crappyest ladder ever?

[Cobster]

all rite, there is a trail called colling or dreamland or whatever but its the first trail on the 1st switchback on fromme,it always had crappy stunts but never this...

there was a perfectally good 4-5 foot drop at the end that was in good condition and had a ride down to the side, some MORON! came and put the shitty'st ride down ladder i have ever seen!!
its made from 2 by 4s and the slats are like 10 inches apart and there is pressboard....PRESSBOARD!! at the bottom and to add onto all of this this idoit put this peice of shit on the F#cking (F#@cking) drop rite next to the GOOD ride down....

i am pissed that was a fun drop and some idoit ruined it and i would like to know who the made this shitty ride down and if ur out there....TAKE IT OUT and leave trail building to the nsmba and digger and those kinda people

[TheGiggler]

above or below the first switchback?

i'm guessing below.

are you talking about griffen, or the one beside the road (roadside attraction). there's also king of the shore and natural high.

basically i'm curious but your directions really suck :)

[Cobster]

haha yea they do well its natual high then.
theres so many names for that trail.
yea ride it somtime and see the crappyest ladder ever!!
but otherwise its a good lower mountain option.
i woild like to fix up a few things though:agree:

[Neo]

yea well that section is kinda weak anyways. better off climbing a bit more and getting to the goods.

[Cobster]

true but its kinda fun to hit a couple little stunts after a nice long ride on your way down after somthing like ladies or exspresso if your to tierd to go up to griffin but that trail is no fun anyways ive ridden it to many times theres no challenge at all :dizzy:

[Bryce]

I know the drop/rolldown you're talking about and that sounds lame. Can the new stuff just be smashed apart with a big rock? Cuz I might have a few minutes to spare on my next ride

[Cobster]

yea i think so but i looks crappy enough that one or two people could pull it off....

next time i ride it if its still there ill get rid of it:agree:

[pete]

Natural High has always been a grom magnet when it comes to trail work.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Natural High is such a sweet line through the woods, it needs some really professional love. I haven't seen the crap you are talking about, but I'll take a walk up there tomorrow night and rip it out

I believe there is an issue with this trail and the district, but I'm not sure. I will start fixing it when I get some free time. and when I'm done with the drainage problems on lower griffen

anyone else in??

or can anyone supply some good cedar to the area so I can build some stuff.

[Cobster]

i would like to help out if u need any...

yea it would be nice to fix up the stunts or replace them...

[trillion]

I'm guessing anything but groundwork on the trail is probably a no-no. I think, given its location, that it was left to nature on purpose.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

I'll look into the politics on this trail, But in the meantime, COBSTER, get up there when ever you can and start collecting rocks and wood for the new work.

THe most important and time consuming part of trail work is gathering supplies. SO I'll walk it this week, and assess the problem areas, and I'll start moving rocks and wood too. I know of a stash on the other side of the mountain by Lower Digger, and have a line on some cedar from Redneck. so I'll get some of that up there too.

We'll keep in touch on this thread untill we can meet on the trail.

Thanks Cobster

[Cobster]

yea hompfully i can get up this week and if not defentally this weekend...

once u decide what work needs to be done ill start getting supplies like rocks and wood....

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Cobster, I'll walk it tonight, and place some Pile rocks here signs.

they'll just be on Paper, stapled to a log, so they won't last long, but at least it will get us started on some areas.

I've been building trails for just over a year now, and my rock skills are just starting to come together nicly. its a real art, and if you ever ride 7th, you'll see some of the better rock work out there (peter morin)

Oh Yeak, CBC's new sections too are some of the best rock work I've seen. I've been modeling my stuff after that workmanship. It takes time to survey, sort and stack the rocks just right so they will stay forever.

don't expect results overnight, or you will be disapointed. As for wood work, I'm new at it, so we can start with some rock stuff and slowly move into wood. Redneck is the man when it comes to bridge building (really solid stuff)

[Cobster]

oh yea 7th defentally has some of the best rock work ive ever seen and i helped to:agree:

i was at some trail days in 02 on 7th and i helped out with the rocking at the very beginning and the corner bridge at the beggining as well
ill be going up on thursday for a ride and after i will go down the trail and ill start to pile up rocks,how big do the rocks need to be?? and do u want them to have a flat side?
thanks...

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Hi Cobster

I walked "natural High" last night, and I saw the ladder you are talking about.

its actually not that bad, who-ever built it is trying, but doesn't really understand or care about the long term use or safty of the stunt.

I wallked the entire trail, and it is a really sweet line choice, but it is very poorly built. a lot of the bridges that are made out of split cedar are rotten, the suport members have gotten soft, and a lot of the rungs were split way to thin (1 1/2" x 1 1/2") and have either been broken by the weight of the riders, or have rotted, many of the other stunts are built out of commercial lumber.

(note to all guys who want to do trail work) commersial grade dimensional lumber (ie 2x4's, 2x6's etc) made from spruce, pine or fir, do not last in the wet and humid environment of the forest floor. this type of wood absorbs water and moisture, and gets wood rot really quickly, as well, this type of wood developes a slime coat of moss and mold that makes it very slippery. Plus it looks like shit in the forest. Please do not use this type of wood for any forest work. If you must use dimensional lumber, please buy cedar.

Back to the stunt / ladder in question. the suppert members are 2x4's, but the rungs appear to be cedar, the partical board you are refering to is actually plywood, and again, plywood is usually pine, and will slime up quick. The plywood ramp at the bottom seems to be a sort of landing ramp if you do still wish to launch this stunt. its pretty well built, and will last a season or 2, so i would just leave it while we stock-pile new material. once all the new material is on hand, then this stunt can be swapped out and fixed properly. (even though it doesn't need to be there since this was a launch that they built it below.)

So, Cobster, I have not heard back from the district about permission for the repair of this trail. if they do approve it, they will often supply us with cedar beams too (they have a surplus of 4"x8"x12' beams, or at least they did last summer. This trail needs a ton of work. No disrespect to the guys who built it or to the guys who have been patching it up over the past few years, but the workmanship is sub-par for such a high profile (lower mountail trail) this thrail should be a show-peice of sustainable construction, so the hikers and dog walkers that stumble accross it see it as a work of art, and not a junk pile.

Warning to anyone wanting to ride it. The first bridge is very dangerous, it wables, has many missing or broken rungs, and not safe to ride (use at your own risk, hot riders can probably gap the missing rungs, but amatures should not try it. the only other real danger is the gap jump over the creek, the landing ramp was well built, but has collapsed due to to many hard impacts, someone has placed a flat, rotten log on the top of the tranny to at least catch the back tire of a rider who launches before he looks. THis tranny is dangerous and needs to be fixed ASAP. the rest is ridable, but looks getto.

I'll walk it on Saturaday with a cammera, and post some images on monday.

as for rocks. the rule is

the bigger the better
if it has a flat face thats great
if not, we can smash it with a sledge and it will crack with a flat face.
so size is the most important factor.

bowling ball size or bigger.

I did not get a chance to place any pile rocks here signs, I will on Saturday, so for now, just put them whereever you think they could be used. mostly by the puddles.

If I've learned one thing since I started doing trail maintenence, Its drainage first.

[Cobster]

ok ill try and get up today (thursday) do gather some rocks and pile then next to the puddles....
if i cant make it up today i WILL BE UP ON THE WEEKEND both days at the end of my ride to pile up rocks...
there is also somthings i would like to fix...
-the gap because people are walking around it and the rock face and widening the trail or make somthing around it (bridge or rock ride)
-the first bridge i thing should be replaced with cedar slats and mayby a bit of a better landing to make it look more apealing to users
-i know this one is a bit of a big one and it will take alot of work but-replace all stock lumber stunts with nice cedar...
-and rock in some things (first)
- as u said before... because its a lower option and its very close to houses and very accsesible to anyone i think people might see it as a dump and think other trails are that was as well...

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

you got it Cobster

I agree with all your points. except the gap jump.rock ride. It is a cool stunt, and the tranny needs to be fixed, but the rock ride just needs a better entrance ramp. people will walk down hat face if they can't ride it, but if the entry ramp is good, they will not need to by-pass the whole stunt.

The District has gotten back to me, and agree that this trail can be and needs to be repaired.

That said, they do not want any new stunts constructed (moritorium on new trails) only the repair/replacment of any dangerous conditions
(not the stunt danger, but the shabby construction/failure danger)

we will need a DNV permit to work this trail, and I will have to submit the formal request to the DNV and optain a working permit for you and I. The man I deal with at the DNV is going on holidays for 2 weeks starting this monday, hand has asked that we hold off on doing anything until he has a chance to walk it with me and issue the permit. So that will not happen until the week of July 25th.

until then, we need to gather supplies, pile rocks and survey the area. I will write up a bit of a proposal as to what we need to do and some idea of order.

I think every peice of crap lumber up there should be replace too. I think the best way would be to stock-pile supplies at each stunt until we have everything ready to go. then rip the old stunt down, dismantle it, re-use what we can and replace everything else with good beefy cedar parts in the same lacations. it will take time, but if we get the prep-work done, I'm sure we can rally some mini trail days with our buddies and other NSMBA members to do the replacement work in an afternoon, 1 stunt at a time

I'll walk / ride it again on Saturday morning and take photos, plus draw a bit of a detailed map

[Cobster]

sweet

yea ill try and get up there later on today to pile some rocks... if i can ill be up there on saterday or sunday.
im really glad that the district has agreed that this trail needs work

im looking forward to re building this trail....

[Marsenault]

this drop?

http://photo.pinkbike.com/photo/73/pbpic73861.jpg

[Cobster]

no its the next one after that with the ride down next to it

[biking_cam]

it looks pretty cool from the pictures i looked at on pinkbike... ive never ridden this before but i will soon:P i also want to see this ugly ladder

[Neo]

now that i saw that pic, i know the drop you are talking about, its after that. i rode it last fall and that ladder wasn't there. that whole trail is ghetto and that bridge is death (i rode it though and it scared the shit out of me). that drop was actually pretty sweet if i remember but i didn't like that trail so i stayed away. Props to anyone doing work on it though because it has potential for some decent lines.

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

sorry to rag on all your natural high building.. have youu ever thought of making natural high an easyer lowermountian option? not dumb down the shore.. but maby make it so that it has easy ride arround lines.. something that appeals to progression, something that could show the people like crist the sustainability of our trails and also not that all of it is 'stunt biking' i rember a while back, another member was applying for a permit for this trail, and i was going to help with some of the work. and i remberd our idea was to make it an easyer lower mountian trail that shows how well our trails are maintained. rember this is a lower montain trail, lots of people walk it. and residents probly arnt happy with it, and will probly be how many look at mountian bikers as a hole.... thats just something to think bout.. if u guys ever need any rock bitching give me a pm..

[Cobster]

i see your point....
but if we re-did this trail and made the stunts more safe i think it would be easyer and i think that u can ride around the harder stunts....
and its not like the stunts are hughe like 10 foot drops there under 5...

im not sure about the whole make the trail easyer thing...
i always want a challenge when i ride...

and im going up today to pile up some rocks...

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

forsure, i know the trail has to be challangeing to you and otehr rides to make it fun, but also like for that stump.. maby make a ladder arround the side of the stump for less expirianced riders cause i could see a younger rider having a shit fit coming down that ladder... not saying you have to dumb down stunts, just make EASY option lines.. and make sure the work done not only looks good but is very functional, odds are the district would use this trail against us if things arenot done properly.. just me .02

[Cobster]

yea i see what ur saying....

well on my ride today i added some rocks to a pile on the side of the trail....
i also saw that nice cedar plank thats hidden up there... sweet:agree:

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

sounds like you guys are going to have some wicked work done soon :goodjob:

[Cobster]

yea i homp we can get working on it soon:agree:

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Hi guys,

Me and my Daughter walked it yesterday morning, (Saturday) and I took about 60 photos, I'll post them on Monday. (when I get to work)

The trail is super sweet (in terms of the lines and the natural beauty around it. and many of the stunts, that are not rotten, are pretty sturdy. even the high bridge that is made entirely of commercial grade lumber is pretty strong, I stood on it and tried to wiggle it (I weigh 200 lbs) and it was fairly solid. my only real complaint is that some of the rungs are super thin (1" x1" ) and i was afraid my fat ass would break them. I prefer a beefer bridge. the rung spacing is really wide too (4"-6" between rungs) but it looks cool when you ride them, so we should keep the spacing the same if no-one objects.(I know people with dogs want the rungs closer so the dogs can run the bridge too)

as for alternate lines, every stunt has an alternate line already. you'll see this in the photos. they just need to be defined a little clearer to make sure only one alternate is used. (some stunts have several braided alternates, so we should close off some of those and line the others with logs on the edges to define the line a little clearer. there are a few 2-4' step downs to flat that are a little ominous to noobs. they are to flat, filled with gnarly roots, but I would hate to dumb those down, so maybe we could just place a 4" wide ramp down the backside, off to the side for those who can't launch that stuff.

Cobster. I agree that all this getto style stuff should be replaced with good old split cedar, for both looks and sustainability. but after walking it, I realize that it is gonna be a shitload of work. So we will have to take it one stunt at a time. finding and collecting good wood will not be easy.

Forget the warning I posted earlier about the first few skinnies, someone had gone in and fixed 2 of the skinnys between my walk on thursday and my visit on saturday. the repair work is solid, but was done with 2x4's again. but they are rideable. the gap over the creek is still dangerous because of the landing though. So we should fix that first (even a temp fix untill we can get in there and re-build properly.

I did notice a shitload of construction debris and garbage on the side of this trail. So it might be wise to first do a clean-up on the trail. this way we can make it look a little better too, and see what scrape material we can collect from the stuff lying around before we start the real collection of supplies.

As for rocking stuff in, the trail is in pretty good shape. there is a jump at the very entrance that needs some rocking and re-shaping and anyone who wants can start on that stunt right away. and there are a few landing spots after the drops I mentioned above that are abit of a depression and collect water that could use some rocking in too. but other than that, this trail work will primarily be bridge replacement.

does anyone know who has been taking care of this trail recently. I would like to PM them before we just move in and start changing shit on them.

[Neo]

i picked up a sack ful of garbage off fromme today. :mad:

[Cobster]

thanks

well i agree that we should take the garbage off the trail..

first i would replace the very first bridge with the little drops.....
i have a couple of ideas for it.....

then the second bridge witch is so getto....
i wouldent mind replacing that with a nice log but that would be very hard to do...

i would like to get working on this trail as sopon as possible....
i also herd that there is a cedar supply on coleman...

[Rat]

Check out Kenny Maudes section of NSX3 , cable cam shots of the trail back when it was actually fun.

[Cobster]

sweet old school.... wait is that dirty dreams? im not sure....

[biking_cam]

e-ville do you have the pics yet?

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Ya,

BUt I'm trying to format them so they make some sence. I took 120 pics and now I'm putting them into some order so you can view the trail from the top down.

I'll have something on here soon, My boss is working me to hard this week, so I don't have the time to finish this task yet.

Sorry guys. but it'll be worth the wait.

here is the Crappiest bridge ever though

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

how do you stick pictures into your post???

I figured out how to attach them, but I want to put them right in the post

[IMG]

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

even your lil gurllooks angry about thos crappy ladder building tacktics

you are ell, after it is uploaded onto a host,

[Tonestar]

I'm off the bike injured, so if you would like some help when you get the permit, let me know.

Although with the broken toe, I don't want to be moving too many rocks around, but I should be good for something. Waterboy?

[thebigchin]

Wow!! That is some ghetto-a$$ shiat!!

[Neo]

hahahahaa! get that POS ladder off the shore. what kind of n00b would build that?

[Cobster]

i know!!

well i have alot of free time on my hands right now so i would like to get building:agree:

did u get the permit yet?
thanks

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

be paitent young grass hopper, those kinda things take time.

[Cvripper]

you all should check out forbidden plateu in couretnay. you would be amazed at the stuff made up there .. its soo insane

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

No permit yet,

won't get it till next week at the earliest. the guy from the DNV is on vacation.

But if you want to get going Cobster, the Jump at the very begining needs some refinement. It's not bad, but could use more rock and gravel put on it as well as a better landing spot (ie rocked in)

also, there is a rock jump just a bit farther down from the top that could use some love too.

here are some pict's, I still can't figure out how to put them directly into the post
so for now, you can view them this way.
just so you know, My kid is 42" tall, I had her stand in the photo's to use as a reference

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

more shots

stunt 3 is near the top

stunt 17 and 18 are the very last 2 drops. I like them, but though maybe we could make an alternate skinny ramp or something for those who can't launch. or at least put a big rock on the down side to help kick their front tire out so they won't endo. the landing areas are abit sketchy, but at speed, I find them to be no problem.

I'm busy this entire weekend, but If anyone wants to tackle and clean up these stunts, go for it

[biking_cam]

a lot of that stuff looks wellfare...

[Cobster]

yea were gonna have to re do that section of the trail lol....:agree:

i homp we can get going soon:dizzy:

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

i have never actualy ridden natural high, i hear its hard to get out of? it puts you in some oppen space or something and you have to know where to go from there?

[Neo]

http://bb.nsmb.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=467


:lol: oh m god! ghetto shore! btw, lovin' the duct tape action at the bottom of "the crappiest ladder" in the very first pic!

[Neo]

i'm probably riding fromme on sat so i might have to go for a ghetto rip down that trail when i'm done.

[Cobster]

same im gonna be the kid riding the blue vps8)

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

its not duct tape, its sheet metal

I have no idea why,

but I wouldn't be suprised to see duct tape up there.

giver a try, its got great flow, and the stunts are pretty solid, just getto

Yo ATN
it dumps you out on lower griffen right above the switchbacks and then into Mountain View Park and McNair road @ Hoskins.

[Cobster]

i love those switchbacks:agree:
its fun to ride them as fast as u can and rip em up8)

[Cobster]

hey do u think we should inform the NSMBA?

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

ya

I'll do it tomorrow.

Sharon is usually on top of most the postings, I'ld be suprised if she didn't already know.

[Cobster]

ok but do u have the permit so we can start working on the trail?

i would really like to replace the very first bridge....with the 2 drops..:agree:

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

rip em up8)
better watch what you say guy, i blieve Mr.Evil built those :agree:

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

No, no no, Don't start any bad rumours

I've always been nice to you on these posts ATN.

I have no idea who built this stuff, I just want to see it upgraded to a solid shore showpiece.

Cobster. THe DNV will have no problem with you doing rock and ground work.

We will have to wait for the permit to do the Bridge stuff though.

And how do you plan on fixing that bridge, We don't have any wood yet.

I have a line on some cedar rounds that can be split up for rungs, but I don't have anything for stringers yet.

Plus, I'm still working on the Switchbacks on Lower Griffen , and I need some of the cedar to fix the Log ride that broke. that trail is my first priority

[Rat]

a fun lower fromme loop is 36 DD / fluffy Bunny / Natural High. when its really dry 36 is actually a pretty sweet trail

[Cobster]

ok yea i saw somone looking at the log ride last weekend because it was busted i think....those switchbacks are really fun....

when i ride it this weekend ill try and pile up some more rocks in the needed areas.... but i think that theres not alot of rock work needing to be done...

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Rat, Where do you go from the bottom of Natural High?

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

No, no no, Don't start any bad rumours

I've always been nice to you on these posts ATN.

I have no idea who built this stuff, I just want to see it upgraded to a solid shore showpiece.

Cobster. THe DNV will have no problem with you doing rock and ground work.

We will have to wait for the permit to do the Bridge stuff though.

And how do you plan on fixing that bridge, We don't have any wood yet.

I have a line on some cedar rounds that can be split up for rungs, but I don't have anything for stringers yet.

Plus, I'm still working on the Switchbacks on Lower Griffen , and I need some of the cedar to fix the Log ride that broke. that trail is my first priority
there was a bigggg missunderstanding there Mr.E-ville, Cobster said its fun to Rip up the berms on lower griffen, and i told him that be better watch out becaue i blieve you built those? :stupid:

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Thanks for clearing that up ATN

Yeah, I've been working the Switchbacks for a while, But the water problems on it are a nightmare, and everytime I build something, even with rocks and gold, the rain and seeping water just wash it all away. So for the last month or 2, I've just been collecting bigger rocks to set deep into the soil so they just won't move.

this is only my second summer of building, and it takes a while to learn how to stack rocks so they stay. People dragging there brakes down the steep stuff just rips smaller rock out of the ground. There is one section that I have rocked in 2 times now, and it just gets ripped apart in a matter of weeks. So this time I'm building it out of Boulders. Big Fucking boulders.

I should be getting at it inthe next couple of weeks.

[Rat]

Rat, Where do you go from the bottom of Natural High?


either in to the berms or ride out to MVP. Actually I dont ride fromme all that much any more. although I Hit 3 laps yesterday including the toonie race.

[Knnn]

There is one section that I have rocked in 2 times now, and it just gets ripped apart in a matter of weeks. So this time I'm building it out of Boulders. Big Fucking boulders.

Lo Mate,

I was thinking (I know a dangerous thing at the best of times), because of the drainage problems on this corner may be we should avoid the whole wear and tear issue at this location and put in a solid noob proof ladder (with steps to the side for hikers) and direct the drainage safetly under the ladder? We could then use the bolders to armour the top and bottom of the ramp and the berm on the second corner?

Would the district allow the building of a small ramp here to help reduce errosion?

If you and Cobster need help on Natural as well, just let me know.

Yours humbly, Trail Grasshopper No. 1 :rolleyes:

[Cobster]

there was a bigggg missunderstanding there Mr.E-ville, Cobster said its fun to Rip up the berms on lower griffen, and i told him that be better watch out becaue i blieve you built those? :stupid:

haha i dident mean destroy them i just meant ride them really fast and try not to use yor breaks alot.....like go as fast as u can down them without using your breaks on the rocked sections...

and yes i would like to organize a day or somthing to work on natural high to fix it up and make it more fun:agree:

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

haha i dident mean destroy them i just meant ride them really fast and try not to use yor breaks alot.....like go as fast as u can down them without using your breaks on the rocked sections...

and yes i would like to organize a day or somthing to work on natural high to fix it up and make it more fun:agree:
i know that, but others may not :), i sujest you Log off of nsmb rite now, n go move some rocks arround man, the more rocks u can get arround areas needing them, the faster work happens, i dont know if you know this, but from what i gather, usualy ALL the groundwork has to be done before you can *gasp* start the wood work :dizzy: , :)

[Cobster]

yea i know but i live down near cap mall and im not old enough to drive yet so i have to ride up there...

ill be up there for a bit on sunday hompfully:agree:

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

haha no worrys, i was under the understanding u were like rite there cuase your always on fromme haha

[Cobster]

yea im up there all the time but i havent been going up as often as i normally go because the last 2 times i was up there i ran into a family of bears...

im gonna be riding this sunday though...
ill stop by on my way down and pile up some more rocks.

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

bears scare the $#^# out of me.. i would never wanna run into one on a trail.. especialy if im not with a Group of riders.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Knnn,

I have thought about that too, but it is hard to get good wood, (i sound like an old man)

as you know, it doesn't seem any easier to find big rocks up there either. Lets look at in next week. Either solution would work, the wood would be easier, and probalbly nicer, but I kinda have my heart set on a steep rock drop there. and I think a well built rock drop will last forever, where a bridge, no matter how well its built, is not permanent.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Hey Cobster, If KNNN and I are gonna do some work on the switches or NH, I could run down there and pick you and your bike up before we start, and you could ride home after.

I'm willing to do that if your willing to move rocks.

[Cobster]

haha yea well howbout this...

im 14 and i was up between uoc and 7th by myself when i see 2 cubs about 10 to 15 feet away from me.... the mom is about 30 feet away from me and stareing right at me then she starts walking towards me...:dead:

you should of seen how fast i went down the gravel road...


the next day im up doing lower stuff because i dident want to run into them again...and when im just coming out of the bottom of the switchbacks onto coleman i see all three of them walk up into the bushes from COLEMAN! street....

the cubs look like they weigh 4 times as much as i do...

[Cobster]

Hey Cobster, If KNNN and I are gonna do some work on the switches or NH, I could run down there and pick you and your bike up before we start, and you could ride home after.

I'm willing to do that if your willing to move rocks.

sure it just depends what on time because i have a ride camp on seymour starting on monday for a week it finishes at 12:00 and i have to ride home but if u guys were up there working i could ride from seymour to fromme and meet u guys up on the trail and then ride home after.
but the following week would be the best because i dont have any plans except for friday....:agree:

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Me and KNNN are planning to do some work on the switchbacks on Tuesday or Wednesday night, I'll keep ya posted. As for NH, I won't be able to get in there for afew weeks, my Parents are coming in to town and staying with me for 3 weeks, so I'm not gonna be doing any riding or rocking from the 24th to august 14th.

even @ 39, my parents still cramp my style. its a respect thing

[Cobster]

yea i could proboally meet u guys up there ether of those days or nights to do some work.

[Knnn]

Knnn,

I have thought about that too, but it is hard to get good wood, (i sound like an old man)

as you know, it doesn't seem any easier to find big rocks up there either. Lets look at in next week. Either solution would work, the wood would be easier, and probalbly nicer, but I kinda have my heart set on a steep rock drop there. and I think a well built rock drop will last forever, where a bridge, no matter how well its built, is not permanent.

You mentioned Dean lives in the area, would he be able to give us a line on some decent wood? He may also be able to give us some advice on the best solution, particularly as this part of the trail looks like it is very difficult to maintain. I would be willing to backpack the wood in.

I like the esthetics of a rock drop to, but it would be easier to drain and keep a drain clear if it were bridged with a ladder. Also, as it is a beginner run we could make sure the bridge/ladder down was easy enough so that beginners don’t braid the trail and make the erosion problem worse? I think that beginners would always drag their breaks down a rock drop and tear it up. Even with a ladder/bridge we would have to be careful about controlling erosion under the woodwork, seems like we need a freakin civil engineer for this job. Know any?

[Rat]

I know its not as pretty but I used to have a line on dimensinal cedar. just mill ends but it works great as ladder rungs. such easy access to the trail it might be an easy solution

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Rat, I'm all over that action, PM me with the info.

I've been trying to find a line on cedar scraps.

[Rat]

Ill check it out tommorow. at one point I had these amazing 3 foot sections of 4 X4 Cedar. Burned it all what a shame
I also have some really amazing Expanded aluminum mesh, pretty heavy duty stuff though youd need to cut it with a grinder before packing it in. I gave some to splinky but I dont think hes used it yet.

[Knnn]

[QUOTE=KING-OF E-VILLE]Me and KNNN are planning to do some work on the switchbacks on Tuesday or Wednesday night, I'll keep ya posted./QUOTE]

We still on for tomorrow or Wed? Thursday night is out an I'm trying to plan a evening at cypress ....

[synchro]

Rat, I'm all over that action, PM me with the info.

I've been trying to find a line on cedar scraps.

hey king, i've had a guy who works at a mill contact me about cedar 2x4 scrap ends, most about 2ft long - perfect for rungs. when he gets it sorted out with his boss i'll let you know.

[ShoreIH]

Is the first bridge over the marshy section rebuilt now? Last time I rode the trail it had fallen aprt and was being eaten up in the bottom of the bog. I posted about fixing it up...but was told to leave well enough alone. As it is in a politically sensitive area of the hill.

[Cobster]

no not really its still crappy but hompfully we will be able to re build it:agree:

the only wood i have is normal wood from a store like 2-4s and a couple 3-8s too... i also have a bridge made from that kinda lumber that it green treated so it would last for ever... but then again it doesent look that great on the trail

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the info about cedar off-cuts. I would love any material you can supply. Natural High is a sweet line, and I am close to getting the full thumbs up to re-build it. I would love to do it all from split wood, but that may no be available. so the bigger chunks of milled cedar might have to do.

I'm trying to get a line on old telephone poles from BC Hydro, those babys are cedar too. and I don't know what they do with them when they get blown down or hit by cars.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

to ShoreIH

this is it, its ridable, but weak

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

To anyone interested, Me and KNN are gonna be moving some rocks on the switchbacks @ 6:00 tonight. anybody with a strong back is welcome to join us.

[henry11106]

^^that bridge looks simply scary slick.^^

[Cobster]

its really easy u just have to be awar that it pretty ghetto...
i want to replace it with a drop at the end.... and an optional roller

[Neo]

to ShoreIH

this is it, its ridable, but weak

lol, i remember that thing. too funny. kinda sketch but easy. just in weak shape. props to you guys for fixin' it up. natural high does have potential to be a sweet trail.

[heckler]

If you're looking for wood, what about the pile of logs that is at the second switchback? I didn't sort through it, but it looked like pretty good pieces, and some of them are already precut to rung length. It also looks like the piles been diminishing over the last year.... I wonder where it could be going?

You'd just need a key to the gate at the water tower...

[Cobster]

actually the way to get the most cedar is to get some from the area around dirty diapers on seymour... i was there yesterday and they have tons of cedar....

[biking_cam]

^^^ dont steal from other trails on other mountains

[Cobster]

lol yea i just thought of what some people would think.....
but the have so mutch cedar up there its crazy

[buja99]

What is the update here? Fixer upper or do we have to leave it alone. I really like this trail as part II of a quick rip with Floppy Bunny.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

this trail is in terrible shape, I was attempting to adopt it, but took a walk on it and realized it was way too much work for me right now. I am still trying to find time to work the switchbacks as much as I would like to.

this trail needs a ton of bridge re-construction, and I have found that the aquisition of said materials in this current environment in very difficult. ie. back when this trail was cut, it was still cool to fall small cedars in order to make stringers and rungs. now, if you fall a tree, your dead meat. and any old dead fall that was worth using has been so picked over on the lower part of the mountain, that is is very hard to find any good wood down here.

I have been collecting cedar rounds from tree service companies, splitting them at home, then packing in the rungs to the area I am working. I am also buying 4x6 cedar for stringers. the DNV gave me some wood for stringers last year as well, but the rest of the wood has had to be hauled in. its tireing, and you need to make a lot of trips just to make a tiny bit of bridge. so Natural High will need some serious coordination with the NSMBA and the DNV for materials and labour. I could see the collection of rocks and wood taking a whole season. then construction the following year.

anyone interested in adopting this trail?

[buja99]

I'd love to adopt it but I know jack s*it about re-building trails. If there are others who know what they are doing who want to co-ordinate an evening to get things started - I'm in.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Natural Hign Update.

Well, I'm finally meeting with the DNV on this one. I will be walking the trail on Saturday with the Man, We wil be discussing the trail, the stunts and what the district will and won't allow.

So, I'm gonna draw up a draft of what work needs to be done, and I'm going to start stock-pileing materials at the major project locations.

the trail needs tons of Cedar
(I helped collect a bunch of Mill off-cuts with Knnn, Grounded and the Big Chin about a month ago, its in a NSMBA storage shed)
we need a lot of larger size stringers "cedar" (the DNV is going to provide some 4"x6" x 8'-0") but any other material donations would be great,
and- rocks, anyone wanting to haul rocks, i'll start some piles as soon as the snow melts.

Please post your names here if you are interested in helping out with saving Natural High.

The KING

[thebigchin]

Natural Hign Update.
Please post your names here if you are interested in helping out with saving Natural High.
The KING

Sign me up!

[heckler]

Resurrection.

The crappyest ladder ever is on page 3 of this post

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=69537&highlight=natural+high

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=69538&highlight=natural+high

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

No New news, I was busy over christmas and had some work I really wanted to finish on the switchbacks.

I'll kick start this again this week.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Have you guys cheched out "www.Googleearth.com"?

its the coolest thing I've seen in a while.

Check this map of fromme out.

[heckler]

That's pretty cool. The 3-D effect is great!

What I wanted to bring up with Sysco (the Natural High Maintainer) is that the crappiest ladder ever has been removed from the stunt, but last time I rode Natural High, the crappy ladder was just lying in the bushes off to the side.

I was hoping that when you guys rebuild stuff on Natural High that the old stuff gets properly dismantled and removed. Not just chucked to the side of the trail. I know it's a lot of extra work (since I've been doing the same on Boogieman and C-busters recently), but it's definitely worth it for the esthetics (especially when crappy ladders make people cry).

http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=70717

I pull out all nails and split the wood up into small pieces and spread them through the forest. The old nails come home with me or get reused if they're good enough.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Hey Heckler

Thanks for your comments.

Actually, I'm the one maintaining / re-biulding NH. Sysco is helping me out, he lives in Surrey and has to putin a few hours of commuting just to get over here, but he and his buddies are keen to build, so I'll be working with them when ever they come into town.

I have met with the district of NV, and they are going to haul away any of the old stuff that we take out of this trail. they have just asked that we haul it up to the access road, and there crews will take it away form there.

our plan is to systematically re-build each stunt with new cedar, and to clean up all the surrounding area of debris, the district is going to fall a few dead/dangerous trees along the trail, and help us with some re-planting around the trail once it is finished

any help would be appreciated

[heckler]

Sounds like you've got a solid plan.

PM'd you.

[Knnn]

KING-OF E-VILLE; have you checked out the 0.3 - 0.45 m diameter x 1.5 m long logs located approximately 30 m south of the first small jump at the top of NH? There must be a least half a dozen and they look like cedar, not that I'm an expert or anyhting. Might be usefull on the trail to build up launches or trannies?

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Hi Knnn

No, I haven't seen them. but I'm interested.

How many are there?

I'll ask Graham tomorrow.

How are you. Plan on doing any trail work while you are off?

or just gonna finish your front yard?

I would love to hook up and hit the switches soon. I could really use your strong back.

[Knnn]

At least 5-6, looks like a tree felled by the road and then 3-4 feet sections pushed over the bank, fairly recently. Small enough to move with two people and should make good bases for ramps, etc.

I noticed that there seam to be quite a few recent, long, dead fall trees close to the trail, that appear to be in good condition Have you talked to Graham about using some of these as long stringers, if we can find a chain saw maniac to help us?

Yep still doing some work, in fact David and I did some work on NH today. We dragged some of the old broken stuff up to the road and made a few more rocks piles. I see that you had been doing more stuff on the lower switchbacks.

In between riding, starting a new company, fixing the front garden and all the usual stuff, I'm up for some more 'switch bitchin'. Just let me know. I'll PM you my new work e-mail as soon as I set up the account with TELUS.

Also, I still got to hook up with Sharon to get the cedar up to NH. Busy, busy, busy....

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Knnn- You Rock.....

[Knnn]

Eric,

Was looking at the second stunt on NH today and was wondering how best to replace this with new wood. I also noted that the District has dropped off half a dozen 6 to 8 food cedar stringers for us to start the restoration work.

If you look at the photo you took of this stunt (see attached), the existing pressure treated wood is nailed into the tree on the right. I presume that any reconstruction of this stunt should avoid this type of practice, which lead me to wonder how we would rebuild this? It would be very difficult to dig down for any post footings without damaging the root systems of both trees. I was wondering if this would be a good location to use those wood rounds I saw off to the south of the trail. Level the dirt between the trees, place a few logs and run the stringers up and over the top of them?

What are your thoughts?

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

I think you right on the money. stack the big rounds, and stake them into place. then run the stringers over.

When do you want to do it?

[Knnn]

Today I dropped off the cedar planks and moved a couple of the rounds over to the start of stunt 2. I'll try and remove the rest of this stunt in the near future but we need to get together to plan the rebuild. Do we want to try and keep exactly the same line and height? Note, there is a slight kink in the run up in the existing stunt that does not need to be in the rebuild, we could build in a nice curve into, if needed.

I was looking at Stunt No. 1, which looks like it needs a bit of lovin. It appears that the run up to the fallen tree has been build up with rocks and quite a bit of dirt with a high gravel content. See your original photo. I was wondering if we should dig out the approach to this stunt to salvage the rocks and dirt for trannies elsewhere on the trail and in place put a couple of the cedar rounds in front of the big log and build a short ramp?

Another thing I noticed over by the cedar rounds, is an old telephone pole, which looks like it was dumped over the edge of the road. It's nice and straight and although slightly soft on the surface I think its still pretty sound. We might be able to salvage some of it. Is this something we should try to make a stringer out of (moving it might be tough), or try to split it to generate ladder rungs?

[Knnn]

Here is stunt 1

[SubPlop]

Eric, let me know eh. The bikes down right now so some building would be good for the weekend coming up.

chad

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Lets hit it this weekend...

It superbowl sunday. But saturday could work for me.

[Tonestar]

Knnn,
I think you should just salvage the rocks and stuff from stunt #1, you will need them for about 50 yards down, before the 90 degree left turn, beside the rotten log ride.

I like the old line on stunt #2, but you have so many options to adjust that line, I think it should be builders choice, your building it, use you judgement based on material and design options.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

I could not agree more,

The guy for the DNV said not too high, and not too danerous, So we can just improvise within those guidelines, the available time, and the skills and Materials at hand

[SubPlop]

Lets hit it this weekend...

It superbowl sunday. But saturday could work for me.

Ok I think that should be good because I get this weekend off.

chad

[DaveM]

What happened to SysCo, didn't he have a bunch of posts on here claiming he was the "Natural High Maintainer"

[SubPlop]

What happened to SysCo, didn't he have a bunch of posts on here claiming he was the "Natural High Maintainer"

Good question. He'll prob read this, so maybe he can give an answer.

chad

[SysCo.]

What happened to SysCo, didn't he have a bunch of posts on here claiming he was the "Natural High Maintainer"

only ended up getting up there i think twice, did drainage work and removed some of the old stuff, been busy with school and exams lately, probably do more work in the summer or the odd day i can get out there. till then ill just stick with my jumps here.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

I'm taking control of the overall trail maintenance, I have met with the DNV and have walked it with both Knnn and the District. I am working with the district and the NSMBA to provide us with materials, and I am planning to manage the construction work as well as log some hours in the woods doing the work.

I am faily busy as a family guy and a partner in an Architecture firm on the Shore, so I don't have a ton of free time to spend in the woods, I have been maintaining and improving the Switchbacks on Griffen for 2 years, and realized through that experiance, that I love doing trail work, but that I don't have enough time. So, when I decided to take on NH, it was because I have big dreams, Live right below it, and know some of the big player in the trail politics on Lower Fromme. I volenteered to oversee the restoration of NH and to help when I can.

I know this insn't standard trail builder mentality, but I hope I can get several Mini trail days organized and to actually get the trail done over this summer. Right now I am working on material collection, and master planning. Knnn has been preping some areas and planning drainage/rock and bridge work so that we can have a coordinated plan in place when guys start working.

Anybody whos wants to help out on any of these mini days, Just PM me. I ahve 8 guys on my list already

this includeds SYSco, who helped get this ball rolling.

E

[Knnn]

Lets hit it this weekend...

It superbowl sunday. But saturday could work for me.
Super...what, why is there no damn cricket on the telly these days!

Saturday could be ok, but will need a pass from "she who must be obeyed" and a leave from taking the kiddo to soccer. Will let you know.

Need to plan what we are actually going to do, to make sure we have necessary tools etc. I have found one bucket and one shovel nearby, so far.

Eric if you agree about salvaging stunt 1, I can make a start on that as its only grunt labour. As for the rest it would be nice to finish off stunts 1 and 2 to see some progress, but we need to start planning what equipment we need etc. Anyone got a free/cheep supply of nails or equipment such as bow saws, log splitters, we could steal, borrow......

[Sketchy Flanders]

I want to lend a hand, as I live nearby, and I've always thought NH had a great potential due to the beauty line it follows. As far as you are allowed, I would stick to the existing lines, as they seem to be the best. I have 2 kid's soccer games on Sat. but can put some time in around 2ish. Otherwise, I will do some rock packin' over the next few days. The bottom third needs some huge drainage work.

[SubPlop]

Eric,

Is Sunday a for sure no go? :)

I got a call tonight and they want me in Saturday..

chad

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

I ' Doing a big hike on Saturday, Forgot I commited to climb Black mountain with some buddies a month ago. So can we make it Sunday morning.

[Sketchy Flanders]

Just got back from NH. I beat the rain by about 1/2 hour. Did about an hour of bitch work piling rocks.
I was going to move some of the cedar rounds over near stunt 2, but I had not expected them to be 200 pounders. Good score.

[Knnn]

:) Thanks Sketchy. Yer those rounds are a good work out. I was buggered just moving the two small ones over to Stunt 2.

I'll be up Sunday morning, nothing too early mind you, anyone else? Looks like the weather is going to cooperate for a change.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Dudes, My wife has given me the big guilt trip about my all day hike today and trail work in the AM tomorrow.

I will try my best to get up there.

If not, KNNN, you know where my tools are hiding don't you?

[SubPlop]

I cant make it out, shit.

chad

[Knnn]

Dudes, My wife has given me the big guilt trip about my all day hike today and trail work in the AM tomorrow.

I will try my best to get up there.

If not, KNNN, you know where my tools are hiding don't you?

LOL, been there, done that, didn’t like the repercussions.....

Do you mean the tools on the switchbacks or do you have another stash up on NH? NP anyhow, I took up a shovel, sledgehammer and a pickaxe. I now need a bow saw, axe, big nails, spikes or lengths of rebar for the next stage to build the ramp. Do you have any of these things?

When I took apart the second stunt some of the wood was painted red at the ends. Does this mean its cedar and we can recycle it? Anyone?

[heckler]

I don't know about cedar being painted red, but there are two nice cedars lieing on the new road next to Old Buck parking lot. They fell in the windstorm. It's the cul-de-sac right off of Anne Mcdonald way that runs beside the Empress Bypass.

One's about 4" diameter, and the other is 2-3" diameter. They're good wood for stringers, but I bet the city will clean them up really soon. Bet they wouldn't mind if someone were to clean it up and take it over to natural high. A bow-saw could cut them.

[Sketchy Flanders]

mOST OF STUNT 2 WAS 2X4 SLATS. dO THEY PAINT THE ENDS OF CEDAR 2X4S RED?

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Lets just try to go all new.

I just need to get to the NSMBA shed and get the cedar they have stored.

The weather lookes better for this weekend, should we set a mini trail day and try to hit it this weekend.

Sorry about my contributions this past weekend.

[Knnn]

Lets just try to go all new.

I just need to get to the NSMBA shed and get the cedar they have stored.

The weather lookes better for this weekend, should we set a mini trail day and try to hit it this weekend.

Sorry about my contributions this past weekend.

No worries, I'm in the same boat as you, too many competing interests.

I'm not sure if I can make it this weekend; I kinda used up my allotment of free time on Sunday, but will check with the proper authorities..... Unfortunately I have had a few not so subtle hints that I should be expending a similar level of effort in the front garden.

I think we have enough cedar up there to finish the first and second stunts. Do you have nails, spikes, rebar, saws, axes etc to do all the necessary carpentry? All I have is a 4’ level and a small hand axe.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Hey Knnn

I am going to by a bunch of Nails and Spikes this week, As for Re-bar, I don't know where to get it, I prefer using Cedar Spikes into the ground to anchor things (2x2s) I have an Axe and a Bow Saw. I can also get my hands on a chainsaw or 2.

Lets tawk !!!!!

[DaveM]

Unfortunately I have had a few not so subtle hints that I should be expending a similar level of effort in the front garden.

Not to sidetrack, but I've heard that one before. She sure would like it if I had the same dedication to household work as I did to trail work. I'll put on raingear, hike for 40 minutes with a pack full of chainsaw, tools and spikes and work all day long, but the hell if I'll take one step into the backyard if it looks like a single raindrop might possibly fall in the next few hours. :lol:

[Knnn]

davet LOL ..... for pity sake, quite man, she might hear you ...

Eric....hmmm chainsaws hmmm .... would be good ... however, me and a chainsaw not so good, but if you know how to handle one that would be very useful.

Will call.

[Bobb]

Unfortunately I have had a few not so subtle hints that I should be expending a similar level of effort in the front garden.

Does this mean we can expect a new ladder bridge and a couple jumps in your front garden? :P

[Knnn]

A NSMB sponsord front garden day sounds like a great idea, then I can spend more time trail building!

[heckler]

You have all seemed to missed out on the real golden key.

My wife trailbuilds with me. :) Suckas!

And....


Wait for it....


We don't have a garden!



But my new oak baseboards have been 5 weeks laying in the corner of the bedroom.

[DaveM]

You have all seemed to missed out on the real golden key.

My wife trailbuilds with me. :) Suckas!

And....


Wait for it....


We don't have a garden!



But my new oak baseboards have been 5 weeks laying in the corner of the bedroom.

My wife has been up a couple of times hammering nails and packing dirt, and she's actually the one who got me into mountain biking, so I can't really complain. Oh and remember she's the one that bought me my new frame for my birthday too.

[synchro]

My wife has been up a couple of times hammering nails and packing dirt, and she's actually the one who got me into mountain biking, so I can't really complain. Oh and remember she's the one that bought me my new frame for my birthday too.


well aren't you fucking special. want a cookie?

[DaveM]

well aren't you fucking special. want a cookie?

http://www.xtrememass.com/forum//images/smilies/1214-2/middlefinger.gif

[synchro]

bwahahahaha - you've had some nice smilies lately dave

[SubPlop]

bwahahahaha - you've had some nice smilies lately dave

And thats what really counts.

chad

[heckler]

HEY E-VILLE:


There are two nice cedars lieing on the new road next to Old Buck parking lot. They fell in the windstorm. It's the cul-de-sac right off of Anne Mcdonald way that runs beside the Empress Bypass.

One's about 4" diameter, and the other is 2-3" diameter. They're good wood for stringers, but I bet the city will clean them up really soon. Bet they wouldn't mind if someone were to clean it up and take it over to natural high. A bow-saw could cut them.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Thanks, I won't be able to get over there till Saturdat though.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

OK

Knnn and I are heading in to work on NH @ 9:30am on Saturday.

Anyone willing to work can meet us there, bring whatever tools you have and we'll see ya there.

[SubPlop]

I really want to make it out.

Typing behind this comp saying I'm gonna help out really isnt doing me any justice. " actions speak louder then words"... Yeah.

chad

[Sketchy Flanders]

I'll bring my maul, which has a nice heavy head, xlent for opening up splits in those big cedar rounds.
Except, it won't be there til noon...the boy has a re-match with the dreaded WV Terminators at 10.

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

Cool Sketchy,

I can't wait

I found a 3 foot section of telephone pole I'll try to get up there too.

[heckler]

Is the lower gate open? Can I drive some cedar 2*4's up to the start of NH?

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

I think So,

Are you talking about today, or tomorrow AM, Cause Lester and I will be there with a key @ 9:30 if the gate is locked

[heckler]

I was going to pick some wood up from the tool shed if I can get in Saturday AM, but if you and Lester are doing that already, then tell me when and I'll help out. I was going to bring it in to NH and help out for the morning.

[Knnn]

Looking forward to putting some faces to names tomorrow. Weather looks good, should be a good day.

[heckler]

Heckler's not really my name, but yeah, I know what you mean. :)

[KING-OF E-VILLE]

8:30 at the shed, Grounded doesn't think we should take too much at once, But you're welcome to show up and lend a hand...