IMBA Aids in Arizona Trail Design

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and U.S. Forest Service Examine Trail from Biker View

The sign of a great partnership: three work crews, five rangers and a Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew.
The experienced Forest Service trail crews were well-versed in full-bench construction.
This wilderness trail crew learned about the challenges of user management on backcountry trails that are becoming front country trails.
Scott's bench-cut trail into the arroyo is a work of perseverance (or just brute force).
At more than 300 years old, this Saguaro cactus is a unique trail feature (control point).

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders Aaryn Kay and Scott Linnenburger met with Tonto National Forest representatives in January to discuss needed trail changes. This formerly remote forest is becoming more popular among Arizona's growing, recreation-minded population, and trails require redesigning to accommodate increased use.

In attendance were rangers and trail crews from the Globe, Mesa, and Payson ranger districts, Coconino County Parks officials, and Phoenix-area cycling advocates. The focus of the two-day event included rerouting trails to avoid sensitive hydrologic areas and planning new trails with the needs of cyclists in mind.

Aaryn and Scott and the Forest Service's Cindy Peck led the group in moving a section of the Arizona Trail out of a sensitive arroyo. The new trail demanded some tricky crib wall reinforcement and the addition of perpendicular wash crossings. The Forest Service trail crews handily accomplished these tasks and explored how to alter trail flow to improve the mountain biking experience. Scott and Aaryn demonstrated the need to create increasingly wider turns when going downhill to minimize skidding and prevent brake bump formation. The group also looked at how to add trail undulations and choke points (constrictions) to control biker speeds. This helps reduce user conflict by slowing bikers on blind corners.

Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service attendees for their inquisitive nature and willingness to design for the needs of mountain bicyclists. Special thanks to Don Sullivan for organizing a great event, and to Cindy Peck for being a stalwart for the trails--everyone should have her energy.