MTB Trailcare

After another late finish last night we completed the major turn started on November 17th.  To recap from the last entry, this turn is on fairly steep terrain (average >25% grade) and is one of only 2 turns that cross the falline on Pete's new lower section of trail.  The other is a small, bermed turn closer to the Casuarina Loop.

Our aim here was to create a durable turn with an optional technical rock line to climb, plus a smooth alternative that also acts as the natural downhill line.  To ensure a comfortable climbing line, dirt (and lots of stone) was harvested from the high end, reducing the grade through the corner.  This turn is not designed to be a fast, downhill corner and we wanted to create an upper entrance that visually assists in controlling entrance speed and prevents the development of braking ruts.  Initially we intended to fell the dead tree trunk above the rock section, but  we are reconsidering as it is really not on the riding line after final modifications to the tread.

So, some pics.  These show the location before work started

Rock armouring on the lower end of the turn under way and completed last week

Test riding after inital excavations

Turn on the floodlights please.  Sorry about the picture quality.  I will have to update this post in daylight.  

Here's some controversial trailwork.  It falls into the NIMBA category - NOT IMBA.  Building up the downslope edge of a trail is a no no.  It is said to trap water and debris, encourage trail softening and is often an excuse for more energetic trail construction.  In this place we have chosen to bend the rules - a lot.

The pile of rocky dirt excavated from the tread discourages entering the corner too fast.  Added exposed rock drains on the inside of the turn will funnel water away from the riding line and into exit drains.  There are layers of rock and roots on top of a clay base below the funny, triple-trunk tree above the turn and these continue into the turn.  We know water will run from sub-surface springs in this place and onto the turn.  The constructed wall will divert that flow (bring on the rain) into the exit drains that are not well imaged in these pics.  In addition, the wall prevents short-cutting and is an interesting trail feature.  We like it.  To some extent you can see other rock features added to the turn to prevent more significant corner cutting.

Your guess is as good as mine re the golden man in this pic