Where do I start with this page?
I am only new to mountain biking, starting out as a complete novice in about 2008 when I found some trails on the hill behind my house. I didn't know how they got there but I was mightily glad they were.
I made the mistake that MOST new mountain bikers make. I had total disregard for the trails and by extension, the people who had built them. I skidded into corners, I short cut corners and I moved obstacles that I couldn't ride over. In short, I was totally ignorant that these trails were designed that way for a reason. That reason is to make them sustainable by stopping or largely slowing erosion as well as to be challenging to ride. A very delicate balance.
Wallum Froglett leading up to the gully crossing
Wallum Froglett "drop in track" at half way point
To say there was some friction between the three of us is an understatement. While I personally didn't like to follow a whole set of "Rulz" in what was meant to be a fun pastime where I could escape "The Rulz", I came to see that what was at stake was bigger than just my personal feelings and desires. If we could do this right it would lead to more trails in our little patch of bush.
Wallum Froglett gully crossing
This led to the formation of Logan Community Trailcare Alliance by Logan City Council here in south Brisbane. It is meant to be a trail and bush care stewardship model that all of the community can be involved in. The reality is that ONLY mountain bikers are actually getting out there and putting an effort into cleaning up the bush. How ironic, considering all of the protestations that bush walking and horse riding groups make against mountain bikers. We are the only ones actually putting back into the trails. The very same trails that these walkers and horse riders use.
post dig BBQ
Upper Wallum Froglett trail
Remember. The people that build the trails build them the way they would like them. So come along and have your input into the trails in your area. You won't regret it!
Wallum Froglett build
Benching trail
Retaining Walls
Erosion Control
Rolling Grade Dip
Potentially a fun way to get to the worksite, but this video captures the fun vibe that prevades trail care
BOB from Seth Graham on Vimeo.
Wallum Froglett build.
Wow I just came across your blog via NeilEnnis's and have been having a look around, I am a very novice MTB'er but am really starting to love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat you guys are doing with the trails around your area is fantastic and has started me thinking about my own area at Glass House Mountains. I love the comment about only the bike riders being involved in cleaning up the bush, not that I have anything against them, I am "them" occasionally.
I look forward to following your blog with interest.
Phil
Thanks for the kind words Phil. I am sure there are plenty of other groups out there looking after the bush, so I am possibly taking liberties with the truth claiming that only mtbers are active. Having said that, it IS only mtbers here on the south side of Brisbane that are doing something. Might I suggest talking to the appropriate land managers in your area before digging begins. You will save a lot of heartache and gain a lot more respect by making a direct approach. Hope to catch you out on the trails at some stage. Cheers. Dave.
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