Trails Update: July 2-6, 2018

[heading]Trails Update: July 2-6, 2018[/heading]

Trailbuilding is like a box of chocolates

We spend a lot of time looking for rocks to repair sections of trail. I don’t usually ask myself “what’s under that rock?” before ultimately finding out. The most common discovery: an ant colony, instantly thrown into chaos from the sudden apocalypse (SAVE THE EGGS!!!). Some of them bite, so I will leave that rock for a bit while they retreat (deeper) underground. This week, I stumbled upon what appears to be a centipede lair: A young centipede, surrounded by dead ants, wings and other “food scraps”. Fun!Less fun was brush cutting “Lower Babylon”. It took 2 days to essentially re-open the overgrown mess. You can now enjoy the fastest trail in town via “See Colours and Puke” (also cleared this week). FYI: The WORCA trail crew will not be brushing out “Upper Babylon by Bike” or access from the microwave tower road as these are situated in the Whistler-Blackcomb Controlled Recreation Area.Toonie riders may have noticed some patchwork on “Pura Vida” this week. Holes were filled with rocks... We also performed some repairs on “Working Class”.

“Lord of the Squirrels” update

There is more than black flies, deer flies and mosquitoes up there... While moving the “LOTS” closure sign higher up, I was distracted by a loud creaking (similar to a cricket but way louder). I investigated, walking towards the sound until it stopped. I stood still until it wailed again, I moved closer, and closer, until I could see the creature. The black and orange bug was the size of my thumb. It looked like it meant business! I called it the “Heavy metal bug” for its black outfit and heavy sound.Oh yeah, you probably want to know about the trail... The trail crew has patched up to 1425m and we’ve opened the trail up to 1600m. There’s still over a metre of snow above this point, so please be patient.  Remember that the trail is open as an out-and back (2-way) so be aware of potential “traffic”.See you on the trails!Dan RaymondWORCA Lead Trail Builder