MTB Trailcare

Read to the end of this trail news for the latest on the Nerang trail saboteur.

Ash and I did some work on the new Casuarina line this afternoon.  While we did not complete much distance, it was a really satisfying job.  We used harvested soil and organic matter to close an original, eroded and almost totally neglected loop of the old trail.

Here's how it looked just after we started sketching the trail line and clearing organic matter for later use

To close an established line you start by softening the surface and closing off the entrances

Here the added organic structure looks petty, but it serves the purpose of allowing us to manage the area above an erosion runnel in a different way

After softening the old tread, we chip off the upper edge of the trail with all the grass and roots onto the softened surface, to assist in regrowth.  Also added is more organic debris before a layer of dirt is thrown over

While some can shovel, Ash can perform miracles with one - that's well over 10m to perfect landing.  Thrown soil provides a much more even and airated surface

The soil came from the new trail

and went here in layers with organic matter

To discourage riders cutting through this area to the new trail (they already were), we added some temporary timber features.  They may all end up on the old trail, or not

Although not a permanent job, the line people were using to access the new trail was also closed; one part with coiled cat claw vine pulled, dug or cut out of the local underbrush - think barbed wire

Here's a little look at the new trail from above

and looking up from the intersection with the current Casuarina and Three Hills trails near the bottom

Last thing, we added a log as a natural corral until the little bush on the upslope edge grows a bit more.  It was a bit dark for a good pic

It will not be too long until we have new trail, but both Ash and I have commitments over the next couple of weeks.  We will get it done soon.  No need to help just yet.  Unless you know where we are going and how, any work done while we are away will be counter-productive.  We don't need more of this

Before I sign off on this trail news, one of our local riders has positively identified the trail saboteur.  Male late 40's to early 50's, solid build about 100kg, short grey hair, ankle boots, walks with purpose like an ape, very strong (from the damage he did unassisted) and prepared to take to the bush to avoid being photographed.  Beware:  this man is dangerous.  Please report all sightings to MTBtrailcare or Nerang Police (Officer Feyers).  We must get this lunatic.

We are getting in a last ride tomorrow before our distractions weather permitting - happy trails