Trails Update: October 13, 2022

All time Fall time!

Every couple of years, we get to play (work) with helicopters. It’s always the most thrilling day of the season! When John Dietrich offered to donate some Western Red Cedar for the trails, I already knew where most of it would end up: On Lord of the Squirrels (LOTS). 

Red Cedar is the gold standard for making bridge decking, but it only grows below 1200 metres in elevation in our coastal ranges. LOTS starts at 1700m… In designing the trail, we tried to avoid any terrain that would require bridging in the higher sections of the trail. In some spots, rock armouring has worked well, alas, some of the meadows are proving wet enough to warrant the carpentry treatment. This was evidenced by trail widening where riders try to avoid mud or puddles.  

The crew has been splitting John’s Red Cedar on most afternoons since the wildfire rating (extreme) doesn’t allow us to stick tools into the ground after 1pm. It’s been a great outlet to keep everyone employed through this year’s extended drought. This week, the decking piles got big enough and the weather cooperated for a helicopter long line delivery to 1600m. The staff at Blackcomb Helicopters were really helpful with the logistics… and my anxiety… to pull this delivery off. Huge thanks go out to Jordy, Vicky, Rose and Lawrence for their work on the ground/in the office and a special shoutout to Landon, the pilot, for not dropping the load on me. Haha!

Once the wood was in place, we embraced this unseasonal weather for some long dark morning commutes. We’ve built 2 new bridges which will keep tires dry, and on the line. Get up there while you can! The fall colours are popping! 

See you on the trails!

Dan Raymond

WORCA Lead Trail Builder