The Helens Fest for 2010 was a huge success; some of the highlights included the amazing volunteer work committed by riders, and the epic rides on the Ape Canyon trail. Full report inside...
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Words and Photos by David Anderson
Facilitated by members representing The Northwest Trail Alliance, and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, mountain bikers gathered for a 3 day weekend event at the volcano!
Rider rounding through the blast zone, with Mt. Adams in the background.
Loading up the bob trailers.
Nearly 60 volunteers spent a day working on the trails around Mount St Helens in July. Riders from across the Pacific Northwest working with the Gifford Pinchot Forest Service cleaning up trail. We also were able to help support a local hiker work party. Bikes equipped with bob trailers, shuttling supplies back from June Lake, we were able to help the WTA youth group wrap up their work. Our group really impressed the seasonal Forest Service staff by doing in a day what it would have taken them weeks to accomplish.
Delivery of trail tools...
All of the trails we worked on are multi-use trails that are also open to mountain bikers, hikers and in some cases horseback riders. In some cases the work performed was on sections of trails that have received repeated winter flood damage that provide access to little known sections of some very sweet singletrack. Workers were fueled in their by a generous donation of clif bars. A post work hot dog bbq was provided in partnership with the Mount St Helens Institute, Hansens soda and Tims chips.
Tipping back a cold one!
Not all was work during the three day weekend. Mountain bikers from as far away as Norway were provided the experience of riding the signature Ape Canyon trail up to the Plains of Abraham. This is probably the most amazing experience one can have around Mount St Helens, riding through old growth forest before breaking out in to a flowered moonscape created by the 1980 eruption.
Volcanic tread and snow
Props to the fine folk at Trek!
The Trek demo bike fleet provided riders with the ability to experience a variety of riding styles and conditions with the best mountain bikes Trek has to offer. Several Forest Service and Mount St Helens Institute staff were able to experience riding mountain bikes for the very first time on these awesome bikes. One person who had never ridden a mountain bike before commented that he now knows why we love riding mountain bikes!
David A and 2010 Fest attendees.
During the evenings after the ride and work party participants were able to come together and relax while enjoying New Belgium beer. On Fridays gathering, interns from the Institute explained what happened during the 1980 eruption that help make the landscape around the mountain what it is today.
Riding towards the clouds on Butte Camp Trail.
Providing an opportunity for positive interaction between mountain bikers, National Forest and Institute staff was one of the goals of the weekend. This was accomplished in great form. Providing riders with awesome rides was partially accomplished because several rides could not be held because of the lingering late season snow pack which was unusually heavy this year. Otherwise the Ape Canyon and Smith Creek trails were in prime condition. Those who rode the Butte Camp trail now know why it is such a great trail to ride. Little known Wright Meadow trail challenged those who rode it. Fridays rides saw temperatures as high as 98 at the bottom of Smith Creek. Natures air conditioning was turned on for Sundays rides after the cooling marine air invaded the canyons around the mountain and provided relief from the sweltering heat of Friday. Thanks to all involved, Mt. St. Helens is such a wonderful place to ride, sharing it with others in hopes you gain as much admiration for her, as i do.
