E-bikes are officially legal on Galbraith and other announcements!
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We have exciting news! Last Monday, February 26th, the Bellingham City Council voted unanimously to make two changes to the recreational easement on Galbraith Mountain.
Those changes are:
1. Class 1 e-mtb's are now officially allowed on Galbraith. Class 1 e-bikes are defined as pedal assist (no throttle) bikes with a maximum output power of 750W and a top assisted speed of 20 mph.
2. Total trail mileage increased from 65 to 85 miles within the easement area.
It's worth noting that Galbraith has over 3,000 acres with 4 different landowners that the WMBC interfaces with across the mountain:
1. Galbraith Tree Farm / Bellingham Parks and Recreation Easement - 2,182 acres
2. Polygon - 650 acres
3. City of Bellingham Natural Resources - 410 acres
4. Washington Department of Natural Resources - 50 acres
In anticipation of sharing the mountain with e-bikes, we created an etiquette video:
After School Bike Clubs
Registration is open! Check out the details and sign your student up here! Interested in ride leading, sweeping, or volunteering? Contact Shannon at shannon@wmbcmtb.org ASAP!
Vamos Bike Program
Vamos after school rides start back up on April 8th! We have a jam packed schedule this spring with FIVE rides a week and we need volunteers! You do not need to be fluent in Spanish, though it is appreciated. Please fill out our interest form here if you would like to be contacted about volunteering with our group. Questions? Email ellie@wmbcmtb.org if you would like to know more about the program and the volunteer commitment.
YTC Registration Opens Next Week
Youth Trail Corps registration opens back up next week! Keep an eye out for the schedule announcement. Program details and eventual registration link on our website here.
NW Tune-Up Volunteers Needed!
The WMBC is hosting the NW Tune-Up beer garden and we need volunteers! Spend a shift helping us out in exchange for a three-day festival pass plus swag and snacks - details and sign up here.
WMBC Store Sale
We are having a spring sale at our store! 30% off everything as we restock for the summer. Just use the code: "spring2024" on any item! Sale ends March 22nd - get shopping!
Whatcom World Cup
WWC Season Passes will go on sale on March 25th - keep an eye out for an email and announcement! Pass perks: NO LINES, after your first chip pick up you do not have to arrive early to chip check-in - just go race! REGISTER EARLY, races have limited space and sell out - beat the rush. WWC KOOZIE, we have a new custom koozie for our pass holders!
Trail Updates
The south side Samish Way crosswalk is finished! The pathway from the parking lot to Samish way is complete (awaiting bricks which we are ordering ASAP) and the city finished the crosswalk including the flashing light crossing indicators!
Blue Ribbon's official opening is May 4th! Thanks to Transition Bikes for building this trail!
Don't forget the Chuckanut 50K is on March 16th! 700+ runners will be racing on Chuckanut - it is definitely a weekend to avoid riding in this area!
Curious about how to stay bear and cougar safe on our trails? Join a free informational webinar on March 20th with Bear and Cougar specialist Lindsay Welfelt from The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and former park ranger Anastasia Allison. Sign up here!
When things go sideways (or over the bars) having the knowledge and skills to address injuries in the wilderness is critical. Backcountry Medical Guides has two five-day mountain bike Wilderness First Responder programs in Bellingham this year: May 25-29 and August 3-7. The course is designed for those who love to ride bikes and want to learn emergency medicine in the environments they frequent. Look forward to a week of focused learning, practical experience, and fun riding on the trails we all love. WMBC members save $75 with the code WMBC2024 at checkout! Proof of membership required!
Galbraith Supreme Mountain Bike Race!
Registration will officially open on Friday, March 8th at 8 am Pacific time! This is your chance to be a part of an exhilarating race that promises breathtaking trails, challenging climbs, and an unforgettable experience. More details here.
Coming up on March 26th!
Bantam is holding a WMBC Members Night every fourth Tuesday of the month! Enjoy 20% off for WMBC members - just mention you're a WMBC member when you arrive!
Saturdays are WMBC member days at Lost Giants Cider Co! Let them know you're a member and get 20% off your order after a ride of Galbraith!
Join the Max Higbee Center for April Brews Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Bellingham, WA Downtown Waterfront featuring craft breweries from the Pacific Northwest. April Brews Day is the culminating event of Bellingham Beer Week, a collaboration that highlights Bellingham’s booming beer scene.
Tickets may be purchased online at aprilbrewsday.org. Grab a beer for a cause! All proceeds benefit Max Higbee Center’s community-based recreation programs that help empower youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Learn more at maxhigbeecenter.org. General Admission: $50 in advance & $60 at door | VIP: $75
THANK YOU 2024 BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
Our 39 Business Members support WMBC through their yearly membership. As a non-profit, we depend on regular giving to fund trail stewardship, education outreach, and local advocacy.
Consider shopping local with these business next time you're in need of a service, meal, or gift!
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