Source: Ryan Goodwin-Hermosa Tours
New Service in Hood River Helps Reduce Traffic, Parking Congestion at Popular Trail Network
May 25, 2011 (Hood River, Oregon)--Hermosa Tours NW announced today that the cycling tour company is now offering commercial shuttle service to the top of Hood River, Oregon's Post Canyon trail network. One 14-passenger van with capacity to carry as many bikes has been designated the Post Canyon Shuttle, and is available for riders seven days a week.
Hermosa Tours NW Managing Director Ryan Goodwin worked with Hood River County over the course of six months to secure necessary permits to operate commercially in Post Canyon, located on County Forest Land. Post Canyon is a well-known destination for downhill, freeride, and cross-country mountain bikers, as well as equestrians, trail runners, hikers, off-road motorcyclists and other trail users. The area's popularity has grown considerably over the years, reflecting the substantial growth of mountain biking, and greater exposure for Post Canyon's unique and diverse terrain. Goodwin saw the need for a commercial shuttle service to help relieve the traffic burden on the county road that riders use to access the top of the trail network, and reduce parking congestion at the trailhead.
"Less traffic, fewer cars burning gas--it's a win-win," says Goodwin, "Riders coming from out of town can pile into one car, instead of two or three, and save hours running their own shuttles, which means more time on the trail, and less time behind the wheel or waiting at the bottom. We offer pick-up and drop-off service at local hotels, and if Fido wants to run with you, we are dog friendly."
So far, there has been a positive response from the community, with many riders already taking advantage of the shuttle. Local bike shop owners are working with Hermosa Tours to promote the service, and serve as pick-up points for shuttle riders.
Hermosa Tours is also partnering with the
Vagabond Lodge to offer a Suite Shuttle package, giving mountain bikers an affordable option for a hotel stay and a day of Post Canyon Shuttles. Longtime Post Canyon trail steward/builder, and
Vagabond Lodge caretaker, Mike Estes is excited about the prospect of making it easy for riders, locals and visitors alike, to access Post Canyon."This is long overdue," says Estes, "I'm thrilled to have the Hermosa Shuttle service available to reduce traffic and use less fuel when riding my favorite trails in the world!".
Hermosa Tours is donating $2 from each shuttle rider to local trail advocacy projects, including ongoing work in Post Canyon, and efforts to help save the Syncline trail network east of Bingen, Washington, where trail closures are imminent.
In addition, Hermosa Tours NW is a proud sponsor of the Hood River Super-D Mountain Bike race in Post Canyon this weekend, May 28th and 29th, providing shuttles for practice runs on Saturday, and race shuttle support on Sunday. Riders can buy a one-day, all you can ride pass for $30, or take a single ride for $15. Racers will ride free of charge on race day.
To inquire about Shuttle service in Post Canyon, call 855.MTB.POST, seven days a week, or show up on weekends from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. To learn more about Hermosa Tours NW and their full range of cycling tour options in the Hood River area, visit their website http://www.hermosatours.net/hoodriver-mountain-biking.html.
To book a Suite Shuttle package, contact the Vagabond Lodge at 541.386.3317, or visit their website
HERE.
About Hermosa Tours NW:
Hermosa Tours, LLC was founded in 2007 in Durango, Colorado. A company expansion in 2010 resulted in the formation of Hermosa Tours NW, headquartered in Hood River, Oregon. In addition to guided multi-day mountain bike vacations in Washington, Oregon, and California, Hermosa Tours NW offers a number of specialty cycling tours for all skill levels in the Columbia River Gorge, and shuttle service in Post Canyon. In addition to the West coast states, the company's territory includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and efforts are underway to expand mountain bike tour options across the region.
