Video: Pillars of the MTB Community in Bellingham, Washington

Aug 27, 2018 at 16:00
by Freehub Magazine  

Pillars // The Mentors: Katie Holden & Eric Brown

As stewards of our sport, it's imperative that we guide the next generation in the right direction. This not only means showing them the fun and fulfillment bikes provide, but also the steps we need to take to ensure land access continues to improve. Eric Brown, director of the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, and Katie Holden, ambassador for Liv and SRAM, are inspiring Bellingham, WA's future in every way possible—they are the mentors.

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42 Comments
  • 32 0
 Been riding in Bellingham for 15 years, and I can say without a doubt that EB has made a tremendous difference since moving here. The amount of good, legal trail has exploded, largely due to the relationship between the WMBC and local government/private landowners that he fostered. Bellingham had all the right ingredients to become an amazing mountain biking destination; Eric's leadership has pulled all the right people together to make it a reality.

And there're even more great opportunities ahead. If you're reading this EB, Cheers!
  • 9 0
 Not only that but he is a very humble, down to earth, and just generally a nice guy. He consistently goes above and beyond to facilitate our riding scene and keep our trails maintained. Hats off for that man!
  • 8 0
 Can validate. EB 4 president.
  • 4 0
 Ya but where the heck is the Pillars of Bellingham - featuring the THE ROCK and Galbraith Trail Fairy? Comon!
  • 27 2
 We’re all full up here in Bellingham. Will let you know if any space opens up. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • 2 14
flag ryanbpoquette (Aug 28, 2018 at 22:41) (Below Threshold)
 Hahaha too bad its a free country bro!
  • 16 0
 How many other cities have ponied up $2,750,000 to put a permanent conservation/recreation easement on prime view real estate so that mountain bikers, runners, and hikers can get out and enjoy the trails? Thanks EB!

www.cob.org/Documents/articles/PressReleaseMapForGalbyPurchaseSaleAgreement.pdf
  • 10 0
 It should be pointed out that without land owners like Janicki Industries none of the trails on Galbraith would be possible. COB deserve immense acknowledgement but it’s Rob Janicki who everyone should really be tipping their hats to!

Thanks Janicki for our public playground!
  • 5 0
 @jheeren: Very true! It seems like people are forgetting about the last owners of this property that tried to kick mountain bikers out...
  • 10 0
 Mr Brown certainly does a great job,I’ve never really met him in person but I see him all the time working on trails and helping he community,one of the breweries in town should name a beer after him!
  • 2 0
 Making the trip up from Portland to finally check that place out. Have only ever driven through on the way to Whistler. It's just a quick weekend trip, but should be a blast. 2-3 days of riding. Any must check out trails? I'll show you mine if you show me yours. ;-)
  • 2 0
 Stop at one of the many shops and they will be more than able to provide a demo route tailored to your preferred riding style and skill level!
  • 5 0
 This is what it’s all about!
  • 4 0
 Killer segment. Keep it up. I just rode in B-Ham for the first time this weekend and holy shit....
  • 4 0
 Keep it rolling, EB! Solid guy, and very approachable for the position of prominence he plays around here.
  • 8 6
 Bellingham looks like a dream destination for a MTB dad with his family. Ocean, trails, good vibes everywhere..... let`s all move to Bellingham!
  • 37 2
 No no no you don't want to move here. All our beer is served warm, the trails only go up and there isn't an LBS for hours in any direction. Plus.... uh... killer velociraptors in the woods!
  • 8 2
 @Bikeordie1: Oh, and the taxes are 120%, and they take your first born! On the other hand, we West coast Americans are willing to make a mutual travel and citizen pact with our neutral Swiss friends. You can travel and move here as long as we can travel and move there. Deal? Shake here!
  • 3 1
 @Bikeordie1: uuhhh ..., warm beer....
  • 2 0
 @Bikeordie1: there has been a few cougars seen,they even swim in the lakes!it’s a dangerous town, biker beware
  • 6 0
 @pizpisoc: Yup, you can't find a cold beer in the entire state of Washington. It rains too much for anything to combust so we all have to huddle together all winter and shiver to stay warm.
  • 3 0
 @mtbakerpow: There are definitely cougars known to roam in our riding areas, I've seen them personally... ride at your own risk!
  • 4 0
 You can move to B'ham, just like EB did, as long as you promise to do what he did. And does.
  • 1 0
 Come to Canada buddy! Paradise on earth here in BC with unlimited riding.
  • 3 1
 @mountain-life: Yes, go to Canada... Bellingham sucks in comparison... Wink
  • 1 0
 @boxxerace: Make him/her throw in some Swiss champagne pow for the winter. It's like coastal champagne concrete only waaaaay way better ! Smile
  • 1 7
flag ryanbpoquette (Aug 28, 2018 at 22:41) (Below Threshold)
 @Bikeordie1: go to hell
  • 3 0
 @ryanbpoquette: I'm already there remember? Warm beer and climb trails only! STAY AWAY! Pure hell I tell ya!
  • 4 0
 More communities need people like EB. Spokane sure does, what a shit show.
  • 2 0
 What's going on in Spokane Tim? Evergreen East lacking a leader?
  • 1 0
 What's up with Spokane? Been thinking about making a move that way for a little bit now.
  • 2 0
 What's going on in Spokane? Trail boss syndrome. Overbearing trail association administration alienating volunteer builders. Example calling up builders at their home and workplace and berating them.

This generally does not go down well
  • 1 1
 Sounds intense. Ain’t got nothing in the dysfunction that Evergreen West Sound pulls off though.
  • 4 0
 @Rucker10: Not to take away from what you've experienced, but my experience with Evergreen, Yvonne, Mike, Bryan, Nick, etc, has only been positive. I remember the days before they were around and all the fun trails were the rouge illegal ones. Now,even the WA State DNR builds tremendously fun trails for us thanks to Evergreen MTBA. Certainly any organization or group "can" do better, but that's true for anyone and everyone.

On whole there's alot more good coming out of Evergreen MTBA than bad, in my observation and opinion.
  • 2 0
 @boxxerace: I don't doubt what you're saying is true. My limited experience with Evergreen outside of the West Sound chapter has been positive.
  • 6 1
 Yea EBExtreem!!
  • 2 0
 Nice job, it's great to watch all the progress and community in Bellingham!
  • 4 1
 EB is the man....and hey that's my girl in pink! ♥️♥️♥️
  • 2 0
 Yeah Katie & EB! This series is really great - Thanks FreeHub!
  • 1 1
 looks like a nice day trip! Can you forward a link, or suggest trails?
I also check trailforks... Great video....
  • 1 1
 My brother rides Galby - hoping to ride there this fall when I visit BHam again!
  • 1 2
 sedros where its at







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