Last year I did a post on the release of the Trek Scratch. A cross between the popular Remedy and the Session 88 down hill machine, the Scratch is a curious mix between an aggressive all mountain bike, and light freeride bike. In many ways, the Scratch is Trek’s answer to the popular SX Trail from big brand competitor Specialized- a light and flickable freerider that jumps well, while still being capable of pedaling back up. Trek is relatively new to the gravity game though, while Specialized has been running full steam ahead since the release of the Demo 9 over five years ago. While Trek has quietly been making long travel single pivot freeride oriented machines for a while, it wasn’t until the ABP design was incorporated into their gravity program that their bikes really took off.

2010 Trek Scratch Coil

What has surprised me is how few Scratch models I’ve seen on local trails. (likely due to the retail pricing- the flagship Scratch 9 lists for $5769, while the SX Trail comes in at $4800, almost $1000 less. Yow! That’s a lot of lift tickets and dime bags! You know how you dirt bag freeriders are, and yes, I know people don’t really do dime bags anymore) One thing the Scratch features that the SX doesn’t is pedalability. I ride with several friends that rock the SX Trail. Can they keep up on the climbs back up? Kind of. The Scratch offers a different proposition, with a pedal-friendly seat tube angle of 74.1°, you are positioned significantly better for climbing, even with the short stem/wide bar cockpit most freeriders run. In fact, the bike looks like it would be an excellent bike for the northwest-  a light freerider capable of the stunts and features of Black Rock and Post Canyon, but very easily pedaled up for another run. I’ve wanted to spend some time on one for a while. Since I’m currently riding both a Session 88 and a Remedy, I had to get a taste of the new sibling. During our Crankworx trip I finally was able to get a ride in on both the 2010 and the 2011 Scratch coil models.

Taking a break on Ninja Cougar on the 2010 Scratch.

Since I was with a friend, we took both 2010 and 2011 Scratch coil models out for a few runs down the mountain. The plan was to head down Ninja Cougar, as it is a bit tighter of a run than many of the groomers, and seemed like it would fit the personality and intended use of this bike well.  To get there, we dropped into A-line. For this first run I was on the 2010 model.

To date, I’ve only been down A-line on my Session 88. Last year with a Totem fork on the front end, and this year with a Boxxer. Needless to say, the Scratch feels considerably lighter than the DH bike. In fact, initially it made me nervous- it felt more like riding my Remedy down the jump trail than the DH bike, although the cockpit length has the shorter top tube and reach of a DH bike. That said, it didn’t stop me from sending it while riding down A-line. The bike felt retardedly light. Maybe even too light. (is there really such a thing?)

The build of the 2010 bike was a bit confusing to me, but probably felt off because I wasn’t used to it. I run 29.24″ bars on both my DH bike and my trail bike, so getting on this bike with narrower 28″ bars felt a bit twitchy. That said, I’m more interested in testing the frame capabilities, not the spec decided on by a product manager trying to please some consumer demographic. I’m not sure Trek knows exactly who that is yet- looking at the bikes Cam and Brandon are riding show that what they’re riding looks more like small sized Remedy frames. If Trek wanted to sell more Scratches, it would make sense to get them on this bike. (Take a look at what comes up when you Google Cam Mccaul/ Bike Check … hmm. Next time I see those guys,  I should film one myself) Darren Berrecloth rides an SX Trail, and SX, and a Demo. Cam and Brandon are riding the Ticket, the Session, and un-obtainium versions of what looks like a beefed up Remedy. (I could be wrong though, it could just be a small Remedy frame, though I believe last year his SS bike didn’t have the full-floater shock mount)

2011 Trek Scratch Coil

What kind of bike is it?

The Scratch isn’t sure if it is a hard-core trail bike, a slopestyle bike, or a light freeride bike. From the geometry numbers, it looks like the frame could handle more than a little of all of that. The 2010 felt like they were trying to make the Scratch a trail bike that could handle burly shit, as opposed to a light freerider, based on the cockpit set up. I was feeling a bit squirrelly with the “narrow” low rise bars. In fact, the cockpit was considerably more “XC” or “all mountain” than my personal Remedy, with its 50mm stem and 2″ rise, 29″ Sunline bars. (and I ride and climb everything with that set up.) In fact, the Scratch basically felt like my Remedy, but with .5″ inches shorter reach on the top tube, a slightly heavier tubeset, a coil shock, and another .5″- .75″ inches of travel. And that is exactly why I’m so intrigued with this bike. I’ve ridden the Remedy on just about everything. I almost took it for a run down the slopestyle course at the Ranchstyle even- that is how solid that bike works as an all arounder. The reason I didn’t? My shock set-up at the time, lack of a chain guide, and a long top tube.

The 2011 down tube armor on the Trek Scratch

It is really hard to give this bike a fair shake after only a few runs on chatter-bump filled terrain, especially since I was directly comparing it to the Session 88 I was riding just before hand. Ideally, I’d like to get one on our local trails here- a pedal up Seven Springs at Post Canyon with a DH session on all the jump lines and stunts on the way back down would be a way better testing scenario of its all around capabilities than strictly gravity trails at the bike park.

On the second run I switched bikes with Matthew for some time on the 2011 model. The biggest difference between the 2010 and the 2011 was the spec of the 7″ travel Fox single crown fork. That extra inch of travel makes a huge difference though. It removed the nervous feeling I was getting at speed and over braking bumps, and really made this bike fun at the bike park. Another upgrade to the bike was a carry-over from the carbon Remedy model- the down tube armor.

The down tube armor is a welcome addition. While the Remedy and Session bikes are strong and light, some of the light weight is attributed to thin tubing. I haven’t had a single issue with the strength of my (Trek) bikes even though I’ve been wringing the crap out of them, but I do have dents and small dings on my down tubes where my T.H.E. fender (which I run year-round) doesn’t protect the frame.

Bontrager stem on the 2011 Scratch

The cockpit looks better as well; I liked the stem and bar spec better on the 2011. The higher rise bar felt way better while boosting the jumps and wall rides on Crank It Up. In a way, stem and bar spec doesn’t matter to me, since I already have personal faves I would run, but it is nice to have parts lying around that can be useable, as opposed to dumped in the recycling bin. For the average buyer though, this makes a big difference, since many bike shops don’t like to do bar and stem swaps. In 2011, the bike is starting to find its voice. The air models continue to retain the hard core all mountain vibe, while the coil models feel way more like a light freerider or slopestyle machine.

That said, for bike park use, we both preferred the 2011 model. In fact, after a run, Matthew wanted to 2011 bike back- he was feeling way sketched out on the 2010 on the jump lines. Turns out the 7″ Fox 36 Van makes a huge difference in the gnar. (as to be expected)

Getting ready to drop into Crank It Up

The verdict

When considering both models in their stock form, and for bike park use, the 2011 felt like the way to go. Where the 2010 felt sketchy, the 2011 felt like a light and fully whippable version of my Session 88. Those considering a 2010 Scratch air vs. a Scratch coil will do well to consider where they will be riding the bike.

I’m hoping to source a 2011 Scratch frame for the coming season to replace my Remedy, as I liked what I was feeling with this bike. Our few runs on the bike really weren’t enough get a solid impression on how it would do as an all-arounder, but we liked what we saw. For me, the question is: how light can you build a Trek Scratch for epic all mountain rides, while still maintaining the big hit capability? The 2010 Scratch coil comes in around 35lbs. That is heavy for a trail bike. While it certainly is all relative, try keeping up with guys on 26lb. 5″ travel trail machines on a bike 10lbs. heaver. I’m certainly one of those riders that want it all, but when you are putting out this much coin for your dream ride, I don’t think that is unrealistic. Guys are building up hardcore all-mountain quiver-killing machines with DH tires at sub 30 weights now. Although it will cost you an arm and a leg, the best part is that we consumers have a ton of sweet options to choose from.

Related posts:

1. Trek World 2010: Trek Scratch Details emerge online
2. Trek Session 88 FR – First Ride
3. Long term thrash test: Trek Remedy

The McKenzie River Trail is one of those trails that should be on your to-do list. If it isn’t, and you ride mountain bikes, then you are either not in the know, or simply don’t know that you don’t know what you’re missing.

That sentence made sense a minute ago… I’m not sure if it does now, but the point remains the same, this trail is that good, and I’m that tired.

Tim Zimmerman on the MRT

I'm actually in a picture I didn't take! Near Clear Lake. Photo: ©Tim Zimmerman

Riding one of the many bridges on the MRT. Photo: Tim Zimmerman

The McKenzie River Trail. It's that good.

Special thanks to Tim Zimmerman for coming with Inga and myself for a kick ass birthday ride, and for use of his shots.

Trail info via the Forest Service:

Elevation: Trail begins at 1450 ft. elevation and ends a 3200 ft. elevation.

Season: Spring to Fall

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate

Water: Potable water is located in campgrounds along the way. All other water must be treated.

How to get there: From McKenzie River Ranger District, travel west one mile to the trailhead. Several access points are available along the entire trail route.

Trail Description: The McKenzie River Trail closely follows the McKenzie River, a scenic whitewater river originating in the high Cascade Mountains. The trail crosses over several tributaries of the McKenzie River via log bridges. The lower sections of the trail pass through 600 year old Douglas-fir forests, while upper sections of the trail pass spectacular waterfalls and lava flows.

For more information on the epic McKenzie River Trail click here.

Gallery

Related posts:

1. The Dog River All Mountain Shuttle
2. Ashland, OR: Marty’s Trail Update

It just went from crappy wet rain to burning hot here in the Portland area. If you’re looking for stuff to do, and places to ride, Mount Hood is one of the usual place to find it. This weekend we’ve got events going down both Saturday and Sunday, in addition to the primo riding all over.

Saturday

First, on Saturday, the 2nd Annual Momentum Bike Sandy Mt. Festival Dual Stunt race is going down in Sandy, Oregon. After that goes down, the lower half of Hide and Seek at Sandy Ridge is now open, and sure to be a popular spot to ride. The freeride skills area is open too, so there is something for everyone.

photo: Tim Zimmerman

Sunday

On Sunday, keep rolling up the Mount Hood highway a few more miles, to Windell’s, for the Gatorade FreeFlow BMX dirt jam, at some of the only legit dirt jumps in the area. Open to big as well as little wheels, registration and practice starts at 9, with the comp going down at high noon.

This Sunday at Windell's/ NWSoF

Related posts:

1. The Portland Bicycle Show is this weekend
2. First look at the NW School of Freeride
3. The Northwest School of Freeride at Windells Camp

Guest Post by Tyson Hallock. Possibly NSFW.

…4…3…2…1…ride naked! I had just ridden my bike down to the Portland 2010 World Naked Bike ride meeting area, a fenced in lot near Hawthorne bridge. Fully clothed I instantly felt out of place and looked for an open area to park my bike where I could tear my clothes off. Seconds later I was fully naked and I blended in with the masses pushing numbers upwards of 13,000. Even though the countdown had ended it took a good 30 to 40 minutes to exit through the gate bottle necking thousands of boobs and balls before parading down the streets of Portland.

What the..? Those people aren't wearing pants. Photo: Jason Van Horn

Surrounded by a sea of nude and partially clothed bodies I felt far less awkward than expected. All body types, shapes, and sizes were represented, and all had an incredibly positive energy. It was truly a freeing and exhilarating experience incomparable to any other bike ride I have ever been on. Our route took us across the Burnside bridge into down town, back across the Broadway bridge into north east and all the way out to 39th and Hawthorne, and finally ending where we started near the Hawthorne bridge.

Dancers and a capoeira group get the party started as participants start their pre-funk party before riding around without clothes.

I don’t remember our exact route, I was to busy maneuvering through walls of naked bodies on bikes and cheering on bystanders who were stripping their clothes off to join us. Hopefully the purpose of the ride, protesting oil dependence, does not go unrecognized. There is a reason the Portland World Naked Bike ride boasts such a large turn out, because we care about the environment and strive to make it a better place.

All of a sudden, there are people all over missing their clothing.

What's going on here? People are taking their clothes off all over! Johnny, you are going home, right now!

Photos by Jason Van Horn, who was out riding around with Inga, and checked out a big street party only to find themselves surrounded by thousands of people taking off their clothes to protest.. something. I kept looking for Frank the tank, but I did not see him, although he had about 10,000 plus friends riding bikes, past the dorms, over by the bridge…

Related posts:

1. Not as bike friendly? Portland declared 2nd most bike friendly city
2. The SF Flow Ride

Looking for a way to jump start your cycling fitness? After months of crappy rain, I know I am. My ingenious plan: to race as many of the PDX Short Track races at PIR as I possibly can. Knowing myself, I’ll probably completely break down and begin weezing after lap 3 or 4, but you have to suffer to get results right?

The Short Track course at PIR was open on Monday for practice and we were on the scene to check it out. And to ride lap after lap until my lungs were bleeding.

If you’ve never raced a short track, it is similar in format to a Cyclecross Race, but without the barriers and dismounts. Races are 3o minutes in duration on a 3 to 5 minute long course that will utilize part of the motocross track and a grassy area, with the course set with cones. The courses will change from week to week, with time to practice before the races begin.

Sign up here.

You can race any kind of bike you want, and from what I hear, that is exactly what happens. Kris Schamp recommends a lightweight XC mountain bike as the ideal race machine, but we did see a number of cyclecross bikes on course. I’m still waiting for my Wolfhound 29er to come from the painters, but I’m thinking it should be a pretty sweet steed for this event. For the practice day I came out with my 6″ trave; Trek Remedy all mountain bike, and while it was fun, it felt pretty slow on the course, especially trying to pump through the rollers on the moto course. I was loving the 1×9 drivetrain though.

The grassy fields.

Races run about $20 for day of registration, but you can save a few bucks by signing up in advance or for the whole series.

More grassy field practice action

Mototrack section

We ran at least seven or eight laps and during that time it reminded me of riding a bmx track without any good jumps or berms, except you don’t stop, and have to run lap after lap.(been a long time since I’ve done any kind of endurance racing) Should make for a fun time.

I need to buy me some spandex! I’m kidding. I think.

POV of the course

Practice lap on the MTB short track at PIR from ih8 bikes on Vimeo.

Check out PortlandRacing.com for more info and directions to Portland International Raceway.

Related posts:

1. Jim-Bob’s Pump track: Basic Loop Backyard Track
2. Rally for single track in Portland Tuesday April 20th
3. Pump Track action at the Worlds

This clip of Paul B’s backyard, filmed via RC helicopter has been making the rounds this week. It hasn’t gotten old yet. That is a sweet as hell back yard.

The edit was filmed using an radio helicopter with a Canon 7d camera (which I also happen to currently shoot with) mounted on it. Based on the shadow in the video, it is likely similar (if not the same) as the set up used in this clip:

Sick backyard, sweet gear. In other news, I really want an RC helicopter. And I’m Captain Obvious, signing off.

Related posts:

1. The Backyard Blam Pump track
2. GoPro Hero Wide Angle Helmet Cam – First look
3. Backyard Blam Presents the Bridgetown Hustle

Marty’s Trail in Ashland, Oregon, has been a popular downhill trail for a number of years with local riders. In recent months, there have been some modifications to the trail. A popular section of trail was reworked with the addition of machine built jumps.

Unfortunately, the jumps were constructed and reworked without the permission of the land managers. We reported on the new features in a post published in January, when we did a shuttle up to session the new hits. While the height of the lips and landings were fairly diminutive, the gaps made them technical, and weren’t meant for beginner or even many intermediate level freeriders. That said, we thought they were fun jumps, and added to the experience of riding the trail.

Izaak Van Horn airs one of the gaps; taken from our January post.

While we officially don’t encourage unauthorized trail building, we recognize that it happens, (and until there are enough trails for all, will continue to happen) and appreciate good design and construction, regardless of the legalities. The reality is that getting the trail approved and sanctioned has been a slow one, despite the fact that the trail has been in use for years. Many local riders have a lot of pent up frustration with the system, and from their point of view, it is hard to blame them for wanting to take actions into their own hands. I know for a fact that many members of the Southern Oregon Freeride Association off the record, may have enjoyed riding the features, but officially have to condemn the construction in order to pursue the bigger picture: making Marty’s Trail an official and sanctioned freeride trail. It has been a long and hard battle.

According to Mike Bronze of SOFA:

It’s not from a lack of trying. The USFS is just not ready to move forward. They have sited a lack of funding in order to perform the EIS required. They are underfunded and understaffed. The good news is that in October they were able to secure some stimulus funds for this purpose.

Things have also been complicated do to the Ashland Forest Resiliency Plan and lawsuits against this plan. See link below.

http://www.ashland.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=503

There is more going on behind the scenes in Ashland than you may be aware of.

Things get a bit more complicated.

Recently the trail builders returned to the scene, and using motorized equipment, added more and bigger features. The new features are considerably larger, and have made a number of individuals rather unhappy.

This jump was substantially lengthened, and has altered the flow of the trail considerably.

As opposed to the previous underground building session in which the initial jumps were built, the builders made no effort in hiding their construction methods this time around. Evidence of tracks are still on the ground, a major no-no in the water shed area.

Clifford Josey (also of SOFA) writes:

“The recent unauthorized jump building in the Ashland watershed has put the mountain bike community on a slippery slope. The Spring Thaw XC course had to be re-routed because of the newly built jumps, and certain potential permissions regarding the upcoming 12 Mile Super D were denied.

Currently, the Forest Service has an open investigation into the matter. Whoever built the jump line saw the potential for something great, but now they’re facing huge fines and jail time if they’re caught. It’s a felony to alter or build on Forest service land. The builders have painted a poor picture of what the mountain bike community wants. Hopefully we can move forward, but it’s has slowed an already lengthy process for more legal trails.

In the meantime, the trail is being enjoyed, but the USFS has explained that they plan on removing what has been built there.”

SOFA has asked its members to reach out to the community, as the illegal trail building on Marty’s Trail endangers the process of getting the trail officially sanctioned.

This is a rather large gap with a short landing pad. It also has a flat approach.

Latest update via SOFA from the powers that be:

This is to inform you that we have given limited authorization to Trails Unlimited, a Forest Service Enterprise Team, to operate small “trail bike” motorcycles on roads and trails within the Ashland Watershed between May 24 and June 4, excluding weekends. The reason for this authorization is to speed up a trails assessment and get a “bigger bang for the buck.” Limited motorcycle use will eliminate the need for shuttles so that these folks can spend more time on the trail. They will also be on mountain bikes and on foot. There will be 4 individuals, but most likely, only 2 on motorcycles. Motorcycle use will not be allowed on White Rabbit, Caterpillar, and Alice in Wonderland trails or on private or city lands without authorization by the respective entities.

Trails Unlimited is a nationally recognized team of trail specialists who perform assessments, trail maintenance, and trail construction throughout the country on both motorized and non-motorized trails. The forthcoming two-week period marks the beginning of a process to analyze the current situation in the Watershed. We intend to inventory all trails (authorized and unauthorized). This will be followed by development of a trails management plan and the associated environmental studies required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). There will be full public involvement prior to and during the NEPA stages. Stay tuned for further information.

We did a shuttle to check out the jumps, as my brother and our friend Bill wanted to hit everything before it was decommissioned. When my chain popped off my ring due to a lack of a chain guide, I declined to hit the section. The gaps are pretty big, and pushing the pedals less than top speed appeared to be hazardous for one’s health. This was more than apparent when Bill cased the landing on his first attempt. (he landed cleanly on his consecutive attempt)

My thoughts:

I’m not a fan of the features. A number of riders have made a point to ride them, as they are new, and they wished to hit them before they were removed. However, even if the construction methods and the legality of the work wasn’t an issue, I don’t think the jumps enhance the trail, but rather detract from it. They simply don’t flow whatsoever. Even a skilled rider that previously knew the trail (and I do fall in this group, having lived in Ashland) would need to stop and look before leaping, as it doesn’t fit anything else there. When it comes to this kind of riding, building things right, especially on public land that is shared by everyone. Just one seriously hurt rider could end access for everyone else.

Personally I’m not a fan of long and low jumps, and prefer larger jumps found in contemporary slope style courses. The bottom line though, is that big doesn’t necessarily equal difficult, and small doesn’t necessarily equal safe. In my professional opinion, the newest features don’t belong on this trail, legal or not.

Enough of what I think. What do you guys think? Sound off in the comments below.

Related posts:

1. Sessioning a new jump line in Ashland, OR
2. Ashland Super D
3. UPDATE: Marmot is out, Road 14 is in

On May 16, 2002, Maribeth Blonski, 43, of Rocky Hill Connecticut, was severely injured when she rode her bike into a large steel gate at the entrance of the MDC Reservoir in West Hardford.  She was knocked unconscious from the impact and fractured several vertebrae.

She clearly felt it wasn’t her fault, and sued the Metropolitan District Commission, claiming the agency endangered people by placing the steel gate on a trail. According to Blonski’s lawyer, Michael Stratton, of Stratten Faxon in New Haven, the gates were installed in various locations during the 70s. In over 30 years, no one has had an issue with the gates. Until that day in May of 2002.

Somehow the judge saw it her way and a jury awarded the amount of $2.9 million. According to this article by the Courant, the jury found MDC liable for improperly placing a steel gate across a “path.” The gate had been installed to block motor vehicle access.

R. Bartley Halloran, the MDC’s chief in-house lawyer, said Sunday through a spokeswoman that the MDC was surprised by the verdict and intends to appeal.

When the accident happened, Blonski was host of a local-access television program about mountain biking, Stratton said. Blonski now works at the front desk of a health club, he said. She previously worked as an illustrator of children’s books.

It took eight years to resolve the case because of a dispute about whether the MDC was immune from responsibility, Stratton said. After a four-day trial before Judge Edward Domnarski, the jury decided the authority was not immune in this instance, and also found that Blonski was partially responsible.

Stratton said Blonski had offered to settle the case for less than the amount awarded by the jury, but MDC refused.

A bike path expert, Lance Robson, testified about problems with the gate, suggested a different device should have been used to restrict vehicle access.

According to the article, MDC was “surprised by the verdict.” I think as mountain bikers, we’re all surprised by the verdict. MDC intends to appeal the ruling. I’ve been watching a lot of court shows this winter, and I have to admit, I’m impressed by the work her lawyers have done. A jury with mountain bikers like myself would never have gone along with that. I’m sorry Ms. Blonski was injured, but as an “experienced” mountain biker, what she has done will effect EVERYONE that rides a bike. The implications of this ruling doesn’t just effect MDC, but everyone that rides a bike on land they themselves do not own. (That is everyone, folks) If you can successfully sue someone else for not looking where you are going, think of the implications that has on land access for a sport that has been entrenched in drama from its inception?

We’re still digging up more info on this case, but check out this Facebook group of Mountain Bikers against awarding Maribeth Blonski 2.9 million. Because of the lawsuit, MDC is already considering closing the area to public use. (to all public use, not just cyclists)  Think of the precedence this sets. It isn’t a pretty picture. This case could have a negative effect on land access everywhere in the United States.

For the record, Ms. Blonski appears to have had a Facebook page. Obviously she’s earned a lifetime of bad karma, as the page appears to have been deleted or shut down. (I can only imagine the kinds of messages and hate mail she is currently the recipient of.)

I once had a close encounter with a gate myself. Almost all logging roads in the northwest feature gates. Sometimes they are unlocked and open, and sometimes they are closed. On this day which occurred, over a decade ago, I was leading the charge down the logging road on the way out of the woods in the hills somewhere near Astoria, Oregon. It was during my early years riding bikes, and back then we still rode four inch travel bikes with long stems wearing lycra. (gasp) I came tearing down the road around a corner at speed, only to see that the locked gate was closed. As opposed to hitting the gate straight on, I grabbed brakes and locked them up, dropping the bike on its side and laid everything over, and slid under the gate safely. Mostly safely. Spandex shorts plus rocky logging road is the stuff owies are made of, but I learned my lesson and shared it with my riding buddies when they rolled up to witness me on the ground with torn up shorts and battered hips. Regardless of how it could have ended up, we’re all responsible for our own actions, and holding someone else liable never crossed my mind.

Similar experience #2. A few months ago at Sandy Ridge, I was riding Little Monkey, the beginner/ intermediate jump trail in progress. I aired the step down at the end of the jumps, landed on the clay section and bashed a tree head on, destroying my helmet and the fancy rails on my saddle. It was a painful incident, and led to a reroute of the section of trail, to ensure it didn’t happen to anyone else or cause a similar situation. I was pissed at the poor route of the trail, but holding someone else liable for my injuries?

Sources:

Cyclist Awared $2.9M after breaking neck (PDF)
Connecticut Jury Awards $2.9M to bicyclist for collision – InsuranceJournal.com
MDC ordered to pay $2.9 million to injured bicyclist – The Hartford Courant
Mountain Biking imperiled on MDC lands – Hardford Courant

Related posts:

1. Shuttle Access to Knappa DH Trails Closed
2. 30+ rider freeride session at Post Canyon

When I drove by this practically abandoned BMX park in Beaverton last week, I had to stop and record some images on my iPhone. I was at once excited and more than a bit bummed to see it. It is clear that Tualatin Parks and Rec maintains the park from the recently mowed lawns. However, it is clear that the park gets minimal use, as grass has over grown most of the lines. And who can blame the local neighborhood kids from not riding their bikes there all the time? The jumps are so worn down they obviously aren’t as fun as they could be. There appears to be some use, but they probably haven’t ever ridden a real BMX park before, and have no idea what an untapped resource they have beneath their tires.

Eichler Park Bike Jumps, as they currently are.

This could look like...

How hard could it be to contact the land manager at Parks and Rec, and get the ball rolling? From the posted signage, it already is an official bike park.

Take another look at what the park could be like if we worked with the Parks Department to rebuild the jumps and add a pump track.

This! A quick mock up of of the potential this location has for kids of all ages.

I believe this lawn is part of the park. It isn't a ton of space, but I could still think of a million different ways to utilize it.

The phone number to Tualatin Hills Parks and Rec was on the sign, so I picked up the phone and started asking questions. Namely, “what will it take to get this park refreshed and revived for a new generation of riders?” I was directed to the Center Supervisor, and tonight I’ll be writing an email to see what I can do to get the ball rolling.

What it could look like with rebuilt table tops. (quick Photoshop mockup)

Will update this post when more information comes in.

Update: August 18, 2010

Yesterday marked meeting number two with Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation, and while the progress is slow, it has definitely been made. The Risk and Contract Manager as well as the Athletic Facilities Coordinator were in attendance, with Joe Barcott representing the NWTA, and myself representing, well, the people that want a place to ride. An MOU was discussed for the potential partnership between the NWTA and Tualatin Hills.

This is very promising, and while we still can’t put a time line on when we’ll actually break ground, I’m currently researching specs for jump sizing and spacing to pass on for the dirt placement.

What will we need?

Basic BMX track Specifications say that a typical BMX track requires 2,000 – 4,000 cubic yards of dirt. That takes about 150-400 dump track loads depending on the size of the truck. Our site is going to be much smaller than a typical BMX track, with a focus on dirt jumps and skill building as opposed to competitive racing. If we were able to source 2,000 yards of dirt, it would be incredible, but realistically we can get by with less.

Related posts:

1. BRMBA’s Covered Dirt Jump Park in Salem, Oregon
2. Spot Check: Salem State Fairgrounds Dirt Jump Park and BMX Track
3. Salem Fairgrounds Covered Dirt Jump Spot Check

You may have noticed a few changes in the look of the website. It might not appear to be that much different (yet), but that is because most of the changes are underneath the hood. What’s the point of being a web designer if you don’t redesign the website now and then? I’m not done either- so far, most of the changes have been set in place to support the plans I have coming down the road, and the site redesign is still underway.

T-shirts are available. We’ve also found the tub of t-shirts that have been eluding us during our last year of traveling, and have some t-shirts for sale. Check it out in the store link up top, and stay tuned for a working shopping cart to make it easy to buy one.

We appreciate all the props you guys have given, and hope you continue to make Ih8bikes one of your favorite spots to check in on during your regular web surfing sessions. Currently the site is being retooled in order to streamline posting the same great content you’ve come to expect. We’re stoked to be coming into the dry season (finally) and plan to ride our asses off, and bring you the latest in freeride, DH, all mountain happenings.

New logo, same old attitude. With the retooling, we’ve also changed up the logo slightly. Don’t understand the hate? Check out the new section up top, where we answer the all-too-frequently asked question: “Why do you hate bikes?”

I’d like to think most of my peeps get the love/ hate thing, but I imagine there are plenty of riders that have never gotten seriously banged up riding their bikes. Eventually, we all hit the ground, especially if you love pinning it on the downhills. Either way, drop a line in the comments below, we’d love to hear what you think.

With all the rain, I’ve even considering dusting off the old 20″ and hitting up all the fast-to-dry bike friendly skateparks, and documenting what’s going on in a new BMX section. We’re taking advantage of living in a bike friendly urban area, and built up some pavement friendly cruising machines too. That includes a fixed gear, so feel free to unleash the fixed gear hate in the comments below. (we love that)

Interested in writing a guest post, or have some news, suggestions on new web features you’d like to see, or info to share? please drop a line at jason@ihatebikes.net. Maybe you just want to hang out and shoot some pictures? That works. I like to rock the party too.

Are you a bike shop, or interested in purchasing some ad space? We’re thinking about you too. Drop us a line if you are interested in working with us. And while we’re on the subject, if you are a fan of the site, please support our advertisers and partners. Each time you support our partners, a bit goes back into the site.

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