Fall 2026 Newsletter
A new mural featuring Whiskey Run on Blue Sky Bike Shop, Coos Bay.
Summer Recap:
Ride the Dirt Wave, the Oregon Coast enduro series, raced Gnome Wrecker this July! This high energy weekend also featured guided group rides, and a Whiskey Run-themed beer release from Seven Devils Brewing! You can view race results here.
WCTA also welcomed two new staff members. Oscar Sweeten-Lopez was hired as the Program Director and Reid Kerr was hired as the Trail Program Coordinator. Together, they will increase the organization's capacity to apply for grants, manage funds, coordinate volunteers, and develop trail systems across the South Coast!
Alternative Youth Activities had a crew working with us this summer as well. They brushed the trails twice a week, keeping everything in good shape. We’re very thankful for their support and hard work!
On the Ground Updates:
Whiskey Run is currently riding great! As the summer comes to an end, the never-ending brush has finally started to slow down.
Upper Hollerback Trail has reopened following the logging closure. A huge thank you goes out to our August Community Build Volunteers and Coos County Forestry for rebuilding it and getting it ready to rip!
The Whiskey Run Campground is well underway and should be available for visitors by the Spring.
The Volstead side remains open as of early September but will be logged in the coming months. Go ride it while you can!
Fritsche Cabin Trail in the Gold Beach Ranger District is temporarily closed. We are trying to figure out access with the Forest Service and will reopen it as soon as we can. Fortunately Pine Grove and Upper Lawson Creek are still open if you’re craving rugged and scenic descents.
Volunteers doing dirt work on Hollerback
Behind the Scenes:
We have proposed an in-town trail system for Coos Bay in the Pony Creek Watershed. You can read more about this project here!
We continue to work with the Gold Beach Ranger District to create more trails in the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest.
There are whispers of future mountain bike trails to be built on the east side of Humbug Mountain State Park. We’ll update the community with any news from OPRD. Keep your fingers crossed!
Alternative Youth Activities work crew. On their final day, they brought bikes and got a chance to ride the trails they maintained.
Upcoming Events:
Run Whiskey Run: October 10th
This annual running race, put on by the South Coast Run Club, has a 1.5-Mile, 5-Mile, and 10-Mile option. This makes it an ideal event for new and experienced racers. Sign up here.
5th Annual Gorse Pedal and Pull: October 24th @ 1PM-5 PM
The winner of this mountain bike “race” is measured by pounds of invasive gorse pulled. All ages, skill levels, and abilities welcome.
Wild Coast Holiday Ride: November 21st
Join us for our annual Holiday Ride where we shuttle Pine Grove, the longest descent on the Oregon Coast. This event is free for members. We ask that non members make a donation. RSVP Here: https://wctaholidayride.rsvpify.com/
Volunteer Opportunities:
Join us for a monthly community dig day! These work parties are ideal for families, first time builders, or anyone wanting to further their involvement with WCTA. Dates are set for September 26th, October 31st, and November 28th. Sign up for any of these here!
November 7th we’re partnering with the Native Plant Society of Oregon for a workday at 100 Acre Wood. We’ll pull English Ivy, an invasive species. Stay tuned for more details. Bring your bikes for some post-pull riding!
We’ll also be hosting a Pine Grove Tune Up November 20th to prepare the trail for our annual Holiday Ride. This will likely include, logout, debris removal, and tread work. Spend the night in Agness and enjoy our free shuttles the next day! Sign up here. Spots are limited.
