13 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
For Western Washington riders, old man winter has finally reared his GoreTex-covered head, raising an important question-where's the best winter riding?
Fortunately there are a number of well-draining routes to check out, and some popular trails can be ridden year-round.
We've gotten a number of questions about Tiger trails closing--so here's the scoop on that. DNR will keep Tiger open (with input from Evergreen) as long as conditions allow. Once riding becomes too damaging, the trails will be closed. But just because one trail closes doesn't mean they all do-we'll keep you updated!
And please remember that, while we can't prove it, in all likelihood Trail Gnomes don't exist. If you see that your riding is shredding trail, please turn around and find another route. Volunteers and work crews labor hard to keep these trails spiffy for everyone so please don't make it harder than it needs to be!
Here are some favorite winter rides from the Trail Guide:
11 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
Washington's recreational immunity statute greatly limits a landowner's liability when they open up their properties to the public for recreation--like mountain biking--without charging a fee.
However, if landowners and land managers don't fully understand recreational liability in Washington, then they will be less likely to allow access out of fear.
While this may not be a hot topic at parties, thanks to Evergreen it was at the biennial Washington State Trails Coalition Conference this past October. Evergreen board member and attorney Andrew Rigel led a standing-room only presentation along with representatives from The Mountaineers and The Access Fund.
Topics included an interpretation of the statute (RCW 4.24.210) itself along with a review of case law, additional risk management tools that can be used, and the risks versus benefits of encouraging recreation.
The WSTC Conference, held in Bellingham this year, brings together organizations from across Washington to discuss all aspects of trail-based recreation and had over 300 attendees.
06 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
When Evergreen Program Manager Mike Westra and Education and Volunteer Manager Mike Sidwell visit a school, it's not usual for them to have tools in tow.
Last week they teamed up with Kirkland-based Environmental and Adventure School--an experiential learning school that focuses on the interdependent relationship between people and the environment--to participate in a service learning program.
Service learning combines classroom instruction with community service--a core component to EAS curriculum--and Evergreen staff was more than happy to provide an opportunity. Under the direction of crew leads, students from 6th-8th grade spent three hours a day at Duthie (for the entire week) learning to be responsible stewards by performing maintenance work, learning about sustainable trails, and having fun outside.
Students had fun while learning. "It's a great opportunity to help students connect with the outdoors and learn at the same time," says Mike S "we look forward to increasing out work with schools in the future."
If you'd like to get more information about how your school can engage in service learning opportunities with Evergreen, contact Mike Sidwell at .
06 | Nov | '14
Bryan Rivard
The new Tiger descending trail just passed its 12th week of construction and it's a great time for volunteers to get involved! The mini-excavator has completed its work on the first section and now crews are hand-finishing excavated sections-and we want to invite you to join a work party and add another great trail on Tiger!
And the best part about work parties is not only are they a great way to give back-they're also a ton of fun! Spending the day outside is awesome anyway, but when it's with a group of fun, passionate people building a trail for anyone to enjoy-it doesn't even feel like work!
And few things feel better than the pride of knowing you helped build the trail you're riding. You don't need to have experience to come help-there's a job for everyone and all ages and abilities are welcome!
This trail is a perfect one to lend a hand as a volunteer! Not only is it our main focus on Tiger Mountain this winter, but when completed it will be the most technically challenging authorized trail in the Puget Sound area! Come be a part of history; work parties are starting now, so keep an eye on the calendar, and we'll see you on the trail.