Building a freeride trail on "my" private land

[nickd]

Hey guys,

I'm planning building a northshore freeride sort of mini trail on my own land. Basically I've got a reasonable sized area which goes down hill with plenty of trees and it's currently medium density bush, with a walking trail. I know IMBA has a trail building book (I remember reading this somewhere) but was wondering if you had any tips, know any places where I can get crates and wood cheap?

Will upload plans soon. Of course, can't tell you where it is yet ;)

Thx,
nick d

[hubbie]

for crates, do you have an industrial area nearby? I do, and most people don't mind if you take a few off their hands

[nickd]

Ok, I'll ask around, thanks for the tip.

[cam-o]

What city are you in?
I've got 4 pallets in my garage if you're near Canberra.

[dunk]

Trailbuilding info:

http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/index.html

[nickz]

Find houses that are being demolished, the long timbers in the floors and ceilings are gold! Nice old hardwood in floors usually, lasts for years.

[captainmorgan]

Just don't use the untreated pine.

[nickd]

Thanks guys, much appreciated,
IMBA is very helpful.

[olly1oo6]

crates are a no-no. they rot and with enough abuse become woodchips. last week I almost ate it hard off the pallet at oxford because of the dirty big hole in it. managed to do a temp fix, but its not the solution.

MAKE LANDINGS OUT OF DIRT:p because dirt dont hurt.

Apart from that its great that you show interest in making your own trail. If more retards around here were trail happy and full of initiative things would be much better. Unfortunately, as many soon realize there are few dedicated builders around. Some of my local trails are built and maintained by very dedicated (and sparse) individuals, who I am sure are beggining to feel frustrated about the lack of support.

so I say good on ya. when using wood, try and make best use of natural wood, if there is none around buy it or find it. wood is not expensive if you supplement it with natural wood and obstacles. the australian terrain is not really ideal for man-made structures but thats not to say that there should not be any. just dont build stuff where it sits out in the open without purpose; build shore over dead trees, big rocks; don't just have a raised plank of wood along a straight.

think about obstacle spacing, and rider speed as he or she is descending. A clever trick to improve flow on a trail is to make natural obstacles, chutes or narrowings before areas where the rider needs to slow down. it serves as a warning that the next section is slower/has an obstacle, and saves them from blasting through and jamming on the brakes at the last minute. especially with gaps, a good way to go about building them is so that you are able to exit the previous obstacle or corner and float straight over the next without any MAJOR speed adjustments: that is flow.


happy building

[nickd]

A picture of the drop we're working on, probably be a support structure for the rider just in case. As you can see we still have a lot of clearing to do, man in picture is my mate ;)

[thecat]

crates are a no-no. they rot and with enough abuse become woodchips. last week I almost ate it hard off the pallet at oxford because of the dirty big hole in it.


This is more a problem with new style pine pallets. If you are going to be using pallets make sure they are the heavy hard wood jobbies.

These are strong as nails and will love you long time sailior.