We've been getting this question a lot lately, and we're stoked to say...It's On. In late November, the Forest Service approved our proposal to build a Gravity Logic-designed bike park at Timberline Lodge. After years of development, this is a major step in the right direction toward the creation of an amazing bike park on Mt. Hood.
The publication of the approval was followed by a 45-day public appeal period that just ended. Unfortunately, two appeals were filed against the project. One appeal was filed by a conglomeration of groups including Friends of Mt. Hood, Bark, Mazamas, Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs, Northwest Environmental Defense Center, and Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club. The other appeal was filed by an individual: Lori Ann Burd, Esq.
The Forest Service must respond to these appeals by the end of February, at which point we will know if any changes to the project will be necessary. Our hope is that they are able to defend the work they have done to reach their "Finding of no Significant Impact" and overturn the appeals that have been filed. We feel really good about our entire approach to the project so far and feel that we are looking out for the best interests of the community, our business, and the future of Timberline Lodge. For now, we get to wait and see.
In the meantime, we're getting everything in order to begin building this summer. We're ready to dig and build 7-days a week as soon as the ground is ready and complete 2/3 of the planned trail network before the snow flies. Builders are being contacted, and we've already assembled a team of amazing talent that will represent the different build styles found around the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks for all of the support you've given this project so far. Thousands of letters poured in to us, and the Forest Service, supporting this project and all of the benefits it will bring to the area including better recreation opportunities, economic stimulus, job creation, and a professionally designed and maintained downhill mountain bike area. We couldn't be more stoked on all of the positive energy!
We'll be posting updates to pink bike, our web site, and our soon-to-be-created Facebook page as we head into the summer.
To view the US Forest Service Decision Notice and "Finding of no Significant Impact",
click here.
To learn more about the project, visit our web site at:
www.timberlinelodge.com/mountainbiking
BTW, great post, kochjg!
I've seen two trail systems disappear in an day or two under a bulldozer blade when the powerful players showed up. These groups need to cut out squabbling over the bullshit. Bicycles aren't bulldozers!
BR has the Best BUILT trails, but IMO Mt. Hood has the best terrain (I love BR, but the runs are short for the ride up)... The Glade trail is magical and IMO you haven't lived till you get a sunny day and some friends and just go explore the MHNF... I've dug in nearly every trail network in the state (either as a Wildland Firefighter or just to dig to ride) and honestly PC is NOT janky. The GFRA did SO much for riding in this state and sadly it's fallen out of vouge to ride all the crazy shore stunts they worked so hard t build. I TOTALY agree that the flow is off, but that's because it was never built around todays style, it was built in the "shore days" and that's how it flows (it's also WAY steep). There are still some of my favorite hits in the state at PC, but yes, it needs a revamping (although I'm STILL trying to clear the rats nest that you come to at the base of GP (i think) ) But Drop Zone into the Creek section is SO much fun aye...
I hate to say it, but the biggest hold-back about PC is the way some of the Moto riders have taken to dealing with Mtn. Bikers in "their" playground. I worked at St. V's with a Doc. who's back yard is PC and it's crazy to hear what it's like to live on top of that scene... It's a bloody riders dream aye, but it's nuts to hear the stories. reminds me of trying to surf the point at Seaside in the early 90's...
I was saying awhile ago in the "women riding" story that I never hear anyone bagging on beginners or female riders and the ones who do get asked to leave rather quickly. BR is like a state treasure and we've been REALLY lucky to have a lot of respect shown to not only the area, but the non-riders (aka land owners) who have allowed it to exist. The trails have AMAZING flow. I just thin that PC sould have as much or more going for it if the re-vamped it, and having Syncline right across the river is amazing (that trail is one of the best "non-built" trails ever).
Anyone with Esq. at the end of their name sucks.
Environmental attorney. Esquire usually means lawyer...
Never met an Esquire in person, but I think the first time I do I'll punch them in the face.
Over the years I have noticed the people that belong to these type of groups care more about their personal (selfish) agenda than the environment. Gravity Logic builds sustainable trails and the resort would maintain them - whats the problem?
I think the problem is certain members of these groups do not want anymore people in their way while they recreate up there. Instead of coming out and saying just that they hide behind the "protect the environment" banner.
Personally, I can't wait to come up, shred HCSC, give my truck keys to someone at the end of that session and then DH for the rest of the afternoon until I decide to ride back to town ON TRAIL then mow a Cobra Dog like it was my last prison meal. It's paradise & good for Govy's economic situation. You guys can always go shuttle Dog River & complain about windsurfers if it's all too much for you, right?
I appreciate your viewpoint though. I just can't see why you'd advocate against the bike park if you're a mountain biker that's already shuttling the trails there.
Props on the Peter Line reference. I wasn't there for that debauchery but it's the stuff of legend. Sorry about your car though! You have to admit: in a lot of ways the town has gotten a lot more civilized in the summertime than is used to be.
I feel you man, sorry if I mistook your meaning and if you felt like I was jumping down your throat. NOT my intention.
Wasn't my Car PL burned, it was a relly good girl-friends, but that's really funny that you know the story... I think that part of that night is on a Mac Dog vid from that year (can't remember the name, but it was in the "Forum days")
FWIW, I'm NOT against a park at all, I'm just not gonna be torn up if for some reason it doesn't happen as it won't really change how accessible the Mtn. is. It would be SWEET to have one up there, but Ski-Bowl already has a park of sorts, and it's got it's ups and downs. I'm just saying that there are positives and negatives to having a park up at T-Line and in the end, IF it doesn't happen, we're not any worse off then we are now. I see Govvy as being a major limiting factor for the concept though. If they did it, I can see the cable car coming back, but what I'm NOT looking forward to is high-rise condo's in Govvy cause you can't really built OUT around there, just up. Collins lake basically took all the land that was open, and I'd hate to see cabins torn down to make a bunch of yuppy boxes for tourists go up aye. I've got a LOT of history in that littel village and I guess I'm just worried about the possible problems it could cause.
If you believe in climate change.
www.nytimes.com/2012/12/13/us/climate-change-threatens-ski-industrys-livelihood.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
www.timberlinelodge.com/play/other-mountain-activities/mountainbike