Raptor Ridge Trail Build Day

Despite the inclement weather, a crew of close to 30 people gathered at the North Chuckanut trail head on May 15th to put forth an effort to continue the Raptor Ridge trail connector work on Chuckanut Mountain.

It had been about 12 years since I had personally last did the climb up the lost lake trail from the Arroyo trailhead, and let me say this, being my 4th day out on my MTB, I had totally forgotten what a brutally consistent 3 mile climb this was. I can say that even though all the climb was on a dirt road, the rains and build up of mud made it no easier. After 1 hour of straight climb I made it to the Raptor ridge trailhead, I rode up solo due to being fashionably late with morning time family obligations. Upon arrival the entry into the trail head was littered with bikes, packs and helmets, signs of what was a solid clue. In my climb up to the trailhead I also noticed fresh footprints, signs that some people decided to forego the climb on two wheels through miles of mud, which after the fact was probably a wise choice.

I met up with two other late arriving volunteers, which made me feel better. We hiked up the trail, and about a 1/4 mile into the hike we came to the area where the sandstone rock cutting work was going one, there we ran into Kevin Menard from Transition Bikes, whom was the sponsor of the trail build day. He and I retreated back down to to the trailhead to fetch the food for the crew.

On our way back we talked bikes and trails, during this walk I was mentally taking in the newly developed terrain that was unfolding before my eyes, and what I realized is this new XC trail was no trail for the faint at heart. This was going to be a world class, challenging XC trail. First off to access the trail, you will have access from the North Chuckanut trailhead (where I accessed the trail) or the Pine Lakes access off of Old Samish Highway. Either way the climb alone is a virtuous 1300 foot climb to the trail connector.

Once you are at the entrance (from the N Chuckanut side) the trail turns into a mix of climbing in flowing descents mixed with the finest PACNW obstacles of roots, berms, rocks, logs, trees, chicanes, stumps, steep slopes - all in a misty backdrop of lush PACNW rainforest. Also this ride will boast one of the best views in the county or country for that matter, with a picturesque view of the back and Chuckanut Mountains. All the while this trail will be a solid challenge for the XC rider at heart, yet give you the satisfaction of feeling like you are in a freeride environment with solid flow.

Big thanks needs to be shout out to WHIMPS for managing this project in coordination with Whatcom County Parks, then the assistance of the many sponsors, Fanatic, Transition Bikes, but what really has the most impact is the volunteers who show up and make it happen and put in a tough days work to ensure that the masses get the buffed out trail systems we have at our disposal, much respect and much thanks to all of them for all the help.

Next build day and final push on Raptor Ridge is June 4th, which is National Trail Day, so hopefully see you there. www.WHIMPS.org for more info.

The YES crew - Dirty Whistler part 2

Check the boys getting it done for the upcoming movie "YES. Its a movie"

Quick and Dirty Whistler 2 from YES. Snowboard TV on Vimeo.

Jones Rider Mitch Tolderer surf Madagascar

Mitch switches boards and travels to Madagascar to surf some very remote spots.

Mt Baker Splitfest, March 25th - 27th - good shred and good times to be had.

Last year this was held at the Mountaineers lodge in Heather Meadows. We for some reason got ourselves banned as someone must have a drank a beer as they have a no alcohol policy, so to set things right, and to accept that most splitters like beer, the organizers decided to hold the operations at Chair9 in Glacier - they allow you to drink there, as well as eat pizza and other fine edibles. So if you want to ride some killer gear and you want to drink some beers as well as get out on some awesome tours, them come on out. See you there

Scotty Goodale, the man

All my memories of Scotty Goodale had a lot of laughs involved. Scotty truly lived life, and for the better things in life. He was really good at being a great human being. I always admired his outlook and approach in life to always look at the positive and have a smile on his face. He was a true inspiration to all that he came in contact with, he had no problem connecting with people, Scotty was one of those people you always wanted to be around. He had an amazing ability to make you smile no matter what. I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Scotty when he was one of my team riders then became team manager for Option. He got me back on my skate every day when he and his wife Jen moved to Bellingham, every day at lunch we would head to the Triad mini ramp that our friend Nick Cihlar built inside an old Church he owned. For me those were some of the most precious moments that I spent with Scotty because we would just laugh and skate and talk life in general. He would always push me on doing new tricks, it was that little push that made me better not only in skating but in life, to practice, not be afraid to take a little risk and reap a small reward. Scotty also was a hard worker, that guy would hike forever to find and build jumps and he would not give up until he stuck his tricks. When it came time for him to be the TM, he worked so hard to help the lives out of our team riders, he went above and beyond the call of duty to help anyone and everyone out. Scotty was a genuine human, he would give up his seat to help anyone - I find traits like this rare in people today. Scotty believed in being real, that in turn he was so real to us. You will truly be missed old friend

Back in the blog chair

It has been a while, way too long. I guess I just got pulled into Facebook too much over the last year, then realized I have a lot to write about, not just give a status update, pretty much other than keeping in touch with friends and family, i came to the realization that Facebook as a means to update in detail is pretty much lame. So I am back, going to use this as my primary means of updating. Want to know what I am up to, check here. Keep coming back, I will be updating. What have I been up to? Well I have been playing music in my mind and running these little brands, YES, Jones and Nidecker. Things have been sorta busy, been jet setting around the globe - from El Salvador to Munich. The past year has been a blast, it's had its ups and downs, but I am still here - ready to keep doin what I do.