Evergreen Community Story: How Trails Turned an “Empty Nest” Into a Second Young Adulthood
When Kelly and her husband rolled back into mountain biking in 2020, they thought it might be a fun way to mark a milestone. Their son had just started college in Bozeman. On that first drop-off trip, the three of them rented bikes, climbed a long, lung-busting trail, and pointed their front wheels downhill. They finished the ride grinning.
“We rented mountain bikes and went up this climb and back down and thought, ‘Oh my god, this is so fun. Let’s start doing this again.’”
What they didn’t expect was how much getting back on the bike would reshape their health, their travel, and their sense of community in this new season of life.
Coming back to a changed trail world
Kelly and her husband first rode in the 1990s, long before Washington’s flow trails, skills parks, or statewide trail networks. Back then, most rides were on hiking or Forest Service routes — whatever they could find. Then their day-to-day life shifted when they started raising kids. When they returned to mountain biking decades later, they were stunned by what Washington now offers.
“We feel very thankful about the timing of getting back into mountain biking… at this point there are so many trail systems in the state.”
They quickly discovered Evergreen and the statewide coalition behind many of those trail systems. “We’re really lucky that all of the regional groups joined together to form one coalition. The resources are greater to maintain and create more trails and trail systems for everybody.”
From their home near Tehaleh and Swan Creek, they suddenly had purpose-built mountain bike parks in both directions — and a statewide organization connecting it all.
A new chapter of health and adventure
This past summer, Kelly and her husband decided to tackle our Dirty Dozen trail challenge — riding a curated list of trails across Washington. It became much more than a checklist. “It was one big summer-long adventure for us. We went to places we wouldn’t have gone.”
With each ride, they explored new communities, asked local shops for trail tips, and spent what Kelly calls “tourist dollars” on lodging, food, and gear. Trails became a pathway not just to fun, but to supporting small towns statewide. And it changed how they felt in their bodies. “By the end of the summer we were probably more fit than we have been in a long time. Mountain biking is great for staying in shape and maintaining health as we get older.”
Climbing big vert and earning long descents became a form of interval training that kept them strong, confident, and excited about what their 60s could look like. “It felt like we were in our 20s again. I feel like we’re having our second lease on life.”
From riders to volunteers and donors
As their riding life deepened, Kelly and her husband wanted to give something back. They joined Evergreen as members, became donors, and eventually stepped into volunteer instruction — taking the instructor course, meeting other riders, and joining group rides through Evergreen programs. “We wanted to help by joining instructor volunteering. We took the course, met more people, and went on some fun rides because of that. It’s been a blessing.”
Their giving is intentional and values-driven. “We donate to organizations that do the most good in alignment with our values. Evergreen helps a lot of people enjoy the outdoors.”
For Kelly, Evergreen’s statewide model is a big part of why their support feels so impactful. She sees the work that happens well beyond any single trail system:
- Collaboration with developers, counties, and land managers to preserve trail corridors
- Maintenance that keeps ride lines open and safe
- Advocacy & lobbying that protect access at the state and federal level
“Another huge plus to having a statewide org is that we have the resources to do the lobbying. It can’t just be all the big companies doing the lobbying." From watching leaves get blown off the trails at Tehaleh to learning about trips to Washington, D.C., Kelly sees a direct line between donor support and a healthy future for the sport.
“A new lease on life”
For Kelly, Evergreen’s impact is bigger than any single project or park. It’s about what this organization has made possible in this stage of life. Or as she puts it: “Evergreen has given us a new lease on life as we enjoy that second phase in family life when parents get to be kids again and play as a couple.” Trails have become their shared adventure, their fitness plan, their excuse to explore new towns, and their way to stay connected to a community that spans generations.
“It’s been fun and a lot of it is all due to Evergreen being here and being in existence. That’s how much we appreciate Evergreen — it’s a lot.”
This is what your support makes possible
When you give to Evergreen, you are investing in more stories like Kelly’s all across Washington:
- Healthy, active years for riders at every age
- New adventures that support local communities and small businesses
- A statewide network of trails — protected, maintained, and growing
- Education & volunteering that turn riders into leaders and stewards
You’re not just funding a project. You’re helping create “second young adulthoods,” family memories, and lifelong connections to the places we ride.
Fuel the Future of Riding — so everyone in Washington can ride.
Make your year-end gift today:
Thank you for helping make Washington the best place to ride.