[boostindoubles]

Here in Yakima, WA good mtb trails have been something to dream about. For years people have been pounding out the same 7-8 miles of trails in one small quasi-legal network. In 2011, 5 of us mtb riders sat down and incorporated Single Track Alliance of Yakima (STAY). Then, randomly, up popped a chance to build trails on Mr. Andersons land. We've been building and riding, all volunteer, with a core group 5-6 guys and a broader network of 15-30 people who will show up if we ask for help. The trailhead is called Rocky Top. Total money spent, including the 501c3 application, less than $800.00.

This spring we connected a 10.6 mile lollipop with over 800ft of elevation gain/drop in the landscape. Now we are chasing leads for funding to sign the trails. Also, now the loop is done we are ready to start sharing and spreading the word about the trails. The trails are all named but the lollipop is Mr. Andersons Wild Ride!

 

[Pesqueeb]

That looks awesome Will, Good work!

 

[jonKranked]

good job.

 

[Nick]

and props to Mr. Anderson too.

 

[blindboxx2334]

Total money spent, including the 501c3 application, less than $800.00.

having no idea what a 501c3 (i googled it and i got something about tax exemption).. why do you have to pay money to build on someones private land if theyre giving you permission??

on another note.. trails look good and the location/scenery looks pretty good too!

 

[boostindoubles]

The 501c3 is a federal tax exemption for qualifying non-profit organizations. If I remember right we paid a $400.00 filing fee. What it does is allow us to own land and have an operating budget that is tax exempt. Also allows monetary and/or land donations to be deducted from the donators taxes.

We've had to buy hand tools, print maps at the County GIS office, feed volunteers, etc... Up to now we've not really needed much cash to operate. We are currently trying to sign/map and spread the word about these trails. The signs/posts for the entire system looks like it will cost us somewhere around $2,000. We looked at different styles of sign posts and still haven't decided on what we are going to go with. We are also looking at purchasing some other trail tools which get pricey - like some Trail Boss collapsible mcleods and mechanized tools (like a walk-behind Dingo or something similar).

 

[boostindoubles]

STAY hosted a work party last night and we benched this side hill. Yakima has been having record rainfall the last few days and it is primo dirt.

 

[boostindoubles]

We are digging a skills section currently. It will end up being 13 rollers in a row, all various shapes and sizes.

 

[boostindoubles]

We've finally had a rain storm which broke 7 months of dryness. It's time to head out and start repairing the damage from a hard season. Here's a turn that's been blown out for months.

Blown out

Not as blown out

 

[Nick]

nice work. keep diggin' !!!

 

[boostindoubles]

Thanks! Digging season is just getting started!

 

[boostindoubles]

Spreading the word around Yakima, this place is turning into a legit little network.

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/yhr/tuesday/2594367-8/local-property-owners-hospitality-leads-to-miles-of

 

[boostindoubles]

This turn needed help badly. It was filling with braking bumps and was all blown out.

Time will tell if it holds up to the abuse.

 

[boostindoubles]

Ron recently dedicated the trailhead in his fathers name and had this great sign made. He also donated a pair of basalt columns. We installed them. Pretty sweet.