MTB Trailcare

mtbtrailcare.com volunteers Mick, Lynn, Michael and Kurt got together for a think-tank today.  Ash and I tagged along to see how the elected trail stewards for these 2 trails (plus 911 and parts of Bailey's) see the progression of the more aggressive trails in Nerang.  QPWS do not support DH trails, so it is important to carefully progress the features of these descending trails in line with what better riders expect, but without do-or-die lines.

A number of key issues were raised for discussion.  They included:

Identification of the line and obstacles.  Identifying trail dangers is routine in World Cup races, but coloured spray-paint as per the pic is not ideal on QPWS land.

Overseas, using pin-flags to mark jumps and other TTF's is common.  A small amount of flagging tape on a removable pin is simply positioned at trail level, where rider eyes are scanning, on either side of the tread at takeoffs, landings, alternate lines etc.  Simple and environmentally safe.  

As stated, pin-flags can be used to indicate jumps.  It is important on trails like Wimps and Norco Flow that all riders are aware of alternate lines, so new and progressing riders can have confidence in their line choices.  

On Wimps and Norco, there are lots of combination water bars and jumps.  A number require attention to stability and drainage before the takeoff.  The objective of the trail stewards is to consult with trail regulars to develop strategies for fortifying these lines, improving trail contours and stability and therefore rider enjoyment.

Sometimes this can be obvious like in this alternate line where better drainage (a grade dip) leading into a new and solid takeoff will make the potential jump faster, safer, all weather and more likely to land on the tranny past the next log. 

For those outside MTB it can be hard to conceive why or how someone would ride a certain line.  However, in places like Wimps and Norco, riders with skills, the right bike and experiencce make daunting lines and terrain look relaxing.  Watching good riders on these trails is like watching someone ride a bike path by the sea - relaxing and alluring at the same time.

Trail features like large jumps are not seen as exterme; rather as expected and required.  In a number of places the effects of use, time, heavy rains and worst of all, motos, have taken a toll on sturdy structures.

Alternate lines allow less experienced riders the chance to build skills and become part of the trail community.  In the next pics, imagine 3 lines.  On the left a small drop and the stump removed to make it look safe, a middle line with a large, modified table-top jump leading towards the A line and an enlarged berm, both complementing the A-line gap jump.

Remember, this is a trail that is riden by good riders.

Another issue is how to protect the tree roots and convert these bits to drainages.  More effort than this pic shows is esssential on a trail like Wimp's.

While there are few bridges on these trails, they are all are critical to the trail.  We are still waiting for an indication from QPWS as to how to remedy their issue with bridges.  There are precedents in places like the Kosciuszko National Park, where the bridges are made from Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) on a chassis of simple, square, steel tubes.  Regardless of building materials, some bridges require more attention than others by nature of exposure.

Falline sections of these trails actually cope better than you may expect, but they still create issues in very heavy rainfall periods.  Water can run down this trail and it used to do just that, almost top to bottom.  Since then drainages have been added by regulars, but there are places where the addition of new drains will enhance the trail experience.  That is why a consensus with riders must be achieved prior to changing things.

The trail grade is pretty serious up here.  In places it can cause defensive riding - see how the riders are extending their elbows rather than letting them float high and relaxed for more control?

Managing grade must be combined with enhancing the rider experience.

QPWS see alternate lines on steep terrain as a liabilty and erosion risk.  Riders see only the challenge.  Builders have to connect the dots.  This place on Mad Dogs (between Wimps upper and the top fire road) has a few steep entries into a creek line.  They all work and any erosion is limited by the correct choice of lines.  QPWS will want a sturdy bridge and all sort of options exist in the rock garden leading to the bridge.  This is essentially double black trail and being at the top of the trail will act a a filter for the less experienced riders who can move along the trail another 50m to the upper entrance of Wimps proper.

The rock line into this section is pretty nasty.  Pics posted for the enjoyment of those who can and those who want to learn how.

The general consensus is that Wimps and Norco Flow represent stepping stone trails.  More aggressive riders progress to Wimps from the rest of the trail system and then to Mad Dogs and Norco.  After you feel comfortable on Norco Flow, the next port of call is The Outlook - the home of freeride on the Gold Coast and outside the boundary of the Nerang National Park.  

Thanks to networking encouraged by QPWS, Mick Willlis has already secured the experience and enthusiasm of a four riders/builders recommended via contracts at The Outlook.  These guys love Wimps and Norco (mainly Norco).  Since hearing QPWS have asked for all unauthorised building cease, they have stopped repairing the trails up there.  However, they have noted the explosion of "illegal" building that has been ongoing.  

Some is very marginal, bodering on senseless.  Some has potential.  The aim is to capture all these guys into the group looking after the serious trails out there and make sure they have access to information, education and the support of more experienced buiders. 

One of the key concerns of QPWS is the road gap jump over the Billabira Fire Road.  The jump itself is one of the best you will ever see or use.  The trail after the landing is sound and sustainable.  Re-routing the trail on the eastern side of the fire road would be a problem.  Lots of trees would be removed and the riding line would be too simplistic and slow for the type of rider using Norco Flow.  In no time, the old road gap would be re-opened.

Closing the road gap will not remove all collision risk.  Remember there is a not just a fire road up there.  There are a few braids from Bailey's to Vertigo.  We have provisionally mapped a contour line trail from Bailey's to Vertigo.  It crosses Wimps and Norco lower than the current intersection and would meet Vertigo about 50 or so metres past the fire road. 

Consensus was that STOP signs must be installed on the XC trail AND the fire road.  Riders on Wimps and Norco Flow MUST have right of way, as they have limited chance to see or hear what is going on below and limited braking.  Regardless of how all the intersections pan-out - stop signs on the fire road and maintaining the road gap make far more sense than destroying heaps of bush to make an alternative line.  Again, precendents exist in most alpine riding locations worldwide.  No pics, but thiose who ride there know what we are talking about.

Remember, these are trail with bite....

It will be really good to see how these trails develop and mature over time.  There has been a tendency up there to build new lines when things don't last well.  Our job is to develop trail loved by all, but sustainable and inclusive of riders with good to expert skills.  Trails that respect the land and also allow for the fact that a XC trail going to/from Bailey's and Vertigo will intersect both Wimps and Norco.  We have plans to make that safer and more sensible as well, but that's for another trail news.