Moving a 3,500 pound boulder with the help of the Sinister Bikes crew. We rotated the boulder and moved it 18 inches- enough to make room for the new line and to create a nice choke point.
One of several sections we armored to prevent erosion. Notice that we left the surface jagged and uneven to enhance the technical nature of the trail.
These stones were placed in the ground like cobblestones, with the majority of the rock buried deep. This ensures a durable and stable tread.
Rich and Jen used these larger rocks to hold the cobblestone sections in place.
Everyone pitches in to reposition a fallen tree in order to prevent shortcutting.
Bill Lazdowski from Sinister Bikes test rides the new trail.
Thanks to NEMBA for hosting the project and for feeding the hungry volunteers.

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and NEMBA Freeriders Join Forces

May, 2002 - Lynn Woods Reservation, a magnet for Boston area freeriders, is home to huge granite boulders, body armor, and tiny chainrings. The steep and challenging nature of the terrain requires the most bombproof trail construction techniques. Rich and Jen Edwards of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew joined ranger Dan Small, New England Mountain Bike Association volunteers, and employees from Boston Bike-builder Sinister Bikes to construct a very steep, 30-percent average grade trail. The route will provide access to a new, well drained contour trail linking sections of burly rock outcroppings.

This project is a great example of freeriders working with the blessing of local land managers to build fun, technical trails that are also sustainable. The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews are working hard to develop new techniques for building trails that challenge even the most skilled riders while remaining ecologically sound.

Check the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew schedule to learn when you can help build trails in your backyard. See www.sinisterbikes.com for more photos.

Vital Statistics:
30 volunteers
150 hours of trailwork
22 pizzas
10 rock bars
12.5 tons of rock used in construction
1,000 feet of trail

For more technical trails advice, visit the Trailbuilding section of IMBA's website.