Ispiration and resources

[urbaindk]

Here are a few links to freeride locations and trail building.

This is probably my favorite: Synchro's Log http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=46318 on www.nsmb.com -

http://www3.telus.net/marks_stuff/ramp1

This is a log/blog, whatever you want to call it, illustrating the construction of a beautiful trail and amazing trail building techniques. It should be an inspiration to all trail builders. I think it uses 100% natural materials. There's lots of other good stuff on nsmb's trail building forum as well. Check it out: (http://bb.nsmb.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6)

IMBA's trail building guide is also a good place to look:

http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/index.html

I like the IMBA's philosophy and guidelines of building sustainable trails and from what I can tell MORE does a good job with this, however I think some of the trails built by MORE don't use enough imagination to really push what is possible while staying within IMBA's guidelines. I think a lot of local freeriders will agree that while the "ditch witch" is nice it makes for some pretty boring trails. If we wanted to ride roads, we would. On that note, let's stretch our imaginations by considering the following articles:

Adding Challenge: http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/challenge_tips.html

Adding Ewok http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/ewok_trails.html

Wooden Structures: http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/wood_guidelines.html

Using Logs:
http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/logs_on_trails.html

http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/images/ewok.jpg


From the mecha of freeride itself, here are Whistler's trail building guidelines. Pay particular attention to their emphasis on safety in and around structures. If we are going to sell this stuff around here in bureaucrat land we need to pump safety, safety, safety!!!

http://www.whistlercycling.org/pdf/trail-standards.pdf

From an interview with Richie Schley (famous north shore trail builder) on the MTB movie Disorder 5, Schley says (loosely quoted) "Whistler asks the riders they would like to build, and then asks themselves, how can we build this and make it safe, rather than say no you can't build that because it's not safe." That's the attitude I would personally like to see around here.


Other good examples: http://www.nsmba.bc.ca/structures/structuresgood.htm

And finally, where would we be with out walking on the backs of others and learning from their mistakes?

Here is an article reviewing poor construction techniques and unsustainable trail building: http://www.nsmba.bc.ca/structures/structuresmistakes.htm

I hope these links inspire, excite, and motivate you all! Enjoy.

[firedog]

Great pictures and links. I'd love to see that kind of stuff at Conway. And if you look closely you don't see any 2x4's and it looks all natural.

Great job
Chris B.

[urbaindk]

Great pictures and links. I'd love to see that kind of stuff at Conway. And if you look closely you don't see any 2x4's and it looks all natural.

Great job
Chris B.


A note regarding natural building: Most of this northshore stuff we see in these photos is built with yellow or red cedar local to the pacific northwest. That's just not something we have around here. I think Squirrelgirl posted something about using fallen pine. As a rule of thumb untreated pine will only last 1 year on the ground, slightly longer if elevated - not exactly sustainable.

I don't know how many of you have noticed but there are plenty of oaks down and lots of standing dead as there has been a fair amount of "sudden oak death" (http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest_al/sodeast/sodeast.htm) in our area. Oak will last around 5 years on the ground and even longer if elevated. Yes, It's heavier and harder to work with. If you've ever tried to hammer a nail into cured oak you'll know what I mean! But it will last and is really strong (ask old Ironsides). It can be split into rungs with a little effort. That works much better with green oak of course but we aren't going to be cutting live trees now are we?

[dan_hudson]

Thank you for the comment on the virtues of cedar vs pine.

Using natural materials is awesome but please Please PLEASE do not just collect a pile of the deadfall in the forest and build structures out of it. For instance, lots of dead pine at ConRob and it's about the worst choice for doing stuff like this.

Talk to your land manager,create a proposal, get permission. And if you want to encorporate natural materials, take the time to educate yourself which ones are appropriate!

[firedog]

I wish we had that kind of cedar on this coast it would make things a whole lot eaiser. Yes pine stinks for its ability to stand up to a lot of use. Conway Robinson is only 1/2 pine forest, the other half is hardwood which also has deadfalls that can be moved or used in place. Just look at the one "legal" TTF that SG refers to and thats in the more photo section. ;)

Chris B.

[Jack Sparrow]

....I hope these links inspire, excite, and motivate you all! Enjoy....
Urbaindk, thanks for posting these link for M.O.R.E. and for educating folks without talking down to them.

Yaaarrrrr!

-Captain Jack Sparrow (http://www.sponsorhouse.com/beachhearted)

[urbaindk]

Urbaindk, thanks for posting these link for M.O.R.E. and for educating folks without talking down to them.

Yaaarrrrr!

-Captain Jack Sparrow (http://www.sponsorhouse.com/beachhearted)


Thanks Capn. Nice article in Spokes BTW. I'm surprised we've never actually met. Seems like I've ridden with pretty much everybody you mentioned in your article at the "undisclosed location".