In Memory of Jeff Holm

It is with sadness we announce the passing of a fellow mountain-biker. Jeff Holm, state GIS Coordinator (1994 to 2007), friend, co-worker, and husband passed away last night October 22, 2009 surrounded by his family and friends.

Shortly after retiring from state government in 2007, Jeff was diagnosed with methothelioma cancer. He had aimed to do more mountain bike riding, to work on putting his Porsche sports car back together, to travel with his wife Susan and do many other things that retirement affords.

I (Mtn-Biker Man) will remember forever the 6-day mountain bike trip that Jeff’s wife Susan, and my wife Naomi gave us both for Christmas a few short years ago where we were able to s-t-r-e-t-c-h it out to 13 days of hard riding in areas from Fruita Colorado to Moab Utah.

Background: Jeff was born and raised in Minnesota. He served in the Navy for two years, based out of Bremerton, was stationed for some time in Viet Nam and worked special operations in other unnamed places. (His family laughs over the letters from Jeff that were screened and mostly blackened out.) After the Navy he attended college here and decided to stay in the Northwest because of the mountains, hiking and climbing. Jeff worked in various IT capacities for the state, the vast majority with the Department of Information Systems. Jeff had a profound passion for GIS work and stewardship that overflowed to his outside activities and passions with mountain biking, cross-country skiing, board-sailing, sailing, and good coffee. And yes, his wife Susan was involved in these as well! Jeff is survived by his wife (Susan), mother (87), three adoring sisters, two compassionate sister-in-laws, and a wonderful mouser cat “Sneakers.”

Let there be thanks we had the opportunity to know, work, and bike with him.

Greetings to New Participant Jim G.

"Mountain Bikers’ Blog" extends a warm welcome to a new participant . . . Jim G. One of your editors and Skyler were just finishing up an hour’s + rush / big push on single track at Fort Lewis (area 23) when we literally ran by Jim on the trail.

We chatted up a bit and found that Jim has a passion and interest in riding the trails in the area with others. (Jim's ride is a sweet Motobecane Fantom Team Mountain bike, which does have pedals, unlike this pic.)

A warm welcome to Jim!

"Heart Attack" HA Hill Ride @ Kennedy Creek

One of your other "editors" Jeff H. recently rode Kennedy Creek area and rode up “Heart Attack” (HA) hill and did a figure 8, cutting across at the mid point dual-track. Jeff is thinking it would be a nifty challenge to run it the other direction, taking the mid-point road uphill twice… ….someday. Here is the link to his ride and "stats": http://connect.garmin.com/activity/15310474

Stellar job Jeff! The stats speak for your work.

Bike "Trick or Treats" at Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan’s Echo Valley Trail system (9 miles out of town) serves up a real treat and is a blast for riding. A map of the area is located here at this link http://www.uncletimstoys.com/echo_trails.htm.
If you’re riding with a group that has mixed skills and abilities you won’t want to pass this opportunity up. We stayed at a condo at Lake Chelan Shores and drove up to go ride every day. We found out “Uncle Tim's Toys” has some awesome up-to-date cabins, each very private, well appointed, wood stove, stellar views, private hot tub, and smack in the middle of some great trails. Check it out at http://www.uncletimstoys.com/

My wife loved the area (about 3,500’ to 4,000’ elevation), the riding, open and panoramic views, and the winding fast downhill rewards. The hills are not so steep to be overwhelming or a discouragement. Elevation gains are mostly gradual.

At the end of your ride, check out Uncle Tim’s for your favorite beverage and some good conversation. Tim is a fun character. (He rents full suspension bikes there too.)

Oh, the wine touring and tasting of the some 15 or so wineries was fun as well.