After reading posts about why people are no longer members, I decided
to chime in. For years, mountain biking was just something I did when
the wind was not blowing. I remember riding Post Canyon on my Trek
930 Hardtail, dodging the ruts from the multiple riders. A few years
ago, I did attend some PUMP functions, but it was hard for me to stay
involved because of my busy schedule and a different attitude back
then. In my early 20's, I did not think too much about attending work
parties since I did not want to spend my precious two days off working.

Things changed as I got older. I started riding in Bend, where the
trails are designed for intermediate mountain bikers like me. Post
Canyon became fun because the trails were smooth, and there were small
stunts like Middle School that I enjoyed. Both Bend and Post Canyon
had signs set by the trailhead saying "Trail maintained by
COTA/CAMBA" It clicked in my head...what members put in is what they
get out of it. This past year, I decided to try to attend work
parties as my schedule allows.

The first trail party I went to was in May at the Tillamook State
Forest. Both Wayne N. and Ryan K. were welcoming despite the fact I
hahad zero yardwork/forestry experience. The Forest Ranger kept us
fed with treats and water. It became a positive learning experience,
and Ryan, Brent D. and I got to ride the Wilson River trail
afterwards. Doing the trailbuilding gave me a greater appreciation to
mountain biking.

I went from being a "lurker" on the listserve to a member. It took
some coaxing from other members, but after a few years, I found more
people to be welcoming and open. PUMP does a great job of advertising
work parties, volunteer efforts, fundraisers, and upcoming rides.
PUMP also makes it fun to volunteer because of the social
opportunities afterwards. I am/was active in a number of sports,
including rugby, whitewater kayaking, skiing, and windsurfing, and I
find PUMP (among other mountain bike groups) to be one of the most
user friendly and approachable.

It will always be an evolving process, but in the eight years I have
known of PUMP's existence, I have seen many positive changes with the
club.