Middle School Drop Out

When we made this video- it seemed as if the fall riding season would never end. Tonight as I write this- some snow flakes have begun to fall in the mountains. High winds are expected to hit us late tonight and all the trailbuilders are on edge to see what happens in this storm. Dave Bisset wrote to me "Its in gods hands now."

Enjoy the short clip!

BRMBA Hosts A Falls City Work Party Dec 13th

Our brethren in Falls City Oregon are hosting a work party. Here's the information provided by the Black Rock Mountain Bike Association. So if your chasing some ride time this weekend- We at the GFRA are expecting a hard hit of weather, enough snow might be shutting down this entire  area. 

The work season has arrived!  Now is the time to do maintenance and work on new projects (trail and features)!   BRMBA can use your help! We will have one build day each month on the 2^nd weekend of the month rotating Saturday and Sundays. 

Here is the schedule:

Oct 11^th Sat                 Jan 11^th Sun                 Apr 12^th Sun

Nov 9^th Sun                  Feb 15^th Sun                May 9^th Sat

Dec 13^th Sat                 Mar 14^th Sat                 Jun 14^th Sun

 

The First 3 work days will be dedicated to maintenance the remaining (if maintenance is complete) will be dedicated to new projects. 

 

Normal Rules for work days:

Start time @ 9:00 AM

If you are working only then drive up, if you are riding and working then please ride up and we’ll get you where you need to go.

No parking in the camp field!

Bring liquids and lunch unless other wise noted!

You may want gloves (we try and have extras just in case)

If you want to work on a specific project contact volunteer@brmba.org so Sean can get you in touch with the trail manager.

There are projects that beginner, intermediates and advanced riders can work on so come work on what you might ride next! 

 

Thanks for your help and come on our and make the 08/09 build season successful… it’s just more items for you to ride!

 

Questions contact Rich at richb@brmba.org or Sean at Volunteer@brmba.org

Trail Report: 3 Blind Mice

Its official folks....the new warm up trail called '3 Blind Mice' is ready for ripping. Today during an extended lunch break I met Shovelpick's Miles Sullivan for a session on the new trail. We started self filming this cool little one minute long video to show you all how fun it is- enjoy! 

Local beginner rider and poster boy for this trail- Steve Hutchinson became our guinea pig and successfully managed to navigate the first 2 features and then he busted out a triple strength Rockstar to celebrate. 

The final lines are complete. 

Support the GFRA by donating- contact us at gfra@gorge.net. 

Ben Boyko Visits "Frankenstein" On Scouting Mission

 All photos by Carl Warren

This recent Monday,  a surprise guest of Sam Pinners NW School Of Freeride showed up to gander at the goods on 'Frankenstein'. Norco/Addidas/Dakine /Rockstar's 2007  World Slopestyle Champion Ben Boyko walked down the '116' to Frankenstein with Shovelpick's Miles Sullivan to 'check it out.' 

Looking forward to his return.............

Work Party Announced For Dec 6th

Saturday Dec 6th is a busy time for Dave Bisset and Jim Mudry. They just announced a work party to continue the efforts of restoring 8-Track, repair work on  'Extended Play' and if the group is large enough- a crew will be assigned to a simple project on the new "3 Blind Mice" warm up trail. 

If you can attend the meeting spot is "Extended Play" at 9:30 am to organize the plan of attack. Bring water, snacks, gloves and tools of choice (McCloud, Lopers, Rakes, Handsaws, Strong Back, Shovels and a bucket never hurt) 

Please donate to the GFRA. We welcome materials, if your able to make a donation- contact us at gfra@gorge.net

Sure love the videos we are finding, this one of local youth dominating the trails. If this doesn't inspire to get out and contribute- I don't know what will........enjoy the flick! 

post canyon from matt robertson on Vimeo.

NW School Of Freeride Hardtail/BMX Jam Dec 6th

We have had a ton of requests to open the indoor facility for another BIKES ONLY Jam.   The first jam was a great success.   Riders had a great time.   For this next jam we are trying to step it up by integrating a box jump and additional outdoor street jibs.   Obviously the dirt will be out of commission due to the mud and rain, but we well do our best to have the cement clear of debris and water.  The Jam will go from 12PM-8PM and will also feature a DJ and some food/drink options.

 

The Liability waiver is now available online by clicking the link below.  If you are under 18, please have your parents take care of this ahead of time.   Booyeah.

Don’t Sue Me Shananagans

 

Price is $20, and $10 after 5PM.   Your $20 will include some RedBull Energy drinks, cool goodies and a kickback for the DJ.   The DJ is super good by the way.   Good Rock and Roll mix with some added juice from the Hip Hop end of things.   Also, we know its not “Cool” to wear a helmet, but at our spot, you gotta wear a helmet!   If you don’t want to wear a helmet, then ride somewhere else.   If you think helmet rules are stupid, then move to Canada or Switzerland where people don’t sue each other when they get hurt riding their bikes.   So until the USA changes their liability / insurance laws, you will be wearing a helmet at the NW School of Freeride @ Windells.

 

If you are interested in seeing some of the terrain available, here are some simple video clips of the fun on bikes from the first Fall Jam Last month.

fall-bmx-jam-1

 

However…….if you really want to see some good footage?   Check out this video of our Pro Hardtail Riding Fool, BILLY LEWIS, getting all jibby wit it.   This Tonic Fabrication rider hooked up with our video power bro Aaron Lutze and slayed it.

Click here to see the video!

Check out the NW School of Freeride website here for camps and clinics. 

7 Streams Gets Some Much Needed Love

Jeff Blackman led a charge on November 29th 2008 to improve the most upper part of '7 Streams' XC Loop with an experienced group of workers.

 In his own words: 

"The trail work was done from Cush (the bypass around the log/ladder drop on 7 streams) to the first turn after the Y on the new section of 7 streams.  Jason Wells, Tom Kosmoski, Tamira Wayonfeld, Kelly Chambers, Dylan Chambers, Brian Chambers, Mike Scott, Doug Van Zandt, Tom McCulloce and Andy (of Oregon Parks) all got dirty filling in holes, diverting water, and smoothing out trail."

Today I got to personally check out the work done and its really nice and buffed out- all the problem spots are cleaned up. Awesome Job guys! 

Please donate to the Gorge Freeride Association by donating materials or money. Contact us via email at GFRA@gorge.net. Enjoy the ride! 

2nd 8-Track Work Party Completes Upper Re-Route!

November 29th, 2008. 3 years ago, a huge windstorm destroyed upper portions of 8-track. The Bisset/Mudry Team repaired the trail and got it open. This summer around the end of June 2008, the logging began and destroyed everybody's favorite trail. You can ask allot of bikers- they will all point to 8-track as their favorite Post Canyon experience. 

Today, Dave Bisset and Jim Mudry again lead the charge to restore the upper section by re-routing a good mile of trail today. 14 total volunteers wasted very little time and created buffed out single-track that winds down to a old jeep road- and has a few more cranks now. Its going to be a very "North Shore" inspired run when complete. 

Follow the signs instructions and you will find the work party. Little orange flags lead the way.....

Tonic Fabrication Owner Landon Holt got busy on the re-route. 

Dakine's Chico Bukanvosky walking out after serious contribution to the re-route. Co-captain Jim Mudry cuts a real nice section. 

8-track is looking buff. WSFR's Raul made it out to work and contributed his extensive knowledge of the perfect "Chalupa". 

Trail Captain Dave Bisset giving the trail his personal touch...........

Suberb work fellas.....BRAVO! 

Dave doing a final sweep while Jim says "Where's my bike! This trail is ride-able!" 

8-track entry is still closed to the public. Please do not attempt to ride this until Dave and Jim 'officially' re-open 8-Track. There's still lots of blown down debris and some features are in need of repair, in another words- RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK! 

Please donate to the GFRA! email gfra@gorge.net to make a contribution in the form of materials or greenbacks.

Progress: 8-Track Gets More 5.10ing

I went out solo today to do some "5.10'ing" out on 8-Track. This is a term when you use only your feet, you kick the ground and manipulate it. Using Lopers to remove stubborn roots, trimming vegetation along the way I cleared an estimated 150-200 feet of trail in 3.5 hours. At this rate- I see some early runs are 'possible' if weather holds over Thanksgiving Weekend.

Before 5.10ing the trail on the right, after some 5.10'ing on the left. 

Some nasty trail is about to get buffed. 

When you sit down for Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, give 'Thanks" to the GFRA! Donate materials, any amount of funds to continue growing the Gorge Freeride scene. Contact GFRA@gorge.net for more information.

Happy Trails-giving! 

 

Carl Warren Images of Recent 8-Track Work Party

Here's some images from DH Image Factory Photographer Carl Warren. 

Looking back from the new trail line- you can barely see the old 8- Track line if you look closely and know where to look...........

Builders need 'Builders Bars' for energy.  (r photo) MHFS Sinsei of Trails Jim Thornton making sure its done right from the start. 

This is where the new trail is going into A nice 'Vista Ridge' line.......everyone that cleared the trail said "there's endless options for features." 

Doug Hopkins and Jim Mudry. 

Lopers. (r photo) NWSOF's Sam Pinner dropped off goodies, including passes to an upcoming event Dec 6th. Stay tuned for that post later in the week. 

Bring your bike on the next Trailbuild Day this Sat Nov 29th from 9am to 3pm. Bring gloves, food and water- tools of choice are lopers, McClouds and rakes.......soil can be 5.10'd its so nice and moist. (5.10'd is a term Dave coined after walking a section I worked on with just Lopers and kicking the ground in my 5.10's) 

Dave Bisset, leading the vision and bringing back everyone's favorite trail. (Note: You will still be able to ride the road over to Lower GP if you choose to....)

If you can donate to the GFRA, please email gfra@gorge.net to contribute to a growing network of trails maintained by a dedicated group of riders. Look up passion in the dictionary and you will find the GFRA! 

Welcome Back 8-Track!

Today a group of Post Canyon loyalists showed up at 9:30am, met at the old 8-Track Midway and preceded to get busy cutting a whole new line from 1/2 down. The entry into 8-track will be exactly the same, just passed the Road Gap and beneath 'Extended Play'. Basically Dave Bisset explained to me that the trail is changing direction at the old 'Tetter-Totter" stunt, heading South to a feature rich line that will bring us back North on the old fire-road. 

Here is the new midway 8-Track line looking back up to Fire-road, this is traversing all the way South again, across the recent clear cut and will take you down into the tree line and down to the lower road which we will ride out to Family Man when complete. 

Props to Ringleader Dave Bisset, Jim Mudry, Jeff Blackman, Jim Thorton, Jackie, Doug Hopkins and a few 4 footed dogs that got out there today. 

Next 8-Track Build Day is Sat November 29th, there will be 2 work parties.

• One at 8-track starting around 10am, meet at the midway road in the clear cut. Bring your own water, food and tools. 
• The 2nd work party will be on Seven Streams being lead by HR HS Math Teach and MTB Advocate Jeff Blackman, his party starts at 9am and he can be found on Post Canyon Drive. Bring your own water, food and tools. 
  

If you have materials to donate- timbers, rock, money or time, please email gfra@gorge.net and somebody will contact you and collect it if it meets requirements (No PAINTED WOOD!)  

Leftside FMX-The Miles Sullivan Show

Here's a clip I filmed tonight after testing out the new trail '3 Blind Mice'. Ever since Miles came home from filming the Red Bull Rampage in Utah, he's riding a whole level higher..........hope to see you all at the 8 Track Work Party Sunday!

8-Track Work Party!

Dave Bisset and Jim Mudry is leading the charge to re-store/rebuild '8-track' on Sunday November 23rd, he will be starting work around 9:30am and can easily be found at the trailhead area. 

Bring tools, Spade and Flat Head Shovels, Mcclouds, Pulaskis, Hand Saws, Buckets, Rakes, Gloves, Water and Food as none will be provided. 

There is also another work party planned for Saturday November 29th starting at 9:30am too if you can't make the first one. 

You can also make material donations (NO PAINTED WOOD!) or monetary to the GFRA by contacting them at this email : gfra@gorge.net

"Sabatoge" to FMX/Chorus Jump Line

Recently during the weekend of November 15th and 16th 2008, a motorized vehicle did severe damage to the 3rd and 4th jumps on the right side of 'FMX'. The Hood River County Sheriff has taken a report and has an on-going investigation, the Hood River News has also done a story for the upcoming print issue and I will update with any web news once it gets circulated. 

We are asking anyone with information to come forward and help us find the person responsible for the damage. 

Tum A Lum Lumber has donated materials to fix the jumps and restore them. Douglas Johnson, President of the Gorge Freeride Association is the steward of the trail and has "CLOSED" the damaged jumps until further repair. Credit to Jason Wells of the IMBA for noticing the leaning take-off and investigated the jump before his group rolled the line. So kiddies, "Look before you leap! You never know what lies ahead in the trail!" 

Closed Jumps after damage was found. 

If you have materials or money to donate to the GFRA, you can email gfra@gorge.net

Photo's by Mike Estes/DH Image Factory