Trail Work - uh....STR riders needed

[JamR]

Since I didn't get any takers for the singletrack work on the 11th, I decided to go out today and get the work started.

I'm still planning on completing the build on the 19th, so let's get some STR presence out there. I know you guys and gals can hammer with your legs, but let's get some upper body work in also

This is going to be a prime 1-1/2 mile flowing single track with some interesting features you'll need to see to appreciate.

We'll be doing brushing, rock work, water bars, rock drains, and a puncheon bridge.

You don't need to have previous trail building experience since we'll have plenty of certified trail bosses to supervise the work.

Tool, gloves, water and refreshments will be provided for everyone.

We are limiting it to around 30 riders/workers, and pre-registration is required; but you can sign up on our web-site at www.irlrtrust.org on the Activities Page.

See ya out there on the 19th.

Here's some pic's from my work this morning to entice you.

[CalEpic]

If the out of town trip I have planned falls through, I'll be out there. Adam - I get the feeling that many feel like there is little incentive to help build in the reserve since there is very limited opportunity to ride there without an escort and at a scheduled event. Can you shed some light on future plans for the reserve as it pertains to mountain biking?

C

[dstepper]

Adam, if I would have known you were working on the trail I would have joined you today. I am sorry I did not sign up and let you know but I had intended to help on Saturday. If you want to do some more work I am still available tomorrow.

I think I will be out of town on the 19th.

Dean

[LBmtb]

Signed up for the 19th.

Originally Posted by CalEpic

Can you shed some light on future plans for the reserve as it pertains to mountain biking?

C

I'd be interested in that as well.

[JamR]

Plans for biking on the reserve are the same as they are now.....docent led. There are many important conservation easement areas on the reserve, and the basic nature of taking care of the land means that Habitat Protection and Education come first and take priority over recreation, but that does not mean lack of ample opportunities for bikers, hikers and equestrians.

True that the rides on the reserve are Docent led, but that does not mean boring rides by any means. And chipping in to add single track sections to the mix just makes for more options.

Many riders only get to ride on weekends, and with typically 8 to 12 opportunities per month to ride in the reserve, there's no lack of riding opportunities on the reserve.

The City of Irvine Open Space Preserve - South for example has allowed the addition of a monthly night ride that has been taking place since June. Right now they take place the first Thursday of the Month, but will be switching to Tuesdays in January.

The reason you don't see me on my regular trails as much lately is because most of the weekends I'm out leading rides in the reserve. What I've experienced in the past 14 months of leading rides in the reserve, is that they are very similar to the group rides STR has. Fun terrain, re-grouping as needed, and quite a few of the riders meeting up after the ride for food and brew. So I don't see much difference between riding the reserve with an organized group or getting together casually for a group ride, except that many of the trails are nicer; the scenery is incredible; and wildlife seems to be more prevalent because of the protected nature of the area.

Several things make the rides on the reserve special:
Since the area does not get as much use, many of the trails are in better condition than highly used trails.
Since the events are mostly staggered, each user group for the most part can enjoy private use (ie..hikers can enjoy hikes uninterrupted by bikers, bikers can enjoy rides uninterrupted by hikers, and equestrians can enjoy uninterrupted rides also), which seems to be an important point for many users.
And the Docents and Trail Guides who lead the rides are great committed riders who make sure everyone has a good time.

Personally I find it refreshing to be riding in a vast open space with 20 to 25 riders who have the whole area to themselves instead of sometimes facing the crowds on the weekends in open access areas.

STR riders should sign up for one of our rides and come out as a group to have some fun. For those of you who have not been on the reserve, you will be pleasantly surprised at the terrain.

As long as 36%, 44% and 46% hill climbs don't frighten you, you'll have a great time.

Come on out for ride, and come out on the 19th for some trail work.

Also, if you have time....IMBA and SHARE Mtb are building a singletrack in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park tomorrow morning. I'll be out there helping.

I believe that everyone who uses trails should give back regularly to maintain them also.


See ya on the trails

[ocrider]

email from Share president:
Hi All:

Trail work day with Shimano and the IMBA Trail Care Crew. We're
cutting a
brand new singletrack to link Willow Canyon staging area with the Nix
Center. Be a part of this once in a life time opportunity!

Navigate to :
http://www.sharemtb.com/index.php?pa...&mo=11&yr=2006
for
more details.

After the work, you'll be plied with food and drink, what more could
you ask
for?

Regards,
Keith Eckstein
President, SHARE Mountain Bike Club

[JamR]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Adam, if I would have known you were working on the trail I would have joined you today. I am sorry I did not sign up and let you know but I had intended to help on Saturday. If you want to do some more work I am still available tomorrow.

I think I will be out of town on the 19th.

Dean

Hi Dean,

Tomorrow I'll be out with SHARE and IMBA at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Singletrack build session.

Hope to see some STR riders there also.

We need to give back to the trails that support our sport.


However, I will be doing some more weekday work on the trail next week, so if you have some free time during the week, let me know and you can help me get some more pre-work done on the trail before the 19th.

Thanks

Adam

[CalEpic]

Thanks for the update Adam. Personally I did not realize that there were that many rides available. Great info!

Hopefully I can make it to the trail work.

C

[JamR]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

Thanks for the update Adam. Personally I did not realize that there were that many rides available. Great info!

Hopefully I can make it to the trail work.

C

Great! Hope to see you there.

You need to come out to take one of our hill challenges on our regular rides. We have a nice 44% hill climb that I have a standing offer to give a pin and hat to anyone who cleans the hill.

Basic Viejoland hill climb rules apply:
1. Rider must clean the hill from bottom to top.....no dabs.
2. If you dab, you must ride back and start from the bottom. No mid-hill restarts.
3. And most importantly....No Whining!

So far only one rider has made it to the top (on his third attempt)

See ya out there

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by JamR

Hi Dean,

Tomorrow I'll be out with SHARE and IMBA at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Singletrack build session.

Hope to see some STR riders there also.

We need to give back to the trails that support our sport.


However, I will be doing some more weekday work on the trail next week, so if you have some free time during the week, let me know and you can help me get some more pre-work done on the trail before the 19th.

Thanks

Adam

My backyard, see ya in the AM.

Dean

[CalEpic]

I signed up for the trail work this Sunday. Anyone else?

C

[dstepper]

Out of town.

[LBmtb]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

I signed up for the trail work this Sunday. Anyone else?

C

Diggs and I will be there.

[spookydave]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Out of town.

Me too, sounds like a cool place though.

[JamR]

granny ring came out to help with some pre-brushing of the trail today. We were able to break through all the way to the bottom and clean up all the questionable lines; so Sunday's work should go pretty smooth, and we can concentrate on fine tuning the brush, and working on the actual trail surface.

granny ring in action

[Johnny Dirt]

Sorry Adam, I'm out this Sunday. first it was just a cold thing...now, MRI of left knee reveals a torn medial meniscus. Curses!!

[JamR]

Originally Posted by Johnny Dirt

Sorry Adam, I'm out this Sunday. first it was just a cold thing...now, MRI of left knee reveals a torn medial meniscus. Curses!!

Ouch....
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Your torn meniscus.....my fractured vertebrae.....Dave’s fractured tibia.....what a wonderful sport we picked[/SIZE][/FONT]

[TURNERob]

I'm gonna try and make it this Sunday Adam, just need to confirm with my wife which day her father is coming into town Will there be an opportunity for a ride afterwards?

[Johnny Dirt]

Originally Posted by JamR

Ouch....
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Your torn meniscus.....my fractured vertebrae.....Dave’s fractured tibia.....what a wonderful sport we picked[/SIZE][/FONT]

Ill
Ruptured
Lacerated
wRecked

Nice crew for the Trust.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by TURNERob

Will there be an opportunity for a ride afterwards?

I just ride my bike to the work site. Adam's got that cool trailer to haul tools.