Kettle Fest 2010 was a great weekend in Spokane, WA of trail work from both mountain bikers and horseback riders. There was riding too, though, look inside for the full report and photos thanks to Tim Banning!
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Words by Timothy Banning
Photos by Jon Jantz
High in the mountainous back country in Northeast Washington, The Kettle Crest Trail. Top shelf riding awaiting, as you ramble among pristine sub-alpine terrain, providing an epic mountain riding experience. This year Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance with support from the Fat Tire Trail Riders Club in Spokane converged for a long weekend of riding, stewardship, and relaxation.
Peter J President FTTRC leading riders down Jungle Hill Trail.
Paula Lee representing Pend Orielle Pedalers and Katy C from Idaho ride on Kettle Crest South.
Riders from across Washington State, Idaho and Canada, converged for 5 days with 4 rides, free camping, and a work party day to accrue some positive trail karma. Every year more and more people from a broad region make the journey. A festive gathering, Kettle Crest provided a perfect setting for another outstanding event.
This years rides showcased the great diversity of the area. From the first 2 days of riding through old-growth pine forest on 13 Mile Trail to topping out at a lung-busting 7000 feet atop Copper Butte on the second day. The weekend rides of the Jungle Hill Loop, where one of Washington States best downhill trails provide wide smiles, and Snow Peak Cabin Ride where the views are as epic as the rocky tread is gnarly.
These 2 rides and many others in the area can be found on the Wiki pages on the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance Website here. For other fun riding opportunities in the Spokane area, visit the FTTRC website here.
Members of the Backcountry Horsemen, Shellee from Kettle Falls Forest Service, and Mire representing Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, taking a break.
Our mt. bike groups gathering to collaborate with the Colville Forest Service, rolling the sleeves up and working with the Backcountry Horsemen. One of our tasks were to assist them in clearing rocks from Edds Mountain Trail. These events really showcase the virtues of volunteerism and stewardship, and it's a fine demonstration of all groups working together, for the betterment of the lands.
Timothy B Trail Crew Leader illustrating a task-plan to prepare the work party.
Three other groups assembled that day, nearly a dozen riders set out on bikes to brush and clear fallen timber on trails, while other set out ahead to create rock cairns higher up on Edds Mountain Trail. While the remaining riders did some tread work, by reshaping the trail to a more sustainable grade, and reinforcing a seasonal water channel by seating stones for a rock solid path crossing.
Al C and pup at Jungle Hill Campground.
Relaxing by campfire, the Jungle Hill Campground made for a wonderful retreat. Trading stories with new friends after sharing great times and making lasting memories. Thanks to Ridemonkey and for our other gracious sponsors New Begium Brewery, Diamondback Bikes, and Hermosa Tours for their help in supporting these free grassroots events.
Unfortunately as consistent to the norm, the relatively short history of mountain biking is one of losing access. We are many times faced with the uncertain prospect of losing the ability to ride bikes to explore our beautiful landscape and satisfy that adventurous outdoors free-spirit that resides in us all. Kettle Crest and Mt. St. Helens to varying degrees are not the exception sadly enough. With the understanding that there is concern for the future interest in our Parks and public lands across the nation of the United States, as the age of video games and urban sprawl appears to draw a bleak picture. That of a generation that is poor of health, and disconnected and uncaring of our wild places.
That's why support of these events is appreciated. Mountain biking by default, is all about healthy living, and growing a stronger connection of our environment. These events are making a difference. Thanks to all who came out, as always, good times.
Written by organizer Timothy Banning Photos courtesy of Jon Jantz.
