about 5 years ago, some hiker from the WA area contacted me, and asked me "why
don't mountainbikers ride this park? I've been hiking there for 20 years, and I
bet you would enjoy it!" (?). It was strange to get a call like that, for sure.

I contacted the WA State Parks folks, and they asked if PUMP wanted to help them
build a few short connector trails in the park. We sent a letter of support,
along with the PDX Adventure Racers. I tried contacting them a few times after
that, and they said it was lack of funding that was not allowing them to
proceed. Maye the funding has now been found and they are proceeding with the
work!

The new sections of trail will (or were supposed to be) open to bikes, and would
allow loops to be completed, instead of various out and back rides. Only ONE new
section would not be, due to it being near to some endangered flower species.
Why not allow bikes there? I guess they assume we constantly ride off trail so
we can smash the nice little flowers, but hikers and horses NEVER do? Who knows.

Please check with the Rangers again the next time you venture out. The new stuff
may make the ride more enjoyable!


Roger

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