|
On Saturday June 2, 2001, 50 hardworking trailworkers showed up for National Trails Day to complete the work required for the grand opening of the Braille Trail in the Soquel Demonstration State Forest. This unique event represents a milestone in land manager-mountain biker relations, as the Braille Trail was originally built without permission. It remained a secret bootleg trail for years before its popularity nearly caused CDF to close and obliterate the trail due to environmental concerns. Because this
trail was not laid out with a careful eye on the natural resources of the forest, there were problems with use of the trail that the builders did not anticipate.
Sections of the trail crossed or traveled closely along wet drainages and created the potential for siltation of the Soquel Creek, which is habitat for the threatened Steelhead Trout. A spring along the old trail remains wet well into the late Spring, and use of the muddy and marshy trail below it had the potential to carry silt into the creek during spawning season, an event that could cover eggs with a fine layer of sediment and cause suffocation of the developing fish.
Our task for the day was to complete two realignments of the Braille Trail to move it onto high and dry ground. Work included construction of a bridge, removal of several large trees that had fallen during a winter snow storm, building a few bypasses around log-hops so emergency ATV access was unimpeded, and restoration of the old segments that were along the wet areas. We also had the immense pleasure of installing directional signs and opening the trail for its first day of authorized use.
After the work was done we had a great time celebrating under the redwoods, with a great party and fun times. Zoic Clothing, Team Wrong Way, and Specialized Bicycle Company were generous enough to provide clothing, bottles and energy bars to outfit all the volunteers. Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP), Trail Head Cyclery of San Jose, and the Stanford Cycling Team provided food and support for the BBQ. Trailworkers.com, the Soquel Demonstration State Forest, and the Stewards of Soquel Forest were the leaders in putting word out to volunteers, as well as laying the ground work that made this event possible.
We had too many volunteers to count, but we did catch up with
Crew leaders Geoffrey Smith, Charles Jalgunas, Chuck Wisse, Berry Stevens, John Finch, Lars Thomson, Darius Contractor, and Patty Ciesla.
Peter Smith and Nina Salama towed the sign to the top of the trail in a BOB trailer behind their tandem and planted it.
Ed Orre and Phil Sims worked the chainsaws with skilled precision.
Howard Surgener, Brian Warkentine, Jeff and Margaret Hicks, Jim Sullivan and Laurel, and Ross Finlayson were all instrumental in setting up the BBQ and festivities.
Art Hunt and John and Karen Morgan provided their indescribable support and amusement.
The bunch that did the lions share of the back breaking work was Bart Bartlett, Ben Holt, Eric Hanhisolo, Ford Young, Henry Pastorelli, Jack Regula, Jeff Kring, Jeremy Hunt, Jim Lauth, Jim Owen, John Alafouzos, John Gray, Kasie Fogelman, Liz Plummer, Lynne Ohler, Mattias Derrynck, Michael Miller, Mike Severns, Nigel Ray, Peter Luptovic, Peter Ohler, Ralph Johnson, Robert Ouye, Roxayne Spruance, Russ Callahan, Shane Reed, and Todd Kuntz. Thanks to all for the hard work and the great day!
For more information on trailwork in Soquel Forest, click here.
|
|
Photo
|
|
Hardworking Trailworkers: Top Row: Ed Orre (CDF), Pete Luptovic (ROMP), John Morgan (Pro Volunteer), Patty Ciesla (Stewards), John Finch (TBI), Jeff Kring (innocent bystander), John Gray (repeat volunteer), Louise (trail poocher), Art Hunt (Stewards), Charles Jalungas (Stewards), Lynne Ohler (restoration specialist), Geoffrey Smith (MBOSC), Berry Stevens (ROMP - in red), Peter Ohler (always sleeveless), kneeling: Michael Miller (Stanford Cycling Team), Robert Ouye (Team Wrong Way)
|
|
Peter and Nina towed the sign and hole digger to the top with their tandem.
|
|
Sponsors: ZOIC Clothing and Specialized Bicycles provided swag. Everyone left with something cool. Trailhead Cyclery San Jose, ROMP, Team Wrongway, and Stanford Cycling Team provided the BBQ. Ross Finlayson and Jim Sullivan provided the party setup.
|
|
Jeff Hicks is the proud new owner of a ZOIC hiking shirt!
|
|
Patty and Charles assess trail quality.
|
|
|
