48 replies to this topic

[AmandaLeigh]

There is a logging/access route that leads directly to the starting point - I'm not sure where it originates (further down Stub?) but we were informed we can use that to get any equipment we need up there easily.

 

As for the soil quality John might be able to answer that a little better. 

[shredzilla]

Awesome awesome awesome. That is all. Can't wait to get after this trail. Ill get in on that email list and try to find time to help. If I can't make time I can donate some funds if needed.

[Stl_Greaser]

So the imba bell built grants are back on for this year... We need to try and get in on some of that for this project... It would really help us make this happen and a lot quicker too!

[msmodo]

Here is the IMBA grant link. DH/Gravity does qualify. Deadline is Feb 28. Whaddya think? Anyone want to step up and apply? If you want me to initiate, let me know.

http://imba.com/grants/bell-built

[ZenkiS14]

Also, spoke with a LBS shop employee today who knows the owner of GORC fairly well, and from the way he communicated with me, there is little to no action actually being taken here. Im not sure if there needs to be a more direct line of communication to the people who are actually in charge of getting this project off the ground, but it sounds like the owner of GORC isnt actually aware of the number of people willing, ready, and able to make this happen.

[Stl_Greaser]

Gorc does not have an owner, so I don't know who the person you spoke with is referring to... Gorc is a group of like minded enthusiasts, many of which are working to move this project to completion... There has been a fair amount of work done to accomplish tis goal.

[seamonkey]

If GORC is owned by someone then I need to speak to them about a much needed raise. John Donjoian is one of the primary founders of GORC who has reached out to riders who want a DH / Flow trail so maybe that is who the shop guy was talking about? I only know about the desire and project status through these public discussions here on the forum. There may be additional discussion going on about this project between the Matson DH trail designers behind the scenes?

[Kirby]

In response to this statement:

 

" there is little to no action actually being taken here. Im not sure if there needs to be a more direct line of communication to the people who are actually in charge of getting this project off the ground, but it sounds like the owner of GORC isnt actually aware of the number of people willing, ready, and able to make this happen."

 

You must understand, GORC is a volunteer advocacy club.  We advocate building sustainable trails for mtn. bikes....all mtn. bikes.  That said to date our membership has been mostly Cross Country (CC) oriented, so we build CC trails.  We have never turned away anyone who wants to do something different, but if you want to do something different you have to do it yourself.  GORC will help you by letting you who you need to talk to and providing introductory communication channels.  GORC members may even come out and help you design and build. (i.e. John Donjoian and Craig Seibert)  However, as previously stated we are CC oriented, you have to convince the other GORC members that your desires are worth while, that you are willing to back them up and are in for the long haul, before you will get the entire volunteer club behind you. 

 

All that said, there are eager fun loving like minded people right here on this forum post, who are pushing forward and demonstrating that they are willing to get behind this great plan.  It is up to you and other individuals who want this type of trail in our region to help build a ground swell of support for this fantastic alternate to CC trails.  A lot of us want to see this succeed, but are not "downhillers," and are wrapped up volunteering to take care of the other 60+ miles of trails in the area.  You have our support, but the fact of the matter is that you need to do it yourselves.  I applaud all of the stakeholders who have thrown their hats in the ring for this effort and really do hope this is successful for the long term.

 

BTW--There was an Agenda item at our monthly meeting this past Thursday on this very topic.  Unfortunately, there were no stakeholders at the meeting, to completely fill us in on the status.  I am certain the agenda item will be there next month and showing up to the meeting cannot hurt your cause by building a relationship with the rest of the club members.

[ZenkiS14]

Sure thing. Thanks for clearing that up. Cause I am willing to do whatever needed to make this project happen. I am new to GORC, and many others who are wanting this project to become a reality.

I guess, the people who are leading it just need to make sure they are taking the proper courses of action that will actually lead to a successful trail build and approval to do so. Lots of us are interested, but I'm not sure that information is being shared with the right people.

[johnamus]

Are the meeting minutes or agendas posted on the site? Or are they too informal for that type of thing.

[Kirby]

The agenda is usually posted.  Minutes are posted to, if there is a flurry of discussion about a topic, but usually just the agenda.

[TenBeers]

No pics of the rock formation, but if you are familiar with that section of the main trail, the proposed DH line crosses the main trail in the area of the rocky shelf section where there is a high line and a low line to take.  The rock formation will be pretty gnarly.

 

Most of the terrain uphill from there is void of natural features (other than trees), but there is room to add some jumps and berms without tearing out trees.  There is somewhat of a natural lip where the proposed line crosses the Boone Trace (I guess it used to be a road up the side of the hill).

 

The proposed section is not long, but long enough to make it fun.  The point of this is to get something started as an example of what can work, and then go from there.  It has to be fun so it will be used and maintained, but not so grandiose that we can't get approval.  Extreme construction or tree removal requirements would slow down any approval to do anything.  I think you could physically get a Bobcat or Dingo in there, but I wouldn't expect to be allowed to.

 

-Richard

[shredzilla]

Ok so I'm kinda confused. To Kirby and Amanda and anyone else that may know. At the beginning Of this post John had mentioned they flagged a rough line and Amanda and some crew actually measured out a down hill run. So how is there "little to no action being taken here"? Sounds like good progress to me. Have you guys had the chance to present it to the park officials?

[PIMP-DADDY]

The "little to no action" is false.  That should be the end of that discussion. 

 

We had about a dozen people on the first outing, then Amanda and some others made another trip or two out to mark and measure for features.  So we're probably around 60-75 hrs into this project right now.

 

Amanda has drafted a proposal to the County Parks and we are editing that document right now.  Once we're happy with it (this week) we'll get back in front of our contact at the County to review and discuss.  He will then have to seek approval up the chain of command(it's a short chain...), we will likely be involved with that portion of it as well.

 

Next steps would be to plan construction.  We have a bit of a window, so if we can get approvals and generate some momentum, we may be able to get dirt work done this spring.  I know that's what everyone involved is  hoping for, BUT IT"S GOING TO REQUIRE LOTS OF EFFORT.  GORC will need the support (not debate or questioning, but support) from everyone possible interested in this type of feature.  This is a totally new area for all of us, and mistakes will be made, things will probably need to be fixed/redesigned/re-made.  It's all part of the process.  Much of our original design/construction for singletrack at Matson hill that was built over 10yrs ago has changed due to our improving knowledge of design and construction.  This will be the same way.

 

I am super-stoked about this.  To be able to have these type of trails in our area is long overdue, so please, everyone support this effort as it will surely lead to more content like this.

 

We will keep everyone as updated as possible on our status.

[ZenkiS14]

Johnny, thanks so much for the heads up! I apologize for any confusion I may have caused, and am very happy to hear of the support for this. I will be there every opportunity there is, and pitch in as much as possible. 

[shredzilla]

I'm all for it. I'll have some Saturdays or sundays open to help push dirt. Keep us updated as I am very interested in progress. Rock n Roll I'm pumped

[ghost]

PM'd Amanda about helping, but have not had any response. How can I receive updates and get involved? I have a busy schedule but I do want to contribute and I have plenty of experience designing, building and riding gravity features....

 

I was unable to attend the first meeting out at Matson because of preexisting plans, but I would like to keep up on progress so I can hopefully chip in and help out.

 

Any help or direction would be appreciated

[Glen_PxC]

Anyone heard anything about this lately?

[AmandaLeigh]

We are currently waiting on a response from Bekin.

[Glen_PxC]

Anyone know if this will be discussed at the meeting tonight? If so I'm available to come show my support.