So, you want a trail? I can do that.
We build singletrack mountain bike trails. The type of trail we build is ideally suited for hiking and equestrian use. Our trails are natural surface trails and have an extremely low environmental impact. We don't cut down or build into live trees and we design our trails to flow with the landscape and vegetation.
We try not to use power tools like chainsaws, brush cutters and trail excavators. That's not what the forest is about. Almost all of our work is done with hand tools. There are a couple of reasons why we work this way. We don't want to frighten away the local wildlife, it's way better exercise and you can have much less unnecessary environmental impact.
You will read a lot on this website that will lead you to believe there is no such thing as a short trail. Actually, even a mountain bike trail can be very short and still be fun. A pump track will fit in an average city backyard and you can't get more fun than a quick burn on a pump track.
If you have a small acreage and you just want a little walking trail around the property, I can do that.
If you own hundreds of acres and you want a horse trail, I can do that.
If you own thousands of acres and you want a quad trail, you're on your own. I don't do that.
You've decided that you want a trail on your land, or you're just thinking about it and you're not sure yet. What happens next?
Here's my trail building process.
First we walk the property where you think you want to build your trail. We look for unique features that would make an interesting trail. We also look for potential problems or hazards. As the land owner, you will have to come with me.
Next we flag the trail corridor. We may have to remove and replace the flags several times until we get just the right "flow". I can do the flagging process on my own but it helps if the land owner is with me. Either way you will have to see and approve the flagged trail before I start work.
From here, the work can either be done in sections or one step after another along the whole trail. Completing the trail in sections is good for public land or places where people are likely to try to use the trail before it's finished. It ensures that people don't go beyond the "safe" finished sections.
Step 1:
Remove undergrowth and cut any fallen trees across the path.
Step 2:
Dig out the trail tread down to mineral soil.
Step 3:
Construct any bridges or technical trail features.
Step 4:
Groom/rake the trail to the standards requested.
Step 5:
Use the undergrowth removed in Step1 to cover the material removed in Step 2 and 4.
Step 6:
Test ride or walk.
If you have a trail project and need help or someone to consult with, I am available for hire. You can email me at steve@zapbc.com or phone 250-752-4372.