Afton Trail Work- Meadows Reroute Project

[Tower]

Starting this thread to discuss and schedule trail work sessions related to the rerouting of the Meadows trails. The new sections have been flagged (thanks to Tim Wegner), now it's just a matter of getting after cutting the new trail...

So post up here for scheduling or checking on existing trail work sessions. A weekly trail day has yet to be established, but one will soon.

A goal is to have the new trail available by the 24 Hour set for Aug 26th.

Trail Reroute description
The new trail will keep you on the side of the hill versus dropping down to base prior to the Meadows Chalet. The trail will be technical climbing singletrack in the tree-lines, connected by ski slope with an obstacle or two to elevate the fun-factor. At the Meadows Chalet the trails will be completly redirected for spectating and riding enjoyment. The trail will dump you out about 2/3rds the way up the hill directly south of Meadows Chalet. From there will be a nice jump/ or roller to two banked chicanes through some trees on to some more rollers dumping you out on the patio where the 24 Hour lap counts occur. The section above the Meadown Chalet will definitely have a DS flavor to it...

Everybody is welcome to help with trail improvements at Afton, whether your an expert at trail design or a rookie looking to learn, there is a place for you on this Team... Post up at anytime for information...

[Tower]

I'll be working on patching up the existing trails from the series race and break ground on the re-route tomorrow, Friday. If interested PM myself or Heckler35.

Still waiting to define a weekly trail work day... Magic, have you figured out your schedule yet? Don't you disappear on me... :laugh:

[Tower]

Singletrack climb I (~.15) miles is bench cut & ridable. The exit (short but steep climb in soft sand) needs some more work to stablize & shore up (planning some sort of wood retaining wall)...

Next up is wooded singletrack climb section II. Once that is complete on to the dual slalom stuff... The DS sections are mowed so you can get a feel for the flow... The section will really rail with a couple of banked turns bridge loop styled...

Planning a weeknight session this week, not sure which day yet...

[Tower]

As Troy The Heckler35 stated, Thursdays will be the day to work this project and others that come up...

All are welcome to participate... If your a 24 Hour Participant, a regular at Afton, or someone just looking for a low key place to get involved, this is for you...

Don't forget to bring your bike to ride. We can always put the tools down an hour before sundown or bring the lights to get a lap in...

[Tower]

The second wooded singletrack section (~.15 mi) is bench cut. Still need to firm it up, locate underground wires (Afton to coordinate with Electrician), & excavate under the waterpipes allowing bike traffic.

Other notables, retaining wall in Section I still needs to be built. Logs are staged in the area for the build. Also, Afton Mgmnt to stage logs for the water pipe log crossing after Section II.

The flow (~2 min) of the slalom course is going to be sweet. It is mowed all we need to do is finalize the lines, build up some corners, do a bit of bench cutting, and shape the drop/ jump... Any DS/DH riders we could use your input on shaping this section...

Next Thursday, buff out the trail, maybe build a wall or a log crossing... Maybe start shaping the slalom course... Plenty of options... :D

Come on out Thursday if you'd like to check it out...

[Tower]

To whoever spent some time rerouting the exit of Section I, Thanks!!! Someone did an excellent job redirecting the trail so that you do not having to ride up a soft sand slope at slow speed...

The plan is really shaping up!!! Here is what's left:
- Shape the enterance under the water pipe at Section II. This will be the biggest challange... Keeping a 4' deep hole from becoming a mud pit... Help!!!
-Build the log crossing over the water pipe leading to the slalom section
-Continue shaping the slalom course, short term- 3 in-slope bermed turns, long term- table top(s), jump(s), ect. Whats done- Bench cut complete after bermed turn #3. The Slalom Section is marked for flow so if your out there look for the orange markings and give it a run, and let us know what you think...

Thanks again to whoever spent some time working the new trail... Great Job!!!

Thursday night... To be continued... Come check it out...

[Tower]

Bermed turn #1 of the slalom course is now shaped... It still needs to be finished so please don't attempt to ride it until further notice...

Up next- build more features for the slalom course, firm up the new singletrack sections (still way soft), shape the dip under the water pipe (once electrical wiring is confirmed)...

Once the pieces are complete we'll put the puzzle together (mid August?)... Anybody have mapping skills (Goat Killer?)...

We meet every Thursday night and we'd like to get a Saturday or two in before the 24... So for those that would like to help, but can't make it on a Thursday, let us know which Saturday(s) work for you and we'll attempt to get a session together...

A HUGE THANKS to John, Bill, & Troy... Next Thursday, more fun with the pieces of the puzzle...

[Buck]

If you guys can wait till after the Greenman I will have a way more open schedule, I'd love to help do some digging on that DS course, and check out the XC stuff you have coming together!!!
L8R
Buck

[Tower]

Buck, we'd appreciate you and your FR posse giving us your input... Just let us know when you've got the time... Whether weekend or weeknight one if not all of us will be there... All of us equates to 4 people...

Coming up with a DH run is not to far off... Troy is itching to get after it...

Any east metro FR/ big hit types... We are looking for your input & help to design and build stuff that works... If we do it right, Afton Alps Management supports us... In fact, the manager of the facility already made a skinny out there himself...

Buck, bring it... We know you sing it...

[RedSquirrel]

Sounds like Afton is becoming the place for every style rider! Sweet.

I've been out of town on multiple trips, haven't been to Afton since race. :cryin:

Saturday the 30th(July) & 13th(Aug.) look open at this point, let me know.

Kids soccer and such make Thursday's a slim prospect for me.

Heath

[Buck]

Larry,
I have been in contact with troy for sometime, I am just waiting for you guys to be ready! Troy tells me things are coming along very nicely! I look to be out some time in July after the Greenman!
THanks look forward to working with you!
L8R
Buck



Buck, we'd appreciate you and your FR posse giving us your input... Just let us know when you've got the time... Whether weekend or weeknight one if not all of us will be there... All of us equates to 4 people...

Coming up with a DH run is not to far off... Troy is itching to get after it...

Any east metro FR/ big hit types... We are looking for your input & help to design and build stuff that works... If we do it right, Afton Alps Management supports us... In fact, the manager of the facility already made a skinny out there himself...

Buck, bring it... We know you sing it...

[Tower]

We've only scratched the surface of what could be accomplished at Afton...

Change is proportional to the number of people working it. We could do allot more with more volunteer help... We are only 4 people, if we had 8...

I'm waiting on feedback from the other weekly Workers (John, Troy, & Bill) to see when their schedules will allow a weekend session or two... I'd like to shoot for the 30th and Aug 13th, but can't confirm just yet...

Buck, can you swing in on the 30th of July? If you need a place to crash I'm sure we can help you out...

Again, this work is for the 24 Hour crowd with a huge FR potential (slalom course)... The goal is having the re-routes completed by mid August so people can get out and pre-ride for the 24...

[Buck]

We've only scratched the surface of what could be accomplished at Afton...

Change is proportional to the number of people working it. We could do allot more with more volunteer help... We are only 4 people, if we had 8...

I'm waiting on feedback from the other weekly Workers (John, Troy, & Bill) to see when their schedules will allow a weekend session or two... I'd like to shoot for the 30th and Aug 13th, but can't confirm just yet...

Buck, can you swing in on the 30th of July? If you need a place to crash I'm sure we can help you out...

Again, this work is for the 24 Hour crowd with a huge FR potential (slalom course)... The goal is having the re-routes completed by mid August so people can get out and pre-ride for the 24...

Yeah I know what it is like, I am working with 4 different crews at 4 different ski areas now including yours!!! The more people the better!!! Afton is a hugely untapped area, I think I can round up some FR guys to help out that showed interest over the winter.

I'll see what I can do for the 30th, i may be at Steeple Chase that weekend


L8R
Buck

[Tower]

We are about half way finished with the log crossing over the water pipes which will connect the singletrack/ hill climb with the slalom section.

The crossing is begin built with railroad ties and treated posts, so this thing should be there for a while... It will probably end up being at least 4' high and wide enough to have a stable platform. There will be a detour option for those that don't want to ride it, but it wont be that difficult it may just look a little different.

There is a skinny in existance next to where the log crossing is being built too so there are really 3 options past the pipes.

We should finish the crossing this Thursday night... Bill, Greg, & Troy hope to see you there... New comers are more than welcome too, we've got other things to get after if we are going to make it by the 24 Hour....

[Tower]

Good progress was made last night. We are closer to finishing the log crossing. The ramp up is in place, needs some touch up work and the exit needs to be shaped. This definitely doesn't look like your typical crossing, but when complete it should be able to withstand just about anything...

When we ran out of materials we started to shape Berm #2 of the slalom section. We are in-sloping what should be a very maintenance free berm that will withstand the mowing tractors and not be a winter problem for skiiing.

Next week more of the same, we'll need to collect more logs, nails to secure logs in place, & dirt for fill.

I am planning on working Saturday the 30th. Anyone interested in helping out let me know.

[Buck]

Good progress was made last night. We are closer to finishing the log crossing. The ramp up is in place, needs some touch up work and the exit needs to be shaped. This definitely doesn't look like your typical crossing, but when complete it should be able to withstand just about anything...

When we ran out of materials we started to shape Berm #2 of the slalom section. We are in-sloping what should be a very maintenance free berm that will withstand the mowing tractors and not be a winter problem for skiiing.

Next week more of the same, we'll need to collect more logs, nails to secure logs in place, & dirt for fill.

I am planning on working Saturday the 30th. Anyone interested in helping out let me know.

Larry,
If it works for you guys, I think I have a couple evenings open next week. Maybe we can do a walk and talk out at Afton. I have some guys that would like to help with some things.
L8R
Buck

[Tower]

Buck,
Just let Troy or myself know when you'd like to come out to Afton. Our trail work night is Thursday, but I can free myself up another night of the week if that works best for you... I'm sure Troy could do the same... We've also gained a couple other loyal trail builders (Bill & Greg) who might want to participate also. Then there is John Reents and Afton Management. Without John there would be no trails at Afton...

So let us know when you'd like to stop in and we'll set something up...
LS

Even better, bring the bike for some riding... There is only 1200' of climbing in the 7 mile 24 Hour course loop... :sick: With the climbing is some decent desending though too... Nothing full moto though... Not yet anyways... :cool:

[Buck]

Buck,
Just let Troy or myself know when you'd like to come out to Afton. Our trail work night is Thursday, but I can free myself up another night of the week if that works best for you... I'm sure Troy could do the same... We've also gained a couple other loyal trail builders (Bill & Greg) who might want to participate also. Then there is John Reents and Afton Management. Without John there would be no trails at Afton...

So let us know when you'd like to stop in and we'll set something up...
LS

Even better, bring the bike for some riding... There is only 1200' of climbing in the 7 mile 24 Hour course loop... :sick: With the climbing is some decent desending though too... Nothing full moto though... Not yet anyways... :cool:


hahaha, I can do it if you don't mind going slow, I rock out on a 55+ DH bike!!! LOL woohoo

I'll let ya know, I'm pumped to get to work on some new terrain!
THanks
L8R
Buck

[halls]

For those interested i've posted a photo of the log crossing. It's close to completion. :geek:

[timmy]

Good progress was made last night. We are closer to finishing the log crossing. The ramp up is in place, needs some touch up work and the exit needs to be shaped. This definitely doesn't look like your typical crossing, but when complete it should be able to withstand just about anything...

When we ran out of materials we started to shape Berm #2 of the slalom section. We are in-sloping what should be a very maintenance free berm that will withstand the mowing tractors and not be a winter problem for skiiing.

Next week more of the same, we'll need to collect more logs, nails to secure logs in place, & dirt for fill.

I am planning on working Saturday the 30th. Anyone interested in helping out let me know.

Larry, I'm in for Saturday! Let me know what time you want to meet. I'll bring my bike.

[RedSquirrel]

Larry,

Below Greg is looking for a time saturday. As we spoke today, I'll be there around 11:00 with little helpers. I don't have tools...other than shovel and yard stuff...so get ahold of something as needed.

Heath

[Tower]

For those that would like to give a hand at Afton we'll have session this coming Saturday at 9AM. We have a couple projects in the works which we can get after...

We've got plenty of tools, although we could use a chainsaw to cut a few ties in half... Bring you're ride to do a lap (or 2) of the proposed 24 Hour course... We'll ride after trail work.

We'll also be working this coming Thursday too...

[Buck]

For those that would like to give a hand at Afton we'll have session this coming Saturday at 9AM. We have a couple projects in the works which we can get after...

We've got plenty of tools, although we could use a chainsaw to cut a few ties in half... Bring you're ride to do a lap (or 2) of the proposed 24 Hour course... We'll ride after trail work.

We'll also be working this coming Thursday too...

Larry and others with the powers that be...
As of right now I plan on being there this Thursday...will that work for other people you also wanted to meet with at the same time? I can't do Sat. I'll be in Ely for work...Let's make something happen! Hit me back!
L8R
Buck

[Magic]

Thursday will work fine Buck. Right now we are still working the XC trails. We have some things to get done before the 24 hour race in Aug. This fall or next spring will be the time for FR or DH. I told the crew this summer is dedicated to getting the XC trails back up to par, then we open up the terrain to new features. I think Larry would like your input on the slalom section that is going in. Plus any help is good help, you know that. Thanks up front from me and the crew at Afton for the help. I will be out there on thursday night at 5:00 and work till 7:30 - 8:00 untill I have to go to hockey. Talk with you all on thursday.

[Tower]

10-4... I'd like to get Buck's feedback on the slalom section... From there Troy if you & Buck want to go scope out FR/ DH options by all means go for it... I'd like to get the log crossing finished this week (we'll need more materials for the crossing exit, and hammer/ nails to tie in some of the timbers)... Hopefully John and the "Afton Depot" are open for business this week...

[RedSquirrel]

We'll, my third visit to do trail work was great! Just show up & support. My boys had a blast in the dirt too.

Afton has made so much headway & will get so much better per da plan.

I like what I see. Banked corners, log rolls, swoops, it's going to be a pleasant surprise to 24 hr riders. Help build or at least get out and ride it!!

Larry, Troy, Matt & others..the under the water pipe route may need to be a longer entrance & perhaps deeper. A rider came by and...no go for him anyway. I cut the water drainage. Kinda a mini grand canyon w/big run out.

Chow for Now,

Heath

[Tower]

The new trail is now officially open. Please be patient we still have allot of work to complete, but it is completely rideable...

The 24 Hour course is marked with red stakes and orange arrows.

The dug out under the water pipes is a dilemma, but it is rideable since we put the rubber mats down for traction. Keep in mind this section is an alternate to the connector trail at the base of the hill and is meant to be more of an "advanced" section... The new trail just needs to be ridden. The soil is real soft and in need of tread...

What is remaining?
-Complete berms and shaping of the slalom section.
-Connector singletrack section between Deer Path and downhill to Whistler.
-The Dug Out under the waterpipe, the saga continues...
-Add singletrack to Afton Gully Section to make it flow without the gravel road.

Big Thanks-
Matt, Andrea & family, Heath & boys, Dave Stoen-age (Ricco Brother), Troy, Greg, John & Afton Management for helping out on Saturday... It was appreciated!

[halls]

Larry,
Wow! You folks on sat. did alot of work. Trails are really looking good.
I will miss thrusday , (working again) but should be back next week.
See you guys then.

[Tower]

Bill,
Not sure if you plan on riding or working Afton at all this week, but there are a few existing locations that still need some touch up work after the rain last week.

One washed out spot is at the top of the climb out of Shady Lane, another is the climb leading to Deer Path out of Afton Gully. A rake and shovel would do the trick...

If you've got the time great! If not, we'll get them fixed at some point...

A couple times I've gone out done my riding then followed up with some trail work... You can easily pick the problem areas that way, plus you've got your riding in...

Once we finished the log crossing it became obvious we were ready to open it up, plus the new singletrack needs to be ridden before the deer ruin the trails...

When you get to the crossing keep your "mo" going and you'll float right over it... :D

[Tower]

We'll be working tomorrow Thursday...
Areas yet to work prior to the 24:
-Continue shaping the slalom section
-"Dug Out" under the water pipes- saga continues
-maintenance on new singletrack trails
-Fix eroded spots on existing trails (~5 locations)
-Cut new sections (lowest priority)

Everybody is welcome to check it out, get involved and for sure get out there and ride the trails... The new stuff needs to be ridden...

Another thanks to Buck for stopping by last Thursday and showing us your support. You've got allot of killer plans in the works... Keep up your intensity... You've got our support.

Thanks to the Saturday crew for coming out... Matt, Andrea, & Heath you guys prove you can have a family, race, and get involved with trail work...

I can't forget the Thursday Crew either... You know who you are... Movin' dirt can be as much fun as ridin' dirt...

[Buck]

Hey Larry!

Hell man with out you and crew doing the work out there now, no one would be interested in Afton! I wish I could make it this Thursday and weekend, but I have to head down to steeple chase...one prject at a time...

Keep 'er going, you have some uber buff trail out there! Can't believe people are missin' out on this hidden gem of a place! The XC crowd will be all over this after 24hrs of Afton!
L8R
Buck

[tkb608]

I did a couple laps of the 24 hour course this afternoon and I was full of grins from all the new stuff out there. There is going to be a lot for spectators to see with all the new work near the camping are. That huge log pile is a blast, and that dugout is hilarious. People should definitly get out there and ride it though, cause some of it is in great need of getting packed down. I saw John out there, he was marking the route in around the climb that was new last year, and appears to only exist at 24 hour time. That area could use a lot of riding to. Anyway, thank you all for doing this work, I've been trying to find a Thursday I can get out there, but haven't had any luck.

[Tower]

Made progress last night to berm#1 of the slalom section. Quick-crete has become our friend... For those riding Afton be aware that we extended the berm about 4' and it is very soft (ran out of the hardener).

The "Dug Out" held up rather well to the 1"+ rain that hit Afton the other night. Hey Heath, your trench did the trick... Great idea, it worked!

Saturday we'll be flagging & maybe cutting some bonus singletrack to the Afton Gully area... Getting rid of as much featureless open field riding as possible... What fun is that for a 24 Hour?

Hopefully fix some of the eroded problem areas on the existing trail as well...

If your interested in giving us a hand, stop on out, we have plenty to do, don't forget to bring your rig to ride...

[Buck]

Made progress last night to berm#1 of the slalom section. Quick-crete has become our friend... For those riding Afton be aware that we extended the berm about 4' and it is very soft (ran out of the hardener).



Hey Larry,
I'd be interested to hear if extending that berm made it ride better or not? does flow alittle better to the new stuff???? And how is the step-down option thingy looking? That'll be sweet!
Thanks
L8R
Buck

[Tower]

Buck & Others,
Yeah, it should flow better into berm #2, although until we get more of that magic powder to harden it up it's going to be real soft. John was getting some more bags of the powder for the final touch.

I think the step down will be a feature that Troy will need to work his "magic" on and design a launching pad al la the entrance to The Farm... I was thinking 3 lines, the launch, the existing drop your front wheel, and then a 3rd line at a lesser grade. I'd hate to see someones front teeth taken out during the 24 Hour at 3AM because they were half asleep.

We've got allot yet to accomplish prior to the 24, whatever we don't get done wont be for a lack of trying that is for sure...

I'm looking forward to the post 24 Hour trail sessions... Then the real games should begin IF we get the participation...

Trail work tomorrow 9AM til probably 1 or 2PM.

[RedSquirrel]

I've gotten word the log roll isn't ride able w/moisture (i.e. this mornings dew). Also heard issue about loose woods area being a no go.

We all know it's a work in progress. Satuday, Aug 13th trail work!

I'm tentative Saturday, if a go see you @ 10:30am again, kids & I. We will definitely try to assist and speed up the work in progress.

[Tower]

The Afton Gully has been rerouted, previously the you rode gravel road to a trail in the middle of an open field. It was rerouted, taking you under a pine tree canopy, a little shade, a few features = more enjoyment. The downhill portion is has been rerouted off the gravel road onto a sideslope which links to an existing fun little downhill section.

Regarding the log crossing leading to the Meadows chalet slalom section; this crossing is 4' high and obviously with a bit of moisture it will be slick, there is a route around the crossing/ water pipes just downslope a bit. There is also a skinny as a third option.

The wooded singletrack, these trails were built to be tight with a narrow tread width. It will take time for the tread to become stable, also the new trails are meant to provide a challange. The flat option on the base of the hill is still open.

Trail work Thursday night & Saturday the 13th. Come check it out... We've got plenty of work yet to complete before the 24 Hour.

[tkb608]

I was the first rider on the course Saturday morning. The dew was heavy. I've been mountain biking for a while now, but am no dare devil. I thought those logs were very ridable, and very fun.
That loose stuff is gonna be hard to get in shape in three weeks, but it is enjoyable. I love the drop off near the end of the lap to, should provide some good entertainment for spectators. Once again thanks for all the work. These extras are gonna make the race a lot more fun.

[Magic]

Thanks Tom, it's great to get feedback on the new stuff we have been slaving over. That was one of my concerns about the new log crossing (riding the logs when wet) I'm glad you had no problem. The new singletrack will be a work in progress up to the 24 hr race and their after. Glad you like the new feel of Afton, and I hope to see you out riding the trails or working along side us.:D

[Tower]

What we have left to complete this Thursday & Saturday-
-Slalom Section- Groom Berm #1, John was going to apply more quick-crete to the extension, unsure if it was accomplished yet.
Slalom Section- Break ground and create Berm #4, this feature will mirror the insloped Berm #2. Simple to create and maintain.
Connector singletrack to Whistler Climb- Break ground, create trail. This will eliminate more open field/ featureless riding, which should be a good thing for most people...
Continue grooming created trails- The wooded singletrack, Dug Out, Wooded singletrack II, and Slalom sections will need some ongoing attention.

Existing Trails- There are still some good sized washouts that still need attention on the west side of the course. We'll need to walk & rake those trails. I did the same to the south & east side trails (Shady/Southern/Gully/ect.) on Saturday.

What else out there has yet to completed?

Thursday 5:30PM/ Saturday 9AM -Ride afterwords...

[Tower]

We'll we are about ready to say "done"... All that remains for breaking new ground is creating Berm #4 of the Slalom Section... Hopefully we'll get that done this weekend or by race day...

There are still orange arrows/ red poles to post and some clearer signage needed where there are alternative lines (technical vs. not-so-technical).

We also will keep grooming the trails up to race day to make sure they are in as best of shape as possible to minimize concerns of racing on fresh trail...

Thanks to those (you know who you are) who've given some sweat equity and design input into making this happen... We've really only scratched the surface, so if your looking for a low key place to get involved and have input into design your more than welcome to contact one of us... Oh, I guess we are still looking for a "trail boss" too... "Moving dirt can be as much fun as riding on dirt..."

[Magic]

We all are "Dirt Bosses". It will be nice to see the finished product. Dirt Boss #1 signing out.