I'm sad to report that Rich Walter passed away on October 29. Rich joined us 50 years ago. Rich entered a Hospice Care facility in October near the Puyallup Trailhead. He was suffering from heart failure with no more Care options. Rich was a member when we marked the first STP course and tabulated the Race results. Rich rode his bike to work before Hwy 512 was a freeway. Rich served many roles with us including being the Ride Captain for over five years. Rich worked with Louie Boitano and me at Mount Tahoma Trails Association. He took over Copper Creek Hut and rebuilt it. He served on the MTTA Board as well. In 2024, Rich rode the Willapa Hills Trail with Thomas Harrison, Charlene Dorward and me. Rich rode 40 miles from Rainbow Falls State Park to South Bend in 95° heat. The next day we rode back in ideal conditions. Rest in Peace Rich.
I was pleased to facilitate our annual giving to ForeverGreenTrails, Foothills Rails to Trails Coalition, 2nd Cycle, Downtown On the Go and Bikes4Kids. We gave $2500 to help with our advocacy work. We also passed a budget for 2026.
Charlene Dorward and I attended the Downtown On the Go Annual fundraiser Meeting at UW Tacoma. The new name is Tacoma on the Go as we are working City wide.
I attended the Ribbon Cutting for the East 64th Street complete Street extension from McKinley Avenue to Portland Avenue. The Prairie Line Trail Ribbon Cutting was delayed due to bad weather.
I highly recommend watching From Rails to Trails movie on YouTube. It includes the Burke Gilman Trail and the Sammamish River Trail in King County.
In November, we meet on Tuesday, the 18th due to Veterans Day at Wheelock Library at 6pm.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and try to get out and ride.