This PUMP member had a BIG day in the Tillamook State Forest (Beginner SOLV cleanup in the snow, intermediate presentation on climate change, and gonzo ride with snow/trees/wash outs on the Wilson River Trail).

I attended the Portland Bike Summit last Friday and Saturday. There were six PUMP members that I know in attendance. We had Roger Louton, Tom Archer, Paul Barlow, Wayne Naillon, Bob Crispin, and myself. There were also representives from COTA and IMBA.

Hill Abell, IMBA President was the keynote speaker and he did a spectacular job. Tim Blumenthal a former executive director of IMBA was also in attendance. I was able to sit down and talk with both of them on Saturday and it was great getting opinions and thoughts from national bike advocates.

Cecily and I went up to the Wilson River Trail today. The trail is in really good shape considering the time of year with little or no blowdown, no snow and no washouts. We rode from the Forest Visitor's center to a large rock out cropping about 8 Miles up the trail. The climb was steep but rewarding with great views and sunny weather. Wilson River is great long XC ride that will challenge any rider. It is possible to do a 30+ round trip ride.

So next time you head out west go beyond the Brown's Camp/Gales Creek to the Wilson River Trail, you'll be glad you did.

Thursday evening (Feb. 28, 2008) was the first Tillamook State Forest Advisory Committee (TRAC) meeting of 2008.  I was selected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to represent the mountain bike community on this committee.  The appointment is for two years.  Let me know if you have mountain bike recreation related issues in the Tillamook State Forest that you would like brought to the attention of ODF staff.  The meetings are open to the public, so feel free to attend and voice your issue personally.