Recreation Northwest adds Padden Mountain Pedal to Event Portfolio
BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 29, 2013 – Recreation Northwest, a nonprofit health and wellness event organization in Bellingham, Washington, expands its race portfolio to include the Padden Mountain Pedal. Recreation Northwest produces sustainable events that promote public health and wellness, showcase the region’s recreational amenities and connect businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Executive Director Todd Elsworth is confident that hosting the July 14, 2013 Padden Mountain Pedal at Lake Padden will engage the active Bellingham and regional cycling communities.
This race, which began in 1993, presents a wonderful challenge for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. Mark Peterson has been Race Director for the Padden Mountain Pedal for the past 20 years, and will remain on as Race Director in partnership with Recreation Northwest.
“I am proud to be partnering with Recreation Northwest so the Padden Mountain Pedal will continue on as the cornerstone of cross country mountain bike racing in the Pacific Northwest for many years to come,” Peterson said. “I’m ecstatic to continue on as Race Director while Recreation Northwest handles all the other details that make for a successful event. Recreation Northwest has the experience, logistical support and resources that were paramount qualifications in my search for a great partner. There is no doubt in my mind that this partnership will keep the longest standing mountain bike race in the Pacific Northwest relevant and vibrant well into the future.”
Elsworth expects the 2013 Padden Mountain Pedal to draw 250 riders. Lake Padden boasts a scenic course, and various age and ability brackets make this race accessible to the entire community. Youth cyclists are invited to hop in the saddle as well, and there will be a free kids race at the event for children 10 and under.
Elsworth said under the board’s leadership, and with the efforts of dedicated volunteers, the new organization is well equipped to host the Padden Mountain Pedal and to pursue its goals of encouraging public health and the stewardship of open spaces through community recreation events.
Recreation Northwest produces three multi-sport adventure relay races: the Bellingham Traverse, Olympia Traverse and the new Bellingham KIDS Traverse.
For more information about the 2013 Padden Mountain Pedal, visit http://www.paddenmtnpedal.com.
To learn more about Recreation Northwest and the upcoming Bellingham Traverse, Olympia Traverse and Bellingham KIDS Traverse, visit https://www.recreationnorthwest.org or call 360-739-8458.
Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
