Trails Update: Oct 29, 2021
Where to start?
AM/PM has had some chronic water issues since road works were performed above (to the water tower). Hmmmm.
Since it’s so dark in the morning, we figured it was best to begin at the bottom. Metre by metre, we scraped muck and emphasized drains. We super sized grade reversals and elevated berms.
Outsmarting water with 3 Dimensional design since fluid tends to flow “down and straight-ish”.
Some sections felt like we were making things worse: Every tool strike uncovered a new spring! The glorious southside dirt comes with its challenges: moving and shaping mud. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it firmed up despite the cold miserable rain.
One of the redesigned sections required pulling a stump to give the new turn some extra real estate. Liam was setting up the come-along while I multi-tasked exposing the stump’s roots and rambling about the weather, this week’s trail report and how hard it is to find a quicklink for my chain.
“Dan, I can sense some tension building between us'' Liam said. Dead seriously.
Was it something I said? Or did?
We’re down to three crew members now so we’re spending a lot of time together… And, this year’s trail building season’s been extra long. (frustrated emoji)
Liam chuckles. The power puller was ready.
Well played Liam.
Humour is the glue that holds yada, yada, yada.
Also Seinfeld quotes.
We struggled with the stump for longer than expected. Somehow the tap root was actually bigger than the trunk.
Shortly after overcoming the stump, a rider came through...
“Is the trail not closed at the top?” I asked
Ugh, well, ...I thought that was a forestry thing because of the burn piles… and I was curious about the race damage…
The rider walked through our worksite and continued walking down with a proverbial tail between his legs.
He did return about 30 minutes later with apology beers: Qualicum Beach’s finest!
We’re now digging in the steeper, faster section of the trail.
We ask that you please obey the trail closure.
Take a walk (from the bottom) if your curiosity is insatiable. The fresh work is not ready for tires.
Up Shit Creek
Speaking of “work in progress”, we had our last sessions with the WSS Outdoor leadership Program students. The forecast made me want to cancel work altogether but as they say at school district 48: The class must go on.
“The best way to stay warm is to keep moving (dirt)”
While the students moved mountains of duff, rock and dirt, Liam and Renee were constructing the crux of the project: a switchback (through a boulder field).
There was so much action that the session flew by!
I have difficulty leaving any project unfinished, but this one will rest until spring. The snow load will work it’s magic and Mr. Kung will bring another class in to help complete it.
On our way out with the tools, the students walked past Liam’s rock work for the switchback.
“That’s some Ken Melamed level sh*t” -Taylor (avid MTB’er)
A strong endorsement! Well done Liam!
We can’t wait to invite you to see it too.
See you on the trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
