April 26, 2013 -

“International Group Selects Port Gamble for Trail Care Program”

Contact: Linda Berry-Maraist, President, North Kitsap Trails Association, 360 621-3839, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ;
Mark Schorn (NKTA Board member and Ride Kitsap)  360 633-6421, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

North Kitsap Trails Association announced that the prestigious International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has selected the popular North Kitsap-Port Gamble trail system be part of its Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program. IMBA is an international grassroots educational program and authority on sustainable trail building practices. The IMBA grant awards and assisted local IMBA affiliated organizations improve thousands of trails in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

“It’s an honor to have the IMBA select our region for its prestigious Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program. The Port Gamble trail system is one of the Kitsap Peninsula’s most important adventure sports and recreation assets.”, said Linda Berry-Maraist, President of the North Kitsap Trails Association. “The Port Gamble Trail system attracts hundreds of mountain bike enthusiasts and visitors to the area. It's become a major contributor to the local economy and we're delighted to have the IMBA support our local trail efforts.”, Berry-Maraist added.

The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew is comprised of two teams of professional trail experts that travel year-round throughout the United States and beyond. They plan to be in North Kitsap area from May 30-June 2 and will lead trail work sessions, meet with land managers, and work with clubs and communities on how to improve mountain biking opportunities. The IMBA plans to film the North Kitsap/Port Gamble trail training project to use as part of its national promotion.

The program has multiple events and kicks-off on May 30, with a public presentation, “Better Living Through Trails”, 5–7 PM at Poulsbo City Hall. IMBA will present an hour presentation on effective trail development and examples and data about trails and their impacts in communities around the country. Successful trail systems involve collaboration between land owners and managers, volunteer groups, community leaders and other local stakeholders.

Saturday June 1, Trail Building seminar, 9-4 Poulsbo City Hall / Port Gamble Trails. Workshop full.

Saturday June 1, 5 p.m. Slippery Pig Brewery, 932 NW Slippery Pig Way, Poulsbo.  Celebration of the Port Gamble trails and benefit for North Kitsap Trail Association sponsored by Peninsula Subaru. Check out the IMBA equipped Subaru along with a couple of Peninsula Subaru’s finest vehicles. Family friendly, music, prizes & open to all. Prizes from REI, MSR, Thermarest, Classic Cycle, Bainbridge Island Cycle, Silverdale Cyclery, RAX and Beer from local craft breweries, Slippery Pig, Valholl Brewing, Sound Brewing, Hood Canal Brewing and Der Blokken Brewery.

Sunday June 2, 9 a.m. Mountain Bike Trail Ride on the extensive Port Gamble trails, open to all levels of experience. Meet at Port Gamble Uplands trail head, off  highway 104, just south of Port Gamble.
Contact: Brian Kilpatrick 360-626-3107