MTB Trailcare

Volunteers present: Kurt, Nathan, Myself.

Since we only had a small crew of volunteers at hand we decided to upgrade "waypoint 91". This was listed in the IMBA trail audit as a gap jump with "B" line, appropriate for black diamond descending style trail, risk factor - medium. At least it was untill recently when the gap jump suddenly became a "dumbed down, dangerous booby trap with "B" line. It was no longer a jump of any description, it was just a "thing", a horrible "thing". Someone decided the gap jump was too challenging and the "B" line too boring, so they produced this "thing" as shown in the photos below.

This "thing" is totally unsustainable and dangerous to ride, the "B" line has become a complete waste and rendered totally unnecessary.

So, we set out on our mission (in the planning for months) to rebuild the jump to its original dimensions, with some additional features thrown in.

It was decided to build a semi table topped style jump, rollable if necessary. This jump has the same profile kicker/sender and receiver/lander you would expect to find on a gap jump, however the gap has been semi filled with soil, into an undulating, rollable profile. The gap in-fill is dipped and out sloped for rainwater drainage and increased trail tread sustainability. A log corral has been placed on the out slope side to highlight the feature, the log is elevated and clear of trail tread and will not obstruct drainage. Ash and Lou arrived on the scene just in time to help move the big long log, many thanks guys.

The rider risk factor has now been minimised, skill dependant of course. Safety aspects of this feature have been raised, sight lines into the jump are clear,receiver landing is clear and the antisipated "crash zone" is clear of obstructions.

This feature is still considered works in progress and hopefully will be 100% completed next Sunday. Will have more detailed photos of completed feature in next weeks report.

The existing "B" line, approx. 6m in length will be permanently closed and returned to the forest.

Ride safe,

Mick