Fall Brings Changing Trail Conditions
Monday, 29 October 2012 12:09
Fall Brings Changing Trail Conditions
The late starting but otherwise crazy long summer has taken its bow and we are fully into fall trail conditions. I have to apologize for the long spell between updates,
but I was out enjoying the trails instead of being stuck inside on account of the torrential rainfall (as is happening outside my window as I write this entry).
The summer really was epic. I had opportunity to do more riding in more places with more friends than ever. Trips took me to a bunch of places and a highlight had to be riding on the moonscape like trails of South Mountain Park in Phoenix Arizona in 110 degree temperatures. I have never guzzled so much water nor been so off-the-hook thankful for my Camelbak Charger pack. Regardless of where my travels have taken me, there really is no comparison to the trails we have right here in our back yard. And the scope and quality of those trails are due immeasurably to the people that pour their lives into them.
I have been all over the entire range of Vedder Mountain over the past couple of months and am continually surprised and impressed at the magnitude of the 
trail work that is going on. Nearly everywhere I went there were signs of both major projects (the new section 57 non-motorized trail) and more mundane but equally important maintenance projects (ie. water diversion on the multi-use trail heading up to the Forest Service Road below Hobo Road trail). Even as I rode on Friday afternoon, I noted new work (that day) to fix water flow issues on the Den, and some routine maintenance on both Mexican Ninja and Femur trails. On Sunday and a jaunt up Duck Farm Loop I noted with surprise some new wood work to help divert downhill traffic away from a sketchy corner prone to erosion. The new woodwork is monstorously burly in its build and super fun to ride, improving both safety, fun and rideability of this section for everyone. In addition, some of the motorized fellow were doing their bit to improve water flow by ensuring appropriate water diversion along the double track that passes through private property on the way up to and beyond the entrance to Duck Farm Loop.
Many non-official trail days continue to go down regularly (thanks to the FVMBA guys, Jon Bone, Ernie Kleiver, et al) and without these ad hoc work party gatherings, a lot of the progress and maintenance seen would never happen. These work parties really don't get enough airplay and often require those wanting to be plugged in to check in our Calendar or connect with trail folk from the various recreational groups. I know that the CORC, BCH BC and LMATV are always up to good things and it is not an uncommon occurence for me to run into venerable trail builder and old-man of the mountain Gary Harder of FVMBA (and friends) doing some woodwork magic. This warms my heart and I simply cannot say enough thankyou's to all of the hard working dirt slingers amongst us. You ensure that my trail experience is always stellar.
So whereever my travels might take me, I am always raring to get home and get back to my old haunts, to enjoy some singletrack goodness and to see what you hard working types have gotten up to in my abscence.