Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Helps Grand Junction Make Technical Trails That Last

Proving Sustainable Trails Can Be Challenging, too!

A model for mountain bike areas everywhere, Rustler's Loop is a four-mile beginner trail that uses interpretive signs to teach riding skills and etiquette.
IMBA's newest affiliated bike shop, Ruby Canyon Cycles, hosted the crew's Thursday night "Ride Around the World with IMBA" slide show.
Mark's goal for the weekend was to prove that sustainable trails can be technical, too. Here, volunteers have just finished moving a 1,300-pound rock.
By armoring this steep, tight turn with rock, the crew reinforced the trail tread while maintaining its technical character.
Lora worked with volunteers to create an experimental piece of bench cut trail on bentonite clay, which swells considerably when wet. The BLM and local riders will monitor the trail to see how it holds up on the unique soil.
The best part of the day is always testing out the new trail. This turn is just as challenging and fun as before, and will resist erosion much better.
The group didn't find any Easter eggs out on the trail, but did find out how to make their trails last.
Mark and Lora pose with a visiting Outdoor Life Network camera crew. The network will be airing a one-minute spot about the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews later this year.

Easter weekend found Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner in Grand Junction, Colorado, working with the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA), the Grand Valley Mountain Bike Patrol, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The visit's purpose was to assess some of the area's trails and inspire local trail enthusiasts to become crew leaders.

The Grand Valley is famous for its outstanding singletrack and challenging technical terrain. While trails like Rustler's Loop satisfy beginners and those seeking a less challenging ride, the surrounding trails attract highly skilled riders looking for rock ledges, tight corners, and tough climbs.

After two days of trail assessment on bikes, the Crew decided to focus on a year-old reroute on the Tabeguache trail called the "Eagle's Tail." The goal was to harden some tight switchback turns with rock while maintaining the technical challenge of this advanced-level trail. By armoring the turns and accentuating existing drainage, these steep corners will last longer and stand up to increased use.

Thanks to all who participated in this beautiful Easter weekend. Mark and Lora look forward to coming back to ride!

Thanks to Chris Pipkin, from the BLM, for contributing some of the photos for this write-up.