Trail work at Afton

[Magic]

Trail work at Afton
After much talk about Afton, I felt the need to get involved. So I contacted Steve Eberly with MORC. and he gave me the contact information on who to talk with at Afton. So I contacted John Reents and meet with him on Thursday evening. Here is what we talked about.

John is very interested in having Morc's help to get the trail into shape. The initial involvement will focus on existing trail maintenance. John would like to get things in shape before the Afton Avalanche race in June. John is planning a trail work day for Saturday May 21. He would like to start at 8:00am and work thru the day. He has offered two work periods. The first 8:00 - 12:00, then lunch and after lunch work will be 1:00 - 4:00pm. John has offered trail passes to those that help with trail work. Also lunch and beverages will be provided for the trail workers. For those that would like to help out, John requests that we all meet at the Highlands Chalet (aka The Clubhouse) at Afton. If you have trail tools please bring them.

I feel that we should get some people out to do some trail work. If you race in the state series and like the courses you race on, get out and help with the trail work. John has limited man power to get this work done. My reason to get involved with this is I like Afton as a riding area. It needs our help to become a place that people would like to ride just like Lebenon Hills. This place has the potential to become one of the great riding destinations in the east metro. So lets get out and do what MORC does best; carve out wonderful trails with some of the best trail workers in the state.

I will be riding out on the trail this weekend if the weather is good. John has pointed out a few areas of concern that he would like me to look at. These areas will be first priority and will be addressed on the trail work day.

Once agian the date is:
Afton Alps - Highlands Chalet
Saturday May 21
8:00 - 12:00, then
1:00 - 4:00
Hope to see some of you out to move some dirt.

Thank you,
Troy Sierakowski

[phaberman1]

Hey Magic,


Would that be a season trail pass? If so, maybe we could get Team Ricoh involved.

[Tim Wegner]

Troy

Thanks for getting involved on this trail. I know MORC has not had the time to devote to this trail like we would like and it is great to have a new face step up and say "I can and will help."
TW

[seberly]

I bet if you worked their regularly you may get a season pass comped.


So, who is coming out?

se

[dejorn]

I will be there.

[The Goat Killer]

It's a possibility for me. After riding there today I can see why Afton needs some help with the trails. Besides I'm racing there in June.......

[Tower]

Troy,

Thanks for taking the initiative. I'll try and make it on Saturday, maybe I'll drag some Team Ricco's with me... We could do a beatdown ride after working on the trails...

LS

[Little D]

Thanks Troy. I'm putting my house up for sale this weekend, but I should be able to make it out for a few hours.

[RedSquirrel]

I'll try to get out to Afton to trail work! I did join MORC, Wahoo!!

Now if I can just get out to dig. My wife is on call this Sat. at 11am, so a bit tricky. Maybe I'll bring the 3 kids out with me..maybe not. The whining may cause participants to start swinging shovels.

I'll try!! Cheers.

Heath

[rowland]

bring the kids, it'll buy you more riding time in the long run. trust me on that one.
even if it cuts your productivity in half, that's still 100% more than if you don't go!

[Buck]

Rock on Troy, when things get rolling i have some questions for you.

L8R
Buck

[Magic]

Just a reminder that we will be having the first of many TRAIL WORK DAYS at Afton on Saturday 8:00am. Everyone is to meet at the Highlands chalet. This is where you pay to ride and get food after the ride. If you can bring shovels or rakes that would be great. I hope to meet and work with you this Saturday. Let's get behind this trail and make it something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Troy L. Sierakowski

P.S. Those that want to ride, bring the bikes. I will be riding sometime after trail work.

[dejorn]

I will be there with a couple of my kids (ages 4 and 6). I sure we can find things for them to do, they like to be involved, if not they can wander around in the woods for awhile. I am tring to bring up the future "crop" of trail stewards for MORC.:cheesy:

[Tower]

Troy, Count me in... The rest of Team Ricco is afraid they might get a blister or two...
Pauly if your out there, post up...
I'll be bringing the red bike for some riding afterwords...

LS

[phaberman1]

Do you even know what a blister is? Over.



Troy, Count me in... The rest of Team Ricco is afraid they might get a blister or two...
Pauly if your out there, post up...
I'll be bringing the red bike for some riding afterwords...

LS

[Tower]

10-4... Bring it... Don't sing it... I know you know how to push dirt... Over... And bring that Jeckyl for some hill training... Over.

Oh, When are you going to lead a Tour de Wirth???

Over.

[phaberman1]

Tour de Wirth.... Roger that.....When it is dry...Over. I am a maybe on the Afton bit....Over.

[Magic]

Bump!

TRAIL WORK AT AFTON
TRAIL WORK AT AFTON

[The Goat Killer]

Afton was out mowing some of the grassy areas today. No mud to speak of today.

[Little D]

Guys I have an open house at MY house on Sunday. Have to do the major clean tomorrow.
Anyone want a kickass house in NordEast: 2235 Garfield St NE 3 bedroom, 2 bath stop by

[The Goat Killer]

Afton's gonna rule.

[FSSS]

Maybe I missed it in this thread, but...

Will there be more trailwork sessions at Afton??

Is there a plan to have regular (or even somewhat regular) work sessions this summer??

Lookin' to put in some time somewhere! :D

[Tower]

Hey Troy, after 3 full laps (including the whistler) yesterday and some work on the Hideaway section (leaves/ drainage) I've got some ideas for improvements... Mainly it's rerouting the meadows/ wetlands... It wont be easy/ will need a dingo & structures to get over those water pipes... Maybe by the 24 Hour?

Let's discuss at the next trail work session, Monday the 30th (Memorial day)... We never set a time, so do we do 8AM again... The work is there might as well get after it early...

The other one I'll throw out there is rerouting the base of southern switchbacks. Again you have to shave too much speed to make that 180 turn. This could be doable by the MNSCS. Although, again it hinges on a dingo to remove all the organics...

Just ideas to throw out there to see what sticks...

[The Goat Killer]

Larry, you da man. I'll help when there's not a conflict with my schedule. Yeah, we need some re-routing done. :crazy2:

I think the side-loop at the Hideaway needs bench cutting. Wish I had the proper tools on hand. :cool:

[RedSquirrel]

Agreed. Meadows & bottom work ideas are good. The 180' turn prior to southern as well. We had to use a tweeser to clean one of the kids so they may not be so eager, but, I'll do what I can to join Monday May 30th, @ 8:00am.

-H

:laugh:

[Magic]

After a great start to the trail work out at Afton, we now have a good idea of what's ahead of us this summer. I'd like to thank those of you who came out to work this past Saturday. For our first trail work day we had 7 people for the morning work and we had 6 people for the afternoon trail work. I think that is a good start. We raked almost the entire trail system by the end of the work day on Saturday. Now that things are clean and clear, we can judge the area's that are of most concern. I hope by the state series race some of the small issues will be taken care of.

Our next trail work day is going to be on Monday 30th of May. We will start at 8:00 again. We will meet at the clubhouse again also. As for tools, bring shovels and rakes if you can. I'm trying to get some real trail tools out there for us to use. If there are any questions contact me or John R. out at Afton.

Again, thanks to all who showed up for work. We will discuss when the next trail work day out at Afton will be and I'll post up. Thank you, and I hope to see you out for trail work.

Troy L. Sierakowski

[seberly]

Nice work guys! Thanks for getting things started!


Regards,

[Buck]

Yo Troy,

AWESOME!!! after every one talking the big game and not doing SH!T!!! I'm glad to see you got things rolling in a big way!!! Once I get stuff rolling at Spirit and finish up at Steeple, I plan on helping atleast one weekend!!!

Thanks again troy! :cool:

L8R
Buck

[The Goat Killer]

Afton Today! The trail is in much better shape already. ;)

http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/afton%2005-23-05%20trail1.JPG

[The Goat Killer]

Another pic of the BIG A'Alps

http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/afton%2005-23-05%20another%20pic.JPG

[dejorn]

The nest scheduled trail work session is scheduled for Monday May 30th at 8:00 AM. I have started to compile a list of work items that need to be addressed. I would like input from others as to areas that need to be addressed. I will keep the list updated and post our progress as the 'items" are address.



I have listed below a preliminary list of items.



GENERAL TRAIL MAINTENANCE

1. Raking organics off the trail surface - COMPLETE

2. Facilitating drainage in key areas.

3. Fixing eroded areas and identifying ways to make them sustainable



REROUTING SECTIONS

1. The meadows / wetlands (reroute higher up the hill)

2. The entrance into the southern switchbacks (eliminate the sharp 180 and allows the rider to carries some momentum up the hill)

3. Midmountain crossing (S-curves in the middle of the hill, possible eliminate the S-curve all together, ideas welcome)



BULDING NEW TRAIL

1. Cut new trail before "southbound crossing" up the hill through the woods.

Any other areas?



This is just a preliminary list, meant to facilitate a discussion on what others would like to see done at afton.



Please, post in this thread or PM me and I will keep the list current. If you mountain bikers out there have ideas, this is the first way to get them considered. Better yet come out to the trail work sessions and voice them in person.



See you all on Monday.

[Tower]

Matt,
Good idea on the suggestion list, will see you & Troy Monday...

Pretty hardcore to drive all the way from Hutchinson... Hat's off to you...

The main dilemma I see is having access to real trail tools to work with (Mcloud's, Pulaski's, cutting tools, earth moving equipment, etc...). I couldn't find a decent Mcloud to purchase if my life depended on it...

Troy, any luck on tools?

No Mcloud, bring a hard proned rake, hoe, & spade shovel... The hoe's never last though...

With Afton Management's willingness and participation to improve/ change the existing trail system, it's only a matter of time and effort by those that would like to see the improvements...

8AM on Monday, Bring your bike to ride afterwords for some Memorial Day fun...

LS

[Buck]

Rock on guys!!! Sounds like this whole deal is going in a positive direction!!!


L8R
Buck

[RedSquirrel]

I like the Mid-Mtn "S" turns. Not only does it cause a check in speed but creates a good "thinker" section of an otherwise mindless downhill.

Maybe keep that section as is (with ever changing challenge it offers) and add a alternate route too.

[dejorn]

Thanks Heath,

I like the Mid-mountain S curve as well, but something needs to be done to make that section sustainable. My feeling is with the improvements made to the trail system, it will get more pressure from additional traffic. During the 24 hour race that section continually deteriorates over time. Armoring that section might be a possibility, however, the soil is very sandy in that location and might be difficult to armor effectively. The problem with the way it is designed now it riders "bomb" down into the first part of the S curve and lock up the breaks to slow down before making the change in direction. Maybe the arc can be widened to facilitate "railing" around the turn without having to hit the breaks hard just before the turn. You would also be able to maintain speed into the second part of the S curve and continue out of the turn. I would also like to see the sections of trail traversing across the ski slopes slightly "bench" cut.

Keep the ideas coming.

I would also like to hear what parts of afton people like or dislike and why.
For example, I love the hills because they make you work and provide great training, however, I don't like the entrances into the climbs. With the exception of the "whistler" most of the climbs have sharp corners just before turning uphill for the climb. These turns rob any momentum and are typically sandy and rutted.

That said, Afton has its own personality and will never have the groomed feel of a trail like Lebanon Hills. Afton is a rough and somewhat ragged but I don't think that part should be changed.
:eyeroll:

[bolmsted]

The way some of us ride the s-section is very different from the way most do it. Maybe this is the key to fixing that part of the course. I avoid make my turns on sections of the s-curve that are downhill so I basically bomb the first valley and let the bike go uphill to slow itself down. Then I turn 180 and do it again. I don't recall hitting the brakes much at all. Maybe we can churn under the trail's path that causes people to make hard turns while fighting gravity (and erosion).

Or...we could take the approach to the s farther up hill and make the 180 turns more swoopy and gradual so that it ends at about the same spot. just ideas...

[RedSquirrel]

keep the ideas rolling in........ok...no wrong answer folks...

Afton S Turns- I too like the "S" turns on the down hill. I only touch brakes for balance only (i think :) ). It would be a shame to lose the roller coaster feel of the S turns. If banking helps?? Not keen on armour per si, keep it rel. fast.

Afton Character- Afton is the gut bust, just try to stay aerobic place, the roughness is unuiqe too. The rocky sections(top top of whister etc, loose sand and aprupt sections almost makes me feel like I'm out west...we'll sorta. Yeah it's hard on the bike but, that's why I bought my bike. Anyway, I hope we never flatten out these characteristics. I'm hearing agreement which makes me feel better.

Afton Hills/Up-Hill Speed- Again, the hills are unuiqe. They whip you into a whiner or a hero real fast. I love the challenge (it's always present no matter how fit one becomes). For those that don't like hills it's nice to have the standard loop option in place. Agree, having speed into any hill is a cool. If we can add that prior to more hills, like whister, that would be awesome.

AIR or FLOAT- Ok, Afton needs a table top, floater or drop. I'm not talking big but something to give you the wahoo RUSH/FEELING. There are some mounds over water pipes and other natural features but lift or float feeling is limited. I'd think we could adjust then put up appropriate signage pretty easy....?

That's it.

[RedSquirrel]

Come see the ever so talked about Afton trail.
You have the day off of work right?
Help out, your invited.
The trail just keeps getting better!
Get a tour after...
See you there!

[dejorn]

The way some of us ride the s-section is very different from the way most do it. Maybe this is the key to fixing that part of the course. I avoid make my turns on sections of the s-curve that are downhill so I basically bomb the first valley and let the bike go uphill to slow itself down. Then I turn 180 and do it again. I don't recall hitting the brakes much at all. Maybe we can churn under the trail's path that causes people to make hard turns while fighting gravity (and erosion).

Or...we could take the approach to the s farther up hill and make the 180 turns more swoopy and gradual so that it ends at about the same spot. just ideas...

I like the idea of taking the approach futher uphill and sweeping the turn so you can "rail" through the section with a great deal of speed. I also think that the downhill section in the midmountain crossing would be great place to catch some "air". There are a couple of rises that give you that roller coaster effect and they could probably be modified to be even better. Mid Mountain Crossing is one of the only places where you get a reward for the brutal climb. I think some effort to make that section even more fun would be great.

Again, making longer sweeping turns into the uphill sections (like the fast entrance to wistler) would make the coarse more fun. One thought I had for the turn before the souther switchbacks is to carry the turn wider and further downhill past where the existing trail turns uphill. There is a rise on the other side of the ski slope that could be used to slow down and a wooded section on the right side that "new" single track could be cut out of. We can discuss more of these ideas on Monday.

See you all there :crazy2:

[LMARX]

:beer_yum: Sounds like we're going to have a good crew! In order to get the most amount of work done, some of the veteran trail bosses should get a game plan going. (Not me though. I thought bench cut was a sliver in your ass from sitting on a wooden bench and a Pulaski was a bar in Northeast Minneapolis) We should meet at 8:00, discuss our assignments, and be working by 8:15-30. Latecomers can be directed to a worksite by cell phone. We can kick around some ideas for the next project at lunch, after we see how much progress we made.

See you there...bring a friend.

[dejorn]

new people getting involved in the "thread" and the trail work. I am sure there will be plenty of projects to work on the next few weeks before the first Afton race. We will prioritize the ideas and start working based on that.

[The Goat Killer]

Fill us in with the current trail work, as I was out of town over the Holiday. :cool:

[Buck]

yeah I through all this up on MNSCS asking people to help...I hope that helped to draw some attention to afton!


L8R
Buck

[dejorn]

We had another good turnout today and were able to get a great deal accomplished. The areas of highest priority are being addressed.

Last week the organics were raked off the trails so they could "breath" and the general appearance was noticeably improved. Sections with slight errosion were also repaired last weekend.

This weekend the work focused on improving the swithbacks below shady lane and the southern swithcbacks. The switchbacks were "bench cut" making the lines around the turn much easier to handle without spinning and/or sliding down the slop of the hill. The eroded area on the inside of the first turn was filled in an the burn on the outside of the turn was removed to allow the water to flow over the trail over a wider area to prevent future erosion. A new section was added before the southern switchbacks eliminating the sharp first turn after the sustained downhill section. I will try to describe the new section the best that I can, but you should go out and see for yourself. A new line was cut further downhill completely across to the next slope. The trail makes a right turn heading slightly downhill, runs allong the lift, and makes a sweeping turn back uphill. The trail continues allong the right edge of the adjacent slope and makes a sweeping left turn cutting through the woods. A modest log climb was added over the water pipes through the woods. As the trail exits the woods it connects in at the top of the previous sharp turn. The remainder of the swithbacks, on the southern switchbacks, were also bench cut and eroded areas fixed.

A few people continued to work later in the day to finish bench cutting the rest of the southern switchbacks.

There is still a great deal of work to be done, but things are progressing nicely. There a few people coming out in the evening this next week to work on some other sections.

There was also a healthy turnout of trail riders on Monday. It would be nice to hear comments on the additions and modifications.

[Magic]

I have someones Mattocks. Mine has my initials on it and has a black bottom. If someone has it I'd like to get it back. I'll check with John out at Afton to see if it is with the tools at the shed.

[Tower]

Troy, John has it at AA... It came in handy on those last couple spots on Southern Switchbacks....

When do you want to work this week? I'll probably work AA on my day off on Friday... We need to get some of those landscaping flags... I was scoping new lines out for the reroutes of the Meadows.

I'd like to get buy in from the group before we start moving dirt... The only real issue is getting around that carpet ride thing... I think a group ride to sight in & discuss is in order, can you ride Friday after work?

LS
I have someones Mattocks. Mine has my initials on it and has a black bottom. If someone has it I'd like to get it back. I'll check with John out at Afton to see if it is with the tools at the shed.

[Magic]

Thanks Larry, I thought it would be at Afton. I can ride Friday after work. I can make it out there around 5:00 or 5:30. If this works for you let me know. I plan on making it out there on Thursday night if I can to bench cut some other areas.

[Tower]

Friday June 3rd, 5-5:30 PM meet at upper parking lot Chalet, Ride Afton to sight in/ maybe flag proposed re-routes for the meadows section (trail at the base that are always wet & no fun).

Anybody interested in providing ideas/ input on trail re-routes is welcome to attend/ ride with Us... All that is required is helping with the trail work when you've got time...

Don't expect to have a say if your not willing to play (in the dirt)...

The goal is to have some new trail cut in for the 24 Hour Race that will raise the fun factor... It wont happen without help though...

So, any 24 Hour fans out there that would like to see some new trail for the August event, your more than welcome to help us move dirt... And who knows maybe build a structure or two...

If you'd like more details I'm sure Troy, Matt, John (Afton Manager), or myself can fill you in...

Come on out Friday eve at 5 PM to scope out new options...
LS

[The Goat Killer]

Rode Afton yesterday. Nice work guy's! I can middle ring the whole race course now.:banana:

New Trail....
http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/afton%20new%20trail.JPG
Bench cut for switchbacks to Shady Lane.

http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/afton%20shady%20lane.JPG

Shady Lane.:crazy:
http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/afton%20shady%20lane%20climb.JPG

[RedSquirrel]

Open invite to all who ride Afton races & trails. I hope you all can make it out to talk about lower area ideas (near chalet).

I think the idea of avoiding the flats below chalet is good. I like the above the kiddie carpet idea, alot. I also like the bigger "S" on the down hill coming torward the chalet. Include some "air" or big roller going down into kiddie area!! What about the other bottom out area near 24 hour camping....get that higher on hill too??

I can't make it Fri eve. I will ride Thurs. 6:45am.

Gary, glad you like it. Yes, Shady Lane & S Switchbacks are actually almost in the cool range huh? It was fun to work on!!

Afton is getting BETTER!!!! ....anyone, anyone....

[The Goat Killer]

Another shot at the switchback leading to Shady Lane.

http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/afton%20switchback.JPG

[Tower]

Hey Goat Killer,
I spoke with the real Goat, he's down, but not out, he'll be looking to put the smack down on you sometime soon...

You coming out Friday afternoon to ride/ look at trail re-routes?



Not many suggestions on the forums to trail options at Afton... I guess we'll run with the Meadows re-route idea...

Another shot at the switchback leading to Shady Lane.

http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/afton%20switchback.JPG

[The Goat Killer]

The Goat will be crushed! :banana: I may be riding Afton earlier today, so not sure if I'll be ther after 4:00 PM.

Meadows Re-route Idea..........

Connect Meadows into Whistler and cut a small new section on the East end back into Southbound Crossing. This route keeps ya away from the Chalet area.
http://img14.imgspot.com/u/05/153/09/aftontrailupdates.gif

[Tower]

The Goal is to eliminate the "cruising meadows". This is feasible by cutting new singletrack up the side of the hills, through the trees, around the carpet lift and east connecting back to the main trail after the chalet. In order to do this there will have to be some sections of the existing trail shortened (nothing dramatic) in order to allow the re-routes to occur around the carpet lift. Total trail length will probably increase.

Probably the biggest dilemma is where to route the climb around the carpet lift. There is when steep slope that would allow the smoothest lines, but would be a huge project to cut switchbacks and bench cut. I can't do that alone. Would need help... A Dingo could knock it out quickly. This could be a signature climb if done correctly.

After the climb could be a white knuckle through the tree line section, around that carpet lift, followed by a nice 5' high structure (probably logs unless there is a carpenter willing to donate time & skills) to get over the water pipe (optional route will be available).

I've walked this down with John (Afton Manager) he likes the concept, but it can't happen without the help of those that are willing to put in some time to improve the trails at Afton. Afton is willing to work with anyone who has ideas to either re-route or cut new trail... They are very appreciative of those that pitch in to help out...

I'll try and have the new lines flagged by this coming weekend for those that are interested... Feedback or help is appreciated...

[RedSquirrel]

So from the start on the 24-Hour, at the chalet there would be a short climb to get above kid carpet? And the downhill off valley view toward the Chalet raised higher too? If this makes no sense I'll go look for flags. thanks!

[The Goat Killer]

Maybe the Afton trail map could be downloaded and "new" trails added (photoshoped) and uploaded to a server with a linky. This would give us a better idea (picture) of the new trail plans. :p

Da MAP!

http://img14.imgspot.com/u/05/153/09/aftontrailupdates.gif

[Tower]

To answer Heath's question; From the start of the 24 Hour the only change would be the loop around the mud pit. The new option would be to run towards and around the tow rope. Although for the relay tag off they may choose to keep the mud pit loop around in play. It may flow a bit smoother to tag off on that slight downhill slope.
To answer the Goat Killer's question; Your more than welcome to come out map the proposed re-route and download it. I only have time to move dirt... I hope to get some of MORC leadership's time to review the proposal and then flag the new trail. I would like to get it flagged by Sunday, but I'm not sure I can make that happen.

I'll be at Afton on Saturday at 8AM for anyone that would like to assist and or check out the proposed re-route. Again, we can use all the help we can get to make this happen...

[stoneage]

I heard someone say at the Wirth opening that riders are bypassing the new armored descent that the trail school put in last fall. They are cutting to the high side. Maybe some strategically placed pinning rocks would be appropriate.

[Magic]

I'm already on that area Bill. When I get done with it, people will have no choice but to take the garden. The rocks need some fill over them but all in all it's holding up well. The berm on the other hand needs some love thrown it's way. We have all summer to get this place back in shape. We need people to come out and help get some trail work done. For those of you that race the state series and the 24 Hours of Afton, we need your help to work on the trail. If you all want a nice place to race, you've got to get out and help. If not NO CRYING about the trail you're riding on.

[Tower]

The new rock garden does have an easier line to the left which with enough traffic and lack of skill could deteriorate the fun little drop... Armor away Troy...:cool:

I believe the new Garden is why they don't have the Bridge Loop in the Sport Class for Sunday... This is more than doable for your typical Sport class racer... Although less traffic looking for the easy line will be better for this section.

Kill them with kindness not your mattocks...:D Did you get it back yet?

Saturday 8AM, I may have a new tool to test out by then...

[RedSquirrel]

Thanks for the info. I understand about the 24 hour start, makes sense to avoid congestion. I like what I hear on the flow, sweet. I'll be there when I can.

People...the Afton Avalanche courses are all posted at mnscs.com. Good luck and provide feedback here on Afton.


It's changing...

[Tower]

Thanks to Tim Wegner (IMBA Rep, MORC/ Trail Guru) for finding time to meet with us Saturday morning at 8:30AM to review the trail proposal for rerouting options. :banana:

We'll meet at the Upper Chalet to discuss, then walk down the concept(s) and then maybe flag, move some dirt, or help John finish setting up for the race on Sunday... Anybody interested is welcome to join us...

Troy, I've got the new tools... They are not as affective as a mattocks at killing them with kindness... :D

[Magic]

Larry, I'll have you a Mattocks for your very own also. I'm meeting up with Eric G. on Thursday to pick it up for ya. Tools, we have some real trails tools. Maybe we can get some real use out of these things. It's great that Tim is coming out on Saturday. See ya there and don't be square.

[Magic]

First let me start out by giving a big thanks to Tim W. and his son for coming out and helping with the initial design of some re-routes we have planned. We would like to incorporate these new sections before the 24 hour race in August. We are trying to get rid of the lower sections that seem to be always wet. But in order for this to happen, we need help. I can't stress this enough. Just like all the other trails in this state, they come from people in the sport. These trail's don't just happen with a bunch of rain and they grow. Even though that would be nice given the amount of rain we've all had. Is all I'm asking is one or two days a month from people. You don't have to be a regular to work on the trails. Just having bodies to divie up the work load will help.

As for this past weekend state series race, I hope all who raced enjoyed the trails. I hope you also seen a small improvment out there at Afton. It will continue to only get better. Thanks again to Tim W., you helped us out more than you know. Keep checking this thread for up coming trail work days. And I hope to see you out working and riding the great trails we have in this state.

[RedSquirrel]

Last minute notice just in case you can help. Not able to give more notice. I just talked the kids into, I mean bribed, I mean the kids agreed to help again!

I'm heading to Afton to rake, remove debris and pick up misc un-wanted trail objects. I'll be there at 10:00am working until 2:00pm/3:00pm. John the manager claims lots of work needed & some snow still on north faces. Bring a rake. No bikes yet, I estimate open for biking in 2 weeks.

Check-in/sign-in at the "golf" lodge at top and ask for John (the manager). Theirs a notebook for signing in and noting efforts, trail needs etc. John is a great guy and will give you a mtn bike day pass for coming out to help...

I'll be raking cliff, southern switches and shady today....I think. John will tell you where we are.

Interested? See you there then.

[RedSquirrel]

Today's Work Report:

First off I'll share that John the Afton manager supports biking. Good to see him again. As ussual he offered up free mtb bike day pass & lunch for the effort. I turned down the lunch as I was there to volunteer, yet let my kids split a burger basket. The kids did ok with minimal whining. Actually Duncan was a great side man & without him we would have never accomplished so much. Worked 10-3 with a short lunch break.

Shady Lane- completley raked. The switchbacks we cut last year are in fine shape, very fine. The grass switchback areas we didn't cut need a bit perhaps. Left some of road section un-raked as appears to be a good water run-off slower. A few garbage bags are needed on Shady to clean up.

Cliff's Edge down and up- completley raked. Removed two bags of trash! Tree down accross trail near bottom. John claims tree cutter guy coming out soon.

I'm avail mid-day Saturday's, perhaps next week. More on dat later...... over-out.

[Tower]

Heath-
Thanks man... Way to take the initiative!

That is what trail work is all about... Don't wait around for someone else to do it, take the initiative...

More to come on Afton once we understand their mtb plans...

Magic, shoot me a radio check... Over?

[Tower]

El Magic and my meeting with Afton has been delayed... Hopefully next week we'll meet to understand Afton's plans for their trails...
I guess what I can say is their trails will open soon (there is still snow on the north faced slopes) to MTB riding and I'm sure John and the staff will do their best to support those trails...

[DmacBmac]

Is there still work needed to be done at Afton? If so, what are the time and dates set up to continue the work.

[RedSquirrel]

The Manager made it pretty far with clean up. He told me last weekend Afton should open by this weekend 4/29,4/30, call first before driving out.

I'd organize an effort this weekend but Saturday looks rainy & Sunday I'm on the bike much of the day.

We'll have to wait for Larry and Troy's update, surely at least one new trail will be a priority. I know Afton is interested in some..trail updates.

[DmacBmac]

Thanks for the update.:banana:

[Tower]

Okay, here is the deal. I met with Afton management and here is their current vision.
-2006 Trail initiatives will be limited to maintenance and maybe a couple re-routes, time permitting. At this time no major trail changes/ improvements are going to be planned.
-Capital trail improvements beyond this year are unknown... This is partially due to a new snow making/ water system which is going to be installed next year which will probably impact portions of the existing trail.
-It's an economics and risk managment thing. In other words eventually Afton has to answer the question "are mountain bike trails viable and is the risk of providing trails worth it?"

So, what can we do? Go ride Afton. For trail concerns we have 2 options.
-First, let the Afton clubhouse know/ there should be a trail book for feedback. Afton Management likes to get feedback on the trails. It helps them know what is important to the riders.
-Second, we'll start a new thread for trail work. I'll be heading out there on average once every couple of weeks and my plans are to ride and then do trail work. So let me and anybody else interested in maintaining the trails know by posting up... If your interested in getting your hands dirty by helping maintain the trails contact Afton Management (John Reents), myself, or Magic aka Troy Sierekowski...

As for me and my time, I plan to spread my dirt moving efforts amongst a few projects. Yes, I'm a bit bummed, there is huge potential at Afton, we had some big ideas and visions. On the flip-side, it is a private business and they have to weigh their pros and cons.

Enough soapbox, Go ride Afton and enjoy 1200' of veritical in 7 miles. If you have constructive criticism post up on the Afton page for others to note...

If your interested in more details let me know...