Galbraith Mountain To Get 3 New Trails in 2024

Alright, let's get real here. We're not just talking about some dirt and rocks getting shuffled around on Galbraith Mountain this spring. Nope, we're diving into a game-changer for the mountain biking scene with three spanking new trails set to pop up. And let's not even get started on the badass crosswalk that's gonna make darting across South Samish Way less like a game of Frogger and more like, well, a leisurely stroll to the fun.

First up in our trio of trail tales is "Blue Ribbon" – and no, it's not a beer. It's one of the new trails, and it's got its name already shining in lights. Ellie Price, the voice of the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC), spilled the beans to The Bellingham Herald that while the other two trails are still nameless, "Blue Ribbon" is ready to rock. But here's the kicker: we've got to wait until May for these babies to open up. Why? Because Mother Nature decided to turn on the waterworks this winter, leaving the trails too mushy for our liking.

"Blue Ribbon" is nestled on the south side, cozying up to "Whoopsie Woodle," and it's pegged as an intermediate trail. This little project is getting fueled by the pockets of WMBC members and the good folks at Transition Bike Company.

Then there's this trail on the north side, getting all fancy with a dual slalom setup. Yeah, you heard that right – two riders can go head-to-head in a race to the bottom. Funded by the community and Kona Bicycle Company, this trail is still a bit of a mystery on the difficulty level but let's be honest, it's probably gonna land in the intermediate zone. Though it's cool and all, don't expect it to be a star in the WMBC's Whatcom World Cup races. It's more of a "let's have a blast" kind of trail than a serious competitive beast.

And because we can't have nice things without a touch of heart, the third trail is a tribute to a mountain biking enthusiast who left us too soon. It's another trail for the intermediates but with some gnarly expert options, crossing paths with "El Pollo Elastico."

Now, onto the crosswalk saga. It's been a long time coming since 2018, but finally, families and their furry friends won't have to play chicken with traffic to get to the mountain. Thanks to a heap of fundraising and some help from Whatcom County and the city of Bellingham, this crosswalk is set to include flashy, solar-powered lights by spring 2024. Because, you know, we're all about that eco-friendly life.

So, there you have it. Galbraith Mountain is about to get even cooler, thanks to the community's relentless push for progress. Trails that cater to every level of daredevil and a crosswalk that says, "Yeah, we care." It's more than just biking; it's about building a badass community that looks out for each other and the environment. Now, if only we could get those trails named