MTB Trailcare

Today 4 volunteers worked on a section of trail QPWS identified as eroded and concerning.  There were 2 issues, the first being water damage and the other being tyre damage.  In this place there is a tendency for water to run along the trail, but not too far and mostly on gentle grades.  It is mainly user damage responsible for the channels being ridden and therefore also the water running along the trail.

By adding 2 drains above the steeper section,

the only water getting to it will be running perpendicular to the trail, through the grass from the fire road about 40m away.  As the grade there is gentle and the risk of accumulated flow limited by the lack of vertical fall, we have confidence this section of trail will remain dry.  

We re-contoured the riding line and had it tested many times both up and downhill by passing riders as well as the volunteers and are pretty happy with the outcome.

Altering the riding line included moving the log from just below the fire rake to where it lies in this pic.  

Visual cues can make a corner natural or awkward.  We like seeing the trail ahead without the risk of falling onto something nasty if you get it wrong.

Another drain below the steeper turns and a little remodelling of the turn after that and it rides well for beginner and better riders.

Tomorrow we move a little farther uptrail, past way point 44 to a place QPWS wants re-routed.  It is a more nasty version of today's job.