John and I enjoyed a walk at Sylvan last week which was really nice since we were better able to take in the surroundings while walking versus whizzing past on bikes.  A spot prime for a new little trail jumped out at us.  It is just off the main path (straight off the main bridge) North West of where the trail has that little 7" drop off the concrete.   It wouldn't take much effort at all to put a trail in there (West side of the Path, North of the rock ridge that runs East-West and has all the tree roots on it).  Some raking and a little twig trimming.  It's much easier to put in stuff without the foilage in bloom.   I thought we could wind the path around in that area that is relatively flat, doesn't appear to be as prone to being swampy, and do some doublebacks through the trees and add a log pyramid and a few other logs for fun. 

Feel like helping?  John and I will be there Saturday morning at 9 AM (weather permitting -- I'll post if it looks like poor weather).  I got approval from the trail steward and race gurus prior to posting this.  The trail won't take an hour or so to do.  There are also a few fallen trees to cut out on the island. 

Bex

Saturday's game plan may be a bust.  Forecast is for measurable snow Thursday night into Friday.

Well if the weather holds, I plan on being out there.

Very excellent!  I just don't know what Mother Nature is saying here.... doesn't she like us out enjoying her beautiful landscapes?  It's not as enjoyable with snow on the ground!  Keep your fingers crossed.  I'm going to go out Friday afternoon with my trusty rake if the weather holds.  See you Saturday (hopefully).

Becky, I am all for adding your new loop, but after hiking and riding Sylvan this week I realized that there is quite a bit of trail grooming and maintenance that needs to be done prior to the race (only 3 weeks away!).  I also walked through the proposed new section and noticed that it is really pretty soggy...

So my suggestion is to hold off on the new loop until after the race and concentrate Saturday on prepping the trail for the race.  The new sections need to be raked and manicured a bit and there are several trees that need to be cut out.  I have recruited Ryan and Brian to help out Saturday around 10am, so if anyone else wants to come down we'll be there...

I will be happy to help with your new loop but just feel like the limited time I have to do trailwork should be focused on the race course right now.

So I'll be at Sylvan around 10 tomorrow!  Hope you can get in a ride today before the rain.  Brian and I rode last night and it was in pretty good shape...

Later,

Nate

Everyone, we got a lot done Saturday.  We cleaned up the trails, pruned, and cut and removal fallen trees and debris.  Then, as we started looking at possible new trail options, we kind of started working on one and a few hours later, there begging to be ridden was a completely new trail and a new add-on to one of the trails we built back in February.  Thanks to everyone who came out to help!  The day was beautiful, it was fun to be hanging out with FORCers, and the post-work trail ride was even better!

Agreed!...Thanks to everyone for a very productive trail day!  As Becky said we accomplished everything we all wanted and more...Don't forget to post your hours of work,

Nate