Archive for the ‘Trail Crew’ Category

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Trailwork Report: El Prieto Trail, January 2012

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Keenen (front and center) and part of the Day 2 crewAlmost eight months ago, the CORBA was approached by Keenan Koch, a student at St. Francis high school in La Canada, a member of the school’s mountain bike race team, and an eagle scout candidate with troop 355. He wanted to work on El Prieto for his eagle scout project, the closest singletrack to his school. After consulting with Banner Moffat from the Friends of El Prieto and CORBA over the ensuing months, a plan was developed and submitted to the Forest Service.

The section of trail in question was “built” by users blazing their way down the canyon after the Station Fire and subsequent floods ravaged and destroyed the trail.  The original trail through this section was completely obliterated. The resulting user-made trail was on the edge of a cliff that was getting undercut by the stream and was gradually narrowing. It was a hazardous section of trail where several people have reportedly gone over the edge and crashed. It was too narrow and unstable for equestrians, and nerve-wracking for anyone concerned with heights or exposure.

With Forest Service and Boy Scout Council approval, Keenan rallied his St. Francis and San Gabriel Valley Composite mountain bike team mates, fellow scouts, and a few willing parents to come out and rebuild this section of trail.  The trail was flagged out by Banner Moffat and after two days of prep work by him and Steve Messer of CORBA, was ready for the project.

The newly built section of trail, passing between two trees.Initially planned for the weekend of January 21/22, rain forced a cancelation for the work on Saturday. In reality it was a blessing as the dampened earth was much better to work with on Sunday. Crews re-cut the bench away from the cliff edge, filled three substantial drainages with rock supporting walls and rock armoring, and built up rock supporting walls either side of a “split tree,” through which the trail would pass. With 19 volunteers this section of trail, about 45 yards, was restored. An intrepid crew of four stayed on an extra two hours beyond the finish time to ensure the rebuilt section was completely passable for all trail users.

During the course of the work, two generous mountain bikers made on-the-spot cash donations to CORBA’s trail crew fund (and who still need to email Steve for receipts), a sure token of the appreciation all trail users have for the work we are doing. One regular El Prieto hiker has made similar on the spot donations in the past, and came through very much appreciative of how the funds have been applied (new tools and rock slings for the trail crew and for Friends of El Prieto).

 

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Posted in High School League, San Gabriel Mountains, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

Trailwork Report: Gabrielino Trail

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Gabrielino Trail MWBA and CORBA CrewsOn January 14, 2012, volunteer crews once again tackled the Gabrielino Trail between Switzers and Redbox.  CORBA combined forces with the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association, our neighboring IMBA chapter.

We continued on our work from our last trailwork event in December, working on approximately 2 additional miles of trail. The crews hiked in from the access road halfway between Clear Creek and Redbox. From there, one crew headed down the trail, and another headed up the trail. A third crew of two went to Redbox and worked their way down clearing debris and downed trees from the trail. The crews cleared and rock-armored several drainages, cut back brush, repaired damaged trail tread, and cleared rock and other debris from the trail. Several groups of hikers and cyclists came through as the work was being done, many more than we saw during the last trailwork day in December.

With the trail now over 95% rideable, we anticipate many more users on the trail as we enter spring. However, we must caution everyone to beware of the poodle dog bush. It’s impractical to cut back, but much of the trail is lined with the plant. At least two of the volunteers reported cases of poodle dog a few days after the work was completed.

Everyone had a great time. The Pasadena Mountain Bike Club were well represented, with several first-time trailwork volunteers.  “It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” commented Mike, one of the first-time volunteers. “I definitely want to come back and do more next time.”  A deli-style lunch spread was put on for the volunteers and at least five of the volunteers went and rode the trail immediately after lunch. “That’s the best reward ever,” said Jenny Johnson, “being able to ride a trail you helped restore.”

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Posted in Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains, Trail Crew, Trail Hazards | Comments Closed

Upcoming trailwork: Gabrielino Trail, January 14

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Join the CORBA trailcrew! Come out and help restore the Gabrielino Trail between Switzers and Redbox in the Angeles National Forest. We will be working with the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association and other groups to get the middle section of trail re-established. We completed much of the lower section in December. There are a number of sections of the trail that need to be rebuilt from washed out drainages, some brush that needs to be cut back and cleared, and a lot of debris on the trail. The work will be weather permitting, so if there is a threat of rain, check here the night before. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, and bring gloves if you have them. We will supply gloves, hard hats and lunch. RSVP or send any questions to trailcrew@corbamtb.com.

Meet at the Upper Switzers Parking Lot at 8:00 a.m. (click the Map link above) or carpool from Flanders Rd & Chehalem Rd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, just north of the 210 freeway on ACH.

If you’re unable to make it on the 14th, we also have work scheduled for January 8th, Sunday, on the Rim trail.

Posted in Angeles National Forest, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

Rim Trail Trailwork – Report and Upcoming Jan 8

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

After CORBA’s productive trailwork day on the Rim trail in December, Belfree contractors went in and worked their magic on the most dangerous sections of the trail.

On December 28, 29, and 30th, they hiked in with hand tools and professional know-how and achieved what would seem impossible. The narrowest, most dangerous sections of trail have been restored to a much safer width.

The slide areas near the top and the large one about two miles in have been repaired, with rock retaining walls built and/or repaired. At least 6 rock retaining walls were built, repaired or replaced, and one large tree which had fallen onto the trail and was standing nearly vertically, leaning against the rock face above, was removed. CORBA contracted Bellfree Contractors for the work using a trail restoration grant from REI. When combined with our volunteer work, the grant money has helped open at least three popular trails in the Angeles.

The Rim trail is possibly in the best shape it has been in the last 10 – 15 years. Because only natural, local rock was used for reinforcement, the trail still retains a very rugged feel, and has not lost any of it’s backcountry character. In the before and after photo two retaining walls that were built and one that was repaired can be seen. We thank Bellfree Contractors for working with us to stay within our grant budget, and yet achieve so much.

We plan another day of trailwork with a small volunteer crew this weekend, on January 8, and continue brushing and benching the last two miles of the trail down to Newcombe’s Saddle. Please RSVP to trailcrew@corbamtb.com/ We’ll be cutting back slough and re-establishing the bench starting two miles in, and for as much of the trail as we can get to in one day. This will mean a two mile hike down to the work site. You’re welcome to ride a bike and continue on to Chantry Flat, or ride/hike back up, but will need to make your own shuttle arrangements. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeves, and gloves if you have them (we’ll supply gloves and hard hats if you don’t). Meet at Mt. Wilson by the observatory at 8:30 a.m. Carpool from the ACH, just north of the 210 freeway at 7:45 a.m. Thanks for making a difference to our trails.

2011-12-29 rim trail before and after

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Posted in Angeles National Forest, Trail Crew, Trail Hazards | Comments Closed

Trailwork Report: Gabrielino and Rim Trails, Angeles National Forest

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

Over the first weekend in December, 2011, CORBA trail crew volunteers came out to help restore the fire-damaged trails of the Angeles National Forest.

Gabrielino Trail, December 3, 2011

On a cool and mostly clear Saturday, CORBA and Mount Wilson Bicycling Association volunteers teamed up to work on the Gabrielino trail. The Gabrielino between Switzers and Redbox was opened to the public back in May 2011, though the trail has had little attention and was in very poor shapte. Through many sections the old trail is simply non-existent.  Starting at Switzer’s Day Use area, the volunteers worked their way up the trail.

At the outset, two large trees were removed from the trail. These had toppled in the ferocious wind storm of November 30, 2011, and were not present when the trail was surveyed for work a week earlier. A third tree remains and is too massive to move with hand tools. The yellow warning signs greeting trail users on trails that pass through burn zones has a clear message: That trees, weakened by the fire, pose a considerable hazard and may fall at any time. Especially now, more than two years after Station Fire, dead trees are beginning to rot and weaken. Falling trees will continue to be a danger for years to come.

The volunteer trail crews, led by Mitch Marich of the MWBA, and Hans Kiefer and Steve Messer from CORBA, rebuilt two severely damaged drainages that required extensive rock retaining walls and rock armoring. In addition, tread was outsloped and widened along many narrowed sections and the brush was cut back. The crews worked on approximately 1.3 miles of trail, from switzers to the second stream crossing and switchbacks. Some sections of the trail now run along the alluvial wash at the base of the canyon. This was created by the tremendous water and debris flows of the past two winters. However, all of the trail worked on by the crew is now easily negotiable for trail users (with the exception of the one large downed tree that remains). With another day’s work in January, we hope to have the entire trail clear of significant obstacles and seeing regular use once again.

Moving rocks and re-building the trail:

Moving Rocks on the Gabrielino

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Posted in Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

Guadalasca and Rogers Road Trails to be Upgraded in 2012

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

CORBA's Bob Trailers will be used by crews on Rogers RoadCalifornia State Parks (CSP) is hiring a crew to work on Rogers Road Trail in Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park. The work will include brushing to remove the overgrowth and some tread work to remove the ruts. The bridge on Chicken Ridge will be repaired and upgraded, and new signs put up to remind riders (bikes and equestrians) to walk through this section. CORBA will be supplying bicycles and B.O.B. Trailers to allow the trail crew volunteers easier access to the remote work sites. The work is expected to take place from February to June 2012. We will post notice of the work schedule and impacts to trail users as it is supplied by State Parks.

This project is made possible by a grant from the National Park Service. It serves as a prime example of how the National Park Service can help another agency achieve their goals through financial support and shared resources, as we are advocating for the San Gabriel Mountains Special Resource Study.

The Guadalasca Trail in Point Mugu State Park will also undergo some substantial improvements over the next year or two. First, the lower section (part of  the old ranch road), will be brushed out to allow access for motorized equipment. An excavator will be used to remove the existing drain culverts and convert them to level crossings. The large rut on the uphill side will be filled in and the travel surface moved to the downhill side to improve water drainage. Part of the newer section of the trail will be rerouted and in the process will add 1/4 to 1/2 mile to its length. The old trail will remain open while construction takes place on the re-route. Some of the switchbacks could be converted to climbing turns, and rolling dips will be added to help control erosion. Using IMBA-influenced designs, sinuosity and pinch points will be incorporated to reduce downhill travel speeds. This will help reduce conflicts with other trail users, including climbing mountain bikers. CSP has asked CORBA and other organizations to recruit volunteers to help with some of this work. We expect to be announcing trailwork days in the new year to get this work done.

Tapia Spur trail will be receiving an upgrade as well, bringing the trail up to the State’s shared-use standards. There are many blind corners and other potential problem spots, and narrow sections where two trail users cannot safely pass each other. The trail will serve a model for how shared-use principles will be implemented as other trails are converted to shared-use and new trails are constructed.

Posted in Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Crew, Trail Hazards | 11 Comments »

Trailwork December 3/4 – Angeles National Forest

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Gabrielino Trail

Join the CORBA trailcrew to help restore the Gabrielino Trail between Switzers and Redbox on Saturday, December 3.  You don’t need any experience, and you’ll be helping get a great trail back to a rideable condition.

We will be working with the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association and other groups to get this section of trail re-established. There are a number of sections of the trail that need to be rebuilt from washed out drainages, some brush that needs to be cut back and cleared, and a lot of debris on the trail. The work will be weather permitting, so if there is a threat of rain, check here the night before. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, and bring gloves if you have them. We will supply gloves, hard hats and lunch. RSVP or send any questions to trailcrew@corbamtb.com or on the MWBA Facebook Event.

Where: Switzers Day-Use Area Upper Parking Lot (Map), Angeles National Forest. Carpool from the Angeles Crest Highway just north of the 210 freeway. (Map to Carpool Spot)

What to bring: You MUST wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and gloves (if you have them). We will supply hard hats and tools, along with instruction and supervision.

Please RSVP to trailcrew@corbamtb.com.

 

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Rim Trail

On Sunday, December 4th, we’ll work on the Rim Trail off Mt. Wilson.  We will clear the trail of brush, re-establish the bench and clear slides in several places. The work will be weather permitting, so if there is a threat of rain, check here the night before. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, and bring gloves if you have them. We will supply gloves, hard hats and lunch.

Meet at Mt. Wilson parking lot near the Cosmic Cafe (map) at 9:00 a.m. on December 4th. Carpool from the ACH just north of the 210 freeway at 8:00 a.m. (Map to Carpool Spot)

RSVP or send any questions to trailcrew@corbamtb.com.

Posted in Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

IMBA Trail Care Crew in Tehachapi Nov 18 and 19

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Our friends at the Tehachapi Mountain Trails Association will be hosting the IMBA Trail Care Crew in November. They are a group of non motorized trail users from the greater Tehachapi California area trying to make life better by providing more trails to more people in our own back yard. On Friday Nov 18th at 4:00 PM the Trail Care Crew will be presenting “Better Living Through Trails” in the Golden Hills Community Services District meeting room. The address is 21415 Reeves Street, Tehachapi, CA 93561. After IMBA’s Better Living Through Trails presentation they plan to begin the discussion of creating a cohesive greater Tehachapi area trails plan. They have confirmation from Kern County supervisor Scrivner’s office, Kern County Parks, possibly Kern County Roads, Golden Hills CSD, Stallion Springs CSD, Alpine Forest Board, City of Tehachapi, Tehachapi Parks Dept, and the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.

The IMBA trail skills college is scheduled to start the next day Nov 19th in the same meeting room at 9:00 AM with the hands on portion to take place in Tehachapi Mountain Park that afternoon.

The sign up page is on IMBA’s web site at  https://www.imba.com/

CORBA members, supporters and other concerned trail users, land managers are invited and encouraged to attend.

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Posted in California, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

My First Trail Building Experience During the COSCA Trail Work Day

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Contributed by Jesse Ettinger, North Ranch Mountain Bikers

I ride mountain bike trails for free. By “free” I mean “not withstanding any of my tax dollars that may be used for park & trail maintenance.” (In the Conejo Open Spaces, most of the trail construction and maintenance is done by volunteers, the exception being large-scale removal of chaparral and weed overgrowth.) So, with all the riding I do, it really was a no-brainer to me that giving back is something I can and should do.

Polaski

I feel such joy when I ride my mountain bike on a great trail, and wanted to experience the joy of building or repairing one so other bikers, hikers and equestrians can do the same. I had my first opportunity to do this on October 15th, and it was as rewarding as I could have hoped.

Roughly seven or eight of us from North Ranch Mountain Bikers showed up for the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency’s (COSCA) Trail Work Day. We were a small fraction of nearly 170 people  who felt compelled to turn out for the same reasons I described. Some of us had done this type of stuff before, many, like me, had not.

After checking-in around 7:30 am and receiving free sack snacks, we were shuttled in two buses from the Conejo Community Center to a trailhead off Erbes road, north of Sunset Hills Boulevard. We split into groups of fifteen, and were shown how to use the two main tools with which we’d become intimately familiar over the next few hours: The McLeod and the Polaski. (more…)

Posted in Conejo Valley, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

Volunteers Complete New Trail at COSCA Trail Work Day

Friday, October 21st, 2011

On a perfect day for trail work, nearly 170 enthusiastic volunteers turned out for the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency’s 21st annual Trail Work Day on October 15.

This year’s location was in the northern portion of COSCA’s property at the Sunset Hills Trail. A new section of trail was created and completed, making a wonderful 1.5 mile loop with a great view of Bard Reservoir, Simi Valley, and Santa Rosa Valley. This trail loop can also be accessed from the Long Canyon Trail (Simi Valley) and Lang Ranch Open Space (Thousand Oaks) from the east, providing trail users with longer distance capabilities with a very nice singletrack option to their outing.
CORBA Trail Crew trail boss Steve Messer brought CORBA’s tool cache and helped lead a crew on one of the more challenging sections of trail. Younger volunteers helped perform maintenance at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.

After the trail work, volunteers returned to the Conejo Valley Community Center for lunch and a prize giveaway featuring a Giant mountain bike donated by Giant Bicycles of Newbury Park. The winner, Jeff Perrault, is the basketball coach at Newbury Park High School and was accompanied by 10 members of the team.

For more information on the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, go to www.cosf.org.

CORBA board member Steve Messer and film-maker extraordinaire made a time-lapse video of the building this new trail. Check it out!






Posted in Rides and Events, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

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