In March several club members attended the Grand Opening of the Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge over the Nisqually River along the Yelm Prairie Line Trail. It is a beautiful restoration of the 1904 Northern Pacific Railroad bridge that brought the railroad to Tacoma. Over 60 people attended. Larry Leveen with ForeverGreen Trails Coalition has been working on this project over six years. He helped obtain the funding through a Washington State Recreation Conservation Office program. Yelm is taking the lead on pushing the trail into Pierce County with help from ForeverGreen Trails Coalition. The goal is to extend the trail to Roy.
Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition had their Spring into Trails Event in Buckley. Long time club member Dave Seago was awarded the Walking Stick for his steady support of the Coalition. By the way, Dave worked at the News Tribune and wrote an Editorial article about rebuilding the Historic Water Ditch Trail in South Tacoma and after 20+ years we have our restored trail.
Tom Butler is attending the annual Walk and Roll Summit meeting in Wenatchee this first week in April on our behalf.
I hope to see some of you at our Club meeting later this month on April 14. On Saturday April 18, there will be a fundraiser for the Wilkeson Historical Society at the Buckley Eagles hall at 5:30 pm. You could combine that event with a bike ride.
On Saturday, April 25, we will have a booth at the Bike Swap at Tacoma Community College. You can stop by and even volunteer to man the booth awhile.
On Sunday, April 26, the McClinchy Mile happens in Stanwood and several club members will be there to have fun and support our fellow club.
In early May, several club members will be at the Tour de Cure Classic on the Cycling Over 60 Team led by Tom Butler. The Skagit Spring Classic is on Saturday April 9 and we highly recommend it. On Saturday May 16, you can choose from the 2nd Cycle Destiny Dozen or the Lewis County Historical Ride.
The Tuesday Night Riders started up on March 31. We highly recommend this informal group that can have up to 50 cyclists in a well organized inclusive environment. You can also attend weekly Saturday shop rides at two shops in Tacoma, Wily and Cascadia, but pay attention to the criteria.
It is looking like some more excellent weather in April so I hope you get out and enjoy your bike rides.