Skiing, just for the fun of it, with Bill Koch
By Chris “Flash” Clark

I grew up skiing on the narrow winding trails of Vermont’s Green Mountains, but after moving to the Methow ten years ago, I hadn’t skied back there since. Not until this past winter, one of the worst snow seasons on record for New England, when I had the promise of spending the day skiing with Bill Koch.

Bill Koch was my idol as I grew up. When I was six, he won the silver medal at the 1976 Olympics. At seven I watched a movie he made about Nordic skiing that forever made me fall in love with the sport. When I was ten I watched him race in the 30 kilometer event at the Lake Placid Olympics. When I was starting my ski racing career, he invented the skating technique and then won the 1982 World Cup overall title. While I idolized Bill’s accomplishments, what I didn’t appreciate then was that he just loved to ski.

A young Flash Clark practices his ski racing technique in Vermon't Green Mountains

I arrived at Bill’s house mid-morning, with two friends who I have skied with my whole life. The first thing I noticed was the massive pile of snow leading up to the bottom branches of an old maple with a tree house. The snow pile was carved into a perfect ramp that led down from the tree house and into a jump, launching skiers over the front walkway, and onto a steep outrun on Bill’s front yard. I instantly knew that the owner of this house has fun on skis.

Bill was ready to ski when the three of us got out of the car. We all put on our waxless skis, packed some extra food and clothes, and discussed the route for the day. The weather was perfect and none of the four of us had any other plans for the day, so we decided to go for a longer day. Bill took off his skis went back in the house and got some extra headlamps. Yes, it was going to be a longer day.

After a few jumps from the tree house and one spectacular crash in front of my idol, we were off on our tour. We headed into the hardwood forest that covered the slopes of Stiles Peak. There were no groomed trails to be seen. The only tracks were those left by us and a moose. The four of us combined have close to a hundred years of Nordic ski racing experience. Thousands of hours spent training and racing around the world skiing on some of the finest trails and courses ever made. Yet today what brought us all back together was the chance to spend a day on skis touring through the woods.

We made our trail as we went along, winding around cliffs, and skiing on beaver ponds when we had the chance. Halfway through the day, while skiing at the end of our small group, I noticed the ease with which everyone was able to move across the frozen landscape. We were each at home on skis with a true love for the sport. Nordic racing was an avenue for all of us to test ourselves, but what racing really did was teach us all something about friendship and something about having fun on skis.

We made it back to Bill’s house just as the last light was leaving the February sky. He invited us into his basement where the woodstove crackled and all the skis of Bill’s career lined the walls. We sat there on maple logs laughing about the day and hearing stories from Bill. The kid in me wanted to ask to see the silver medal, but now that seemed irrelevant. What mattered was the fact that famous stories were now being spoken in the same breath alongside stories made just two hours ago while skiing through the woods. Bill seemed to prefer the ones about the woods.

Flash shares his extensive skiing experience with young local skiers as a coach for the Methow Valley Nordic Team, and has been known to seek big air during practices.

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About the author: Brian is a senior Business Management major at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he races for the university’s Nordic team. He grew up in the Methow Valley, graduated from Liberty Bell High School, and enjoyed skiing, running, and soccer among other activities in the valley. He made time in his busy schedule to write about his experience as one of only six men chosen to represent the United States in international competition in Slovenia.

Brian Gregg races in the U-23 World Cross-Country Ski Championships

Living out of a suitcase during a week of collegiate cross-country ski racing in Bozeman, Montana last January, I received an email naming me to the U.S. Under 23 World Championships Team. This was only 10 days before I would need to depart for the races in Kranj, Slovenia, and I didn’t have a passport. Somewhat unprepared, I contemplated whether or not going on this trip would be a good idea: It was self-funded, I would miss two weeks of school and work, and half of the regular collegiate cross-country ski racing season.

Comparing these drawbacks to my long term goal of being competitive internationally in cross-country ski racing, I realized this was an opportunity of a lifetime.

I changed my airplane ticket to Anchorage to include an extended layover in Seattle. With help from Methow Valley residents – including Harold and Tina Heath, who allowed me the use of their Seattle home, and Mary Drobka, who let me use her downtown office – and with my mom and dad’s support, I was able to fly back to Anchorage with a valid passport.

A few days at school granted me enough time to make arrangements with my professors so that I wouldn’t be too far behind upon my return. I was very happy that I had taken a few courses over the summer so that I could take just 12 credit hours my final semester.

Just five days later I boarded a plane, again, for the 24-hour flight to Lublijana, Slovenia. Unfortunately, by booking my flight less than a week in advance I wasn’t able to fly with any of my teammates. My current teammate and pal Kassandra Rice from UAA also made the U23 team and got to fly with Sadie Bjornsen from the Methow Valley. Sadie was also was going to Slovenia to compete in the World Junior Championships. Both competitions were held at the same place, but on opposite days.

The hectic departure behind me, and with the help of some sleeping pills, the flight passed quickly and I soon met up with my teammates in Slovenia. This was my second trip to Europe and, once I arrived, my eyes were wide open trying to take everything in.

Slovenia, which lies east of Italy, is a beautiful country. My favorite part of Slovenia was the Alps, where the mountains tower above the valley floor. This is where we stayed for the first week of the trip; it was a well-needed opportunity to adjust to the time difference as well as the cultural differences of Europe. The 10-hour time difference from Anchorage made staying awake in the evenings a game while desperately trying to sleep in past 6 a.m. in the morning.
However, the time change wasn’t as much of a challenge as the cultural difference. It seems like everyone smokes, everywhere. I will never forget climbing one of the hills during the race only to inhale the second hand smoke from a spectator. I am not sure that I will ever be able to adjust to that.

Still, there were many facets of the culture that impressed me. It was wonderful to see so many people out and about, walking, skiing and having lunch or tea in the different cafes. Also, it seemed to me the Slovenians used resources more efficiently. Items purchased contained less packaging, recycling was prevalent, and cars were much smaller.

Since my only Slovenian was “dober dan” (good day), my interactions with the people of Slovenia were limited. Interestingly enough, I did get the opportunity to use some of my Spanish to communicate with a barber who knew Italian, so I could get my hair cut. The team took a trip to the Alpina factory. It was fascinating to see the factory operations in a different culture, not to mention seeing ski boots made.

The races took place the second week of our stay. With almost an entire week to do nothing but train, rest, and study, I felt really good. Since I have never competed at an international World Championship, my goals for the races were not based on results. My hope was to have a good feeling during the races and let the results sort themselves out.

The Under 23 team consisted of six men, and only four can race in each event. I was selected to compete in the two distance events, a 10 kilometer classic race and a 30 kilometer duathlon. The duathlon involves 15 kilometers of classic technique, and 15 kilometer of freestyle technique with a change of equipment. The entire time the clock is running.

The race courses were very spectator friendly, consisting of a 2.5 kilometer loop. Although this means doing 12 laps for a 30 kilometer race, it makes it easy to understand the course and to work on your pacing.

Although my result wasn’t too exciting, I was happy with my performance in the 10 kilometer classic start. I finished 52nd and was the 3rd American to finish, and I felt pretty good during most of the race. Since the course is so short, even with an interval start you are able to ski with a variety of skiers. I was able to ski several laps with skiers who placed in the top 15, and though I was quite a bit out of the lead, I believe it is possible to be near the front of the pack some day.

My second race was disappointing. I felt pretty good during the classic portion and found myself with less distance to the leaders at the 15 kilometer mark than I did in my 10 kilometer race. Switching to freestyle, my stronger technique, I was running about 45th place. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to move up in the field during this part of the race. Starting my fourth skate lap, about 25 kilometers in, I could hear the leaders coming up behind me.
There is a rule that skiers who are lapped are to be pulled from the race. I pretty much started sprinting, but a course official stepped out in front of me 500 meters down the trail and stopped me. He said he was sorry and held on to me as I watched from the side of the course as the lead pack skied on by.

To be honest, that particular moment was one of the worst I have ever experienced while racing. I was mad at myself for not being able to ski faster…actually, I was pretty much upset about everything. After watching the remainder of the race and cheering on two of my American teammates who weren’t pulled, I took a long walk by myself.

I experienced a rainbow of emotions but, in the end, I was able to come to the realization that this was an experience that was going to make me stronger for the future. I don’t ever want to be pulled from a race again. This motivation will help me continue my growth in training and help me toward my goal of becoming an elite international ski racer.

This trip has been an experience of a lifetime. I am already looking forward to next year’s Under 23 Championships in Italy. Some people ask if I’m going to start training tomorrow for the big event; in fact, my training started yesterday. United States skiing is making significant advancements, and it is my wish to be a part of the movement.

I am grateful to have such a strong community in the Methow Valley to support me through experiences and opportunities like these. I look forward to seeing you out on the trails and having a good time.

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MVSTA co-hosts new bicycle racing event
by Ann McCreary

The Methow Valley is host to some of the Northwest’s most popular Nordic ski events, trail runs and mountain biking. One sport that has maintained a comparatively low profile in the valley – road cycling – is about to get a lot more visible here.

Road races are great spectator sports.

This spring the Methow Valley will provide the venue for a new road race, called the Methow Valley Tour, on April 29 and 30. This new addition to Washington’s road race calendar is presented by MVSTA, Winthrop Physical Therapy, and Lake Washington Velo.
“The timing is right to bring bicycle racing to the Methow Valley,” said Jay Lucas, MVSTA’s executive director. “It’s an exciting spectator sport with the potential to increase tourism dollars and showcase our other recreational opportunities.”

The Methow Valley Tour will showcase the valley’s awe-inspiring scenery with challenging courses that span the length of the valley. For the inaugural year, the race features a 10-mile, out-and-back time trial in Mazama, a fast, crowd-pleasing criterium in downtown Twisp, and a road race circuit that passes through downtown Winthrop.

The event is predicted to attract about 200 of the top amateur riders in the Northwest, said Terry Buchanan, president of Lake Washington Velo, which promotes races and develops young riders. Buchanan said conversations with road racing enthusiasts prompted him to propose the idea of joining forces with MVSTA and Winthrop Physical Therapy to create the Methow Valley Tour.

“There are a lot of people who race bikes who appreciate coming over to the valley,” Buchanan said. “It has good road racing. There’s no reason not to expose people to that.”
Washington needed another major stage race, Buchanan said. The Methow Valley Tour’s April date “fits into the shoulder season nicely,” and won’t conflict with the valley’s busy summer tourist season.

The event schedule calls for the time trial in the morning in Mazama on Saturday, April 29, the criterium race on Saturday afternoon through downtown Twisp, and a road race around the Chewuch Road loop in Winthrop on Sunday, April 30.

All the races will be good spectator events, Buchanan said. The Twisp criterium, in particular, “will be fast and furious.” Riders travel a half-mile loop through town, riding in a pack.
“It’s kind of like Nascar. You’ll be able to feel the wind of the pack as 80 guys go by,” Buchanan said. “We will have an announcer to explain to people what’s going on – drafting, attacking, sprinting.”

The event will also include a criterium for kids, who will get a chance to race the course, Buchanan said.

The road race will also be exciting for spectators, as riders charge through Winthrop while traveling the loop connecting the East Chewuch and West Chewuch roads.
The stage race is not only fun, it’s profitable for the communities involved, Lucas said. He said a criterium held annually in Wenatchee is estimated to generate about $50,000 for the local economy there.

Although The Methow Valley Tour is MVSTA’s first involvement in sponsoring a road race, Buchanan said MVSTA’s reputation for excellent Nordic ski events and trail races made it a perfect partner with Lake Washington Velo.

He said Winthrop Physical Therapy is another good partner, because it is becoming known as a regional center for sports performance training programs and athlete services.
Three local businesses are participating as sponsors, including Winthrop Mountain Sports, sponsoring the road race; Blackbirds Country Store, sponsoring the criterium; and Methow Cycle and Sport, sponsoring the time trial.

Both Lucas and Buchanan see this inaugural year as a springboard to an expanded Methow Valley Tour that will take advantage of terrain all around the valley.

“We are hoping for a great turnout in the first year so we can sell the community and merchants on the value and excitement of bike racing,” Lucas said. “We want to expand this event throughout the Okanogan and include mountain top finishes at Washington and Loup Loup passes in the future.”

Buchanan said the event has the potential “to become the premier stage race in Washington, and rival the other Northwest premier stage races, the Mount Hood Classic and Columbia Plateau.

“I feel like there’s a sleeping giant out there in terms of terrain,” Buchanan said. “If we want to go bigger and make it more of an event, we could go national.”

For more information about the event, visit the MV Tour webpage or Lake Washington Velo at www.broadmarkcycling.com.

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Top ten reasons to ride your bicycle in the Methow Valley
by Joe Brown

Every season in the Methow Valley brings an array of recreational opportunities – sometimes overlapping. As we move from one season to another – winter to spring, fall to winter – we are lucky enough to have a choice (often simultaneously) of skiing, running, climbing, paddling, hiking or cycling. We are an active group who loves the outdoors, and chances are that lots of us are involved in not one, but several of these activities. New seasons bring new gear lists, training plans, and strategies for redefining our personal bests. With the roads and trails clear of snow, I find myself thinking about my favorite activity, and why more of us might want to do it.

Joe Brown hoists his bike during a cyclocross race

Reason #1: Cycling is fun. Whether you are a kid on a BMX bike or a retired person revisiting cycling, riding bikes is fun. The wind in your hair and quiet whirring of tires on pavement or trail is refreshing and invigorating. We also tend to notice more things about our surroundings, whether it be the landscape or how long a hill seems on a bike compared to when we last drove it. The scale is different which allows us to notice, to see and to consider.

Reason #2: Cycling is healthy. It is one the most effective means of exercise and certainly among the easiest on the body. Within an aging yet active population, cycling can provide healthy activity well into our elder years. Cycling is proven to both increase our cardiovascular capability as well as strength and flexibility. Cycling also reduces stress, adjusts our attitude and reminds us that we are alive.

Reason #3: Cycling is complementary. Because of the cardiovascular and kinesthetic qualities, cycling is a good balance to activities such as skiing, hiking, and running. Cycling offers a gentle stretching and contracting of major muscle groups which can help muscle tissue remain supple in many applications. Cycling is also kind to all of our most important joints, particularly our knees and hips.

Reason #4: Cycling is accessible. The Methow Valley offers some of the most challenging yet diverse terrain in the Northwest. Whether you’re seeking a challenging road ride or an all day epic mountain bike ride, you can do either from your door in many cases. For those looking for a breath-taking mountain bike adventure, Angel’s Staircase, the State’s highest legal mountain bike, ride awaits. Starvation Mountain and Lightning Creek also offer up a variety options. On the road the North Cascades beckons to the west and the vast expanse of the Okanogan to the east. On the Valley floor many shorter yet interesting loops await. The Chewuch loop located north of Winthrop, Twisp-Carlton loop and Twisp River Road all offer a variety of terrain, scenery and length.

Reason #5: Cycling is dual purpose. It is both exercise and transportation. Instead of driving to the store or Farmers Market we can ride our bikes. Cycling allows us to be more efficient with our exercise by combining it with errands or commuting. There are many products currently available to assist with load carrying, safety and comfort.

Reason #6: Cycling is social. Meet at the bakery or favorite espresso bar with friends before, during, or after a ride. Cycling offers a perfect opportunity to develop new friendships, go new places and catch up on the local gossip. Many long lasting friendships have been initiated and sustained through riding bicycles. The Methow offers endless opportunities to combine diverse interests with others through cycling

Reason # 7: Cycling is resource rich. Currently cyclists of all ages and abilities, including those with major disabilities can enjoy bicycles and accessories designed specifically around special needs and interests. Many bicycle manufacturers offer women-specific designs, comfort bikes, and kids’ bikes alongside high-end racing bikes. Much research and development has gone into creating a wide variety of saddles specifically designed for the range of anatomic preferences.
In addition there are a plethora of events, clubs and other organizations that address many interests, including advocacy, racing, touring, and education, etc. This year is the Methow Valley will host two high profile races that showcase our commitment to cycling and the Methow as a destination for cyclists. On April 29-30th the Methow Tour – a two-day, three-stage road race comes to the valley. On June 11, The Methow Cycle & Sport, North Cascades Classic comes to the local hills for the fat tire crowd. For locals, there are plenty of options to hone cycling fitness and skills by participating in the weekly road time trial and mountain bike circuit races beginning in late spring/early summer.

Reason #8: Cycling is affordable. Compared with most other sports that come to mind, cycling is inexpensive over the long haul. The quality of bicycles and related components now offer a level of dependability and longevity that allow for years of enjoyment given regular care and maintenance. Best of all, no gas required. Like most products which lend themselves to technological advances, the range of bicycles available to consumers is astonishing. Bicycles range in price from $200 for the frugal buyer to well above $5000 for the carbon crazed crowd. Local merchants continue to offer a wide range of choices and offer the added benefit of choosing the right bike and ensuring it fits properly.

Reason #9: Cycling is challenging. Similar to a golf swing or Nordic skiing technique, cycling is a lifetime sport of learning and development, a continuum if you will. It is about finesse, power, fitness and adventure. There are things to be learned on every ride, which sometimes provides the sole reason to go out and do it again tomorrow. Cycling asks you to improve, develop and strengthen. Whether your aim is to race, complete your first century, or just get out on a local trail, you’ll find it as challenging as you choose to make it.

Reason #10: Cycling is quirky and beautiful. The sport of cycling attracts eccentric, odd and interesting people. All over the world cyclists of all colors, sizes, ideologies and philosophies share the simple pleasure of turning the cranks while balancing on two wheels. Cycling is also a beautiful combination of power and finesse, balance and efficiency, and of human and machine. The combination of human performance connected to and working with the most efficient machine is beautiful. Similar to a powder day in the backcountry, cycling provides the opportunity to find your own way while experiencing and enjoying the local surroundings and terrain.

Joe Brown is co-owner of Methow Cycle & Sport (formerly Valley Bicycle Repair). He also works part-time at Winthrop Physical Therapy and Fitness as a cycling coach and physical therapy aide. He started racing bicycles at age twelve and, until recently, raced at the elite level in road racing, cyclocross and mountain biking. Joe pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Washington in Community and Environmental Planning and Educational Leadership and Policy, respectively. He is interested in community issues, particularly those related to pedestrians, cycling and education.

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New statewide bike series includes race at Sun Mountain
by Ann McCreary

A new mountain bike race, part of a statewide race series, will be held on the Sun Mountain trails June 11.

Called the Methow Cycle and Sport North Cascades Classic, the event is expected to draw about 300 racers from around the state and Canada, according to organizer Joe Brown.
The North Cascades Classic is part of the Indie Series, comprised of eight cross-country bike races sponsored by independent promoters. Brown, owner of Methow Cycle and Sport in Winthrop, is co-directing the race with another race promoter involved in the series.

“It’s a collaborative effort of independent promoters,” Brown said. “Racers can score points toward a tally at the end of the year.” The Indie Series was organized last year.

In past years, the Methow Valley has hosted mountain bike races put on by a professional promotion company. Those events ended, but people still wanted to race here, Brown said.
“This is welcoming the return of high visibility mountain bike racing to the valley,” he said.
The races will include events for beginner, sport, expert and pro categories, with courses designed to challenge each level, Brown said. There will also be a free kids’ race, he said.
“We’re going to create the loops so they lend themselves to spectators being able to watch.” Brown said the Chickadee trailhead area will be a good place to see the race.

For information, call Brown at 996-3645, or visit the Indie Series website at www.IndieSeries.com.

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Adding to the Mix and Vitality of Methow Valley Life
By Soo Ing-Moody

For such a small place, the Methow Valley is surprisingly cultured, worldly, and active. A richly diverse mix of local denizens has made the Methow Valley the exciting place it is, with newcomers of all ages continuing to add to the area’s vitality.

In this issue of Trails, we feature a few locals who have recently made the move to the Methow Valley, and whose energy and contributions are examples of the talent and dedication that continues to shape this remote and beautiful valley into an artistically talented, intellectually stimulating, and culturally dynamic place.

Each of the folks profiled here has developed a relationship with the outdoors and the trails. Though many people are initially drawn to the Methow Valley for its beautiful natural surroundings and abundance of recreational opportunities, those who have chosen to stay know there is more than meets the eye in this little community.

Living the Dream

It was the dreamy setting of bright stars, fresh air, and a beautiful rural mountain valley with abundant hiking and biking potential that first attracted Lynette Westendorf and Richard Hart to the Methow Valley.

The couple had been visiting the Methow Valley for 12 years, in the summers to backpack, and in the winters to ski, before finally moving here for good. Both Lynette and Richard made the move without giving up their accomplished careers.

Richard Hart & Lynette Westendorf

Lynette, who is a composer and pianist, has continued her musical pursuits while living in the Methow Valley. In addition to teaching piano, composing, and doing local volunteer work, her most recent project includes making a CD of music scheduled to accompany a touring museum exhibit about the Columbia River, sponsored by the Wenatchee Valley Museum.
“The arts community (here) was a big appeal to me,” explains Lynette. “I didn’t just want to isolate myself outside of the community.”

Both Lynette and Richard are actively involved in the community. Lynette does volunteer work for the jazz festival and other local music events, while Richard is the chairman of the Shafer Museum in Winthrop.

“Start volunteering with art organizations and there will be things to do. There is a lot of opportunity here,” says Lynette.

“I felt at home even before I moved here,” says Richard. “While traveling through on work, I always tried to make a stop once a month in the Methow Valley.”
Richard’s work as a historian includes a lot of traveling throughout the country to conduct research. He is often called to provide expert testimony in litigation on Native American treaty rights and land disputes.

“I do a lot of work with the Justice Department when working with tribes, doing documentary history, working in archives, reading bad microfiche of treaties, and trying to figure out what a treaty meant. So, getting out on the ski trails is a welcome.”

Their dream of moving to an area where work and play could be incorporated into an active and balanced lifestyle was realized in 2001, when the couple made the move from Seattle in the snowy winter month of January.

Since their move, the couple has made the trails system, which runs past their Winthrop home, an extension of their active lives in the Methow Valley.

“I’m reasonably secure to say that we are out on the trails 100-150 times a year,” boasts Richard, who admits to keeping track of the number of times he actually gets out (something a historian would do).

In fact, his records show that he never went out fewer than four times a week this past winter to ski!

After realizing the extensive trails open to biking in the area, Richard went out and bought a bike and attempts to ride nearly every day in the warmer months. “It is really terrific, you can get out so quickly,” says Richard.

“We’ll use (the trails) until we are unable to use them,” says Lynette. “We knew it was a key asset to have our place close to the trails system.”

Entranced by the View

Damon and Ginny Abdallah’s introduction the Methow Valley came when he was asked to perform at the Merc Playhouse professional theater’s production “ART” in August 2004.

With both Ginny and Damon’s professional careers centered on the performing arts, it seemed necessary to live in an urban setting. But, a trip to the Methow Valley changed everything for them.

Damon & Ginny Abdallah

“We were entranced by the view in the Methow Valley. Looking from virtually every place (in the Methow Valley) we could see big mountains and trees. It was the sheer beauty of it,” says Damon.

This is a far cry from their former home in the heart of Spokane where their only views were of busy downtown streets, adjacent and very nearby buildings (including a detoxification center across the street), with homeless individuals in the corridors, and sounds of a busy freeway just two streets away.

“Even though we have been offered jobs in other areas, we are having a hard time taking them,” admits Ginny. Damon says he found it difficult to leave the valley even for a few weeks last fall to continue performing in his one-man show, “Fully Committed,” in Longview, WA, after its very successful run in Twisp last summer.

“It was hard to be in a metropolitan area again,” says Damon, laughing at his own description of Longview as “metropolitan.”
Since their move to the Methow Valley, both artists have continued their involvement in the performing arts. Damon has 10 years of experience in theater, and the past five years as a professional actor. His says his first love of comics and cartoons is a great influence on him and his acting.

“I beg, borrow, and steal from the Simpsons and the Muppet Show,” says Damon about some of the characters he has played.

Having worked as stage manager and most all other capacities behind the scenes of theatrical production, Ginny immediately got involved with the Merc Playhouse in Twisp as well.

After working with Damon in last August’s Merc Playhouse production “Fully Committed,” Ginny is busy on her next projects, working as stage manager for the upcoming summer productions of “The Drawer Boy” and “Sylvia” at the Merc Playhouse.

Damon’s has taken on the roles of John the Baptist and Judas Priest in the Methow Valley Theater musical production ‘Godspell’ to run April 27, 28, 29, 30 and May 4, 5, 6 at the Twisp Community Center.

Initially entranced by the mountain views, the Abdallahs are proud to say that they have now acquired two books on hiking around the Methow Valley. They have already hiked Heather Pass, Maple Pass, and (the not so easy) Easy Pass, and plan to continue to explore the area while backpacking this year.

“The blessings and opportunities keep happening here, and more doors keep opening,” says Damon.

Following the Heart

“What brought us here were the trails,” say Brian and Amy Sweet, owners of the Trails End Bookstore in Winthrop. The Sweets purchased the bookstore three years ago, after moving to the Methow Valley just nine months earlier from Maine after a two-month canoeing jaunt in Alaska (where they almost stayed). “We kind of wanted more people, and a place that is not too remote,” says Amy.

Amy & Brian Sweet

In search of a place to call home, the Sweets traveled around following their hearts, and happened upon the Methow Valley, after some friends told them of the area.

“The first weekend we were here there was a contra-dance (we had met at a contra-dance), a Fiddler’s Contest, and one other event,” recalls Amy.

“We were surprised that this dinky town had so much to do,” says Brian. “So, we hiked to Blue Lake and decided to stay. We bought a house two months later (which we also didn’t plan).
“Here, there is culture and a mixture of people who have come from many different places with many different ideas, and bringing with them a lot of energy,” adds Brian. “People are here because they want to be here. They have made a conscious decision to be here, and have given up the riches for the good life. It is a good place to be,” he says.

“We decided not to move for a job, and that the jobs would follow, so we moved for the place. Then we got lucky with the store,” says Brian.

“We came for the trails but we stayed for the people,” says Amy.

Though most days you will find Brian at the bookstore, he explains that in keeping work fun, a balance is needed to include time spent pursuing other activities close to the heart. As a trained and avid cross country skier, Brian pursues his passion nearly everyday during the winter months.

“It is by far the best skiing in North America, and I have skied a lot in a lot of different places. The thing that makes it so unique is that the trails go some place. You can ski somewhere because they are all connected. You don’t just go and spin in circles, and I love it. I can’t not ski,” admits Brian.

“I love to ski too, but I don’t have the passion Brian does,” says Amy. “The good thing is that I could just leave the skis in my car and on my way to work just stop for a ski. The ski trails are amazingly accessible and because it is easy, it makes me do it all that much more.”

With a desire to share his experience and passion for skiing, Brian organized the “Tour of the Methow” event, a non-competitive ski tour celebrating the sport.

“Anybody can ski 20 kilometers. It is broken up into three stages. It is to get anyone out and promote skiing. You can choose to ski 20, 30, 50, or 80 kilometers. We want it to easily be the biggest ski event in the valley,” Brian says.

In fact, the annual event, which includes a shuttle bus to the trails, food, and a T-shirt, all for $10, has become increasingly popular since its inception three years ago, with 94 participants registered this past year, up from 50 the year before.

However passionate about skiing the Sweets may be, enjoyment of the outdoors does not end for this couple when the snow is gone. In the summer months, the Sweets explore the area via the many local hiking trails.

“This past fall, we started at Rainy Pass and hiked the Pacific Crest to Mount Rainier. We are getting to know Washington State,” says Amy.

Brian’s goal is to know and be able to recognize the mountains from a distance and from all angles.

“We feel like we step back in time, when we go (into the mountains). You may see people there, and you may not, and that is the way we like it. It is the way it is supposed to be,” says Brian.
“Just the mountains, the flowers, and the marmots,” adds Amy.

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The Susie Stevens Trail plans move forward

Plans are in the works for a multiple use trail through Winthrop that would connect to the MVSTA trail system.

The 1.5-mile Susie Stephens Trail is designed provide pedestrians and cyclists a safer, more scenic route through town than traveling along Highway 20, the main route through Winthrop.
As currently proposed, the trail would begin near the south end of Riverside Avenue (Highway 20) and cross the Methow River just below the offices of the Methow Conservancy. A 400-foot cable stayed bridge would be constructed over the river, connecting the Susie Stephens trail to MVSTA’s Town Trailhead.

The new bridge will provide an important link between MVSTA’s trails and the town, said Rocklynn Culp, Winthrop town planner.

“It will mean people can have a more seamless interaction between staying and shopping in Winthrop, and having access to the trail system,” Culp said. “The trail will serve as an anchor to an extensive, multi-use, year-round trail network.”

After crossing the river, the new trail would then continue south, traveling along a route west of Highway 20 to just south of the post office building. The trail will be about 12 feet wide, with a crushed gravel surface that is wheelchair accessible.

The state Department of Transportation and the Town of Winthrop are partners in the project, which has received $1.17 million in funding from the state legislature, said Culp. That money will pay for the first segment of the trail, to be completed by DOT, which will include the bridge and short segments of trail on either side of the bridge, Culp said.

The state is working on completing right-of-way acquisition and design, and construction of the bridge segment of the trail is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2008, Culp said.

Meanwhile, the town is seeking grants for about $1 million in additional funding that will be needed to complete the rest of the trail, she said. If the funds can be acquired by the time the DOT is ready to begin building, the entire project could be completed at the same time.
The trail is named as a tribute to Susie Stephens, a Methow Valley resident, Methow Conservancy staff member, and a nationally known advocate for pedestrians and cyclists.
Safety was the primary motivation behind creation of the trail, explained Culp. Highway 20 has very narrow shoulders through much of Winthrop, which can become very congested during tourist season. Traffic volume recorded just west of Winthrop show an increase of about 30 percent in the past decade.

The result has been a growing amount of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists along the busy route. The Susie Stephens trail will provide a safe alternative to the highway.
The trail is also viewed as the first leg of a safe route to the Methow Valley school campus, Culp said.

While safety was the principal objective, the trail will also have value as a recreational resource, especially given its link to MVSTA’s trails at the Town Trailhead, which provides access to the rest of the extensive trail system.

“The Susie Stephens Trail is more of a transportation corridor than a recreational trail…but realistically we know it will serve both purposes,” Culp said.

Ultimately, the trail could connect to other trails that have been discussed, including a River Walk Trail through the upper part of Winthrop, and a trail that would connect the towns of Winthrop and Twisp.


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