Trails Update: July 22, 2022
Loose Ends
For me, the most efficient way to clean the house is to invite some guests over... Having a deadline really helps me step into high gear to get things done. This week came the realization that the crew’s mid summer holiday was just around the corner. That reminded us to hit the brush saws hard! We got through the south and west sides of the valley. My contact at BC Hydro shared that they’ll be clearing around Cut Yer Bars and Kill me Thrill me/Young Lust later this summer.
Speaking about growing things: We planted 15 signage posts and “unplanted” some burdock (before it made any burs). Burdock is an invasive plant that spreads its seeds by thistle balls (burs). Trails are major vectors for spread since users (and hairy wildlife) can carry the burs long distances along the trail. The Sea-to-sky invasive species council has more information on Burdock and other plants of concern. This week, I’ve included a picture of some pretty orange flowers… that’s another invasive plant: Orange Hawkweed. In the picture, you can clearly see its success at “choking out” any competition by native plants.
Bike Camp Digs!
Can we squeeze in a bonus trail day this week? Sure! The WORCA camps coaches all brought their groups up to Flashback to learn about (and experience) how trails are built. The campers were guided by trail crew members Liam, Andreas and Adam who all used to coach for the WORCA camps. The diggers learned to separate the organics from the mineral soils and left an incredibly clean work site… I love that! Rocky Mountain Bikes provided some swanky water bottles to thank everyone that helped.
With a newfound appreciation for the effort that goes into the trails and pride in their contribution to our network, the kids got to test the trail before heading to Loggers Lake for a swim. Looking at the tire tracks, the crew then rushed to improve the shape of the berms while the mineral soil still had (some) moisture in it. The shapes look good, but now we need to wait for rain so that our work doesn't get dusted away. Please respect the Trail Closed Signs!
Ok, time for a Staff Party! aka Vacation… Thanks for a great first half of the season! The crew weathered the rain and battled the bugs while making a lasting mark on our network. I am stoked!
Oh, just one more thing before vacationing… The stars aligned for WORCA to get a donation of cedar (for bridge building) from John Dietrich mere hours before “ringing the bell”. Scott, Ben and Liam did some serious lifting into extra innings to get the logs to our yard. I’m excited to make some sweet decking… after our vacation!
See you on the trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
