1998 Pacific Region Summit

IMBA Trail News
Volume 11, Number 2
May-June 1998

Meet the Challenge

by Pat Sprouse

IMBA's 4th annual Pacific Region Summit, Sept. 10-17, will focus on the challenge of keeping trails in balance in a multiple-use area. Single Track Mind Cycling Club of the Puget Sound area, with sponsorship from Subaru's Northwest regional district, is organizing four days of exciting riding, trail advocacy, food and fun in the Tahuya State Forest of Western Washington.

The Tahuya State Forest is a managed forest heavily used by mountain bicyclists, motorcyclists and other ATVs, horses, hikers and logging interests. It is also a salmon spawning area where streams and riparian zones must be protected. The conference will feature daily, rolling discussion rides, trail maintenance workshops, and demonstration of alternative trail types. A panel session will allow the various user groups to present their different points of view about how to use the forest and how they successfully work together in Tahuya Forest. Brief sessions will highlight NOWBike (a lobbying group), organizing a non-profit bike club, liability, and event organization.

The beautiful Tahuya State Forest is located southwest of Bremerton and is approximately 1.5 hours from the Seattle airport. The conference will be housed at the lakeside Girl Scout Camp Lyle McLeod, a rustic and cozy setting which includes campsites and cabin accommodations. It's located adjacent to a network of challenging trails along salmon filled creeks and around beautiful lakes and marshes.

The schedule starts on Thursday with an optional ride at Green Mountain near Bremerton. Riders can enjoy incredible views of the snowcapped Olympic Mountains, Hood Canal, downtown Seattle and the Space Needle. Friday and Saturday will offer morning rides right out the door of the Girl Scout camp on trails maintained by the state and local trail users, followed by afternoon presentations and discussions. Saturday evening musical entertainment will be provided by a band of cyclists.

Sunday's popular annual Single Track Mind Poker Run is included in the registration fee for Summit participants and features two exciting and technical singletrack courses. Riders will collect a poker hand at checkpoints along the trail and the best hands qualify for numerous prizes. It's a great event for riders of all ages and skill levels.

To register or inquire about the Summit, contact Doug Miller, 1648 S. 246th Pl., Des Moines WA 98198; (206) 824-8104; email: ; web: http://members.aol.com/STMClub/stmclub.html.