Want to Build a Trail? Build a Community
Like many who love mountain biking, Ryan McLane has traveled all over Oregon to ride the state’s renowned trails.
At one point, though, he and a group of friends wondered why they had to drive so far to ride when the coastal mountain range was just a half hour away from the Portland metro area - the nearby forests had the potential for a great ride. Then, he started dreaming of creating a mountain bike trail network on Larch Mountain in the Tillamook State Forest.
In 2006, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) invited Ryan and his friends from Westside Trail Federation to its Tillamook State Forest Non-Motorized Trail Planning Committee. As it turns out, the active Recreation Plan (from 2000) had already identified the need for more advanced mountain bike (MTB) trails. They created a 15-square-mile placeholder on the map, coded MTB Area #1.
Through ODF, Ryan met Wayne Naillon, a fellow outdoors enthusiast and volunteer. Wayne understood that to build a trail, you need to build a community. “He was a mentor to me from early on”, says Ryan. “He was one of many who fought for hiking and biking trails on the forest over the years…to create great memories, to create experiences. He coached me on how to advocate, while being resilient”. Sadly, Wayne Naillon passed away in 2016. Years later, Ryan feels that Wayne’s legacy is alive in the trails: “For me, Fear and Loaming honors Wayne. I’m really proud of that.”
The collaboration between Westside Trail Federation and ODF didn’t end with planning. ODF asked Westside Trail Federation to lead the work in detailed route planning and building because they’re experts. After receiving official ODF approval in 2019, they began construction. It’s taken many years, but dedicated MTB volunteer trail-builders now have their more advanced trail, known as ‘Fear and Loaming’. The 4.4-mile trail - with a 2,315-foot descent that includes natural berms, drops, gaps, rocks, and loam - makes for a challenging yet enticing Black Diamond ride.
Ryan drew great inspiration and support from the Black Rock Mountain Bike Association (BRMBA). Back in 2002, he began riding at Black Rock Mountain, the first dedicated mountain bike trail system in the Oregon state forests. “The way they (BRMBA) stuck with it through the years…it just demonstrates the need for more advanced mountain bike trails/facilities,” says Ryan. Once Westside Trail Federation started work on the Fear and Loaming trail, BRMBA stepped up to help. “Those (BRMBA) guys are amazing. They even hosted a fundraising ride event for us out at Black Rock”, says Ryan.
From day one, it’s not all work when Westside Trail Federation is building or maintaining trails. Just check out this video from their 2023 Halloween Frienduro. “We do a pretty good job of balancing the hard work of building a trail with some post-build shuttle rides and smiles. There’s nothing like test riding a brand-new trail that you just built with your friends and fellow volunteers”, says Ryan. “There's just something amazing about creating something new that people are going to enjoy for years ahead. You're a painter in a way, and there's a joy in the creation part of it.“
Join Westside Trail Federation to protect and expand the mountain biking experience in the Portland metro area. Together, we can create a brighter, more exciting future for the trails we love.
WAYNE NAILLON’s LEGACY
Inspired by the commitment and generosity of Wayne Naillon, the State Forests Trust of Oregon created the State Forests Recreation Fund in 2016. The fund supports projects and programs that help make recreating on state forests a welcoming experience for diverse users and communities.
Meet Joe Offer
ODF’s New Recreation Manager
Joe, a native Oregonian, is no stranger to the natural resources field, and in particular, recreation management. Joe has extensive experience with the impacts of recreation on environmental processes, local communities, and the health and well-being of those involved in recreational pursuits.
He joined ODF three years ago after a diverse background having worked across Oregon and Montana for various organizations that focus on the intersectionality of natural resource management and recreation resource management.
Prior to ODF, Joe was with Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument (FMBM), a non-profit based in central Montana. Joe was first hired as the organization’s Stewardship Director, focusing his efforts on field-based conservation projects that involved local stakeholders and other neighboring land managing agencies. Subsequently, he served as the Executive Director of FMBM, where he mapped the future strategic direction for the organization. In both roles Joe developed key partnerships with local constituents, neighboring landowners, and land managing agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management (who like ODF operates under a multiple use mandate), while also developing essential best practices for non-profit management. Joe has a deep understanding of the importance of building partnerships and alliances to help create truly invested natural resource stewards all aimed at achieving common ground.
Joe with his mom, Ruth, and girlfriend, Molly
Joe has also held recreation and conservation-focused positions with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; Montana Wilderness Association; World Wildlife Fund; the City of Missoula Parks Department; the City of West Linn Parks Department; and the Deschutes National Forest for the United States Forest Service. He has also held more "fun" focused recreation positions as a backcountry canoe guide and led many expeditions as an overnight fly-fishing outfitter.
Joe has a master’s degree in Community and Environmental Planning, and a graduate certificate in Geographic Information System technologies from the University of Montana’s College of Forestry. His thesis focused on utilizing GIS analyses to maximize the effectiveness of conservation easements for protection of established grizzly bear migration corridors. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science from Western Oregon University in Geography, with substantial coursework in public policy, resource conservation, and recreation theory.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JOE
Hobbies: Hockey (playing and observing), bird hunting, backpacking, canoeing, and generally spending time outdoors with family and friends
Pets: Creek, 12-year-old pit bull/lab mix
Favorite activity on state forests: Camping at Nehalem Falls (can't beat the access to Wheeler/Nehalem/Manzanita)
Favorite trail on state forests: Natural Arch Trail on the Santiam State Forest
Favorite card game: Cribbage
