Mountain biking in the city
    Urban mountain bikers have a new place to play. Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) volunteers are building a mountain bike skills park under the I-5 freeway between Seattle’s Eastlake and Capital Hill neighborhoods.

   Once completed, the Colonnade Mountain Bike Park will encompass a total of two acres with more than 1.5 miles of trails and a variety of technical features. The focus of the park is on skill development and experience rather than mileage. Features will include novice to advanced trails with challenging climbs and descents, BMX lines, a pump track, rock chutes and progressive drops.

    Phase one of the Colonnade Mountain Bike Park, the novice area, opened to the public on Sept. 8. Construction on phase two, which will include more challenging features, began in October with completion planned for the end of 2008.

    BBTC received a $75,000 matching grant from the city of Seattle for construction of the park. The organization not only needs volunteers to help with final-phase construction, but needs cash funds. Individuals may donate $200 and businesses $300 which will buy them an engraved stone with their name that will be placed permanently at the park.

    For more information or to lend a hand, visit www.bbtc.org or call Jon Kennedy at (206) 524-2900. or call Jon Kennedy at (206) 524-2900.

Deception Pass Dash Race Dec. 2

    Seattle Raft and Kayak will hold its annual Deception Pass Dash Race Sunday, Dec. 2.
The challenging five-mile course, starting and finishing at Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park, takes paddlers through the swirling waters of Deception Pass. Paddlers will venture by Strawberry Island and west through Canoe Pass. This race is for experienced paddlers with proven self-rescue skills.

    Pre-registration is required.

    For more information, visit www.seattleraftandkayak.com.