Written by Scooter Sutterer
Despite the threat of rain 84 volunteers came out to Rocky Point for the March 7th Big Dig. The goal was to work on a reroute of Joy of Climbing.
The old trail was a rutted straight shot up a steep hill on the edge of a clearcut. Too steep for most riders. The new section of trail adds five beautifully sculpted switchbacks, a wide bench cut, and some flowy sections through the woods.
The group also decommissioned some old trail and rerouted a section of Skeet Chute. This will better clarify the lines of the two trails and add some distance between them.
The amount of dirt moved to create this trail was amazing. That is what it takes to make a trail that is enjoyable to ride for riders of all levels. Building quality trails is an art. Especially on the steep terrain at Rocky Point. Thirty percent of the volunteers had never worked on a trail before. Our top-notch crew leads were able to teach them the basics of building sustainable trails that have good drainage and proper grades, and that will last in the rain of the PNW. Joy of Climbing is no longer a hike-a-bike trail and lives up to its name.
Improvements were also made to the soon-to-be-opened parking area. A bike rack was added and a shelter around the port-a-poty was started.
Putting together a group of volunteers this big is amazing and shows how the local mountain bike community is growing. First of all thanks to all who came out. Everyone worked till the work was done. A big thank you also goes to the crew leaders. They helped organize and teach a big group. Their dedication to Rocky Point is inspiring. I also want to thank everyone that helped prep and organize all the tools and equipment for this big dig. Every volunteer had the tools needed to pull off this build.
Finally, we want to thank our sponsor for the day, Cyclepath. Feeding more than 80 people is no easy task. Cyclepath hit the spot by starting the day with coffee and donuts. They also hosted an after build BBQ of sausages with chips and cookies for everyone to enjoy.
Sad you missed out or want to go back to give the trails some more love? Join the RP crew on Saturday 3/14 from 9am-2pm for the weekly dig’s. Information can be found HERE.
Can’t get enough about our Rocky Point Trail System? Check these write ups from our friends at BikePortland & Bermstyle.
84 volunteers built a half-mile of new MTB trail at Rocky Point on Saturday
Scappoose, Oregon: the Rocky Point Trail System – A Work in Progress