Page 48 of 58 FirstFirst ... 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 ... LastLast
Results 1,176 to 1,200 of 1448
  1. #1176
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    People's Republic of OB
    Posts
    4,407
    Storms have continued regularly. Some days too wet to do anything but dig drains. So I've done a lot of that....

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230310_003846214.jpg 
Views:	26 
Size:	929.9 KB 
ID:	452057


    Cleaned up a bunch that looked like this. Had to cut down the edges of all the bike ruts so the water could drain out of them. Tossed clumps of grass and goopy much where people were riding off trail to make those lines extra unattractive

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230310_033004448.jpg 
Views:	29 
Size:	491.6 KB 
ID:	452058


    After....doesn't look pretty but the main path through is now solid not soft, and water is actively flowing over the trail not sitting there

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230310_035732174.jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	429.2 KB 
ID:	452059


    Good thing I washed these the day before.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230310_035719347.jpg 
Views:	30 
Size:	466.6 KB 
ID:	452060

  2. #1177
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    London Mountain
    Posts
    1,159
    Stopped by my project on the way home from skiing. My tool stash was partially melted out so I took it as a sign that I should clean out some drains and start a rock pile
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	70088182185--7C850F75-8D0C-4D15-9EE8-326BFA7DBF59 (1).jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	1.64 MB 
ID:	452783


    This part of the trail goes through a super swampy section. I've been slowly adding ditches and culverts over the years and it rides really nice now. I get a lot of satisfaction from this piece of trail because it was a full mudpit at first, and I've slowly transformed it into a nice dry section of trail over a couple of years. Because this is SW British Columbia, it involved excavating 3 feet of black goo to get to the good dirt underneath, and then ditching everywhere.

    This winter the local kids stole a nice piece of PVC from a mega mansion construction site to make a rail slide, then abandoned it in the woods. I repurposed their rail slide to replace a ratty old culvert that had a similar origin story. The broken green pipe is the old one, the blue pipe is the new one
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	70103244574--C8488D20-70D0-4A8E-AEAD-96898EE123FE.jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	1.91 MB 
ID:	452784
    It was a full length culvert, and I didn't have a saw, or the desire to go home and get one, so I just dug a mega ditch and buried the whole thing. Gotta go back and add a bunch of rocks and gold to finish this bit off, but the ground is still pretty frozen so harvesting rocks and dirt is still a bit of work.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	70103918403--B9CAA6B9-EF9C-4A27-901F-8DE1502AB4EE.fullsizerender.jpg 
Views:	26 
Size:	1.97 MB 
ID:	452781
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	70103919713--6CC16DA7-FBF6-483C-B205-C96B03DD0B8E.jpg 
Views:	22 
Size:	2.34 MB 
ID:	452786
    Got a bit muddy.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	70103923172--7BEA5FF5-7472-400D-B03A-532A2B406CD9.jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	1.74 MB 
ID:	452782

  3. #1178
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Treading Water
    Posts
    6,686
    I hope people appreciate your efforts. That looks like un-fun to work in.
    However many are in a shit ton.

  4. #1179
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Paradise
    Posts
    5,197
    Quote Originally Posted by jm2e View Post
    I hope people appreciate your efforts. That looks like un-fun to work in.
    Especially in ski boots!

    I guess Clownshoe is staying true to his poster name!

    I get those pedal maidens off my feet right after that last lap before that sip of beer ever gets close to my lips!
    dirtbag, not a dentist

  5. #1180
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    London Mountain
    Posts
    1,159
    Quote Originally Posted by jm2e View Post
    I hope people appreciate your efforts. That looks like un-fun to work in.
    The photos make it look worse than it is. I find it I get the drains and ditches running while the snow is melting then it’s easier on me later. There’s definitely something entertaining about getting that muddy, especially if I have a couple of beers along the way. At this point only the ditches are visible, and the trail is still snow covered.

    As far as people appreciating the work, I totally get stoked when I see the local neighborhood kids riding my trail. I try hard to keep it single black, and to make it ride good on a DH bike or a trail bike. It’s my way of giving back to a trail network that I’ve enjoyed for a couple of decades. It’s pretty inspiring how much work is done by volunteers in our valley and the variety of trails that people are building.

    Working in ski boots is kind of ridiculous but it just so happens that I can ski by this spot on my way home from a day on the mountain. I like the novelty of it. There’s usually only a couple of weeks where the lifts are still running, my ski out is still viable, and the bottom part of the trail is melting out. This day I actually went up and skied a few laps but the main focus was going to work on the trail. I made sure I had work gloves, beers, and other necessary supplies for a couple hours of ditch digging.
    Last edited by Clownshoe; 03-23-2023 at 09:34 AM.

  6. #1181
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Paradise
    Posts
    5,197
    Quote Originally Posted by Clownshoe View Post
    The photos make it look worse than it is. I find it I get the drains and ditches running while the snow is melting then it’s easier on me later. There’s definitely something entertaining about getting that muddy, especially if I have a couple of beers along the way. At this point only the ditches are visible, and the trail is still snow covered.

    As far as people appreciating the work, I totally get stoked when I see the local neighborhood kids riding my trail. I try hard to keep it single black, and to make it ride good on a DH bike or a trail bike. It’s my way of giving back to a trail network that I’ve enjoyed for a couple of decades. It’s pretty inspiring how much work is done by volunteers in our valley and the variety of trails that people are building.

    Working in ski boots is kind of ridiculous but it just so happens that I can ski by this spot on my way home from a day on the mountain. I like the novelty of it. There’s usually only a couple of weeks where the lifts are still running, my ski out is still viable, and the bottom part of the trail is melting out. This day I actually went up and skied a few laps but the main focus was going to work on the trail. I made sure I had work gloves, beers, and other necessary supplies for a couple hours of ditch digging.
    Nice, that actually does sound like fun.

    I kid but I actually do run to get those dang things off my feet, especially after a ski tour. My feet are getting old, maybe older than I actually am.
    dirtbag, not a dentist

  7. #1182
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    London Mountain
    Posts
    1,159
    Yeah these ski boots are so banged out that they are going in the garbage after this year. So they ski like shit but they’re super comfortable. Also why I don’t mind walking in ankle deep mud

  8. #1183
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    cow hampshire
    Posts
    8,300
    One thing I've noticed about all trail builders...They're addicts, therefore batshit crazy. But hey, its better than heroin!

  9. #1184
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    People's Republic of OB
    Posts
    4,407
    Quote Originally Posted by jackstraw View Post
    One thing I've noticed about all trail builders...They're addicts, therefore batshit crazy. But hey, its better than heroin!
    Can't argue with that. I worked today until it was too dark to see, then walked the long way out to check out a couple trails to see how conditions were after the storm a few days ago. Verdict - not good. Storm was 3 days ago and I've never seen this much water on the trails before!. Couldn't help but dig a bunch of new drains. Didn't get back to the truck until 1030.

  10. #1185
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    People's Republic of OB
    Posts
    4,407
    Last storm a few days ago dropped maybe 1.5-2" over a couple days. Gave it a couple days to dry out before coming back out.


    The DG is already drying out on top but dirt was perfect underneath. The trail drops down through the gap in the rocks on the right, and there is a catch berm where I'm standing. The line on the left is an old moto trail that goes straight up the ridge.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230324_235552837.jpg 
Views:	29 
Size:	850.9 KB 
ID:	453065


    I normally wouldn't work on it but it channels water and messes up the runout of the rock roll. So I added two drains above and one right at the bottom of the rock. Should stop ruts from water going forward.

    After. The line is through that gap. It's a bit rough and you have to drop in at the right angle or risk clipping a pedal. Added a few feet to the berm as well.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_014037190.jpg 
Views:	26 
Size:	877.6 KB 
ID:	453066


    Looking at it from above

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_014019089.jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	761.1 KB 
ID:	453067


    Added some drains above the rock roll as well. The dirt up there sucks, it's sandy/silt and won't hold together once it dries.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230324_235415886.jpg 
Views:	26 
Size:	918.3 KB 
ID:	453068


    It's beautiful out there right now. Super green

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_012112474.jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	653.1 KB 
ID:	453069


    And flowers are out

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230324_225413341.jpg 
Views:	25 
Size:	762.7 KB 
ID:	453070


    Trail survey results on the hike out:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_022629233.jpg 
Views:	25 
Size:	1.08 MB 
ID:	453071


    None of these were problem spots before the last couple storms. Unfortunately those storms came mid week followed by a couple days of sun heading into the weekend and people couldn't help themselves but come out and ride. That left ruts in all these wet spots that now won't drain, so riders start going wide to avoid the mud and just turn it into a fucking mess. We've now had a couple days sun heading into the weekend. Can't wait to see what it looks like come Monday....

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_033516550.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	1.54 MB 
ID:	453072

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_033536246.jpg 
Views:	26 
Size:	1.25 MB 
ID:	453073

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_033441461.jpg 
Views:	24 
Size:	1.25 MB 
ID:	453074

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_032645983.jpg 
Views:	25 
Size:	1.22 MB 
ID:	453075

  11. #1186
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    cow hampshire
    Posts
    8,300
    ^CA is wet!

    Couple blowdowns...so another skinny...why not?

  12. #1187
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    People's Republic of OB
    Posts
    4,407
    Back at it again this afternoon.


    This section was getting a little tired and overgrown

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230325_235356139.jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	662.5 KB 
ID:	453187

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230309_012506581.jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	856.3 KB 
ID:	453188


    Cleaned up the overgrowth and the run-in and re-did the berm

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230326_012702195.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	595.9 KB 
ID:	453189


    I love this feature. It's such a mind fuck. You can't go wide or you'll hit your handlebar on the outside rock. You can't go too fast or too tight because it seems like you'll smack your head on the rock leaning inward.

    This slows you enough you can't just cruise over the off camber rock behind, and it's so off camber your pedal stroke has to be timed perfectly.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230326_012332523.jpg 
Views:	29 
Size:	689.4 KB 
ID:	453192


    Fixed up a few other sections and that's it for this trail.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230326_013845053.jpg 
Views:	27 
Size:	712.6 KB 
ID:	453191
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230326_012351672.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	816.6 KB 
ID:	453190  

  13. #1188
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    cow hampshire
    Posts
    8,300
    More blowdowns, more skinny. Almost done with this one.

  14. #1189
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Paradise
    Posts
    5,197
    Quote Originally Posted by jackstraw View Post
    More blowdowns, more skinny. Almost done with this one.
    That thing looks sick jackstraw. Are you going to take the top down or leave it natural?
    dirtbag, not a dentist

  15. #1190
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    cow hampshire
    Posts
    8,300
    I'll leave it natural. It's pretty fresh so the bark should hang on for a bit which is nice and grippy. It's low consequence, so when the bark does go I may just leave it.

    With the number of trees we have its constant maintenance vs new builds and every time a tree comes down I figure might as well add another feature. Windy af today, so here we go again. The tree my bike is leaning against is dead so that one could be next.

  16. #1191
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Posts
    200
    Quote Originally Posted by jackstraw View Post
    With the number of trees we have its constant maintenance vs new builds and every time a tree comes down I figure might as well add another feature. Windy af today, so here we go again. The tree my bike is leaning against is dead so that one could be next.
    when I was looking at your picture I thought "looks like there's another one ready to go"

    I have trails in an older forest and it's constant deadfall removal. I actually had a string of several years where it wasn't "that bad" and I kept waiting for them to come down at once.

    that happened in December, I cleared as many as I needed for fat biking, but the trail currently goes over a number of trees that are going to have to be removed when the snow melts.

  17. #1192
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    North Vancouver/Whistler
    Posts
    13,985
    Love those skinnies jackstraw

  18. #1193
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    cow hampshire
    Posts
    8,300
    Thanks Lee!

    Finished the cleanup and opened the trail close to the original line. Added a little rock so you can bump and land on the skinny transition exit ramp if wanted...or just ride around the skinny exit.

    Entering the skinny from this side takes a little back tire hop to make the turn.

  19. #1194
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    cow hampshire
    Posts
    8,300
    Came upon this in the middle of our trail during the morning ride.
    So went back after...and another skinny. Little leverage and some rollers got the job done

  20. #1195
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    People's Republic of OB
    Posts
    4,407
    Lots of digging lately.

    Our last batch of storms was 8-9 days ago and we have gone from most waterlogged trails I've ever seen to bone dry in some areas. Have been trying to make the most of it and working areas that dry out first.


    I normally don't work on b-lines but this one needed help. The main line is straight down the rocks on the right side.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230401_013621176.jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	839.7 KB 
ID:	455124

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230401_014948493.jpg 
Views:	28 
Size:	806.7 KB 
ID:	455125


    Filled in rut down the transition here.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230401_000858699.jpg 
Views:	25 
Size:	791.0 KB 
ID:	455126


    No before shot but this section had some rocks poking out and people were cutting inside, widening the trail. Re-contoured it and added more rock on the inside to encourage people to use the original wide line.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230401_011308249.jpg 
Views:	25 
Size:	799.7 KB 
ID:	455127

  21. #1196
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    People's Republic of OB
    Posts
    4,407
    Different area...total mess.


    This spot has never flooded before but the last couple storms changed drainage patterns in a lot of places.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230328_222744183 (1).jpg 
Views:	26 
Size:	658.3 KB 
ID:	455128


    Drained the pooled water, which made for a huge improvement. Unfortunately people had already made a huge mess. Mud will probably take a couple weeks to dry up. At least now a line has been worn in through the area.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230403_214039027 (1).jpg 
Views:	26 
Size:	2.48 MB 
ID:	455129


    Another spot... sediment deposited during storms finally filled a stream channel completely and sent water down the trail rather than across it. Result - mud pit. All of this was clay/silt deposited by the storm water.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230403_172435983.jpg 
Views:	29 
Size:	836.6 KB 
ID:	455130


    It was deposited over a layer of sand so it was easy to scrape off the muck. Only took 15-20min to clean this section up. I spread the muck off trail on the grass to block the go around. Not a lot we can do to prevent this from recurring as this is in a flat field with no other way for it to drain now that the stream bed is full.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	PXL_20230403_175110774.jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	870.5 KB 
ID:	455131


    I hate working on sections like these. But you have to, or we're stuck with whatever mess is left behind hardens like cement and we're stuck riding over it for the next 8-10 months.

  22. #1197
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    T.ride
    Posts
    1,813
    If anyone in SW colorado is interested in joining our trail crew, (or has a son or nephew that could use some hard manual labor), we've got one or two openings on our trail crew here in Telluride. 18-27/hr doe, outdoor carpentry skillz preferred. Trail checks daily..

    https://phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe02/ats/...cws=38&rid=508
    ...tricks deserve applause, style deserves respect

  23. #1198
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    North Vancouver/Whistler
    Posts
    13,985
    Started working on my 3 year old trail to bring it back to loaminess. Very satisfying

    Name:  20230415_160522.jpeg
Views: 176
Size:  165.9 KBName:  20230415_160607.jpeg
Views: 186
Size:  153.9 KBClick image for larger version. 

Name:	20230415_160635.jpeg 
Views:	23 
Size:	350.3 KB 
ID:	455900Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20230415_160648.jpeg 
Views:	28 
Size:	363.3 KB 
ID:	455901Name:  20230415_160747.jpeg
Views: 177
Size:  152.4 KBName:  20230415_160758.jpeg
Views: 173
Size:  173.2 KBName:  20230415_160815.jpeg
Views: 175
Size:  157.6 KBClick image for larger version. 

Name:	20230415_160826.jpeg 
Views:	21 
Size:	386.9 KB 
ID:	455905Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20230415_160407.jpeg 
Views:	24 
Size:	345.3 KB 
ID:	455906

  24. #1199
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Posts
    200
    Quote Originally Posted by LeeLau View Post
    Started working on my 3 year old trail to bring it back to loaminess. Very satisfying

    I'd like to thank you for this idea. I've been doing it for a few years out here in New Brunswick after seeing one of your posts.

    I dig up a section of trail, fill it in with dirt and then add a few inches of loam on top. The loam helps mitigate any moisture for the rest of the season, especially during the freeze/thaw sections in the fall. Dirt tends to crystalize into annoying frost heaps, but the loam will soak up the moisture and provide a nice surface on top of the frozen dirt.

    I also much prefer the look of the loam vs. brown dirt that's out of place in a mature forest.

  25. #1200
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    London Mountain
    Posts
    1,159
    Lee,

    I’m very interested in your re loaming techniques. Can you expand on them?

    It looks like you’re mainly using “red rot”, which I’m assuming is in endless supply where you’re working.

    Any suggestions or tricks you can share? Are you just dumping buckets of “loam” onto the trail or is there more nuance to it?

    I’ve got my eye on a couple sections of my trail up the highway from where you are that I’m going to try this on.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •