What will it take to bring mountain biking and multi-use single track trails to Astoria, Oregon, and the rest of Clatsop County?
The first thing we are going to need are mountain bikers to speak up. We know you guys are out there. It’s why we built this website and created our group. Seaside, Cannon Beach, Knappa, and the other communities also have mountain bikers living there. However, it is clear that for most of you, mountain bike riding is primarily a solo activity, or one done with friends in a closed group. Many of the local riders drive up to three and a half hours regularly to ride single track trails, whether it’s to ride Ape Canyon on Mount St. Helens, or the Freeride Trails at Black Rock in Falls City. And that is totally cool. It’s the beauty of the sport. However, what about those times when you don’t want to drive your car, or your regular group isn’t available for a ride? There are no trails to ride here. Riding on logging road in the hills isn’t the experience most of us what on our bikes though. It isn’t remotely close to it.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Take a look at the area we are in on Google Maps. Look at all that green space, with the miles and miles of logging roads. There is plenty of opportunity for single track recreation, and the State Department of Forestry is open to considering it. The problem? They don’t see the need for it- mountain biking hasn’t had a voice. If anything new will be built, it will be for motorized use. Why? Because it’s clear there is a need. It is time for mountain bikers to stand forward and announce our presence, and to help make these trails we want to ride in our backyard happen, because no one is going to do it for us.
I’ll tell you what I wish for: trails, lots of them. A state of the art, multi-use trail system designed for the user experience of mountain biking that will be such a fun ride that people from all over will travel here just to ride it. It can happen. It should happen. It will happen. Eventually. Mountain biking is a growing sport, and sustainable trail design has really progressed in the last few years. And when it does happen, the resulting recreational trails tourism that results will bring fresh faces, and their hard earned dollars. With that influx of fresh revenue, more trails can be built. It is a cycle we just have to begin, and getting started is our biggest hurdle.
It will start when we join together, and not before then. That is why I ask that if you’re reading this, please sign up for our mailing list. Stop by our forum and poke around, make a post introducing yourself. We’ve started the Lower Columbia Bike Project to represent all cyclists in the area, but we need our numbers to grow to make a difference.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
At the beach working for a while and it seems that there are only hiking trails around Seaside?
Technically, (sadly) that is correct. There is a trail called Falcon Cove near Cannon Beach that may be multi-use. (as far as we know, there isn’t signage)
Yes , The city of Cannon Beach has acquired the 800 acres east of Hwy 101 called the Ecola Creek Watershed . About 4 yrs ago Mountain biking in 1st acquired smaller portion had some opposition within the CB Planning Commission but that was negated by a vote of the city council. I Know the old historic mtb bike route between the 2 forks of Ecola creek plus a route following the Pacific Power strip to the North that ends up close to Klootchy Creek on Hwy 26 if anyone wants to walk /ride this contact me for Sunday ride in November . There are new mtn bikers in CB who are enthusiastic about opening up trail systems . I personally hope to be involved as a bike advocate on this new acquisition M. S.
how do i join
Setting a time up this weekend with some fellow mtb riders from CB to discuss getting our voice heard for 800 acres that’s opening up in CB. I agree with vision of the Lower Columbia Bike Project as stated above. There is an amazing amount of potential all around us.
sb
Avg,
We’re still working on that part, Brian is putting together the materials required to file a 501c3 status. At the moment dropping by the forum and leaving a note is the best bet, or liking us on the Facebook page. We’re a bunch of mountain bikers, and not the best at running a not for profit company, much less getting organized, so bear with us. If you are great at running a non-profit, we’d love to chat sooner rather than later!
-Jason VH
Yeah I just moved to Manzanita from Denver and I brought my full suspension mt bike figuring there were a lot of great single track rides that took advantage of the hills and the scenic ocean. I guess it’s time to be the change, so if anyone needs help I would gladly work on the trails and if anyone knows any trails at ALL please shout out.