MTB Trailcare

I didn't think I would be adding a trail news until after next weekend, but after Doug and Ash and I got stuck in, we reached the creek at the base of the third hill on Three Hills, on New Year's Eve.  That doesn't mean the trail is complete, because it isn't and remains closed, but it feels really good to get there.

Last post we were wondering how the drains would work in a storm, especially the drains under the hollow log.  While the weather reports did not report much rain, I live about 5 crow km from the top of Three Hills and on a the same rain corridor.  We had 20+mm in 30 minutes at home.  Next day the trails were washed clean.  Here's a few pics from the more vulnerable sections up high, starting with how a drain should look after rain - dry and clear

The log ride was cleaner

and the area we dug more dead roots out of and then armoured, was looking OK

Outslope is essential for all trails to drain, but near this log it allows water to sheet through.  One pic from each side after the storm

Here's a spot down the hill a bit that looks OK, but is vulnerable without some subtle drain augmentation.  Rain always shows what you didn't see at the time.  Even outsloping trail can channel or pool water in a way that causes problems over time.  Outsloped trail does not sheet water just because you want it to!

So, back to the top of the trail.  Last post we were here

We started enhancing drains and completing corrals, which includes another raised log trailside to sit on

Then it was onward up to the creek with rolling grade dips, berming and flowing lines to ease impact on the tread.  The top is near a pretty impressive tree

The trail has a lovely feel from below the creek

Lovely enough that it needed more sigs to discourage the public from attacking prior to completion

There is a lot to be done before this trail is opened.  First we have to spread organic debris over diggings broadcast below the trail (as recommended by IMBA) to speed up regrowth, then we have to complete the creek crossing.  Then we have some sightline trimming on the section of trail built a year ago, to improve trail safety and then we have to connect the trail through to the original Three Hills line and close the old trail.  It won't be finished this week!  Looks good - Don't touch it!