NWTA Volunteers Improve Little Monkey at Sandy Ridge
Thirteen NWTA volunteers gathered at Sandy Ridge on February 28 for a productive dig day focused on improving one of the trail system’s most well-known features: the Little Monkey drop.
The original scope of the project was to rebuild the existing drop feature on Little Monkey Trail. As the work progressed, the crew expanded the effort to include additional trail improvements, adding a bermed corner leading into the feature and rebuilding a nearby rock-over obstacle.
Rebuilding the Little Monkey Drop Feature
The updated drop feature now includes four riding options, allowing riders of different skill levels to choose their line. Riders can roll over a high drop over a stump, take a medium or small drop, or bypass the feature entirely using a ride-around option.
This redesign improves progression on the trail while keeping the feature accessible to a wider range of riders.
Using Equipment to Expand the Scope of Trail Work
With the help of NWTA’s skid steer, volunteers were able to transport building materials to the site much more efficiently than by hand. This allowed the crew to expand beyond the original plan and complete additional improvements to the trail during the same work party.
The added bermed corner helps riders maintain flow and control before entering the feature, improving both safety and overall ride experience.
A Long-Standing Wish List Project for Sandy Ridge
The Little Monkey drop sits at the entrance to a large tabletop jump that NWTA revamped earlier this year. Rebuilding the feature has been a long-standing goal for Sandy Ridge crew leads and core volunteers.
With this work completed, riders will notice improved flow through this section of trail and a refreshed entry into the jump line.