Trails Update: July 9, 2021
Yummy!
Now that trail traffic is up-shifting to higher elevations, we took the opportunity to move our tools into Yummy Numby. Foreplay and Jeff’s are early season favorites and their access trails are showing wear for it. Some trail braids formed where sections have become too advanced for two-way traffic (Yummy Numby serves as an “escape route” out of Comfortably numb).
While digging, we met some local trail pioneers: Phil and Scotty. It was great to finally get to chat about some of the history of trails in the lower phalanx zone. They stressed the importance of reaching out to original builders before conducting any maintenance and to at least get the trail names right.
“… the trail is actually called Kick N it Numb...”
I’m pretty sure I know who published it as “Yummy Pants”.
I can relate to that feeling: someone had published Korova Milk Bar as “Cougar Milk” on Strava (before trailforks was a thing) ...It made me rush to finish and post up my trail signs.
Wildfire risk
I’m angered at how many fire rings I’ve found around the valley! Following last week’s heatwave and disaster in Lytton, we should all be on edge. Dry season is just getting started.
Power tools and digging often spark, so we’re carefully following the provincial protocols for forest interface work. For the trail crew, it means carrying water tanks to work sites and sticking to morning repairs. We spend the afternoons performing low-risk maintenance: loppers and pole-saws to clear the eye-poking branches that curl down when dry.
Unfortunately for keen volunteers, we’ve had to put trail nights on hold. It’s important that we take all precautions to protect our shared playground.
Cut Yer Bars reopened
In other wildfire related news, forest thinning in the nesters hill area is done. The WORCA crew spent a day repairing affected trails and my favorite zone for short after work rides is open again. The wildlife scene there was vibrant: territorial butterflies were dog fighting to protect their turf, young ravens were chatting, lizards were lounging and several different types of wasps were … making us nervous!
See you on the trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
