All Trails Challenge

I don't snowboard in the summer. There, I said it. The time away gives me a chance to do some other things and reinvigorate my stoke for the shred. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all.

Getting outside is what got me into snowboarding, though, not the other way around. Now that it's actually nice outside and not raining everyday, it's easier to get out there. One easy 'there' to get to is northwest Portland's Forest Park. With 5100 acres and 80 miles of trails it's easy to head out and get lost. It's even on the light rail line.

I spend enough time there anyway that it was a no-brainer to sign up for the Forest Park Conservancy's All Trails Challenge. The goal is to raise pledge money to benefit trail maintenance and invasive species management in the park. As the name suggests I've pledged to navigate all of the trails in Forest Park. That's over 80 miles, with only 11 accessible by bike. The goal date is October and I've completed just over 20 miles. None of that by bike. Right on pace.

If you feel like supporting my effort, donate here. If you're in Portland and want to start your own team or individual effort, check here. Failing both, you should put some shoes on (or go barefoot) and find some trails near you. Like Pennywise said, "The miracles that could be found, they're waiting down the unknown road."