Trails Update: May 19th, 2023
Business Time
A large tree fell over the winter (fairly common) at one of the crux slab moves. The tree pulled up its entire root system (less common) leaving a crater where the the easiest line through the section had been. This event forced riders to creep a tight switchback along a high cliff. The “ride-around” became the most consequential option… We decided to re-reroute the line away from any exposure by cutting through the fallen tree. This required some savvy choking to keep the massive rootball in place… and avoid crushing the sawyer! The new line slaloms seamlessly back into the trail. While we were there, we also took the opportunity to continue the renovations that started last season. The climb after AM/PM got some much needed tread support. Renee took on building a rock wall for the off camber slab portion while we armored some grade reversals that will force water off of the trail.
Waldorf Week
We once again welcomed the grade 9 class for the BEST Phys. Ed. class ever! The school has been seasonally volunteering for a full week since 2016! They’ve helped with construction on Hot Dog Alley, Yummier Numby, Muffin Man and many more... This year, the students trekked down to Cheakamus to break ground on the lowest section of Flashback. This section of forest provided much needed shade for this unseasonably hot May. Lunch by the river helped too!
In conversation:
Do we get to name it? asked Ferran.
It already has a name: Flashback!
“Ahhhh” sighed all the students.
Good trail names often come up serendipitously during construction. Robin Yer Eggs and Lord of the Squirrels for example. If you come up with something, I guess we could put up a sneaky sign…
“Ratatouille’s Revenge! Too Many Roots! Roadside Jumps! ...”
Keep in mind that this section of Flashback will be the first trail ever ridden by many new bikers.
“Meet the Flash! Mini Flash! Baby Flash! Baby Back! Baby Back Ribs! Ribs of Despair! …”
Testing their work was fun!
On Tuesday, the volunteer dig night fought stumps and fire thinning burn piles guiding the trail towards our next creek crossing. The evening sun was cruel through the wide open canopy but relief came from trails director Ben Hryciw as he surprised everyone with trailside jumbo freezies! Coast Mountain Brewing fizzy drinks and your choice of (7!) hot sauces paired well with the chicken burritos. Gateway Bikes sponsored the event and brought their whole crew for extra muscle.
WORCA members can join the digging fun next week by signing up here.
Grizzly sighting
There was an uncommon visitor to the valley last week: a Grizzly bear ventured into the rainbow neighborhood! The fire thinning chainsaws are sure to shoo it away for now, but knowledge and awareness are necessary to keep you safe in the woods. Check out this bear smart society page to start down the rabbit hole of bear facts.
See you on the trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
