Mags
06-11-2008, 13:52
I know some old school backpackers kvetch about mtn bikers.
This past weekend, I worked on a stretch of the Colorado Trail maintained by mountain bikers. The project itself was sponsored and organized by mtn bikers as well. At least in Colorado, many different groups work together well. :)
Here's my trip report. Some links with photos (not mine):
June 7th was National Trails Day. (http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx)
A day to celebrate the trails we all love.
There were many events all over the country. Many of them trail work related.
For this weekend, I decided to do a project on Colorado Trail.
This particular project really show cased the multi-recreation use of not only Colorado, but the Colorado Trail in particular. The project was sponsored by COMBA (a mountain biking group) (http://www.comba.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=14&Itemid=42)on a section of trail they maintain. The tools were brought in by local horse packers.
And many hikers gladly took part in the trail maintenance on this Colorado gem.
I was in one up the upper groups (about a 3-4 mile hike in) and was involved mainly in the fixing of switchbacks. The hike was in was quite nice. Wonderful views towards Lost Creek Wilderness and the Tarryall Range, the Mosquito Range (I believe) and the S. Platte River below. Wildflowers were in abundance as well. I really need to start taking my camera more on these work trips! :)
As mentioned, my project for the weekend was repairing switchbacks. Re-channeling the drainage and shoring up rock walls on the side. It involved much pick work and moving three "man size" boulders. Hard work that I really felt Sunday morning. Ooof! :)
After working hard all day, we packed up our tools and headed down to the BBQ that featured burgers, brats, chips, cookies...and BEER! Yay! Sitting by the Platte, with a beer and a brat, life was pretty good.
At this event, I was able to meet and chat with Bill Manning of the Colorado Trail Foundation. (http://www.coloradotrail.org/) Turns out my little doc on the Colorado Trail (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=33) is often sent to many people. Glad I can help in my own small way.
All in all, it was a great day. A chance to work in a beautiful place, enjoy some good company and to give back to something I love.
This past weekend, I worked on a stretch of the Colorado Trail maintained by mountain bikers. The project itself was sponsored and organized by mtn bikers as well. At least in Colorado, many different groups work together well. :)
Here's my trip report. Some links with photos (not mine):
June 7th was National Trails Day. (http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx)
A day to celebrate the trails we all love.
There were many events all over the country. Many of them trail work related.
For this weekend, I decided to do a project on Colorado Trail.
This particular project really show cased the multi-recreation use of not only Colorado, but the Colorado Trail in particular. The project was sponsored by COMBA (a mountain biking group) (http://www.comba.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=14&Itemid=42)on a section of trail they maintain. The tools were brought in by local horse packers.
And many hikers gladly took part in the trail maintenance on this Colorado gem.
I was in one up the upper groups (about a 3-4 mile hike in) and was involved mainly in the fixing of switchbacks. The hike was in was quite nice. Wonderful views towards Lost Creek Wilderness and the Tarryall Range, the Mosquito Range (I believe) and the S. Platte River below. Wildflowers were in abundance as well. I really need to start taking my camera more on these work trips! :)
As mentioned, my project for the weekend was repairing switchbacks. Re-channeling the drainage and shoring up rock walls on the side. It involved much pick work and moving three "man size" boulders. Hard work that I really felt Sunday morning. Ooof! :)
After working hard all day, we packed up our tools and headed down to the BBQ that featured burgers, brats, chips, cookies...and BEER! Yay! Sitting by the Platte, with a beer and a brat, life was pretty good.
At this event, I was able to meet and chat with Bill Manning of the Colorado Trail Foundation. (http://www.coloradotrail.org/) Turns out my little doc on the Colorado Trail (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=33) is often sent to many people. Glad I can help in my own small way.
All in all, it was a great day. A chance to work in a beautiful place, enjoy some good company and to give back to something I love.