Here are some videos from last Saturday’s “Lost Garden” trail work courtesy of camera man Bill Swan of Richmond ASR.
First up is a “walking in” approach of the entrance to the new Lost Garden. Note: Trail work was still in progress.
Next is a quick clip of JRPS Trails Manager Nathan Burrell operating the Ditch Witch to help place a large rock at what will be the exit of the trail feature. Having mechanized equipment and skilled operators is a huge asset to building sustainable trails in the city but it still doesn’t eliminate all of the manual labor. It still takes a sharp eye, experienced hands and a strong back to complete the sweet single track that we all love.
And finally we have a short clip of two local racers from the Luna Chix team trying their skills on the new feature. Way to go ladies!
A big thanks goes out again to all of you who came out and lent a hand to get this feature put in place and to Bill Swan for the video and finally to the city of Richmond for allowing us to play & build in it’s wonderful park.
Don’t forget the end of the year social and December club meeting will be held at Legends this Wednesday starting at 6pm. We hope to see you down there.
Until then please enjoy this light dusting of snow.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
"Lost Garden" trail work update in pictures
Take a look at what’s brewing under the bridge downtown.
It’s a new TTF dubbed the “Lost Garden.” It’s an idea that was proposed by some local mountain bikers and then put into the dirt by those same bikers.
It's a perfect example of what can happen when you get involved.
It's also looking good boys.
We appreciate all of your hard work.
The project is almost finished but work will resume on this section again at 9am Saturday morning.
Please come on out and lend a hand for a few hours if you can.
With a little bit of luck we should be able to finish up the garden this Saturday and who knows maybe even get a video of Marty riding this creation. Here’s the skinny if you can help out for a while Saturday morning.
Trail work starts at 9am and usually lasts till at least 2-3pm. Feel free to come out at any time to lend a hand. The Lost Garden is located on the back side of Belle Isle near the wooden access bridge that leads off the island. Park at the Tredegar St. parking lot underneath the train tracks then walk across the suspension bridge to access Belle Isle. Once on Belle Isle follow the paved path towards the back of the island and you will see the wooden bridge and the crew working.
We will try to have some updated pics of the completed rock garden TTF when it gets finished.
Friday, December 3, 2010
12/4/10 Trail Work and info update
Greetings Fellow Trail Enthusiasts,
This Saturday 12-4-10 Nathan & the gang will be heading over to Belle Isle to help some fellow mountain bikers finish up a new TTF near the wooden access bridge on the backside of the island. A small group of dedicated mountain bikers have already spent the last several weekends dong the lions share of the work under the guidance of Nathan. Now we just need to come in and take care of moving some of the larger rocks into place and do some finishing work. The idea is to work from around 9am till about 1:30ish then pack up the tools and head over to Forest Hill Park to join in on the benefit for Wayne Goodman. In case you missed the info that we sent out about “A Day In The Park For Wayne” we will follow this email up with a quick reminder. Wayne has dedicated countless personal time and funding not to mention an un-measurable amount of time swinging an axe, tamping the trail tread and working a shovel to help us make the trails what they are today. Please drop by Shelter #2 in Forest Hill Park to show your support and help us give something back to a man who’s given us so much.
The meeting location will be at the “Lost Trail” trail head near the wooden access bridge at the back of Belle Isle at 9am. If you enter Belle Isle via the footbridge (that comes over from the Tredegar St. parking lot) just follow the paved pathway to the back side of the island and you will see the wooden access bridge. The entrance to the “Lost Trail” and the path to the new rock garden will be on your left as you approach the wooden bridge.
PS. While we have your attention we wanted to remind you that our friends over in Harrisonburg are still fighting hard to keep mountain bike access open to several incredible trails like the North Fork trail just across the West Virginia state line. Please take 2 minutes to visit this site and sign the petition then email our congressman and let him know that we ride trails and that we demand fair access.
Thanks,
The RaMORE board
When: Saturday 12-4-10 9am
Where: The easiest thing to do is park in the Tredegar street parking lot (the lot commonly used for Belle Isle/Browns Island events. Underneath the train tracks near Tredegar Iron Works) and cross the concrete footbridge to gain access to Belle Isle. Once on Belle Isle follow the paved pathway towards the back of the island to the wooden access bridge.
Bring: Same as always; gloves, comfortable shoes or work boots, water, a snack and a smile.
This Saturday 12-4-10 Nathan & the gang will be heading over to Belle Isle to help some fellow mountain bikers finish up a new TTF near the wooden access bridge on the backside of the island. A small group of dedicated mountain bikers have already spent the last several weekends dong the lions share of the work under the guidance of Nathan. Now we just need to come in and take care of moving some of the larger rocks into place and do some finishing work. The idea is to work from around 9am till about 1:30ish then pack up the tools and head over to Forest Hill Park to join in on the benefit for Wayne Goodman. In case you missed the info that we sent out about “A Day In The Park For Wayne” we will follow this email up with a quick reminder. Wayne has dedicated countless personal time and funding not to mention an un-measurable amount of time swinging an axe, tamping the trail tread and working a shovel to help us make the trails what they are today. Please drop by Shelter #2 in Forest Hill Park to show your support and help us give something back to a man who’s given us so much.
The meeting location will be at the “Lost Trail” trail head near the wooden access bridge at the back of Belle Isle at 9am. If you enter Belle Isle via the footbridge (that comes over from the Tredegar St. parking lot) just follow the paved pathway to the back side of the island and you will see the wooden access bridge. The entrance to the “Lost Trail” and the path to the new rock garden will be on your left as you approach the wooden bridge.
PS. While we have your attention we wanted to remind you that our friends over in Harrisonburg are still fighting hard to keep mountain bike access open to several incredible trails like the North Fork trail just across the West Virginia state line. Please take 2 minutes to visit this site and sign the petition then email our congressman and let him know that we ride trails and that we demand fair access.
Thanks,
The RaMORE board
When: Saturday 12-4-10 9am
Where: The easiest thing to do is park in the Tredegar street parking lot (the lot commonly used for Belle Isle/Browns Island events. Underneath the train tracks near Tredegar Iron Works) and cross the concrete footbridge to gain access to Belle Isle. Once on Belle Isle follow the paved pathway towards the back of the island to the wooden access bridge.
Bring: Same as always; gloves, comfortable shoes or work boots, water, a snack and a smile.
A Day In The Park For Wayne
Wayne Goodman, local trail builder and friend to the James River Park, was recently injured riding his mountain bike on his beloved JRP trails. He is recovering at the VCU Medical Center’s spinal cord rehabilitation unit. Wayne, who has donated literally thousands of hours of his time as well as money, blood, sweat and tears, is now in need of our help.
A small committee of his friends has formed to plan events and other means to help Wayne in his time of need. We are announcing the first event which will occur on Saturday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m.at the main shelter (shelter #2) in ForestHillPark(note: this is the shelter area where Wayne’s fateful accident occurred). To get there, you should enter the park by heading north on 42nd Street, then turn right into the park at New Kent Avenue.
The plan is to spend “A Day in the Park for Wayne.” We will be taking donations and selling “G-Man” t-shirts where all proceeds will go towards helping Wayne with his finances. The location will be the main shelter at the back of the park. We will have coffee, hot cider, brownies, cookies and anything anyone else would like to donate.
We are also planning to post a donation link on Wayne’s website at http://cantholdagoodmandown.com/ in order that donations can be accepted from individuals or groups wishing to help out but don’t have the availability to attend fund raising activities.
Additional events are now being discussed and further information will be provided as the details are confirmed.
Wayne remains very positive in his recovery and his rehab team reports very encouraging progress. The road is going be long and Wayne knows this will be the toughest race of his life.
As a team, all of us can pull together to help someone who has enabled us to enjoy a park that is unique not only in Virginia but on a national level.
Thank you
A small committee of his friends has formed to plan events and other means to help Wayne in his time of need. We are announcing the first event which will occur on Saturday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m.at the main shelter (shelter #2) in ForestHillPark(note: this is the shelter area where Wayne’s fateful accident occurred). To get there, you should enter the park by heading north on 42nd Street, then turn right into the park at New Kent Avenue.
The plan is to spend “A Day in the Park for Wayne.” We will be taking donations and selling “G-Man” t-shirts where all proceeds will go towards helping Wayne with his finances. The location will be the main shelter at the back of the park. We will have coffee, hot cider, brownies, cookies and anything anyone else would like to donate.
We are also planning to post a donation link on Wayne’s website at http://cantholdagoodmandown.com/ in order that donations can be accepted from individuals or groups wishing to help out but don’t have the availability to attend fund raising activities.
Additional events are now being discussed and further information will be provided as the details are confirmed.
Wayne remains very positive in his recovery and his rehab team reports very encouraging progress. The road is going be long and Wayne knows this will be the toughest race of his life.
As a team, all of us can pull together to help someone who has enabled us to enjoy a park that is unique not only in Virginia but on a national level.
Thank you
Thursday, October 28, 2010
North Fork Mountain Ride video
North Fork Mountain Ride - Oct 2010 from Outdoornut Duane on Vimeo.
Some folks did a great job putting together a sweet video of the North Fork ride. Check it out, ride the trail and remember this bill is still in Congress. Lets keep the trail open!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ride Recap- North Fork Mountain Awareness Ride
A 5am meet up for a ride share is not a common occurrence for most mountain bikers. We consider that more of a Triathlete thing. Heck most Triathletes are already done with their swim workout by 5am and are possibly already out on their bikes for a time trial ride around the neighborhood before the traffic hits. Still when a trail ride has as much promise as the IMBA Epic North Fork Mountain trail a 3am wake up call to make it to a 5am ride share is a small price to pay for the fun that awaited.
With a water bottle full of iced coffee and eyes half open Richmond MORE member David R. & I made our way over to Harrisonburg to meet the second ride share of the day for our trip into West Virginia. In the Food Lion parking lot we met up with another Richmonder and Richmond MORE member Aaron B. who was also looking for a fun ride on a new trail. Aaron was looking to extend the pre planned route out a bit further but David & I were quietly hoping to score a shuttle opportunity so that we could ride the entire ridge from tip to tale (South to North.) In typical mountain bike brethren fashion a member of the SVBC was cruising the parking lot trying to corral all the hardcore riders who were looking to ride the full ridge. Jackpot!
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
After a short drive into West Virginia via route 33 David & I were parked on the roadside getting chamoised up and debating if arm & knee warmers would be necessary. We had a nice group of 15-20 start at the route 33 trail head and take on the full monty. The beginning of the trail was fast and rolling and while mostly non technical
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
it didn’t take long for the classic WV rocks to appear from beneath the beautiful Fall leaf cover. Now the line choices start becoming key to staying on the bike. After a fast wide open descent the trail turned upward and the real climbing started. Uphill rock gardens that could be ridden by skilled riders soon gave way to a few hike a bike sections that were ridiculously steep and covered with leaves. The pay off for the short hike a bike was consistent incredible views from almost every rock outcropping in sight. The incredible view phenomenon would continue throughout the rest of the trail.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
The single track would change from a bright red carpet of fallen leaves and hidden embedded rocks to a pine needle covered trail with big nasty rock gardens that required full attention and subtle body English to clean your lines.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
The trail would then change again into a dark brown WV dirt with a beautiful firey orange and yellow tree canopy. Occasionally you would pop out onto a fire road/access road for a minute or two to connect the trail segments and allow vehicle access up and over the mountain.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
While riding the trail we encountered a multitude of trail users ranging from other fellow cyclists to a group of Scouts hiking along the ridge then a group of 8-10 equestrians who were out for a nice Sunday horse ride in the woods.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
Eventually we ran into the main group of riders who were along for the shorter organized ride. Everyone that we encountered throughout the day was highly impressed with the quality of the trail and the beautiful overlooks.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
After some rolling rocky ridge riding the trail pointed up once more before leveling off into a good sized technical section then it begin to flow downhill like a ribbon. Screaming down the descent was very similar to carving sweet turns in the snow or waves in the water.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe to someone but easy to enjoy when you find yourself knee deep in the flow.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
We hit the small parking lot at the end of the trail and took a quick spin on the pavement back up to Redman Run to meet the shuttle. In the end this was one of those rides where everything just fell into place. The weather could not have been better, the trail was definitely worthy to be deemed an Epic, the views were incredible and the company was the best. If you’ve never had the chance to ride the North Fork trail I strongly recommend that you make time to make a trip over and check it out. In the meantime please join us in helping keep the trail open for bikers to enjoy. Keep an eye on the “Save the North Fork Mountain Trail” website for updated specific information. Information about the current Wilderness Proposal Bill can be found here.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
With a water bottle full of iced coffee and eyes half open Richmond MORE member David R. & I made our way over to Harrisonburg to meet the second ride share of the day for our trip into West Virginia. In the Food Lion parking lot we met up with another Richmonder and Richmond MORE member Aaron B. who was also looking for a fun ride on a new trail. Aaron was looking to extend the pre planned route out a bit further but David & I were quietly hoping to score a shuttle opportunity so that we could ride the entire ridge from tip to tale (South to North.) In typical mountain bike brethren fashion a member of the SVBC was cruising the parking lot trying to corral all the hardcore riders who were looking to ride the full ridge. Jackpot!
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
After a short drive into West Virginia via route 33 David & I were parked on the roadside getting chamoised up and debating if arm & knee warmers would be necessary. We had a nice group of 15-20 start at the route 33 trail head and take on the full monty. The beginning of the trail was fast and rolling and while mostly non technical
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
it didn’t take long for the classic WV rocks to appear from beneath the beautiful Fall leaf cover. Now the line choices start becoming key to staying on the bike. After a fast wide open descent the trail turned upward and the real climbing started. Uphill rock gardens that could be ridden by skilled riders soon gave way to a few hike a bike sections that were ridiculously steep and covered with leaves. The pay off for the short hike a bike was consistent incredible views from almost every rock outcropping in sight. The incredible view phenomenon would continue throughout the rest of the trail.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
The single track would change from a bright red carpet of fallen leaves and hidden embedded rocks to a pine needle covered trail with big nasty rock gardens that required full attention and subtle body English to clean your lines.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
The trail would then change again into a dark brown WV dirt with a beautiful firey orange and yellow tree canopy. Occasionally you would pop out onto a fire road/access road for a minute or two to connect the trail segments and allow vehicle access up and over the mountain.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
While riding the trail we encountered a multitude of trail users ranging from other fellow cyclists to a group of Scouts hiking along the ridge then a group of 8-10 equestrians who were out for a nice Sunday horse ride in the woods.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
Eventually we ran into the main group of riders who were along for the shorter organized ride. Everyone that we encountered throughout the day was highly impressed with the quality of the trail and the beautiful overlooks.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
After some rolling rocky ridge riding the trail pointed up once more before leveling off into a good sized technical section then it begin to flow downhill like a ribbon. Screaming down the descent was very similar to carving sweet turns in the snow or waves in the water.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe to someone but easy to enjoy when you find yourself knee deep in the flow.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
We hit the small parking lot at the end of the trail and took a quick spin on the pavement back up to Redman Run to meet the shuttle. In the end this was one of those rides where everything just fell into place. The weather could not have been better, the trail was definitely worthy to be deemed an Epic, the views were incredible and the company was the best. If you’ve never had the chance to ride the North Fork trail I strongly recommend that you make time to make a trip over and check it out. In the meantime please join us in helping keep the trail open for bikers to enjoy. Keep an eye on the “Save the North Fork Mountain Trail” website for updated specific information. Information about the current Wilderness Proposal Bill can be found here.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sustainable Trail Building 101 Class this Saturday
The header says it all but this link will give you the full details. We hope to see you in class on Saturday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
