Loading...
14.0 PRSR 04-13-2016 Elk\ :--- HILLSIDE CITY PARot . ,... -1 w ,,iik River \ \ Recreation This is a 7.25 mile loop of 100%wooded single track. The trail is tight&twisty with a few log piles thrown in. \'\' \ 'r_ _ _ _ __ ,: _ ,_..,, ,, ,, , \ r, . ....: IP ' N ,,,j i e__ IN - .(. „,„,,_ -(4.: .--_ __ ...„._ ...,,,, .. .,,.. s r fi --1 ... __ ,f3 2 \C---c-1-1 111 ...Pt,” ' '\\ " OCG '�•�\i\\. y <-... ^..,,�. i ,,,\ ,N ,, ,, .�. \`, ',. • f7F 1, i, . - r _ ,,,,,_,, „„,P,-.� Ns`� • ,, ` , T 0 fi ,tom { 1 Ai i ''' :1---.- , <-\., ,`,,, \,\\`\ o'AIMIllpi, '17111* 4 t 1/ '' I 4,34 .. ., N x :„....i. . ......_ _____ .\\ , ,_ aro,- I ,�,.- - 1 41r *V" .'lr rr"'rye' p rj,1 I le i1 :, % 1 , xi; Ji I ‘ , .. . ,„„ , _. ...-..��� , f, �,, \ �-.-_---..��y� 1 �f1 , �, / 1 .� t_.. x� aFP.;:•' t 1 n+ l , 1---: J ,ate r - , :�.-. .., . /n ( 1/ yr. . .. by ,, �IIR. r 0.„.„. ,1 , / ., „,,, , . „, , ,, ,„N., I , . ,...I I I ce”, \ �j. ... k o a } ' 1 t . M•'a 4•4,;.'4`a^t 9 1 e, ii Y 1 III I t rI. { ,, - '''.4: "7:\ ' a II I o reh- e I � ' ' v N ,�� �' I + --X . ,.• ,, Sec 1 = 1. 1 Miles 'L—._ . _ -_--, —�+' '--A4--,,, ` , . . - *- - . - . - ,. l Sec 2 = 1.2 Miles �_ ___ ,,\ County Road 12 Sec 3 = 1.8 Miles Sec 4 = 2.6 Miles E 3 0 c �* 73 m — M g d = n Z co Q 0) m N- 0 D or o fD 7 CD < -o 3 v, O0 N S co m 3 m m < v 3 v, 0 3 in K w o- 3 D n`i 0 _1 a4 r, rn a)NI n r N 7 N n CT < Ql ,< v, S O U, n '-r EL-. 0 7 2- 3 3 w O OCT < — d W 0 < On . 0" '< < — d _< S d O 7 Oe, 00 = 3 N C- R'- 0 fT S n• fD fD ,- A 0 S C a) < -' m ° o ° 00 0 in CD p o rr�� p n a) 0_ -. (7. °_ v, C. O V 7 00 0 N D N 'G fV Inc' O fD '� =4 hi =4 n v .-r O v,0 ,' A ro O CfQ C CD Z o D 0- -• ° N 7 - d D '-* /coL „cr,• m 70 0) 0 Op l.0 na, 0 0 ° fD52° a °O S apo clo p_ = 3 N j S 4- r.00 d00 -1d = 3. ,' cr fD = r, E c 0 0 v' 4d'',C tG'20 73 dn m n n O /• 0 e%5 j:13 co 40 r 9v /lOd 0G4 4' ' sc n G OPa• 0, it.. d n G,1P0D co„ 0r fo c -< < -< < L r0 in ao co in CD °/G G aj 0 -sv, 0e�0 5 P 3 +°0 r0ro 8 aro. o m CD -<CIQ L In C cn in 0/G 04 0eP Cl(13 P6sN 7 .<aQIn ° ° O °ivS —cu c o fD v a) n7 < 3 d 7 .. D0c� ma ° S o o Q fD p N ai v �/j N N 7c- a0 O C 0 ° ipC o o '.i'o (>0... fD '4. c/ - 0 T o m c OO, O 0a� m 3 o- ° o —v - CO W 7• < c fp '--' d 7 n c eL s o — C ° c 0 !Z, • ,< m ° O o < o ° °1 F. v0 -h fD (D CD. n , f) (D fD d% n , m • cu 0 •>?, III 07 A N O 0 N n- p d 0 0 J` '''l d�0 T °- = ° in ,--, N 'dor 7c P.f` v . + va O T d�Pc0�0 T F. o o -p r, m n, c ' 0 7 rD CD fs 0 -, o 0 0G m S CD v, w co '-r _ 'a' St c o.' in ni 0 7 70 fD ^p' 070 -I s0,, -I " '° N 7• n fD 7Oa 7C' 3 fD 73 N (D fp,, 7 S n Q ut a0 N N W a) N N n CD (D < ,_, lD S .rt S c in r+ C 0 o 04 N 77 °O = O N O 3 -, N D N fD �n 0 `n `^ Q1 C _° ,n n °_ f, < n 0 °- • < <r0 0 3 N �' c o d C co n fp =' 0 . 0-, .< d '7•. '�nr n Cr O �' 7 GO 0 v, O = S S N fD Q '� 7 fD fD d o ,+ Ok N 5 /G 7• ' u,' �• = 7 D < O O - fD 5. * o n 7 ,7, ,>e a0 (D d 00 CD °_ °- n 7 < a0 to D1 in fD * ON p Q P9 P<°r P o o o F. Oo -, CD = ° or cfDD o o ?� G•0 sGs v, -• '. n� a ,� n c r 0e, PO m 0 w o O2+ a ,p, ',-, co 0- = fo CDD = o CU s 3. O " < 00 d, i1 .+ n - S ,., 7' -O Q '< 7' �' S v °_ ° 0 O 0 0 '� o n fD to d fD tD cD r-r o 'O Q. N — r (D 7-cu = °_ N o S °- R. y, °_ to 0 c 9G d• c 0 is Y a 7 q 0- S 7- CD '. CD '. a Q 0 0o 1. c m �. oo D cu DJ s M o n N s v, .+ m O" CPQ eq)/ 40 n C d d 7 r+ r., n °, o n o -. O 00 ti- cu TO O! N -0 < v,-0 N 7- S R• I O v, -O 0- = S p O — < j O 0_ Q fD CD O O 0 0 0 fo :^ -O 7 0 7 -, n n N cu ;r * 0 N o0 `n (D in ffD„ 7 v, f'90 �i) 0 4Ga s45 �P = 0 01a -, o n Z Z apo CD p d G°/GAJ 7 rD < S ,.., In azo P9 r1r co � k. //G� di', 7 %� �P ,fie 0,0 h0 '›e ID Q °1 m- E S w °- CD p 0Z 0d`GSPa Z < 7 VU it n 7) 7- cm. O c o 7. C CD O (D ' 0 r S n .-t 7 7 v, 7 v, -h n 7 v, v, p °_ LW r v_, a a 3 N n Ch fD ro < ° p OS -, f°D " °. v, fD 7 S o'r IP 1' 4\e, O a) 7 = O 0 O O°_ CO da o 3 -I 3 = CQ 0 P z R_. O 7- w o_ fD < {ZOnNaon 0 d - f,, O Oo D, 7• o °: m Dl 070 00 0 N O. d d * v' (DQ Q 7' St °- S N in d 3 n n v, ° n fD 'D fD c 7 0 0 0 c Cu f� < s < O � d°r F., 7 S CU 77 < •< P Q `n O 3 m — 0) 7 SGP P ro in d 0 cO o J".")J".")cn CDD O 7 CCD 3 A Q nY R-N o_ n 7 0o E 07 a0 ID N m `n a) o 0 0.-rfD 3 vOfir 3a_ I -< C 02 C ' ° f„ u o�P - < s r r rD rD I- - 03 U vvs CU17"CD -1 v, n m d m < r<D • > > fl) C 3CD o, 0) m 0 = 3 3 0 _x O = 0 fD N N ID n F N CD ID fD N N N N 0, N 00 OD CD r0 N N 00 ni 0 w z n rn coVI x n f '1 N = Cu 1-1 O i� N• < N d' a K A CD < S S .0) N ••••••1 N d U U'i N N O N O o 3 00 G o r..) co o 5 00 3 5 < 7C r' T (-) O On N C N O <m W r-r p O ro tr •i 0 C tr, 3 r�D 3 O C 0 d c) A-7c .. < N o Gl O' 0) 7r X < Cu O C sLn 1 LID CD fD CD 7 n U1 O) U)" LU N 0 N ,_ O ,G C M O QQ 0 N E'O p, 'O cuZ N rD6* -1 ° 0 N O -I s m 73 nO -, SO W • S , 04 n ,-. f < rD D G S rD ,-,. O O SflDDn ND•0D, CD n 0 rD oO n D-r Cl n c o O < n 3 co 0' (D CO ° G o 0 0 0 n r, ° DO O 0 0 vO A A 7 o ° 7C n 0 m 0a < o D O rn-. N r�r d 0i n n 'O ..-r 0 S n fND N N 0 .r-. o - vv, o• fD - O0 0C 0- N d n n CD CD = cm-. �- fD "a N 0 0 - CD Cl) 0 N o- < 0 00 _DJ - opo o -r m -< m -< m CD K 0 N N N Ut N n O. ID O O rD 3 c A 3 -<N co S. 0 N N Nin N Q O 3 rD N - A N• 0 n 'a 3 p °_ S < -. '.. n CD d r. n c n -• CD o Cu N .+ N '"' W o a O 0 O < d < n c+ d cu �• _' ,6-, o v, 0• N ccm - 0 0 d 0 S _0 04 0 0 0 0_ ° N G,' N 0 fD x- ° N rrDD 3 5 O L 3 N O lD N CCD n fD N 0 {y N _ ° 0. 0J r-. -p N rD o CU 7• (D 0 0 O C °- 0 zL Cu 77. _0- Cu 3 d CD . rD Q o C m 0- g 0- s 0, •° * n ° . rn = 0-O 3 O. s 0 0 0 , n n 0- 0 * 0 N n 0 0 (0 0 D. 3 OQ •C C N S W r-. • c o 0 C = _° ON CCD °- 0 rn. CU S N O O O CD O 0, rD O_ 0 °- N ,Ni, CD a -p CuN n d Q 3 A n a 5' rroo -,, n6 00 .< c O _ N as O 7r .:.< N 7 - CIO n f* G F 3 O c n r. E CD 0 (� O <' o co O n < m s O rD , v, q c O 0 oN c o c 0� Cu c'D n °- s O Q o m m r ro o, E 0. 0 -.: . D n n n c CD ,rr r2 r� OC '° 7 O� ri '-. '* .�. O O N in 00 rD .--.CU 0n O ro O N3 o n CD0n C c ,G N 0, O R• d v °' v s a 0 N . n -o io 0o' A. r* v, 0) CD r. K in r•r O �. n N ^< (.-1-1.) 7 -< CO 70 7• n p 0q rl o ,. W D 0 -S D) n fD ,... rD < rD S G 3 n 0' C < -O cu rl ,� S v Co 0.0 7 0)tn "0 U O N N ro '° 0 O "to 0 O. Q a d a, r, r<D 0• " n ° 0 co Q d �° v° ?� N co c rD ". ^ ro 0 O .< N c Q �' ro r. O ,-• -• N • '• 7r CD r. r-. 0) 0 C S S vii• CD _O Q O d d o v��i �- Q �. N rD - o n < 0 °+ Cu v rD 7, 0 v 3 v DN' COc.D s �_ (TO ° 0 ° r* rD = c .< 3 o COCS o o rD n 0, _ F -0 - -„ CD CD ro 0. 0 O O Q .< _ x- Ui r o r* drD � • N 00 O D S i - OD - Cv, O nO,. N ,* N 0 in O O O 0 0 0 0 70 n n n n n 0 v, r.. n (D 0cu n -. 0 =5 VI Q v < 0. O o s 00 <• v, Wm n Og O- Z p_ 5• v,• rCD 3 roo ,, m 2 * • W WO 0- O -° c S 0 3 C N o c rr 0 D 0 CFO _ . 0 0 N .-. -I CD o _3 c V, CD ,U 3 * CO vD—, r* (1) O n N a 0 rD -' N 7 m r. 0, Z Z Z Z O 0 O 0 rD CD N rD CD rD CD lD Z n r-, n n O = S 3 0- v v d d 07,3 00 0 00 I'D rD rD CD 0_ 0_ 0_ r. C < �. rT C 0, -Ts << < < < ? o Un -O r', < CD .00 CD Cr S N rD rD N _ '-r CD CD� n ..+ < "O '< N 0 v d rr S N vi �; rD .q < N 0, n_ S 0 0 0 Cu s Q 0, 0) CO ,c„ D 00 N 73 fD ,... 00 00 0 rD 00 (D 'O v,• n Ncr, N n O lD rD N N N rD 0 D. 0 n L,, 0) CD rD 0 -n 0 7 F, 0 7 3 v0, O rD CS CCD . rCO,'. ,-1. N �s-.-t. N < A 0 Q -. W n co O) 3 3< . n m Q v+ n O 004 = C < D- = - ,fin-. O CC .-r _°0 0 N Q 3 d 0, r+ C -' 0 '_°p CD rD d < -0 D- x- = ° ° 0 ° v c rD co 3 n c c = C < . 3 70 _ p c 0 o rro ° m S d 0, a < 0 ; ; ° Q . * G T. it 0 0 o o co ' o ro O) .- - x < 3 000 m 0 cu c o°, 0' n -, N `< N r Q •G n A; , .. ., Welcome to the World of Freeriding '' is a growing style of mountain bikingFreeriding that celebrates the challenges and spirit of techni- ` ., cal riding. The word "freeriding" was first coined by riders seeking to escape the confines of organized 100,7-,' , 0,, ,,,,,,„ competition.Nowadays, it is used to describe all types of advanced-level mountain biking, from traditional , trail riding to big-air jumps,hair-raising descents,and a' \111( technical maneuvers. 1' There's no denying that freeriding has created a + positive buzz in the mountain biking world, just as voom000 snowboarding and telemarking sparked a stale ski - ,..A11111 industry. Freeriding appeals to both long-time riders s.' ' and a new generation that is just discovering the sport. -4, The media's fascination with freeriding has sparked the ,if ,{„, ,F _ ,A _ growth,but it is the thrill of riding demanding trails and .,« �`._. landing jumps that keeps participation numbers high. .. Freeriding is even pulling more ski resorts into the : x mountain bike-tourism game.Facilities that were once '1 ; 4, underutilized in warm-weather months are proving to * ,. -; ' 1 _ be ideal settings for purpose-built trails, skills parks, ' lift-served downhilling,and dirt jumps, attracting new - - .*,•- visitors and keeping staff employed year-round. \ •.e. 4 "' " ' i The success of the freeriding movement has been well documented in British Columbia, where the movement took off. But the freeriding groundswell is .. x • x a not limited to western Canada. Many official freeride _ .:- _ s areas have been built throughout the United States, 1, ,;> — , Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries, ; and more are opening all the time:IMBA receives daily , %''" ,:. J' calls from land managers and mountain bikers look- ing to establish new trails and parks. _ S mi �` K But freeriding presents thorny problems for trail ..m managers.The quest for challenging places to ride can , exacerbate user conflict, unauthorized trailbuilding, off-trail riding,and liability concerns. Still,at the end of the day,freeriding and all types a of technically challenging mountain biking are posi 1 tive experiences that deserve to thrive. That's why IMBA is committed to providing resources for making Creative trails and high risks are core to the free- freeriding work. riding spirit. 2 226 Welcome to the World of Freeriding ' r How to Design ChallengingTrails By Chris Bernhardt and Pete Webber Safe and sustainable trails start with proper design. If you're developing a trail to include mountain Secrets to Designing biking challenge, you must first understand a multi- Challenging Trails tude of concepts for managing visitors successfully • Understand the needs of advanced rid- and minimizing environmental impact.Here are some ers: Experienced mountain bikers like tips for getting it done right. technical features that provide chal- lenge, flow, risk, and creativity. Understand What Advanced • Consider the role of advanced trails in the larger trail system: Offer opportuni- Riders Want ties for all skill-levels and consider sin- Input from experienced riders is essential to creating gle-use trails. a trail that will meet the current and future needs of • Design with safety and risk management in mind: Plan ahead to minimize the risk the mountain biking community. Expert riders look of injury and deter lawsuits. for trails that offer challenge,flow,risk,and creativity. • Emphasize skill instead of consequence: Technical rock gardens, drop-offs,jumps, and plung- Difficult features don't have to be ing descents are common features.Innovative wooden death-defying. stunts, such as the ladder bridges, skinny balance • Manage speed through trail design: beams, and teeter-totters first created on Vancouver's Minimize the risk of injury by designing North Shore,are popular too. trails that provide the sensation of speed without allowing high absolute speeds. T I P Enlist Experienced Riders • Provide clear sightlines: Be sure that rid- When designing challenging trails and ers can see what's ahead of them. bike parks, go to the source: Advanced • Make it flow: Don't create abrupt transi- riders know what they want. It's also best tions from fast to slow sections of trail. to have experienced riders—preferably • Provide optional lines: Advanced options '+ those involved with the design—test the on intermediate trails and easier options features before you open them to the on tough trails can create fun experi general public. ences for varying skill levels. • Use gateway filters: Provide tough fea- tures at the beginning of difficult trails or lines so users know what to expect. Look at the Larger Trail • Modify surface texture: Control speed g and provide challenge by creating System rougher sections of trail. The best trails are part of larger systems that have • Anchor the trail: Place features on the side been carefully planned. When creating a new trail of the trail to prevent trail widening and shortcutting, and to lessen rider speeds. specifically for technical mountain biking,think about • Make space between technical chat how it will fit into the surrounding trail network.Will lenges: Allow riders a breather between it add a new experience currently not available?Will it difficult features. connect to existing trails appropriately?Are new trail- • Provide appropriate fall zones: Consider head facilities needed? Do management plans need to modifying spots where riders are likely be modified or created? See chapter two for more to land following a crash. information on systemwide trail planning. 227 CHAPTER TEN: Providing Challenging Trails svP mr v 't . dr s k Determine Shared Use, MORE Risk Management and INFO Preferred Use, or Single Use Freeriding IMBA supports shared-use, preferred-use, and single- The tactics for managing risk and legal lia- use trails.A trail specifically designed for challenging bility in freeriding situations aren't much mountain biking can be shared,but will sometimes be different from those used in normal more successful if it is preferred-use or single-use. mountain biking settings. Turn to chapter Frequent, technical trail features are unsuitable for seven to learn the basics. equestrians and may not provide an enjoyable experi- ence for hikers (but many trail runners will love them). However, shared-use trails that offer technical manage and maintain them consistently and responsi- challenge are common and have been successfully bly, and employ insurance coverage or other risk enjoyed by a variety of visitors for years.For instance, transference strategies. rugged backcountry trails are often highly challeng- ing, and because there is low traffic on those trails, Offer Opportunities for all there is little user conflict. On more popular shared- ' hared Skil Levels use trails,the challenge can be located on one side of A diverse trail network with a variety of trail styles the trail, leaving a non-technical route available. helps ensure satisfied visitors. If only beginner and intermediate trails are provided, expert riders may Develop Risk Management become bored and create their own trails,or seek chal- Tools lenge on existing non-technical trails by riding extra Risk management is the systematic approach to incor- fast or over trailside obstacles. Conversely, if beginner porating safety into the riding experience.At the most riders have only expert trails to ride,they could have an basic level, there are two trail-related risk-manage- unpleasant experience or suffer an injury. ment goals: AIMS 1)Manage the risks on your trails,and 2)Minimize ill/ Le Circuit Athe losses from lawsuits. To accomplish these goals, g Jean Larose you'll need to design and build trails appropriately, S ® L'Enduro Sud 4 k a 4> La Besse A n „ F , Amazone EXPERT 0 La Coupe -�. ----4 RIDERS :- , du Monde 1. II a a , Y _ A J ()PLY } L Arche 6 du Boisee — TO Z z Good signage can go a long way in managing safety A diverse network with trails for all levels helps on technical trails. (Santos, Florida) ensure satisfied visitors.(Mont-Sainte-Anne, Québec) 228 How to Design Challenging Trails i I ' When it isn't possible to offer a variety of trail •" styles,consider creating different experiences within a I 111 single trail corridor. Technical features can be added 14 to the side of an intermediate trail as an optional path for advanced riders who are seeking more challenging lines.Careful design techniques will ensure that these P. features are compatible with other visitor uses. f w - Emphasize Skill Instead of 4 Consequence + The primary appeal of technical trails is personal chal- # lenge. Riders want to test their skills and improve y their abilities.This appeal is heightened by the risk of " falling or crashing. But the consequences of falling— $ -- potential injury—are not so appealing. Fortunately, I I • I _ -. Add those consequences can be managed to some degree _ - through trail design.When possible,design the trail to - ;,,t4,-,,, x " '11" ' '* . provide an appropriate balance between skill and con- i 1 •< �,� '" sequence. While it could be argued that part of the ' -c.,-;.,,,r,4.,. attraction of mountain biking comes from negotiating I �' high-consequence obstacles, much of that feeling of , , }, accomplishment can still be achieved in a high-skill `t .1-.-.' .; � • but lower-consequence situation,such as a skinny bal- i �Y • " ,,' ` ance beam located at waist-level or lower, or a line of r'7"--1 -::','",.,,,-4' - rideable boulders that challenge even the best riders. ! ". '' ' _ ' Understand Relative Speed ' Versus Absolute Speed ,,...-.----.*•-,:t.--,-,, '' °, `' The thrill of speed can be a big part of riding an ' ' - 'w 4 r„3 ,.1'1. ay l' advanced trail. For many mountain bikers, speed is the -' '.. w primary buzz they seek. But high speeds may lead to One tactic to pro- - occur. ' �'�'�^� d' severe injuries if a crash does - •;e"- '"" L-�. vide the thrill of speed while managing the risk of injury - ' , ; is to design trails that provide the sensation of speed *' •,, ?��;+ (relative speed),but do not allow high absolute speeds. Y '' For example,a wide,straight trail or dirt road has ,,,,..!s. az a very "open" feel and provides little challenge. Many �t�. riders will go very fast—say 25 miles (40 km) per ' ,4.., ,, ,,. / � hour—to feel the thrill of speed.By contrast,riders on M ''` - I a narrow trail with turns and challenges can get the ° thrill of speed without going nearly so fast-10 miles • ° (16 km) per hour will feel fast on a trail like that. Emphasize skill instead of consequence:Challenging Managing speed through trail design can be a use- trails don't have to be death defying. (Burns Lake, ful technique for solving user conflict issues too. See British Columbia) page 150 for more tips on controlling speed. 229 CHAPTER TEN: Providing Challenging Trails t yT �y s k d,. 7 _, t k j , ', ,4., 11111-•1/114 /1,; �#. r 1 !jam` '.'... aii- I I lit a, • h -O, . W 01 0 K a v Minimize the risk of injury by designing trails that provide the sensation of speed without allowing high _; absolute speeds. Provide Clear Sightlines Appropriate sightlines help manage risk by ensuring Carefully planned sightlines are important on all that the trail and all of its features are open and obvi- trails, particularly challenging trails that contain ous—in other words, easy to identify by the average technical features.The goal is to ensure that users can visitor. In certain slow-speed situations, sightlines see the trail, obstacles, or other users ahead, and may be left purposefully short, creating semi-blind ;, adjust their riding accordingly—including stopping corners. This tactic requires lots of trail-design expe- and dismounting, if necessary. Sightline length rience to employ effectively, but when done properly, should be set in accordance with rider speed,trail sur- it can help slow trail users and create a different type face, grade, obstacles, and other trail users. of experience. 230 How to Design Challenging?ails 1 Make it Flow: Poor Flow Make it Flow: Good Flow r: a 0,F.,--:,,:--; k�y o_ `{°6 l' '' 4 1)%'Z' '`�'`` s A' - �A V' ..� r KYms.® CY 1 //► Abrupt transition I L may, from straight to turny Gradual transition from straight to tunny -- -- - — ;: 1 1t. k a -4-. li. ... r :E .3 'q, i A 4Y } ' it pf F 1 � •, 4 - 1 i i Be sure that riders can see what's ahead of them by providing appropriate sightlines. (Gwydyr Forest,Wales) 231 k, CHAPTER TEN: Providing Challenging Trails 1 ,, ,t , `11111k4'', "t It , ,.. Male it Flow It* �,� ' yif. i t ,.Flow is a way to describe the rhythm or tempo of a f : . . applying flow concepts to technical ;,.4.,,, ` "" trail,andproperly P � , � 4 ��ti � �,� ' ' trails can help reduce user conflicts,erosion,skidding, ,i,,, ,,,,,* h ,,,` W {h t, , and crashes. The goal is to strategically manage the ,,d ' • " ° ''''„,-t. 4} -,4.,%' ,, 2= user's speed and momentum. ' Although it may seem intangible, good flow is x , immediately recognized and appreciated by accom- plished riders—it's akin to surfing the dirt.A success- `'• t ful technical mountain bike trail will include smooth flow and flow changes throughout its length.Flow can '2z, $ ' 4' range from open and flowing to tight and technical: ° ;„ - • Open and flowing advanced trails have long- kms, . radius,sweeping turns, smooth dips and rises, ' '" long sightlines,few technical challenges,and tno abrupt corners or sudden obstacles.They .z, allow users to gain (and retain) momentum ' • ''` ;:?- , and reach higher speeds. Riders love these ' ; '' smooth and fast trails, especially on extendedt. downhills with bermed turns and even jumps. , • Tight and technical advanced trails have sharp- ' er turns and twists, rougher surfaces,a nar- Valerie Naylor rower tread,and natural or built obstacles. - They provide challenge while keeping speed down.They often incorporate such features as log pyramids,boulders, rock armoring, drop offs,roots, log crossings, log rides,and ladder bridges. Successful navigation of a tight and technical section of trail is a central goal of many riders. ! v _. . It is important to avoid abruptly changing the , trail from fast to slow.Smooth the transition and slow ; riders gradually by progressively increasing the tread texture, gradually narrowing the trail corridor, instal- ' ' ling a series of decreasing radius turns,or designing a .. slight uphill rise into the trail. _ y Provide Optional Lines , �` ' :�� Optional lines are short detours that offer different dif- - .. ` " y t ficulty than the main trail.On advanced trails,option- = ` al lines can provide an easier,alternate route around a ..� ;, , technical feature—often called a"ride-around"or"B- r ,;;, € n L.; -;,..,;. ,, line." On intermediate or beginner routes, optional ' Optional lines withinLuke Chiu the same corridor add variety lines can provide a detour to add challenge for more while minimizing impact. skilled riders. 232 How to Design Challenging pails i l f a ,, G ,+ - r =-- _. a.. F. w 9' I. fish ft + n -.. - ' 'q'.. f w ,03' 33(.. � w'r a y . `�r_.` '— Ili •P.. .-pie.,..'` - 'E ,„s g = t V'. }; I ° A's _ 2 , h .11 Generally, optional lines should be open and obivous so riders can see what they are headed for. i (Whistler, British Columbia) 233 CHAPTER TEN: Providing Challenging Trails t =r,. • Optional lines can potentially be in the same cor- Optional Lines ridor as the main trail; for example, a drop-off could ' vary in height from one side of the trail to the other, or a rocky section could offer a smoother line on one } side and a more textured line on the other. The trail's planned difficulty level should dictate ': q� the design of optional lines.The key question is where 0 to locate the difficult line and where to place the easy line. Typically, the main flow of the trail should be of ' ' a consistent difficulty—for example, intermediate from start to finish—with optional lines providing a route of different difficulty—expert perhaps. Generally,optional lines should be open and obvi- ous. Consider using signs to indicate which line is Oh more,or less,difficult.Also,take care to ensure that re- i entry from the optional line into the main line is care- , fully designed,with clear forward and lateral sightlines. Ilk 8lk.1,46,, If you are providing different difficulty within a .+ ` single trail corridor, it will be most successful if the ,} `�y'ti.� range of challenge between the two lines isn't too r; lil ; `,� l broad. For example, expert level features may not be 1 1' \'.3. ' compatible on a beginner trail.Instead,consider keep- r ing the difficulty just one level different. .- Anchor the Trail ter: '!��� �/ 46 V'' Include objects to define or anchor the sides of the trail. ` G ,�, �, 0 These can be trees,large rocks,logs,or other obstacles TAlt vs \ It 1. vit., v .:,. ti `'ii C , ,f , _ f ry �k. �� Yom- a` w, ir'- „« 1 [ Anchoring—also called corralling—helps emphasize turns, prevent trail widenin9 P 9 revent shortcuttin , and adds challenge by keeping the trail narrow. (Golspie, Scotland) 234 How to Design Challenging pails T • 1P ,s h J ` r $� 1 : gy, ..tn ri,fir.. 4, t ,7 I� " ,�. .t:',t .f _ ,( o. , fi :' . Z , Choke points are a slight narrowing that add challenge and control speed. (Truckee,California) I staggered on either side of the trail that serve as physi- choke or tight chicane in an otherwise fast and open It cal and visual barriers to keep visitors on the trail. section of trail. Speed-control features like choke Anchoring—also called corralling—helps emphasize points must be gradual and predictable, and users turns,prevent trail widening,prevent shortcutting,and must be able to see the choke ahead on the trail prior adds challenge by keeping the trail narrow. Anchors to encountering it. such as large ominous "gargoyle" rocks are especially important on technical trails where users may skirt Modify the Surface Texture obstacles and widen the trail if allowed. The texture of the trail surface plays a big role in a trail's difficulty and speed. A trail with lots of tex- Install Choke Points ture—rocks, roots, and other rough surfaces—pro- Create a slight narrowing of the trail with rocks or vides a desirable challenge that can require lots of vegetation to add challenge and control speed. These skill.When used strategically,rough surfaces also help gateways can be installed just prior to spots in the trail reduce absolute speed while maintaining a sensation where riders will need to slow down, such as sharp of relative speed, a useful method to manage users. turns and obstacles.Chokes encourage riders to grad- Surface texture can be manipulated by the trail- ually apply their brakes well in advance of sensitive builder, and can be tuned to nearly any situation. areas. Make sure the narrowing flows naturally with One common texturing technique is to use both the trail—it would be a mistake to install a dramatic naturally occurring and strategically placed rocks in 235 Q CHAPTER TEN: Providing Challenging Trails K • feature ahead. Use the filter at the head of the trail to —1511—.''"41111111111161M10. represent the difficulty level of the most difficult fea- ^0►, ture in the main flow of the trail, and use filters on ', optional lines to represent the difficulty of that option. %:' ` "" A -- > 1 For example, elevated features like log rides or ladder ' ;* E - bridges can have difficult entrances that cause less- ' skilled riders to stop or fumble before the feature gets 2 . = very high off the ground. *A,. - Choke points can also be used as filters, forcing 8 .,, `" *`'` - users to confront signage or get a good look at a tech- Create rougher sections of trail to control speed, nical feature or difficult section of the trail. Using provide challenge, and increase surface durability. such a filter helps avoid situations where the user is surprised by the terrain ahead. the trail tread.Another texturing technique involves the placement of logs and log pyramids. Rock is preferred over wood for trail texturing because it is more durable and predictable. Of course, it is important to provide a , clear sightline and gradual transition approaching an --` ---413015W"— area of rough surface texture. Slowly increasing the - ,,�� .r roughness will help users make the change. g . 14, _ "'-.� =' cp Use Gateways to Filter Visitors A trail filter,also referred to as a gateway or qualifier,is Provide for skill progression by offering trails and Ifeatures of various difficulty levels. (Burns Lake, a high-skill, low-consequence obstacle that demon- British Columbia) strates the difficulty of the upcoming trail or feature. When entrances to technical trails and features are made more difficult, riders who are insufficiently Provide for Skill Progression skilled are warned that the trail is above their skill For many mountain bikers, skill improvement is a big level,and they'll proceed more cautiously or turn back. reason they ride.Meeting this need is both a short-and Design the filters to represent,with reduced con- long-term task for trail managers. In the short term, sequences, the difficulty level of the trail or technical managers should try to provide trails of various diffi- ;; culty levels. In the long term, they can prepare for progression by creating management plans that allow - `, new trails, ,skill parks,the addition of technical features '' to trailsor revamping existing features to keep the -� challenge fresh. u, " ` 1 If it's not possible to offer trails for each skill level, 41 it don't fret. Riders love multiple lines of different diffi- .' "°''' ' culty on the same trail and they'll return many times to master the route. Even a single technical trail fea- .. r Y ture can be designed with three or four different lines. Riders will also find their own ways to increase chal- Provide tough features at the beginning of difficult lenge by creatively tackling new lines, combining fea- trails so users know what to expect. (Santos, Florida) tures, or changing direction. 236 How to Design Challenging pails – could cause injury.Another option is to add mulch or i TIP Think Ahead dirt to further soften a fall zone. When building challenging trails or bike skills parks, consider not only present Make Space Between needs, but also how the sport may grow _ and change, and plan for future growth. `Technical Challenges Stagger obstacles along the trail to allow sufficient space for riders to complete each technical section and Provide Appropriate prepare for what's next. The right amount of spacing Fall Zones will be determined by trail's planned difficulty level, A fall zone is the area adjacent to a technical trail fea- rider speed, and terrain. Don't forget the importance ture that provides a clear landing—a relatively soft of flow! spot without sharp, protruding objects—for a rider who has failed to negotiate the obstacle. Consider � 1 For more design and construction tt1�h clearing fall zones at the bottom of tricky descents,on techniques, including tips for building the outside of difficult corners, on either side of tech- technical trail features, guidelines for nical sections of the trail, and at technical features. wooden structures, and advice for rock Possible items to remove from the landing zone armoring, see Trail Solutions:IMBA's Guide include barbed branches, pointed stumps, sharp to Building Sweet Singletrack. sticks,jagged rocks,and other protruding objects that Fall Zone l filli----- eft,iftimm.„ ...4.........70.7 ...., -_..... 0 ISA 4111111*t �N4�� jai 0 law& A40.000000000,0- pi Clear hazardous objects from areas where riders may fall. I 237 tb CHAPTER TEN Providing Challenging Trails SUCCESS STORY Freeride Done Right. Oregon's Black Rock Trail System By Jim Skakel �phe Black Rock trail system lies just outside Salem, Oregon, in the rural logging town of t` Falls City.This excellent freeride area, located on a I, , 1,000-acre tract of state forest, is maintained by , volunteers from the Black Rock Mountain Bike ': riff Association. Their story yields good answers tot, ,, freeriding's hard questions: Where do we build? �, 11'� How do we build? Who will do the work? Most ilk ' 1 importantly: Can we get permission? �; �: , In the 1970s and 80s, the trails of Black Rock '� ` ? , ; were nothing more than a few hill-climbs burned ' . 1 in by motorcycles. Mountain bikers started riding ` the area in the 90s, and wanted more. In 2001, local rider Leo Kowalski took the first step. He k.' I picked up the phone and called the Oregon Department of Forestry. John Barnes, the depart- – ment's Public Use Coordinator, remembers the rye lif A conversation. "Leo called me out of the blue and '.. -,- asked what he had to do to build some freeride t '`' , 4 4 ., trails. I told him to get a bunch of guys together , and form a club. Once the club is up and running, , we'd write an agreement, set some construction Y guidelines, and start building some trails." Leo Y , said, "Is that it?' And I said, "That's it." He said, o ... "That's too easy!" Kowalski started the Black Rock club, created a shuttle-day fundraiser by providing riders a lift a partnership agreement and trail management to the top of the trail system. Future plans include plan with land managers, and began building a new trailhead and a Rails-to-Trails project. trails. From the beginning, trail construction and Both the club and the Oregon Department of maintenance at Black Rock has been an all-volun- Forestry have systems in place to manage risk and teer effort. Black Rock trailwork parties attract as defend against potential lawsuits. Strategies many as 40 volunteers from as far away as include the legal shelter of Oregon's Recreational Portland and Eugene. In just a few years, these Use Statue, written trailbuilding guidelines, diehards have built a vast catalogue of skinnies, detailed recordkeeping, clear signage, and an drop-offs, dirt jumps, and inspired singletrack. easy-to-understand trail difficulty rating system. "When it comes right down to it, it's the riders The club is also starting a new mountain bike who organized and built these trails. Individuals patrol—another solid addition to a great area. have got to step it up and engage their passion for the sport. That's the only way stuff like this hap pens," says Rich Bontrager, current club president. `' Ask First Funding for Black Rock has come from individ- ; When building new features on a trail ual donations and fundraising led in part by or in a bike skills park,be sure you have the Santiam Bicycles, a bike shop located in nearby necessary approvals, and permits if neces- Salem. Since Black Rock's inception, Santiam has sary, lined up before you start construction. helped raised over $12,000 through raffles, movie Otherwise, if someone decides the feature is premieres, map sales and cash donations—not to unauthorized and takes a bulldozer to it, all mention co-owner Troy Munsell's tireless volun- your hard work may be for naught. 238 teerism. Most recently, the group raised $1,500 in 8 Three Ways to Create Technical Trail Features 1. Existing Natural Features drop-offs, rock gardens, boulder rides, log The easiest way to build a technically challeng- pyramids, and log rides. Building enhanced ing trail is to incorporate existing natural fea- natural features is a good way to add techni- i ir tures where they sit already. Use rock slabs, cal difficulty to trails in areas where challeng- boulders, rock gardens, and fallen trees as con- ing terrain is limited. I trol points as you plan the route and layout of !' your trail. By including natural features in your 3. Engineered Structures design, you also will highlight the landscape Another way to increase challenge on a trail is and minimize user created trails. to add constructed structures. Ladder bridges, wooden ramps, and teeter-totters are prime ,'- ,.` , 'sic ? , examples.These structures often require artifi- ` ` .' i cial materials such as processed lumber and :,. - - fasteners. 11 Ii I X. r =. ), .{ fr � ;:�� ` ;fitt:�s.+. d 2. Enhanced Natural Features of ; ; / , The next approach is to increase the technical ' I / challenge of your trail by manipulating natu- . ral materials. Move rocks and logs to create .. fid:. . I * _ - - ' '1-.- ''''%-‘"Animmok 8, ` - '' ` e • These three types of technical trail features 4'-;:.--"` °'a % — "!..4.--7.2-^",'' also tend to represent three different levels of . '; ` potential liability concern. Existing natural fea- S T tures carry the least potential liability, while .:.,;;-:;• •s 4 ai wooden constructed structures lie at the other L, ;;,. , -„ end of the scale, allowing more exposure to **'..-.,,,'4,-7;—''';' h ' _ ,•4 • liability claims, and may require different risk d t'• y' .•,,,,i, ''` ,' management techniques. 239 CHAPTER TEN. Providing Challenging Trails The Five Essential Elements , ,., Trailsof Sustainable ., 0 The Half Rule r ® The Ten Percent Average Guideline ' ': 0 Maximum Sustainable Grade Grade Reversals © Outslope Half Ruleh'i Trail 15% Grade t ::� i` Sideslope 20% Grade i{ The Half Rule i i, va 1 A trail's grade shouldn't exceed half the grade of \ A, \\ , the hillside or sideslope that the trail traverses.If i, the grade does exceed half the sideslope, it's con- - IIT \\ sidered a fall-line trail.Water will flow down a fall line trail rather than run across it. '� This trail breaks the Measure the sideslope with a clinometer Water will flow Half Rule. (we'll discuss how to do this shortly),then be down trail. sure to keep the tread grade below half of that figure in order to ensure good drainage. For example, if you're building across a hillside with Trail 8% Grade a sideslope of 20 percent,the trail-tread grade Sideslope should not exceed 10 percent. 20% Grade The half rule is especially important in gen- Il a 000eV:0/.-- tly sloping areas.A common mistake occurs '+ . when trails are routed down gradual slopes, \ based on the assumption that erosion won't be a concern in nearly flat areas.Yet,water will fun- nel down trails and ruin them even on gentle \\ slopes.A trail passing through an area with a This trail meets the v mere 6 percent sideslope must have a trail tread Water will sheet Half Rule. , across trail. grade less than half of that figure—only 3 per- is cent—in order to escape the fall line. :) 63 Part Three: Principals of Sustainable Trails J There is an upper limit to this half rule:You must also apply knowledge about maximum sustainable grades.Very steep trails will erode even if their grade meets the half rule. For example,a trail with a grade of 24 percent that traverses a steep,50-percent sideslope may be unsustainable even though it complies with the 1 I half rule. 1 0 The Ten Percent Average Guideline Generally, an average trail grade of 10 percent or less is most sustainable.Also called overall trail grade, average trail grade is the slope of the trail from one end to the other. This does not mean that all trail grades must be kept under 10 percent. Many trails will have short sections steeper than 10 percent,and some unique situations will allow average trail grades of more than 10 percent. A trail's average grade is calculated by dividing total elevation gain by total length, multiplied by 100 to convert to percent. For example,a trail that gains 1,000 feet of elevation and is 2 miles long would have an average grade of 9.4 percent. (1,000 ft./10,560 ft.x 100 =9.4%) For trails that undulate rather than climb or descend consistently, average trail-segment grade can be calculated for certain sections. For example,a trail that is relatively flat with only one small climb may have an average trail grade of only 2 or 3 percent.In this case, it would be more helpful to evaluate the average , trail-segment grade in a critical climbing section only. Average Trail Segment Grade { r, r:�- . N, . Elev.458 feet 4% Rise=8 feet z 15% ,y�yx?. ,=A..- Run= 100 feet 8 = 100x100=8% a Average Grade=8% Elev.450 feet , t 64 Trail Solutions Why 10 Percent? Aids Planning ' The 10 percent average figure provides a framework for sustainable design and can be very helpful when con- ceptualizing a trail.You'll be able to calculate the approximate length of trail needed to reach the top of a given hill at a sustainable grade, and you'll be able to plot possible trail corridors with sustainable grades on a topo map. Applies to Most Soil Types There are many types of soil and each has different qualities of cohesion and drainage. Some soils support steeper trail grades than others. By employing a 10-percent average,you won't need to rely on your soil- identification skills.A 10-percent average grade is a trustworthy guideline for sustainable trails in all but the most unique soil conditions. (See page 84 for a more thorough discussion on soil.) Minimizes User-Caused Erosion Average grades of 10 percent or less help minimize erosion caused by users. Sustained grades of more than 10 percent can increase the amount of soil loosened by visitors who must work harder to travel up or down the slope. This loosened material is more easily carried off by water and gravity, resulting in a damaged trail. Allows Design Flexibility A trail that climbs at conservative grades allows flexibility in case there is an obstacle in the path. By staying at or below a 10 percent average,you can adjust the route without necessarily starting at the beginning or routing the trail too steeply to reach your targeted destination. Helps Future Reroutes Future reroutes are much easier if the average grade is roughly 10 percent. For example, if a trail with an average grade of 20 percent develops an erosion problem,a reroute around the problem area may require very steep grades or a switchback to reach the destination.When average grades are closer to 10 percent, , there is greater flexibility for the trail's future. Accommodates Undulations Average grades of 10 percent allow the trail to rise and fall without resulting in overly steep sections. Visualize a trail climbing to a targeted destination at an average grade of 20 percent. The trail dips slightly to cross a drainage and then resumes climbing. Following the dip, the trail must now climb at 25 percent—an unsustainable grade—in order to reach the destination.A better design would have the trail climb at an aver- age of 8 to 10 percent,with short sections of 15 percent when needed (as long as the sideslope grade is greater than 30 percent, to ensure the trail meets the half rule). i Ilt Bright fde 4 Begin flagging the trail with conservative grades below 8 or 10 per- __ cent. This allows flexibility in case you run into something like a water { shallow grades as you move along, you can steepen the route periodically without seep or major tree and need to route the trail around the object. By using F , necessarily reconfiguring the whole trail. 65 Part Three: Principals of Sustainable Trails © Maximum Sustainable Trail Grades The 10 Percent Average Guideline advises that, generally,an average trail grade of 10 percent or less is most s sustainable. But what about maximum grade? Maximum grade is the steepest section of trail that is more than about 10 feet in length.When designing + a trail,it is essential to determine early in the process the precise maximum trail grades the trail will be able to 3' s sustain in your local conditions.This target figure will help guide your layout and ensure sustainability. Although maximum sustainable trail grade is typically about 15 to 20 percent, it is site-specific and fluctuates based on several factors.The variables to be considered when setting your target maximum trail grade include: F ;' • Half Rule A trail's grade shouldn't exceed half the grade of the sideslope. If the trail grade is steeper than half the grade of the sideslope, it is considered a fall-line trail. lNote:the maximum sustainable grade on a gentle hillside will be half the grade of the sideslope. u ' • Soil Type There are many types of soil and each has different qualities of cohesion and drainage. Some soils will support steeper trail grades than others. See page 84 for a more thorough discussion of soil types. • Rock Trail grades can be steeper on solid rock. However, steep earthen sections between rocks may need to be fortified or armored to prevent soil loosening and erosion. • Annual Rainfall Amount Trails in regions with either very high or very low annual rainfall may need to be designed with gentler trail grades. Lots of rain can lead to water-caused erosion.Low rain levels can lead to very dry and loose tread surfaces. • Grade Reversals A grade reversal is a short dip followed by a rise, forcing water to drain off the trail.It is an essential technique for preventing water from channeling down the trail. Frequent grade reversals will } allow for slightly steeper trail grades.We'll describe grade reversals more thoroughly in a moment. • Type of Users Trails restricted to relatively low-impact visitors such as hikers and mountain bikers can sustain maximum grades as high as 15 to 25 percent for short distances depending on soil and rainfall. Trails open to visitors with higher impact,such as horses or motorized users, should have more gentle maximum grades. • Number of Users Trails with high anticipated use may need shallower maximum trail grades. • Difficulty Level Trails with a higher level of technical challenge may incorporate steeper grades,but construction techniques such as frequent grade reversals and armoring may be necessary to ensure sustainability. Calculating the maximum sustainable trail grade is a complicated process that requires a high level of trail- building knowledge and experience.When in doubt, design trails with conservative grades until you have had the opportunity to observe the effect of a variety of trail grades in your local conditions. 66 Trail Solutions 0 Grade Reversals A grade reversal is just what it sounds like—a spot at which a climbing trail levels out and then changes direction, dropping subtly for 10 to 50 linear feet before rising again. This change in grade forces water to exit the trail at the low point of the grade reversal,before it can gain more volume, momentum, and erosive power. Grade reversals are known by several different terms, including grade dip,grade brake,drainage dip, and rolling dip. Frequent grade Grade Reversal ir'" Water may become reversals are a critical— 1),.., trapped on trail and and often overlooked— ���� flow long distances if there are no grade 1 element of sustainable , reversals. trail design.Most trails � ` will benefit from grade = \,,\ reversals every 20 to 50 �� feet, depending on soil type and rainfall. Bear this ,\ in mind:It's much easier ` to build a trail with grade reversals in it than to - A grade reversal come back a year later , forces water to 1 and try to retrofit them '.-44,,:w drain off the trail. into a poorly designed trail. For best results, dL ..0 le incorporate them in your design from the start! ,,, Grade reversals can help trails endure, even \ ,, with minimal mainte- +` nance.Older trails often i!°, \ have a deeply compacted, • N,,, concave trail tread that ,, collects water.With regu- � t •r tar grade reversals,this water will only be trapped on the trail for a short distance before it can drain. Grade reversals effectively divide the trail into short, indi- vidual watersheds, so the drainage characteristics of one section of trail won't affect any other section. Grade reversals also make a trail more enjoyable. For mountain bikers, long runs of constant grade encourage excessive speed on a downhill and they're boring on an uphill. Short climbing interludes on a downhill provide variety, challenge,and let cyclists get off their brakes for a bit. Brief descents mixed into long climbs help all users regain their momentum and catch their breath. , 67 Part Three Principals of Sustainable Trails .4° The trail on the top has no grade reversals and could trap or channel water,while the trail ', on the bottom rolls ='! � gently up and down, and will drain water efficiently. _, y , 1 ‘ z. k 4 '''''%N.,...4:-`' I O $ „,+ A i = 1 An ideal trail will simultaneously 1 I incorporate all five sustainable trail principles: The Half Rule The 10 Percent Average Guideline Maximum Sustainable Grade Grade Reversals Outslope 68 pail Solutions I ii......._ 1 © Outslope As the trail contours across a hillside, the downhill or outer edge of the tread should tilt slightly down and away from the high side. This tilt is called outslope,and it encourages water to sheet across and off the trail instead of funneling down its center. Outslope is one reason why contour trails last for years and years. IMBA Sheet Flowa recommends that all trail treads be built with a 5-percent outslope. moi` Outslope can be difficult to maintain in loose soils. Tires, feet, and hooves constantly compact the � lli 5%Tread Outslope center of the trail and push loose soil :�� to the sides, creating a concave �4. j�', �/ tread. Frequent grade reversals are , ` N �" essential in order for water to drain �,'' in this situation. ,\'..k a -. IPA wg \ OutslopeL , 1 4," Above:An outsloped trail tread allows water to drain in a gentle, non-erosive manner "sheet flow." N5% Outslope b , P•f py y . v< 5% Outslope ^;fie / s ;',,\�. `+/ 69 Part Three: Principals of Sustainable Trails