Established in 2015, Trans-Cascadia 501(c)(3) has become a cornerstone of dedication and commitment in the world of mountain biking and trail stewardship. Born from the vision of seasoned bike industry professionals, our non-profit organization has aimed to protect and restore backcountry mountain bike trails in the Pacific Northwest while making trail advocacy accessible to all riders. As we continue to evolve, we are excited to reignite our annual Ten For Trails fundraiser, a crucial initiative to support the long-term sustainability of our trail stewardship efforts.
Let’s take a quick ride through our history—jumping into how our vision came to life, how we’ve grown, and the essential role our volunteers play in reshaping the world of trail maintenance and mountain biking.
The start
Trans-Cascadia emerged from a shared passion for mountain biking and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty and rugged trails of the Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, our focus has been on two main goals: safeguarding and restoring backcountry trails and making trail advocacy inclusive and accessible. This dual mission is fueled by our team’s expertise and dedication to maintaining a balance between outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
Photo by Mike Thomas - 2021
Trail Work: A Labor of Love
Since our inception, we’ve made significant strides in maintaining and enhancing the trails in the Cascade Mountain Range. Our mission to reclaim, build, maintain, and protect backcountry mountain bike trail resources has led to some impressive achievements:
Over 30,000 Volunteer Hours: Our dedicated volunteers have contributed countless hours to trail maintenance, playing a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the multiple-use backcountry trail networks across Cascadia.
750+ Miles of Single Track Maintained: Through comprehensive maintenance efforts, we’ve rehabilitated over 100 miles of trails, ensuring they remain enjoyable and accessible for all riders.
Annual Maintenance of 100 Miles: Each year, we actively maintain 100 miles of trail, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to keeping the Cascade Mountain Range’s trails in top condition.
$1.2 Million Investment: We’ve invested over $1.2 million in our trail advocacy efforts, including the purchase of essential tools and equipment to support our work.
Volunteers: The Heart of Our Efforts
One of our greatest strengths is our ability to mobilize and bring together volunteers who share the same love for these trails as we do. Remy, a trail work professional and a key figure in our organization since 2018, highlights the significance of this collective effort. He says,
“What we’ve been able to do that is special is provide the expertise, tools, and techniques of professional-level trail maintenance to a large force of strong, motivated, discerning volunteers. The capacity and quality of trail work that this formula can produce over the span of a few days is truly impressive.”
Our volunteers are not just participants; they are vital contributors to our mission. By providing hands-on experience and engaging in rigorous trail maintenance, they help ensure the preservation and improvement of backcountry trails. Their dedication transforms our vision of a well-maintained trail network accessible to all into a reality.
The Unique Blend: Racing and Stewardship
Pictures from races of years past by Joshua Lawton, Mike Thomas, Dylan VanWeelden, and Chris Hornbecker.
Our innovative approach to trail advocacy includes a distinctive element: our race. What started as a blind-format backcountry race has evolved into a six-day event offering a curated big-mountain backcountry experience. This race combines primitive single-track, gourmet food, and social activities, blending competition with community.
The race not only brings the community together to experience epic backcountry trails but also celebrates both the trails themselves and the vibrant community that supports them. The fees from the race, along with government-funded project work, play a crucial role in our ability to maintain and enhance these trails. We are deeply grateful for these contributions, as they enable us to continue our stewardship efforts and ensure the trails remain in top condition for everyone to enjoy. This unique relationship between racing and trail stewardship sets us apart, showcasing our ability to integrate a passion for biking with a commitment to environmental and community-focused initiatives.
Building Lasting Relationships
Our efforts extend beyond maintaining trails. We build lasting relationships with land managers, hikers, horseback riders, and conservation communities. By working collaboratively with these groups, we ensure that our trail restoration efforts have a lasting impact on the region’s outdoor recreation landscape.
As Xuân Mai Võ, a dedicated community member and sawyer, aptly puts it,
“TC isn’t just about the mission of trail work and mountain biking advocacy. It is an organization that brings people together and reminds us what community and shared vision are all about: hard work, dedication, results, and, most of all, the deep connections that are formed under the canopy of trees and within the shadows of majestic mountains.”
Ten For Trails: Renewed
To ensure the long-term sustainability of our trail stewardship efforts, we are excited to relaunch our Ten For Trails fundraiser as an annual campaign. Donations will be accepted year-round, but raffle prizes will only be awarded during the yearly campaign push. This initiative is vital for preserving the stunning landscapes and accessibility of backcountry mountain bike trails throughout the Cascadia region.
Why Ten For Trails?
Our goal is to preserve these trails on a five-year rotation, ensuring they remain open and enjoyable for outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come. The Ten For Trails campaign is essential for supporting these extensive restoration efforts, allowing us to keep the backcountry trails in prime condition.
How You Can Support:
The success of Ten For Trails relies on the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers, and community members. Whether it’s $10 or more, every contribution directly supports our mission and enables us to keep delivering unforgettable trail experiences. By participating in Ten For Trails, you are not only supporting trail maintenance but also contributing to the vibrant community of riders and outdoor enthusiasts who cherish these backcountry paths.
Looking Ahead
Our journey from 2015 to today reflects our unwavering commitment to both trail maintenance and community building. Through the tireless efforts of volunteers, the support of the biking community, and the integration of unique fundraising events like Ten For Trails and our race, we hope to continue to make a profound impact on the trails of the Pacific Northwest.
As we reignite Ten For Trails with this annual push, we look forward to further strengthening our trail stewardship legacy and ensuring that the backcountry trails we cherish remain vibrant and accessible for future generations. Join us in this vital endeavor and be a part of the movement to preserve the epic landscapes of Cascadia!
