Blog
22 | Jul | '15
Bryan Rivard
I've had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of Evergreen for 5 1/2 years now. During that time it has been incredible to see what our staff, volunteers, and community have accomplished: new riding opportunities around the state; exponential stewardship growth through volunteer trail work; a rider education program with volunteer instructors that is second to none; and recognition and respect as partners by land managers around the state.
21 | Jul | '15
Bryan Rivard
What could you do in 5 years? In 1931 the Bureau of Reclamation spent 5 years building the Hoover Dam.
Evergreen hasn’t had its eye on building a dam, but we did see a state in need of more— and better--mountain biking. So we’ve spent the past 5 years delivering great new trails and developing a highly effective advocacy program.
This past legislative session Evergreen put itself to the biggest test yet—getting legislative funding for critical trail projects—and we were successful beyond our wildest expectations. The result marks a breakout event for Washington mountain biking with over 60 miles of new trail (that's 4 Tiger mountains!) funded. We’d call that 5 years well spent.
16 | Jul | '15
Bryan Rivard
Imagine riding through Himalayan villages, seeing the majestic landscapes, helping to rebuild a family’s home AND having the adventure of your lifetime! That’s what awaits participants on our this “Bike & Build Nepal” ride coming up early next year.
10 | Jul | '15
Bryan Rivard
It’s no secret that it’s been a great year for mountain biking in Washington. Evergreen is delivering new trails (watch your email for a BIG announcement coming soon), more classes, stronger advocacy, and even broader vision.
To continue to expand on these successes requires more great staff, and that’s why Evergreen has created a NEW position of Operations Manager to keep things running smoothly; this is an important leadership role at an exciting time!
02 | Jul | '15
Bryan Rivard
How does riding some of the highest singletrack in Washington State sound? If you’re up for the challenge, then get ready to earn your turns on July’s Trail Highlight: Angel’s Staircase/Cooney Lake.
01 | Jul | '15
Bryan Rivard
As an Evergreen member you know the impact that having Done Your One (a work party, a day of volunteering—or just giving back to the trail) has. But what you may not know is that when you do three, you get an Evergreen Volunteer Tee!
25 | Jun | '15
Bryan Rivard
To better serve mountain biker populations throughout Puget Sound, Evergreen’s Education Program is now offering classes in three new locations: Black Diamond Open Space (Maple Valley), Swan Creek Park (Tacoma), and Hartman Park/Bike Park (Redmond)!
You'll get the same professional instruction whether you take classes at one of the new locations or across the state with our Evergreen West Sound, East, or Central chapters!
23 | Jun | '15
Bryan Rivard
Last month Evergreen MTB had the opportunity to host an Americorps National Civilian Conservations Corps (NCCC) crew for three weeks.
The 7-person crew, ranging in age from 19 – 25 years old, had spent almost 10 months prior working together on projects ranging from conservation work to assisting homeless populations.
But working with Evergreen was their first introduction to trail work, the mountain bike community—and for most of them it was their first time mountain biking!
16 | Jun | '15
Bryan Rivard
A lot happened on Tiger Mountain last month. Timber harvesting, trail work, and—most excitingly—the Sturdy B’s put on their first Tiger Mt. Sturdy Dirty Enduro!
The popular all-women riding event not only sold out (again!), but also held the distinction of being the first to allow expert and pro participants to run the new Tiger descent trail. Boasting nearly 230 participants, the 2015 Sturdy Dirty has flown into its second year with enormous momentum.
The Sturdy Dirty is the brainchild of the 6-year-old Sturdy B all-woman racing team, and offers the chance for women riders of all abilities to race an all-female field. Combining the popular event with Tiger Mountain, a local favorite, the Sturdy B’s held the race in Issaquah at the invitation of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.