IMBA Trailbuilding?

Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done one of
these things before? What should I expect?

Simpson

N Simpson wrote:
Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg
VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done
one of these things before? What should I expect?

Dirty fingernails.

Bill "it's OBVIOUS! Duh!!!" S.

"N Simpson" wrote in message
...
Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done one
of
these things before? What should I expect?

Simpson



Sounds neat, is it too late to join these classes? I go to school here at
Virginia Tech. Be sure to check out the trails in the George Washington
National Forest, start on Peter's Creek and you're sure to find something
you like.

"Bryan" wrote in message
...

"N Simpson" wrote in message
...
Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done
one
of
these things before? What should I expect?

Simpson



Sounds neat, is it too late to join these classes? I go to school here at
Virginia Tech. Be sure to check out the trails in the George Washington
National Forest, start on Peter's Creek and you're sure to find something
you like.


Bryan,

It isn't too late. Here is a copy of the e-mail that I recieved:

Dear IMBA Friend,

The International Mountain Bicycling Association is coming to Virginia,
and
you're invited to join in the special events.

April 23-25 Blacksburg
April 27-28 Douthat State Park, Land Manager Trailbuilding School
May 1-2 Douthat State Park, VA Mountain Bike Advocacy
Gathering

This is your opportunity to rub shoulders with the IMBA crew while
learning
all about trailbuilding. Check out all the details below and come join
in
the fun.

You are receiving this email as an IMBA member or contact. Please help
us
get the word out and forward this invitation to other area mountain
bikers,
land managers, and trail users!

If these events are too far away for you to attend, we understand. We
sent
you this email not only to invite you but also to let you know about
the
important work IMBA is doing in your area.

If you can't make it to these events, join us later this season in
Virginia!
June 11-13 Danville
December 3-5 Charlottesville

Don't miss the 2004 IMBA Advocacy Summit, June 4-8, Westminster,
Maryland.
Space is limited. Register at imba.com today!

--
Blacksburg, Virginia
April 22-25

Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner, Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will team
with
Rich Edwards, IMBA Trail Solutions, at Pandapas Pond in the Jefferson
National Forest (http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj/) near
Blacksburg to
support the development of the Old Farm
connector trail. Thanks to the US Forest Service, Chris Betz, and East
Coasters Cycling and Fitness (eastcoasters.com) for planning an
outstanding
visit!

THURSDAY, APRIL 22
7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Around the World with IMBA slideshow
Come mingle with fellow riders and trail users and learn about
IMBA's work around the world. IMBA's Lora Woolner and Mark Schmidt will
present a fun and exciting slideshow about riding and travel adventures
in
the U.S., Italy, Wales, Australia, and beyond.

East Coasters Cycling and Fitness
1301 North Main Street, Blacksburg

SATURDAY, APRIL 24
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. IMBA Trailbuilding School, Day 1
Get your hands dirty and learn how to build sustainable and fun
singletrack.
The school includes three hours of classroom instruction followed by
hands-on time in the field learning trailbuilding techniques. Topics
include
designing a contour trail, controlling water flow, building effective
trail
structures, urban park solutions, freeride trails, and routine trail
maintenance.

The fieldwork will be hands-on trailbuilding, so come prepared. You'll
probably be most comfortable in long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Wear
sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, work gloves, sunscreen, and a
hat. If
you have any trailbuilding tools--pulaskis, McLeods, rakes, picks,
hoes,
shovels--please bring them, too.

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Classroom Session
Blacksburg Public Library, Community Room B
200 Miller Street, Blacksburg

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunches included with registration fee or
BYO

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fieldwork
Old Farm Trail
Meet at Town of Blacksburg Gateway Park parking lot or carpool from
library.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Field session
Old Farm Trail

12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m. Lunches included with registration fee or
BYO

2:00 p.m. Group Ride
Bring your bike to join the Crew for a ride!

Pre-registration is required for Saturday and Sunday events. Please
register
by April 17. Registration fee of $10 for both days covers lunch ($5
per
day), no fee if you bring your own lunch. To register, please contact
Chris
Betz, 540.961.0674 or . Chris will provide you with a
registration form.
---

Douthat State Park, Virginia
April 27-28

Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner, Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will team
with
Rich Edwards, IMBA Trail Solutions, at Douthat State Park
(http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/douthat.htm ) to teach an IMBA
trailbuilding school in cooperation with the Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation. This midweek school will be oriented
towards
land managers and focused on managing and maintaining shared use
trails.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. IMBA Trailbuilding School, Day 1
Douthat State Park

The first day focuses on trail design and the trail user's experience.
Successfully managing and designing shared use trails requires an
understanding of the various user experiences. The afternoon sessions
will
cover trail design, trail assessment and experiencing the the trail
from a
cyclists perspective.

9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Classroom Session

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Field workshops

As the the field sessions will require off trail travel and a short
bike
ride on the local trails please dress appropriately. Long pants and
boots
are recommended. Any participants that have mountain bikes and helmets
are
encouraged to bring them. The ride will be very short and designed to
show
how a trail feels to a cyclist. Clinometers will also be useful for the
design workshop.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. IMBA Trailbuilding School Day 2

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Classroom Session

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fieldwork
The fieldwork will be hands-on trailbuilding, so come prepared. You'll
probably be most comfortable in long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Wear
sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, work gloves, sunscreen, and a
hat.

Pre-registration is required so that we can provide tools and
appropriately
plan the class and field sessions. Space is limited so please register
by
April 21. To register for the workshop please contact Bryan Anderson
at 804-786-5053 or .

---
VA Mountain Bike Advocacy Gathering
Douthat State Park

May 1-2

Join fellow Virginia clubs and riders who care about increasing and
protecting riding opportunities! This event coincides with the Middle
Mountain Momma race, at arguably the best riding destination in
Virginia -
Douthat State Park (http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/douthat.htm). This
fun
event will have the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew on hand as well as VA
resident Rich Edwards of IMBA Trail Solutions.

SATURDAY, MAY 1
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. VA Mountain Bike Advocacy Gathering
Discovery Center Pavilion, Douthat State Park.

11:00 a.m. Introduction and Club Round Robin
12:00 p.m. Update on relationships with VA and federal
agencies
1:00 p.m. Lunch Break - PB&J and snacks provided
2:00 p.m. Break out session:
-municipal /state/federal
advocacy
-trail grant opportunities
2:45 p.m. Freeriding - How, when and where?
3:15 p.m. Wilderness and Scenic Area proposals in Virgina
4:00 p.m. Discussion on formation of a VA trail advocacy
group
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Worldwide Trail Successes:
presented by the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care
Crew
7:00 p.m. Pasta Feed sponsored by Shenandoah Mountain
Touring, LLC


SUNDAY, MAY 2
Middle Mountain Momma Race (www.mountainbikevirginia.com)
Not interested in racing, volunteer or just check out the trails!

Space will be limited for Saturday sessions. Please contact Chris
Scott, VA
IMBA state representative, at or 540.434.2087
to
RSVP.

N Simpson wrote:
Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg
VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done
one of these things before? What should I expect?

Simpson

I've done the trail building school a couple of times. The most recent was
last fall at Mercer County Park in NJ. It's a great opportunity to learn
how to make a trail that is stable for all access (hike, bike, horse) in all
types of weather. The IMBA crew are a great bunch of people as well. They
are extrememly personable. You'll think you knew them for years.

It is a lot of work. You will spend an entire day, digging, chopping,
moving logs, cutting sticker bushes, tamping the ground, and using the
worlds greatest trail building tool, the MacCloud (sp?). Then, you get to
ride on your new creation before everyone else. It's a great way to give
back to the sport.

"N Simpson" wrote in message
...

"Bryan" wrote in message
...

"N Simpson" wrote in message
...
Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg
VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done
one
of
these things before? What should I expect?

Simpson



Sounds neat, is it too late to join these classes? I go to school here
at
Virginia Tech. Be sure to check out the trails in the George Washington
National Forest, start on Peter's Creek and you're sure to find
something
you like.


Bryan,

It isn't too late. Here is a copy of the e-mail that I recieved:

*snip* IMBA E-mail




Ahh, I have drill with the USMC Reserves that weekend. However, if you show
up early (before the 23rd) and would like a tour of the trails, give me an
e-mail and maybe I could find some time away from classes during the week.

Ride-A-Lot wrote:
N Simpson wrote:
Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg
VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done
one of these things before? What should I expect?

Simpson

I've done the trail building school a couple of times. The most
recent was last fall at Mercer County Park in NJ. It's a great
opportunity to learn how to make a trail that is stable for all
access (hike, bike, horse) in all types of weather. The IMBA crew
are a great bunch of people as well. They are extrememly personable.
You'll think you knew them for years.

It is a lot of work. You will spend an entire day, digging, chopping,
moving logs, cutting sticker bushes, tamping the ground, and using the
worlds greatest trail building tool, the MacCloud (sp?). Then, you
get to ride on your new creation before everyone else. It's a great
way to give back to the sport.

What he said. For the building part, you'll want to have gloves and boots,
and appropriate clothing, and be prepared to work your ass off. We moved
200 feet of eroded fall line train, closed replanted it, and then cut a new
trail around the hill.

Penny

Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg
VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done
one of these things before? What should I expect?

I went to one recently; it was good for the basics. What they will go over
is also covered on their site; you may want to give that a read first.

Some people consider them a bit contraversial as they tend to reccommend
rather milktoast trails, but their point is they last longer (you'll hear
them use the term 'sustainable' a lot) and more people can use them this
way.

A good time .I went to the one in Indiana .Me and a friend went that work on
the trails around here .We learned a lot of what to do and not to do.It make
it so you have less maint to do after the trails are put in.
Have a good time.

--
J/O TrailBlazer At Large

"John Harlow" wrote in message
...
Anyone else going up to the IMBA Trailbuilding School in Blacksburg
VA?

I am planning on going up (from NC) for the weekend. Has anyone done
one of these things before? What should I expect?

I went to one recently; it was good for the basics. What they will go
over
is also covered on their site; you may want to give that a read first.

Some people consider them a bit contraversial as they tend to reccommend
rather milktoast trails, but their point is they last longer (you'll hear
them use the term 'sustainable' a lot) and more people can use them this
way.

This is maybe an unfortunate interpretation of their techniques, though
some do feel this way. Sustainable is a good word, though, and really is the
crux of the issue. If we build trails that hold up to use, then we _all_
come out better in the end. If trails are eroding, they are asking for
someone to point the finger of blame at someone, (anyone,) and if bikers are
using the trails...well, 3 guesses who gets blamed. :-(
As I'm sure you already know (but it bears stating for those who may
not), trails can be built to IMBA specs and methods and still be very
exciting, very challenging, very flavorful, (and very sustainable! Yay!)
IMBA training schools are, in my opinion, the best thing going to help
folks realize the many things that cause trail erosion, the principal of
which is bad design. Water is everywhere (at some time or another) and for
most of us, water is the main enemy of trail durability. Good design and
layout helps tremendously to minimize its effects (though nothing eliminates
them entirely.)
The other thing you will get at least a taste of at IMBA training
schools is how trail character comes into play, i.e. what features are
appropriate and where. (Might be kind of basic, but often overlooked
nonetheless.) Things like when corners are poorly designed or out of place;
how trail features can help the transition from a fast flowing trail to a
slower, twisty, technical flavor.
You will (should?) come away from one of these weekends with a new
appreciation for how these factors may or may not be evident in the trails
you currently ride, and you will likely start thinking of ways those trails
could be improved and made more (dare I say?) sustainable! You will also
hopefully realize just how much W_O_R_K goes into trailbuilding, and have a
new appreciation for all the thousands of hours that went into many of the
trails you ride, here, there, and everywhere.
Personally, I think it might be time for another chapter in the FDR New
Deal era to help us rebuild, recover, and reopen many of the trails around
our country that have been LONG neglected and are badly in need of serious
work. That, and the building of new trails, too, of course.
I'm not holding my breath waiting for all this to happen, though. As a
realist, I'm out trying to do what I can in my local state park (Douthat
State Park in VA) as often as I can. Do whatever you can contribute wherever
you are. We are the only "New Deal" available at the moment!
--
D N
I E T S
Off to R the M __, D H

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