Pre-Blog Trail Work
The first major trail work by Friends of Rotary Park was done on the first trial located on the right at the park entrance. This section of trail was rarely used due to its difficulty and major erosion problems. The old trail followed the fall line up and down the steep hills. This trail was a novice rider's nightmare. Hikers had to be very cautious not to trip over the many exposed roots. At one point, the trial followed a dry creek-bed. The re-route was built to IMBA[1] standards, meandering between trees and traversing the hills with numerous switchbacks. The trail crosses two gullies, which have been filled and paved with large rocks for a smooth trail tread. This trail is tight and technical (a must in such a small park) and is now a favorite of novice as well as expert bikers. The hikers sing its praises as well as it added sustainable trail. The only complaints come from the Rossview High School cross-country team, who is made to train on it weekly; they have named the trail "ironman."
The trial is short but very fast. For speed, start at the park entrance on the right. Hug trees on the numerous switchbacks, and then descend a short, but very steep, hill. From that point, glide effortlessly over the rock bridges and the log jump at the end of the trail. The trail ends at Pavilion Two, a jumping point for numerous trailheads. When the primary loop is complete, this section of trail will become the beginning/end of the loop.
The second major re-route was done further into the park on the hill above the Boy Scout Bridge.[2] The access to this trail is on the left at the park entrance. The old trail was a 200-foot fall line trail that went straight down the hill beside several large trees. Like most large trees, these had large roots that were becoming more exposed with every rain. The descent was very rough and only the most skilled mountain bikers could climb the trail. Hikers could climb it in just a few minutes but their heart rate would climb with the assent.
The new trail shifts the old one up the hill about 300 yards (a third re-route, opened October 30, 2005, connects the two). Instead of going straight down hill, the trail turns right immediately. Upon entering the tree line, the section that follows is benched and meanders slightly, traversing up and down the hill. Just before it meets the old trail, a large 180-degree descending turn sends riders slightly down hill. This area required substantial benching. It is on the up side of the large trees so erosion should not be a problem in the future. All large roots were removed. Both hikers and bikers will enjoy the spectacular view of the Boy Scout Bridge. There is a slight climb just before the second descending turn. This was done for erosion control and to have room for the turn. The turn still came out pretty tight because it backs up to the park boundary. The remaining decent is the steepest of the section. It may run afoul with I.M.B.A.'s 50 percent rule but is far less steep than the old trail. This section is probably the deepest bench-cut trail in the park. Special thanks to Glen for his help with the benching (which took two people over 20 hours to complete). This re-route was completed in August 2005.
[1] I.M.B.A. is the official acronym for the International Mountain Bike Association. IMBA distributes a trail guide that is considered by most as the standard for properly built multiuse trails.
[2] Although the Boy Scouts have built both bridges in the park, this is a reference to the first and largest of the two bridges. It spans a 30-foot wide, 10-foot deep gorge that had to be walked prior to the bridge being built.
The trial is short but very fast. For speed, start at the park entrance on the right. Hug trees on the numerous switchbacks, and then descend a short, but very steep, hill. From that point, glide effortlessly over the rock bridges and the log jump at the end of the trail. The trail ends at Pavilion Two, a jumping point for numerous trailheads. When the primary loop is complete, this section of trail will become the beginning/end of the loop.
The second major re-route was done further into the park on the hill above the Boy Scout Bridge.[2] The access to this trail is on the left at the park entrance. The old trail was a 200-foot fall line trail that went straight down the hill beside several large trees. Like most large trees, these had large roots that were becoming more exposed with every rain. The descent was very rough and only the most skilled mountain bikers could climb the trail. Hikers could climb it in just a few minutes but their heart rate would climb with the assent.
The new trail shifts the old one up the hill about 300 yards (a third re-route, opened October 30, 2005, connects the two). Instead of going straight down hill, the trail turns right immediately. Upon entering the tree line, the section that follows is benched and meanders slightly, traversing up and down the hill. Just before it meets the old trail, a large 180-degree descending turn sends riders slightly down hill. This area required substantial benching. It is on the up side of the large trees so erosion should not be a problem in the future. All large roots were removed. Both hikers and bikers will enjoy the spectacular view of the Boy Scout Bridge. There is a slight climb just before the second descending turn. This was done for erosion control and to have room for the turn. The turn still came out pretty tight because it backs up to the park boundary. The remaining decent is the steepest of the section. It may run afoul with I.M.B.A.'s 50 percent rule but is far less steep than the old trail. This section is probably the deepest bench-cut trail in the park. Special thanks to Glen for his help with the benching (which took two people over 20 hours to complete). This re-route was completed in August 2005.
[1] I.M.B.A. is the official acronym for the International Mountain Bike Association. IMBA distributes a trail guide that is considered by most as the standard for properly built multiuse trails.
[2] Although the Boy Scouts have built both bridges in the park, this is a reference to the first and largest of the two bridges. It spans a 30-foot wide, 10-foot deep gorge that had to be walked prior to the bridge being built.
posted by Rotary Park | 10:15 AM
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