April 10th Trail Daze Recap

According to the last weather report we’d heard, it was to be a nice day on Saturday. Unfortunately, we awoke to a cold gray day that felt more like mid-winter than mid spring and we were pretty sure we’d be getting good and wet before the day was done. The plan was to repair a damaged section of 2nd Divide located just past the cabin. We also needed to remove some large boulders from 1st Divide. Van and Todd needed to leave early, so we sent them to 1st to tackle the boulders while the rest of us headed out to 2nd. After hiking 3 ½ miles and finding ourselves less than ½ mile from the worksite, the snow was 8 inches deep and filled the trail and the surrounding woods. Rather than continuing up into uncertain conditions, we opted for plan “B,” to buff out the trail. (We’ll send a pro crew up to complete our original plan after the snow melts.)

The Trail Daze volunteers spent the next several hours pulling berm off the outer edge of the trail, filling ruts, and adding drainage features. In all, we worked on more than a mile of 2nd Divide. Ron walked the entire trail with his chainsaw and removed any fallen trees. Together with the work done last fall, 2nd will be in awesome shape for the season.

Once back in town we were joined by Zachi and his crew, Chris and Brad, as well as Greg who spent the day shaking hands, kissing babies and rounding up support letters for the latest RAC grant proposal. Since it was getting colder and starting to sprinkle, we moved the BBQ up to the Yuba house and lit the wood stove. Erik and Julie served up marinated BBQ chicken, specially seasoned baked beans, and potato salad. Julie made us a pan of brownies later for dessert.

Thanks to all 21 volunteers who, like Jen and Adam, came from as far away as Santa Rosa. Thanks to Lennis who spent his very first visit to Downieville working on, rather than riding on, the local trails.

Thanks to Santa Cruz Bicycles for covering the cost of the food and to Erik for picking up the tab on the beer. Thanks to Todd and Vano for driving up and helping out even though they had to leave early. Thanks to Matt and Matt, Patrick, Eric, Pete, Henry, Maggie, Metal, Ron and Dave for giving up their Saturday to give back to the trails.