Killin' it for the Clif bar

By Charles Pelkey - VeloNews

Dear readers,
I recently received a letter from Seattle-area Cat. 1 rider Mike Hainsworth regarding Kenny Williams’ participation in a series of unsanctioned local criteriums held on Thursday evenings in Seward Park.

The 42-year-old Williams is an established rider with a solid record to his credit. He is a former U.S. elite criterium and pursuit champion and had been making a mark in domestic and international masters’ events in recent years. Hainsworth, however, didn’t object because Williams was sandbagging his way through a local practice crit’ or that a licensed rider was participating in a race that didn’t have a USA Cycling permit. Heck, we’ve all done that at one time or another.

Hainsworth’s objection was based on the fact that Williams is currently under suspension due to a positive doping test at last September’s national masters’ track championships in Colorado Springs.

Williams had apparently won the kilometer and 3000-meter individual pursuit titles in the 40-44 category, even setting a new world mark in the pursuit for his age group. Unfortunately, those titles were revoked after a sample submitted by Williams tested positive for, in the words of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, “an anabolic agent.”

Williams subsequently admitted that he had taken Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and issued a seemingly heartfelt apology for having “done something that hurts the sport of cycling and the community of people who have become the most important part of my life.” (As for what might motivate a masters’ racer to dope is another head-scratcher for another column some day.)

Williams accepted a two-year suspension that was supposed to end on September 21, 2011. Okay. He doped; he copped to it; he’s suspended. Buh bye, right? Well, Hainsworth’s letter raises the very valid question of just how broadly the provisions of a doping suspension are applied. The answer requires a close look at the rules.

What does “suspended” really mean?
When Williams accepted a two-year suspension from competition, he automatically became subject to the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code, specifically Section 10.10, “Status During Ineligibility.”


The language of the Code is relatively clear. Section 10.10.1 notes that:

No Athlete or other Person who has been declared Ineligible may, during the period of Ineligibility, participate in any capacity in a Competition or activity (other than authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs) authorized or organized by any Signatory, Signatory’s member organization, or a club or other member organization of a Signatory’s member organization, or in Competitions authorized or organized by any professional league or any international- or national-level Event organization.

Okay, so it’s pretty obvious that no one is going to line up for the Tour de France while under suspension. But what about other events? What about a relatively low-key practice criterium? A charity ride? A Gran Fondo? A Century ride?

Well, those are a little less clear. The key words in Section 10.10.1 are “competition,” “authorized” and “organized.” There’s a really good example involving one of this country’s toughest races … errr, uhhh … rides.

You might recall that former Pro Tyler Hamilton has “won” the famed Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb in New Hampshire four times over the course of his career. His victories in 1997 and 1999 came without controversy, but he also finished first in the 2005 and 2006 races, at a time he was under suspension for a homologous blood doping violation at the 2004 Vuelta a España.

While organizers keep time, maintain records, declare winners and even award prizes for the event, the Mount Washington Hillclimb hasn’t actually been a “competition” in the strictest definition of the word since it became a “charity ride.” The hillclimb, first held in 1973, is organized as a fundraiser to support the fine work of New Hampshire’s Tin Mountain Conservation Center. The field is generally limited to 600 riders, each of whom pays $300 for the privilege of riding up 7.6 miles of rough, windblown road with average grade of 12 percent, with some sections hitting 22 percent.

The ride is not sanctioned by USA Cycling or any affiliated organization. As far as the world of competitive cycling is concerned, it’s not a race. It’s just a ride, although an admittedly tough ride. I disagree on many fronts. Mount Washington is a race in which those who have established new records have even been awarded new cars. If it walks like a duck ….

Even if it’s not sanctioned by governing body or an affiliate, suspended participants are violating the spirit of the rules and really ought to stay away until the ban expires. But no one pursued the case. Hamilton’s involvement in another “charity” event – the Stazio criteriums in Boulder – did raise concerns at USA Cycling, which advised riders that they could put their own licenses at risk by participating in an unsanctioned race that had been organized and sponsored by Hamilton’s charitable foundation. He eventually backed out of those races and served his suspension. There was no action taken against riders, the promoter or Hamilton himself.

Other charity rides, centuries and gran fondos – as long as they aren’t competitions organized by a governing body – would probably fall under that exception.

What about a training race?
Hainsworth’s concern, however, involves a practice race held in Seattle’s Seward Park. According to records, the Seward Park races are also not sanctioned by USA Cycling. Race organizer David Douglas offers the events as do many organizers around the country, simply as a means by which riders can test their legs.

Series points standings show Williams has toed the line at least once.
Anything but low-key, the Seward Park races attract as many as 200 riders a week. But Douglas has procured liability insurance from an outside broker and has not sought coverage – or sanction – from USA Cycling. So, Williams can ride, because it’s not a “race,” right? Well, not so fast.

Take another look at the language in Section 10.10.1. Riders under suspension may not participate in any “Competition or activity authorized or organized by any Signatory, Signatory’s member organization, or a club or other member organization of a Signatory’s member organization.”

While not formally sanctioned, the events are organized by Douglas, the sole organizer listed under Northwest Velo’s club information at USA Cycling, and who also promotes sanctioned events like the Mason Lake Road Race Series, the Cascadia Classic at Seward Park and the Seward Park Season End Classic. Furthermore, the Thursday series appears on the USA-Cycling affiliated Washington State Bicycle Association racing calendar and actively promoted on Northwest Velo’s website. Strictly interpreted, the Seward Park series is “authorized and organized” by a USA Cycling affiliate and probably does fall under the definition of a competition under the Code.

In recent weeks, Hainsworth and others have objected to Williams’ participation in the series and they’ve let their feelings be known by threatening a boycott of the race if the suspended rider is allowed to participate. Last week, with a boycott organized, Williams appeared at the race, but opted not to compete, so other riders went ahead and participated.

In his original letter, Hainsworth said he was particularly concerned about Williams’ participation in the Seward Park series because “I feel this could become a bigger story later in the year when Kenny more than likely races the lucrative crit’s in Oregon where (USA Cycling) doesn’t sanction races there, and many pro teams show up.”

That’s a problem that won’t come up during Williams’ suspension. While many races in that state are organized by the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association and do not carry a USA Cycling permit, suspended riders are still barred from competing. OBRA and the Colorado-based American Cycling Association have signed reciprocity agreements with USA Cycling recognizing the validity of doping suspensions. While both organizations have had their differences with USA Cycling, the agreements still make sense. Neither would really like to become the default “dopers’ circuit” for riders under suspension.

Repercussions?
So given that Williams has participated in events that he probably should not have, what penalties apply?

Well, the WADA Code has “an app’ for that,” too.

Section 10.10.2 says that an ineligible athlete’s violation of his or her suspension simply starts the clock ticking again.

Where an Athlete or other Person who has been declared Ineligible violates the prohibition against participation during Ineligibility described in Article 10.10.1, the results of such participation shall be Disqualified and the period of Ineligibility which was originally imposed shall start over again as of the date of the violation.

In Williams’ case, his original suspension should expire in September of 2011, but by violating the terms of his suspension and racing in April of 2010, he could theoretically have that suspension extended to April of 2012.

At this point, there is a question of who would have to pursue the matter. While doping cases are adjudicated by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the management of a suspension appears to fall under the jurisdiction of USA Cycling. Depending on whose turf we’re on, the pursuit of the matter could require another set of formal charges to be filed by USADA, or USA Cycling could simply withhold Williams’ license until the later date.

That latter solution may be the more elegant, since it would probably put the ball in Williams’ court, forcing him to challenge USA Cycling’s decision to withhold. Say, for example, he was denied a license in September 2011. He might mount a legal challenge, at which point the governing body could respond by producing evidence that he had violated the terms of his suspension and was, therefore, subject to additional time off.

As for the promoter, the question is a little less clear. USA Cycling could theoretically deny future permits to him when he tries to organize sanctioned events, citing his violation of the prohibition against allowing suspended riders to participate in races. Personally, I think that would be more of a stretch and a tad heavy-handed, given that it would not only punish the promoter, but a wider network of riders who would want to compete in those events. From what I know, Douglas is a hard-working and very popular promoter and it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to go after him.

Bottom line, Mike, Williams should not be racing that series, but the wheels of justice do turn slowly at times. You and the other racers who organized the boycott threat probably followed the most effective strategy from the start, by voicing your objections to the public, to the governing bodies and to the promoter and then refusing to ride in an event in which a suspended rider is invited to participate.

Meanwhile, hang it up, Kenny.
Charles

Fluid Ride Enduro

Fluidride Cup Enduro DH Round 1, 2010 - Dog River, OR from Fluidride on Vimeo.

Andy Takes the Top Step

Congrats ol' man, that trail work makes you strong.

US Pro GRT to kick off in Port Angeles, Washington

US national gravity series draws international talent

Although the World Cup cross country racers are busy getting underway with their opening round in Dalby, United Kingdom, this weekend, the gravity racers still have nearly a month to go until their World Cup opens in Slovenia. That said, many of the top international racers who journeyed to the Sea Otter Classic last weekend have decided to race the US Pro GRT opener in Port Angeles, Washington, this weekend.

The first of five rounds will include racers such as former World Champion Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate) and former World Cup Champ Josh Bryceland (Santa Cruz Syndicate), as well as 17-year-old American phenom Neko Mulally (Trek World Racing) and reigning USA Cycling National Champion Aaron Gwin (Yeti-Fox Shox). Other American riders to keep an eye on will be Duncan Riffle (Team Giant), Joey Schusler (Yeti-Fox Shox), and Chris Boice (Yeti-Fox Shox).

Justin Leov (Trek World Racing), Jared Rando (Giant), Danny Hart (Giant), Bryn Atkinson (Transition), Lars Sternberg (Transition), Luke Strobel (MS Evil), Steve Smith (MS Evil), Dan Atherton (Commencal), Ben Reid (Dirt Norco) and Dan Stanbridge (Dirt Norco) are some others who could podium.

In the women's competition, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Jill Kintner (Transition Racing) will be up against other world-class riders like former World Champion Rachel Atherton (Commencal) and former World Cup champ Tracy Moseley (Trek World Racing).

The action officially gets under way with a Pro GRT kick-off party on Friday night, seeding runs on Saturday, and the finals on Sunday.

SSCXWC 2010

Washington Unified Single Speeders and Low Pressure Promotions is happy to invite you to:

SSCXWC Seattle 2010
Coming Out Party!
Thursday April 29th, 20108 PM @ Hoovervile
1721 1st Ave South, Seattle, WA

Get the details on the date, venue and much, much more for the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championship – Seattle – 2010.
Also presenting full details on MFG Cyclocross 2010. Swag at the offer as well.
See ya there.

Take Care,
Terry Buchanan
Low Pressure Promotions, LLC.

Pro GRT this weeekend

Pro GRT Short from allout productions on Vimeo.

Port Angeles, where the mountains meet the sea, will host the first round of the Pro Gravity Tour (2nd round of the NW Cup). The venue is just 3 miles from town with ample lodging and dining opportunities. Dry Hill's trails are legendary for providing both a challenge and super fun, flowy trails. A large network of trails that all start and end in the same spot ensures a variety of courses for the riders throughout the series.

The Pro GRT will bring in top riders from across the country and world. Last year the attendance was over 400 racers for this event. As a promoter, this is both exciting and very challenging. Dry Hill is not a ski resort with existing services, so we set it up and tear it down for each event. Additionally, we have very little level space for pit/tech use. It is very important to let us know exactly what you need as soon as possible so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. All space is first come, first serve

The weekend of this event, there is also a Jazz Festival going on that draws a lot of out-of-towners, so we encourage you to make lodging arrangements as soon as you can.

Thank you

N-Dub Productions

Some things to consider:

-We will have at least one person on-site at all times for security purposes.

-The North Olympic Peninsula enjoys weather not typical of the Pacific Northwest. Often we are dry while surrounded by rain.

-There is no water or electric service on-site. You must be fully self-contained. Generators welcome.

-There will be a food-vendor on-site serving breakfast, lunch & dinner.

-The trails and venue area are behind a locked gate, so if you are wanting to pre-ride or set-up early, you need to let us know. The event is scheduled for Thursday the 22nd thru Sunday the 25th.

-The venue is only three miles from town and only one mile from the nearest campground.

----
PORT ANGELES Schedule

Thursday
10am Registration opens
1pm Open Practice (all categories)
4pm Registration closes
6pm Practice closes

Friday
9am Registration opens
9-1pm Cat 2 & Pro
1-5pm Cat 3 & Cat 1
4pm Registration closes

Saturday
9am Registration opens
8-12pm Cat 3 & Cat 1
12pm Registration closes
12-4pm Cat 2 & Pro
4:30-6:30 Pro & Cat 1 Junior Seeding Runs

Sunday
8-9:30am One practice run for all racers
10am Racing Starts
Awards immediately following racing.

Wednesday Night Worlds will be at North Sea Tac for the rest of the year.

Wick will be working on using both parks for next year.

Wednesday Night Worlds
North Sea Tac Park

6pm begs.

7pm sport/expert

$10.00 adults
$5.00 jrs.

MI Update

City dismisses ordinance regulating pelotons on East, West Mercer Way
By ELIZABETH CELMS
Mercer Island Reporter City Reporter
Apr 20 2010, 3:05 PM



The City Council's recent proposal to develop a Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities (PBF) Plan ordinance restricting group cycling around the Island was mowed down under a peloton of complaints last Monday night.


Dozens of cyclists showed up at the April 19 City Council meeting to speak out against the draft ordinance, which would have required cyclists "in a group of two or more" moving at a rate of speed "less than the normal flow of traffic" to ride "single file" and "as far to the right of the road as possible" when riding on Mercer Island; in particular along East and West Mercer Way. The ordinance also would have required cyclists "among a slow moving group" in a location "where passing is unsafe" and there is "at least one motor vehicle formed in aline of five or more vehicles behind the bicycle leading the group" to turn off the roadway "wherever sufficient area for a safe turn-out exists."


"[The current draft] does very little to encourage or support the use of bikes to commute to work. It will tell cyclists that they're the problem and motorists that they have the right to the road. It will incite more road rage," said cyclist and Islander Walter Boos. "Please consider who the draft can better represent a community that supports alternative means of transportation."


Other cyclists echoed Boos' statement, arguing that the ordinance "sends the message that we're second-class citizens" and gives drivers the misconception that "they have a greater right to the road." Some speakers went so far as to say the draft was "anti-cycling."


A number of Mercer Island Boy Scouts attending the Council meeting also chimed in. The boys reminded Councilmembers that they, too, ride along East and West Mercer Way and support a cycle-friendly community.


City Council members were receptive to the complaints. As Councilmember Mike Grady pointed out, "I think we on the Council weren't clear on our direction of the ordinance. So I'd like to appologize to city staff. The product that came out is less than what we had hoped for."


Grady was referring to previous discussions among Councilmembers on how to reduce conflict between cyclists and drivers along East and West Mercer Way.


For years, both parties have complained about the other: Cyclists argue that drivers cut them off and pass dangerously, while drivers voice frustration at getting stuck behind groups of cyclists while navigating the Island's winding perimeter. In an effort to alleviate this problem, Councilmembers asked City Staff to write up an ordinance that would address this problem. When the ordinance was publicized for community input earlier this spring, the backlash was immediate.


Councilmember Bruce Basset said that he received 120 e-mails against the proposed ordinance versus one for the changes. Those who responded, he said were both Islanders and non-residents.


Grady brought up the fact that, "we don't need an ordinance, we already have state law that governs [cycling and driving regulations]."


Indeed, state law extensively regulates travel on public roads. RCW 46.61, Rules of the Road, requires slow moving vehicles, including bicycles, to safely pull off the roadway when a line of five or more vehicles forms from behind. It also requires slow moving bicycles to stay as far to the right of the roadway as is safe, and that cyclists on a roadway should not ride more than two abreast except on designated bike paths.


The city's draft ordinance, some Councilmembers pointed out, only "reiterates" state law, and therefore is superfluous. Instead, Grady proposed that the City focus on educating drivers and cyclists on the law, road-sharing safety and courteous behavior.


"We should work with staff to reach out to members of the Mercer Island public and the bike community at large to come up with rules of engagement," Grady said."Let's focus on an education campaign."


Rather than moving forward with the controversial ordinance, the Council voted to "direct staff to draft a bicycle safety ordinance based on input provided by the Council tonight." The motion passed.


The input provided was that the ordinance include "no redundancy or restating of state law, that it require cyclists "to ride single file when a vehicle or bicycle wants to pass" and that the proposed ordinance "should not resemble the language that was previously proposed as section 10.60.050" (the stipulation that requires slow moving cyclists to pull off the roadway when a line of five or more cars develops).


Meanwhile, discussion on the overall Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities plan -- of which the proposed ordinance is a small part -- is still ongoing. Councilmembers made numerous changes to the draft on Monday night for city staff to work on. Staff will bring the plan back for Council adoption on May 17.


For more information or to view the PBF plan, visit: www.mercergov.org

End of an Era

If you hang out in downtown Seattle long enough, it's tough not to notice the Lusty Lady. Some people even call it a landmark.

But now it's a landmark going the way of the Kingdome and the Seattle Supersonics.

On June 27, the exotic dancers will take one final bow. And then the Lusty Lady will close forever.

News of the exotic venue's closing is bringing out nostalgic residents -- including some who have never been inside -- arousing mixed feelings among Seattleites.

Whether they love it or hate it -- or just laugh at the often-photographed marquee -- no one can deny that the Lusty Lady has been a Seattle symbol of sorts.

Located just south of the Pike Place Market, it's been around for almost three decades.

"It's an eye-catcher, ya know," says Josh Washburn of Bremerton.

No matter whom you ask, everybody knows what the Lusty Lady is.

"I walk by it every day to go to my bus stop. I'm going to miss it if it's not there anymore. It's always timely and creative. I feel like whoever just puts up these marquees is just brilliant," says Olin Gutierrez of Seattle.

It's not hard to figure out what goes on behind the marquee and the flashing lights.

But managers say they had no choice but to close -- even the adult entertainment industry couldn't weather the down economy.

"They let us know that we're not recession-proof. And just like all companies hurting, we're no different," says Eugenio Cano, the Lusty Lady's night manager. "We'd like to think that we are, but we aren't."

When the venue closes, nearly 100 employees will be without a job -- leaving Seattle a little less sassy and lacking a little bit of "lust"er.

Employees were told about the impending closure at a meeting.

Andrea Roldan, an employee, was there.

"Deborah (a manager at the club) continued to say at the meeting, 'Heads up, chin up and butt out. So walk with pride, no matter what, we made it this far, and it's not the end.'" she says.

Of course, the Lusty Lady hasn't been without its haters. In fact, some of the neighbors have been fighting to get rid of it for years.

But only a couple of people interviewed by KOMO News say they're glad to see it go.

What will turn up in its place remains to be seen.

Stevens Pass bike trail wins approval

Stevens Pass bike trail wins approval

Environmentalists have been fighting the proposal to add mountain biking on a 7-mile stretch.

STEVENS PASS — Mountain bikers and the people who run Stevens Pass ski resort are happy. At least one environmental group is not.

The U.S. Forest Service on Tuesday approved a plan by Stevens Pass to build a mountain bike trail park for use during the summer.

The plan involves building five trails of varying difficulty about 800 feet above the pass. The $925,000 trail system will cover seven miles on existing ski runs in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Bikers and their bikes would be able to ride chair lifts to the park.

The plan still has to clear a 45-day appeal period.

“It’s an opportunity for us to have lift-served trails within a reasonable distance of Seattle,” said Glenn Glover, interim director of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance in Seattle.

The nearest biking area with access to chair lifts is at Whistler in British Columbia, Glover said.

Environmental groups have objected to the bike park as well as a broader, long-term plan by Stevens Pass to expand its ski area. That plan is on hold, but the Sierra Club and other groups have said the bike park and the ski-area plan should have been considered together, not separately. Under the long-term plan, Stevens Pass would grow from its current 588 acres to 938 over 10 to 20 years.

“The Highway 2 corridor is important to both people and wildlife, and this process did not take a holistic approach in providing the public a chance to engage in a discussion of the full plans for the Stevens Pass Resort that are tied to this first phase,” said Jen Watkins of Conservation Northwest in an e-mail Tuesday.

The Forest Service conducted an environmental assessment on the bike park, a step down from the more thorough environmental impact statement. The study, however, included a detailed examination of the park’s effect on the ability of animals to move through the area, said Sean Wetterberg of the Forest Service.

“Yes, there would be change but it wouldn’t be huge,” he said. “There’s wilderness north to south, there are other options. They can go around.”

The Forest Service met with various interested people as it conducted its review for the bike park.

The pass worked with Gravity Logic to create a trail system. The design group won praise for its work on the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in British Columbia.

“We’re about five years in the making to get to this point, so it’s kind of nice to see a big first step,” said Joel Martinez, spokesman for Stevens Pass.

If no one files an appeal during the 45-day period, which ends in late May, work can begin in mid-June, Martinez said.

In that event, Stevens Pass would likely build two trails this summer and the other three next year. If an appeal is filed, that could hold things up, Wetterberg said.

Conservation Northwest is reviewing the Forest Service’s decision, Watkins said.

Glover of the bike group said there are many types of mountain biking, such as long distance and downhill, and the latter is gaining in popularity, he said.

Riders use heavy bikes that are difficult to haul uphill, making the chair lift handy.

“Downhill biking is a very popular version of the sport. It’s been under-served, which has led to a lot of unauthorized trail building,” Glover said.

The Stevens project “provides the legal and legitimate venue for the riders to do their activity.”

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; sheets@heraldnet.com.

Gooseberry Mesa

80 degrees and dry and hot. Trails were fantastic.

Urban Assualt

Urban Assault Ride - May 16

The Urban Assault Ride™ is a truly unique cycling event...and quickly becoming one of the biggest in country! Here's how it works: Teams of two will set out on a city-wide quest for 'checkpoints' on their favorite two-wheeled steeds. At each checkpoint, riders drop their bikes and complete a funky/adventurous obstacle course, then remount the bikes and hit the streets for more.

The most clever are often the victors but it may also help if you can pull a mean big-wheel powerslide and fly across an inflatable slip-n-slide ;)

The after party is just as much fun as the ride itself, thanks to the craziest raffle prize contest ever experienced.

Evergreen has the opportunity to partner with New Belgium to bring this event to life! We're now accepting volunteers to help staff the event. Here is your chance to help Evergreen thrive. New Belgium will be donating cash based on the volunteer participation and a share of beer sales at the afterparty to Evergreen! We have the opportunity to earn thousands of dollars to fuel Evergreen's key projects, come on out and help make it happen.

Sign up now to reserve your spot. Every volunteer will receive:

-A cool event t-shirt

-Lunch

-Beer!


Please send an email to scottedison1@gmail.com with your name, contact number, and total number of volunteers in your party.

New owner of Galbraith Mountain takes over; plans 90-day review of biking mecca

BELLINGHAM - Trillium Corp. has given up its option to buy back Galbraith Mountain from Polygon Financial of Bow, and the new owner has started a 90-day assessment of the 3,215-acre property long known as a mecca for mountain bikers.

"There will be no change in the next 90 days," said Blair Murray, owner of Tin Rock Management, which is managing the property for Polygon. "It will be a time of review and reflection on the property. At the end of those 90 days, we hope to put together a strategy."

The assessment period started April 1, at the end of Trillium's contract to manage the property during the transition, according to Murray.


The baseline review will look at past and current use on the mountain, including timber and recreation.

Bellingham-based Trillium ceded the property to Polygon "in lieu of foreclosure" on Oct. 22, according to property records on file with the Whatcom County auditor.

Trillium had an option that lasted until Oct. 16, 2010, to buy back the property from Polygon. Trillium surrendered the option Jan. 29.

Trillium representatives could not be reached for comment.

Murray also is working on a 90-day interim agreement with the WHIMPs Mountain Bike Coalition, which had a "revocable license" with Bellingham-based Trillium to build and use bicycle trails on the mountain - provided the trails met safety standards that would give Trillium some protection against liability for accidents.

Murray described the mountain biking group as "very good stewards of the mountain."

A representative for the group hopes that reputation will mean good news in the future.

"The WHIMPs Mountain Bike Coalition certainly hope that we can come to a long-term agreement to continue in some way, shape or form our help in managing that area," said Mark Peterson, president of the mountain biking organization.

The agreement with Trillium meant the group has been the official steward of the area for more than seven years, Peterson said, and its volunteers have built a network of trails totaling 42 miles on Galbraith Mountain, the common name for North Lookout Mountain.

"Over that time it has become an incredible community resource and truly a nationwide destination for mountain biking," Peterson said, adding that Galbraith has become increasingly popular with hikers and runners as well.

"On the other hand, we do understand that it's private property and things can change any time," he said.

Mountain bikers had used Galbraith as a playground for years before Trillium assumed ownership. Trillium's agreement with WHIMPs marked the first time bike use was officially recognized on the mountain since the sport came to Bellingham in the 1980s.

Trillium acquired the property in 2001 from Bloedel Timberlands and used the property to help secure a $17 million loan from Idaho-based Old Standard Life Insurance Co. in 2002. Old Standard was an affiliate of Metropolitan Mortgage Co. of Spokane, which collapsed in 2004 and left thousands of investors in the lurch.

In 2005, when Old Standard was under the oversight of Idaho insurance regulators, the company sold its interest in the Galbraith property to Polygon with regulators' approval. That made Polygon the holder of the mortgage on the Trillium property.

Trillium has tried to start the process of getting the forestry-zoned land on Galbraith reclassified for eventual residential development. The Whatcom County Council voted against that request in 2006 and 2007.

Willow Koerber

Ride the Divide

Ride The Divide Movie Trailer from Ride The Divide on Vimeo.

Be there.

Pro GRT Round 1 from Goldstein Productions on Vimeo.