BBTC's Colonnade Park Downtown Seattle

Jul 28, 2008

Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club has been lobbying and for a long time to put the dead space under I-5 in Seattle, WA. to use. Their goal is a multi-use park that will connect two neighborhoods, and offer a covered trail system.

BBTC has been working on this for a long time now. I remember reading a small blurb about their hopes for this area under I-5 some four years ago, and thinking WOW!


BBTC took an area that was largely populated by homeless and overgrown weeds, and turned it into a polished little trail network. It comes complete with emergency call buttons, clearly marked difficulty/trail signs, and a through trail for commuters on bikes.

The trails and stunts are "dialed". There is a pump track, an XC trail, a trials section, wall-rides, drop-offs, and plenty of table-top jumps. BBTC has put in a lot of work, mostly through volunteer work parties, and they are not done yet!


I think every city should have an area like this. Easily accessible, fun for all ages, and challenging enough for even the seasoned free-riders. If you are in the area, or are just passing through, be sure to bring your bike and check out the Colonnade Park.


Also check out BBTC's website at BBTC.org. They have directions on how to get to there, volunteer work-days, etc. They are also selling engraved stones, proceeds go to "Phase 2" of the colonnade building process.


-prana425.pinkbike.com
Share on Twitter, Facebook, Email

| More

Link to News Story
Must Read This Week

45 Comments

  • + 7
flag robholio (Jul 21, 2008 at 19:29)
Sweet. Nice write-up.

Now then, if Stub Stewart Park could just get off of the ground...
  • + 2
flag g3neric (Jul 28, 2008 at 21:29)
Dude this place is my second home they just finished the 25 foot gap too!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag northwestdhdad (Jul 21, 2008 at 22:03)
Sweet Mike...I need to hit that place up next time I'm up there.....
  • + 1
flag sgsrider (Jul 28, 2008 at 0:35)
hell yeah you do, mike....we're not done yet...it sucks though. they filled in the bigger gap two weekends ago, before we got pics....
  • + 0
flag xXSL1CKJ1MMYXx (Jul 28, 2008 at 17:28)
This is so cool! I had no Idea this was in the works, every time I drive through Seattle I notice all the space under the freeway, this is such a great solution! I have to head down there and check it out!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Chick1044 (Jul 27, 2008 at 1:39)
I can't wait to get an excuse to go up to WA and get and get a chance a to ride this. Maybe on the next trip I take up to see you we can go visit your folks and go for a ride!!!!!
  • + 2
flag prana425 (Jul 28, 2008 at 10:03)
word, we need to take the girls there too.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag sgsrider (Jul 28, 2008 at 0:36)
anybody who's got time, the bbtc and mike could really use your help finishing up on the log rides and other projecs in the park. mike, sorry i haven't been out there in a few weeks, i had stuff come up. i'll definitely be out there next weekend tho.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag tpainmtb (Jul 28, 2008 at 0:47)
that looks so awsome
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag crazygeorge (Jul 28, 2008 at 1:54)
that is an amazing idea - normally that space is wasted....
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag giantfaith4567 (Jul 28, 2008 at 3:54)
i like it. its really nice built perfect laders and there is every thing from small jumps to 8 foot tall drops so its a good place to ride
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag CallumWood (Jul 28, 2008 at 4:00)
Really genius at work there!
id love something like that..
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag BuffnStuff (Jul 28, 2008 at 4:04)
this is awesome
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag recklessness (Jul 28, 2008 at 6:28)
Very cool trails. Well done builders!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag GrossmannA235 (Jul 28, 2008 at 6:31)
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!! Big Grin Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Jul 28, 2008 at 8:06)
Lotsa video is showing up for the park. Here's one.
  • + 0
flag prana425 (Jul 28, 2008 at 10:11)
cool vid! thanks!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag robo-cop (Jul 28, 2008 at 8:32)
hey ive ridden there
it's fun!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JayMak (Jul 28, 2008 at 9:02)
i want to help work on this place. it seems too good to be free. lol i think im gonna go this week to ride.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag transitionrider19 (Jul 28, 2008 at 9:05)
that is awsom! im going to be rideing there a lot!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag downhillscotty (Jul 28, 2008 at 9:44)
what thats crazy shit
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag aireeek (Jul 28, 2008 at 9:55)
Thats very impressive, good work folks!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag ryannorco (Jul 28, 2008 at 10:16)
sweet!! defantally going their for holidays
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag northwestripper (Jul 28, 2008 at 11:16)
i love that place!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag verkuyl10 (Jul 28, 2008 at 14:37)
thats is so sick.
wish we had that in my city.
but all the crack addicts would be living under the drops and shit
  • + 1
flag bentupbiker (Jul 28, 2008 at 15:33)
they still do, just makes them in to bum-gaps, if you come up short you have to give them a nickle
  • + 0
flag prana425 (Jul 28, 2008 at 15:43)
Nice!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stephbowcycle (Jul 28, 2008 at 15:27)
Holy shit, that is some awesome trailbuilding. Props to those builders, looks like they really know what they're doing. One of the best looking parks I've seen designed in a while, both structurally what they've built and visually it looks great, especially for a shady under-the-highway area. I hope this helps convince more cities that we can build great projects like this one.
  • + 3
flag prana425 (Jul 28, 2008 at 15:47)
Get in touch with your local trail advocacy group, help build, volunteer time, make your voice be heard. Get involved and take action...you too can have a park like this in your city!
  • + 0
flag sgsrider (Jul 28, 2008 at 21:41)
haha, stephbow...it's nice that you say that, since most of us had no clue and have re-done lines several times...lol.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag sonofdirk (Jul 28, 2008 at 16:32)
i love how theirs hand rails in that one pic by one of the hits
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ChillyDog (Jul 28, 2008 at 16:57)
This is actually just one step towards a great future of MTB for our area.

Duthie Hill is going to rock and I'm sure the success of the Colonade has something to do with it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag E-Walmsley (Jul 28, 2008 at 16:58)
This is Awesome
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag brule (Jul 28, 2008 at 17:20)
sedison (2 hours ago) (Below Threshold) show comment
Hats off to the BBTC and the city of Seattle. The park rips.

If you haven't heard, the BBTC is breaking ground on a new park called Duthie Hill east of Seattle. http://www.bbtc.org/wiki/index.php?title=Trailuthie_Hill

It looks to be a very ambitious project that will be amazing (and require lots of help) If you would like to get involved, check out www.bbtc.org or if you think your company would be willing to help sponsor one of these parks send me an email scott_edison@hotmail.com
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag beemz (Jul 28, 2008 at 17:48)
wow that looks like a lotta fun!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag goldenizen (Jul 28, 2008 at 18:39)
Reclaim urban spaces! Great work, almost makes me want to move to the city...almost.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag norcoryder369 (Jul 28, 2008 at 19:10)
that looks like some sweet shit
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag jmantheman (Jul 28, 2008 at 19:20)
no kidding man, that looks funn!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag socalmtb11 (Jul 28, 2008 at 20:39)
damn that is so cool
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag nickf (Jul 28, 2008 at 21:30)
i have lots, if not too many pics of colonnade for your viewing pleasure. the park has a deadline of september 18th to finish up before funds are cut, so any help is appreciated. right now it's free to ride there, but when it's done, you'll need to check my profile to find the info on sending me 10 dollars for a day pass, 5000 dollars for a year pass, or your house for a lifetime pass. don't worry, it's totally worth it, haha
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag wtc-d-rock (Jul 28, 2008 at 21:42)
SOB I'm moving back to Seattle!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag sgsrider (Jul 28, 2008 at 21:43)
nick, i would totally give up my house and live under the ramps for the year...lol. least there wood be plenty of free firewood.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag rideNWD (Jul 30, 2008 at 18:47)
thats soooo sick
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag bonzibryan (Jul 30, 2008 at 21:03)
That is amazing!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag a-l-e-x (Aug 16, 2008 at 12:10)
that is insane - next location london?
[Reply]

Post A New Comment
Why was a comment deleted?

1. add additional on topic info to the article that other users will find useful
2. add props and support/encouragement for the video/photo/article/product/story
3. add and explain constructive criticism for the video/photo/article/product/story
Bold Italic Link