Moran State Park, Orcas Island.
The premier State Park riding opportunity. Years back the efforts of Art T and mountain bikers were successful in keeping access to the many of the better trails in the park. Albeit seasonally so there is a short window of experiencing the trails in prime riding conditions, as many of these trails are closed to mt. bikers in the summer.
Fortunately we had great weather for a weekend of trail work and riding.
Harvesting mineral soil from a root ball from fallen timber.
The project this time around was a low spot on Mountain Lake Trail where water and organics would accumulate, making a long large muddy section whenever it rained.
So the plan was to slightly re-route the trail to the higher side, as well as build up the tread which is called a turnpike. Rocks are collected from around the area and used to retain the sides of the raised trail.
So with the rocks placed and nestled in where they will not come loose, and the mineral soil packed down solid the project is nearly complete. Extra touches include planting trees/ferns and spreading rotting timber and other organics covering the old route of the trail, as well as sprinkling pine needles across the tread. Blending perfectly with the trail work done by the CCC back in the Depression, after we walk away it's nearly impossible to notice the improvements.
A couple of salty seadogs, ferrying trail tools back to camp.
A little early in the year for camping, but really a chilly night in the tent are overshadowed by good cheer and conversation around a nice campfire.
The next day the group ventured off seeking adventure in the trails. After we made the ascent i broke off the pack to enjoy an uninterrupted fast rumbler of a descent to Cascade Lake. Would have stayed and rode a bit more but i was getting tired and the though of catching an express ferry back to the other side sounded in order.
A photo compilation and a nice sample of our ascent atop Mount Constitution, enjoy.
The premier State Park riding opportunity. Years back the efforts of Art T and mountain bikers were successful in keeping access to the many of the better trails in the park. Albeit seasonally so there is a short window of experiencing the trails in prime riding conditions, as many of these trails are closed to mt. bikers in the summer.
Fortunately we had great weather for a weekend of trail work and riding.
Harvesting mineral soil from a root ball from fallen timber.
The project this time around was a low spot on Mountain Lake Trail where water and organics would accumulate, making a long large muddy section whenever it rained.
So the plan was to slightly re-route the trail to the higher side, as well as build up the tread which is called a turnpike. Rocks are collected from around the area and used to retain the sides of the raised trail.
So with the rocks placed and nestled in where they will not come loose, and the mineral soil packed down solid the project is nearly complete. Extra touches include planting trees/ferns and spreading rotting timber and other organics covering the old route of the trail, as well as sprinkling pine needles across the tread. Blending perfectly with the trail work done by the CCC back in the Depression, after we walk away it's nearly impossible to notice the improvements.
A couple of salty seadogs, ferrying trail tools back to camp.
A little early in the year for camping, but really a chilly night in the tent are overshadowed by good cheer and conversation around a nice campfire.
The next day the group ventured off seeking adventure in the trails. After we made the ascent i broke off the pack to enjoy an uninterrupted fast rumbler of a descent to Cascade Lake. Would have stayed and rode a bit more but i was getting tired and the though of catching an express ferry back to the other side sounded in order.
A photo compilation and a nice sample of our ascent atop Mount Constitution, enjoy.
