Trails Update: July 30, 2021
Because safety! (again)
While brushing back the vegetation on North Secret last week, I was startled by... a GIGANTIC... rock truck!
I knew the twice defunct Run-of-River project (which had re-activated the FSR 5 years ago) was once again under construction, but the near-miss I experienced emphasized the need to get bikes off of the steep narrow road ASAP.
I remembered why we’d stopped short when the re-route was built 5 years ago: river rock. It’s obvious that Rethel Creek has, at some point, run down a different alignment since this whole area is covered in polished round stones and beach-grade sand. The “slippery” materials made this project more challenging rockwork than usual given the lack of flat surfaces or sharp edges. We covered it all up with countless buckets of dust and the promise of rain (eventually?) should make it ride beautifully.
Just before we set off for our daily pole-saw, (plastic) rake, and lopper missions, I was starstruck by Squamish trail building legends Jim and Gary who were on their way up to Out There. We shared trail building stories and they commended the crew for a job well done.
“Are you working on anything new?” I asked
“There’s a trail up by ***top secret*** that I’ve been poking at for a few months, but frankly, I’ve put the tools down for the summer since it’s so dry”
That sounds like a great idea: The WORCA trail crew will be taking the next 2 weeks off!
Dürfeld Constructors Donation
We’ve wanted to install railings on the Sproatt Creek crossing for some time now. Industrial Waste is seeing more and more intermediate traffic riding out from the Chipmunk Rebellion and Lord of the Squirrels. Retrofitting an existing structure is not a simple task. Luckily, we have a plan and a skilled carpenter on the crew. I want to thank Pat’s winter employer Dürfeld Constructors for kindly donating the yellow cedar beams we need to (soon) assemble railings on the Industrial Waste bridge (post-vacation).
Slumping on the trail Trash
What’s a better way to finish the week than to hang out by the river? By “hang out” I mean repairing slumping sections of trail on the edge of a raging torrent! All “walks” of walkers have been eroding the trail by trying to get to the water’s edge at every scenic turn. There are many scenic turns along the trail and Trash is one of the oldest trails in town so we’ll need to get back over there, after, you know… the VACATION! Which kicks off with this. Thanks Lucia!
See you on the trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
