Please Apply, Again!
Aug 3rd, 2008 by Di
Yesterday’s IMBA classroom work was quite interesting. Today, we applied what we learned. We built a trail on Michigan Nature Association property attaching to the Garden Brook multi-use trail. The results were interesting.
The trail crew.
I say interesting, because our IMBA trail crew was quite surprised. Let’s consider the facts:
* 50 people, quite possibly the largest trail school, ever, and the largest this year, showed up;
* We are the only trail crew they’ve seen with a jackhammer;
* We knocked out the whole trail, complete with an “S” bridge.
Collins demonstrating “panking,” as the Yoopers call it.
The crew beginning work on the trail. That’s Marc Norton in the front.
People came from all over, including the Keweenaw, Marquette, Wisconsin, and even a guy from Sedona, Arizona (I guess he was pretty impressed with our trails, as well). Breaking it down, the IMBA crew did six mountain bike rides in three days: Michigan Tech, Churning Rapids, Swedetown, and three Copper Harbor rides. They were quite pleased and very impressed. To give you an idea of how they felt about the Keweenaw, this lovely couple from Tennessee, who travels around the US conducting trail schools and riding various trails, asked us to immediately submit another application for next year because they want to come back.
A giant rock was in the way of our trail. The crew pondered what to do without ruining the flow of the trail.
The Copper Harbor Trails Club taught the IMBA crew how we deal with rocks like this.
I told Collins he and Kelly should bring their road bikes next time. They don’t have room for four bikes, but he said that he and Kelly might very well come back for a vacation complete with mountain and road bikes because they really like the area. There is so much on this little strip of land for cycling enthusiasts, and we’re pleased that the IMBA trail crew recognized and appreciated that.
