January 2007 - Posts

• Mountain bikers meet TimberWest

  By Colleen Dane Record Staff Jan 17 2007 It was exploratory, preliminary — and in general positive, said mountain bikers and representatives of TimberWest logging about a meeting they had to discuss trails in the area around Comox Lake. “I guess there was no bad news in the whole thing,” said Bob Austin, a mountain biker who initiated the meeting when they saw logging happening on the land from the dam at Comox Lake to the bottom of Forbidden Plateau. Because of the popularity of the area for mountain biking — where it’s estimated there are miles of trails used by up to 500 riders — among many other user groups, Austin suggested a meeting with the company. While they recognized that it’s private land, and were thankful for access at all, they also wanted to see if there was some way they could work with the company to protect trails that have had hundreds of hours invested in them. The good news, said Austin, is that TimberWest representatives said they had done most of the logging they planned for now in the area, and don’t expect to be back for three more years. In the interest of planning, though, they told Austin they were interested in forming a land-use agreement with a user group so that they would be more comfortable with the access to their land without being potentially liable for accidents that happen there. “A group would take responsibility for the area in terms of the trail maintenance and safety that’s up there,” said Austin. “It’s not an unreasonable request — it’s happened before in B.C.” Steve Lorimer, public relations manager with TimberWest, said that the meeting was positive, but introductory. “I guess we’ll have to see where that goes,” said Lorimer. Austin said the proposal of a land-use agreement isn’t a bad thing — but a proactive plan to protect the long-term access to the area. “Just keeping our heads buried in the sand and just hoping it goes well as it has in the past decade isn’t going to work for the next decade,” said Austin. Posted Jan 19 2007, 06:22 PM by Skifreak with no comments Filed under: Mountain Biking, Advocacy, Trail Info

• Financial benefits from mountain biking shown with new Sea to Sky study

  Sea to Sky Mountain Biking Trails Generate $10.3 Million VANCOUVER - Mountain bike trails in the Sea to Sky region generated $10.3 million in visitor spending this summer and there is room for further development, according to a study conducted by the Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) in partnership with the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA). That figure jumps to $38 million when the Whistler Bike Park and Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival are included in the analysis. Download the Sea to Sky Mountain Biking Economic Impact Study (PDF - 275 KB) "The study at last provides us with some credible data on the economic benefits of mountain biking," said Jimmy Young, MBTA Director. The MBTA, in cooperation with community partners and the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts undertook a pilot study to measure the economic impact of mountain biking along the Sea to Sky Corridor - which includes Whistler, Squamish and the North Shore - between June 3 and September 17, 2006. The study found that mountain biking draws visitors to Sea to Sky communities and generates significant overnight stays. Overall, 20% of non-resident riders stayed overnight in Sea to Sky communities, staying an average of 4.8 nights and having an average party size of 2.8 people. "The data supports the premise that if you build innovative trails combined with scenery and services the world will beat a path to your door," said Rob McSkimming, VP Product Development Whistler Blackcomb. Not surprisingly, Whistler receives the greatest benefit from mountain bike trails in the region as the Resort Municipality of Whistler funds and maintains a sanctioned trail system and is able to feature mountain biking in its tourism marketing activities. A recent draft provincial policy on mountain bike trail use on Crown land could open up further opportunities for authorized trails and the development of mountain biking tourism products in the region and other parts of the province. "It's great to see the Sea to Sky region experiencing such success with mountain biking," said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen. "I hope this study will help other interested B.C. communities strengthen their own tourism development around this activity." The MBTA is a grass roots stakeholder based association dedicated to growing mountain bike tourism in B.C. Stakeholders include commercial operators and resorts offering lift-accessed mountain biking as well as community-based trail groups and mountain bike clubs and local government. The MBTA would like to thank the stakeholders for their support and input as well as the more than 1,200 mountain bikers that participated in the survey. Download the Sea to Sky Mountain Biking Economic Impact Study (PDF - 275 KB). For further information please e-mail info@mbta.ca. Posted Jan 19 2007, 06:19 PM by Skifreak with no comments Filed under: Mountain Biking, Trail Info

• Riders raise awareness about trails

  By Colleen Dane Record Staff Jan 05 2007 www.comoxvalleyrecord.com Some members of the local mountain-biking community are reaching out to logging company TimberWest to raise awareness about trails in an area beginning to be logged around Comox Lake. While they understand the land is private and free to be logged at the company's prerogative, they hope a meeting next week might help find a way to save some of the trails. "The area has literally dozens of trails that are used by a tremendous number of people in the Valley," said Bob Austin, a retiree who bikes the trails at least once a week. He estimates that the area from the dam at Comox Lake to the bottom of Forbidden Plateau is used by up to 500 riders and includes miles of well-known routes such as Two Sheiks and a Dog and Screaming Demon. The problem is the growing pastime popular in the Comox Valley largely depends on private land - meaning they have no control over the arena of their sport. While Austin said he is thankful they can go out there at all and they do not protest the logging, he wants the company to be aware of the activity up there first of all, and then see if there's any possibility of saving the trails. A meeting has been set for Jan. 10, with TimberWest sitting down with Austin and other mountainbikers. Their first request, said Austin, will be simply for a map of the planned cut areas. Then, maybe they'll see if there's any way to have cut fall pulled away from the trails after logging is done. Their ultimate goal would, of course, be a little more. "We'll see if they'll consider given the fact that it's used by so many people ... to just not log within 15, 20 feet of the trail," he said. It may be a stretch, said Austin, but a suggestion they'd like to bring forward. Another mountain biker who rides with an informal group, Terry Lewis, said he'll be at the meeting and is interested in communicating with the company even if losing trails to logging is a natural part of the sport. "We can co-exist with logging - it's not the end of the world," said Lewis. While there's been cases where companies have made efforts to save trails, sometimes reality is the mountain bikers have to move. "We end up rebuilding - relocating - building something different." Posted Jan 05 2007, 10:35 AM by Skifreak with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Mountain Biking, Advocacy, Trail Info

• Logging the Puntledge Plunge - Branch 21 Cut Block Report

  So similar to Squamish, our own Puntledge Plunge came under the interest of logging. Today was the first chance I had to get over and check out the extent of logging. It was a short trip so I couldn't locate trails but did get a selection of photos of the new cut block on Branch 21. The most disturbing part is not the removal of trails as they can be rebuilt, but the fact that the cut block goes right through the creekbed of Tomato Creek, likely to cause increased siltation, degredation of water supply and such so close to the Puntledge River mouth. How environmental rules allow this is hard to believe. The most likely selection of trails removed include - Transmission, Plunge (climbing portion), Bluff n Puff and Monkeys Challenge. When I get a chance to head back up and review the trail entrances, a better idea of what reclamation work ahead is will occur. Any other reports on trails connecting to this cut block would be much appreciated. Post your comments and concerns. Photos of Cut Block on Branch 21 Click on images to enlarge. 1 - Looking up Branch 21 - Creek crossing under road located with blue lines. 2- Switchback corner of Branch 21 heading up towards Arbutus & Rudy's 3- Looking back down Branch 21 towards lake. 4 - Looking back toward Lake - Tomato Creek in Blue, Transmission in Red, Branch 21 in Yellow. 5 - Upper reaches of Tomato Creek. 6 - Looking up towards Bluff n Puff and Two Sheiks. More investigation to come. Map showing photo locations. Terrain Model of Cut Block Posted Jan 03 2007, 06:37 PM by Skifreak with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Mountain Biking, Trail Info

• Putting Together a Complete Trailbuilding Kit

  Originally posted on Dirtworld.com, with all the trail maintenance on the horizon it was a fitting article to forward to our readers. Kurt Loheit Sunday, November 04, 2001 Over the years I have put together a complete personal "trail survey and repair pack" that I take with me on trail projects. I use my pack to complement the trail projects I work on. While there are occasions where I go out on my own for routine maintenance, I am not a one-man stealth trail machine. Whether I am working with a group or on my own, I always check with the agency first and get permission. Just as responsible riding is the proper behavior, so is responsible trail work. The Essentials 1. Pack: Look for a pack that is not too bulky and doesn't have a lot of exposed straps or pockets that can snag on brush or branches when bushwhacking. Look for colors that are easily located when the pack is set down (red, orange, or yellow). Avoid external mesh pockets - these are notorious for catching and tearing. 2. Folding Shovel: I use a shovel that has a polycarbanite handle manufactured by Gloc. The shovel is incredibly lightweight, takes serious abuse, and has a saw blade in the handle. 3. Loppers: Loppers should be durable, lightweight and inexpensive. 4. Rock Hammer: I prefer a chisel blade as opposed to a point because it can break larger chunks. 5. Folding Saws: Gerber makes several quality folding saws, either folding or retractable. I carry two or three saws in case one breaks. 6. Flagging: You can never have enough flagging, especially if you are identifying work areas, realignments, trees to be removed, areas to avoid, etc. 7. Abney Clinometer: I use a clinometer made by Brunton that includes a compass. 8. Altimeter/Temperature Meter: As well as being a useful trail tool, knowing the temp and barometric pressure helps me dress properly. 9. GPS Receiver: Since acquiring one, I have become very familiar with mapping, waypoints, GIS, and all the other advantages GPS has to offer. 10. Webbing & Cord: This is great to have if you are moving large objects and brush. 11. Stuff Sacks: Keeps stuff neat and protected. 12. Multi-Tool: Just good to have around. 13. Gloves: Keeps your hands soft. 14. Safety glasses: Always smart when chipping rock. 15. First Aid Kit: A small one isn't a burden and can be a life saver. 16. Trash Bag: Always carry out trash. 17. Poison Oak/Ivy Cream: I typically will bring some pre-treatment or wash with me when I know there is potential for exposure. 18. Food & Water: Trailwork is hard. Make sure you have plenty of water and food.  Editor's Note: Kurt Loheit of Palos Verdes Penninsula, California, is a pioneering mountain bike trailbuilder and one of IMBA's founders. For more than a decade he has shared his trails expertise and mountain bike knowledge with land managers and volunteers throughout North America. He is IMBA's Trails Resource Director. Posted Jan 01 2007, 10:21 PM by Skifreak with no comments Filed under: Mountain Biking, Trail Info