Trailworkers Past and Future Message

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Trailworkers


Its been a long winter for El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve, particularly if you choose to visit it on two wheels. Roads have been closed to allow for massive drainage improvements, old trails were closed pending similar drainage work and bridge construction, and even the new trails we built last year were closed to allow for surface hardening. A lot of us are forgetting what it feels like to be out under the redwoods with fog on our faces and needles under our tires, hearing little other than the water in the creeks over our labored breathing. As Mother Nature threatens to give us our months long dry spell, the Open Space District is working hard to get the trails open for the season. You can now contribute to that effort and help move the timing up.


The Crossover Trail, otherwise know as Hike-A-Bike, that runs between Gordon Mill and Timberview was ROMP's new trail construction project that was running when we ran out of work time last Fall. It promises to be one of the most technically challenging trails in the Preserve as it winds through rock gardens, between redwoods, and over roots. Our objective is to build it wide, and then let the weather, wheels, and unstable soils in time pare it down to a rustic narrow ribbon that will be rideable in either direction, but cleanable uphill only for a hardy few. The upper section of the trail, shown here before


http://www.stanford.edu/~imahorse/romp/UpperBefore.jpg


and during last year's construction


http://www.stanford.edu/~imahorse/romp/UpperDuring.jpg


and now


http://www.stanford.edu/~imahorse/romp/UpperAfter.jpg


This section is complete, and will soon be firm enough to ride (or walk) in either direction. As we work down the hill, we are now headed toward the Goalposts. This is a shot of the Goalposts before


http://www.stanford.edu/~imahorse/romp/GoalpostsUp.jpg


and here they are during


http://www.stanford.edu/~imahorse/romp/GoalpostsDown.jpg


You can use your imagination trying to picture a trail running through here, or better yet, use a little muscle power and help ROMP finish it. We have about one big work day left to go on it, and hope to open it asap. Our next workday is Saturday, May 7 starting work at 9:30, and we hope to be done by 3:30. Space is literally limited as quarters on the mountain are cramped, so you must RSVP to reserve a space on the work party. Please fill Paul McKowan's inbox with your responses at volunteer@openspace.org and the rest of the details will follow.


Charles Jalgunas
ROMP Trail Work Coordinator

This email was sent to Charles Jalgunas' list of volunteer trailworkers in the Santa Cruz Mountains

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