Support Kat McKnight's Recovery from Van Fire

Allie Hurtgen here, co-founder of the Wednesday Wrippers.

A friend of mine, and the women's MTB community at large, Kat McKnight, recently suffered a total loss of her beloved van and personal property.

Her van unexpectedly caught fire while parked at Rocky Point. Thankfully, Kat was able to get her dog, Rio, and bike out before the fire.

The fire not only destroyed Kat's van, but it spread to two other vehicles parked nearby owned by fellow mountain bikers. Both of vehicles were damaged and sadly, one of them is also totaled.

The insurance claim has been nothing short of a nightmare, requiring the help of attorneys. After much back and forth, Kat's insurance has covered the loss of the van and the damage to the other two vehicles. Unfortunately, the amount paid by insurance is not enough to make Kat, or Isaac (owner of the other totaled vehicle) whole. Insurance did not cover any vehicle accessories (including the interior buildout to her van) or personal property.

To add insult to injury, Kat's 1up Bike Rack (which miraculously survived the fire) was stolen off her vehicle before she was able to have her vehicle removed.

In total, Kat lost approx. $10K. Isaac lost about $6K.

Kat is a well-known and well-loved member of the mountain bike community. Kat regularly volunteers at NWTA dig days and can often be seen helping out at NW Trail Sisters or Wednesday Wrippers events. Kat has an incredible way of making everyone around her feel welcomed and that they belong. Her impact on the women in this community cannot be understated.

We know $10K is a lot to ask and don't expect to reach this goal. We'd just love to something to ease this blow. If the tables were turned, Kat would be the first person to help.

There has also been a GoFundMe started for Isaac, the owner of the vehicle that was totaled. Isaac is one of the key trail builders at Rocky Point and if you have the means, we encourage you to support him as well. Click here for his GFM page with more details: