Forum

To preface this, I am an intermediate to advanced rider (15 years of riding the North shore, Whistler and the Interior) who generally rides most reasonable stunts but avoid the massive drops and very sketchey lines.  As a result, I lean towards the more intermediate trails but I still like to hit every stunt possible. Having just ridden Cat's Ass and Fists First yesterday, I noticed that these Intermediate trails have some massive stunts on them that seem out of place and not so often ridden which is apparent from the lack of use on them.

Firstly, there are ride arounds which are nice. However, I would like to see stunts that don't just end with one big option but instead have an easier line out (not a ride-around) so that more people can use them.

My questions are this:

1) Would it be worth consideration to add more options to stunts that are in place? Specifically on intermediate trails while keeping the Expert trails just as they are.

2) Can anyone work on a stunt or do we prefer to have "trail building experts" do it?

I think by adding more options, every trail remains open to the big huckers while adds some options for the rest of us mere mortals. This would make us a truly world class destination and add to the allure of Okanagan riding.

Thansk

Chuck

Thanks for the comments. Understandably, beggars can't be choosers. If one wishes to see change than one should make change.

1) Please let me know who would be best to contact regarding trail building on Gillard so that I can try to get out and help.

2) I was also asking if I can simply go out and build myself an option on a stunt or should I not touch it?

I would also suggest that the other purpose of my email which perhaps did not come out clearly is that in future, we try to build stunts on trails that match the difficulty of the trail. If it is an Expert trail like Kerplop then have big stunts. On an intermediate trail like Cat's Ass, we should build intermediate stunts – not massive hucks that do not fit.

Thanks.

By the way, I am not attempting to antagonize anyone or change the process as it exists. I am trying to open up the idea of how we can continue to use, improve, and enjoy the trails that we have. I love to ride and would love to see the trails continue to evolve and improve over time…

triple-3 said:

As far as adding onto other peoples stunts Id say its a big no no unless you have direct permision from the current builder.

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That is the way it works.

Seek permission then if OK, build, or go and help a builder on an existing project, or build a new line somwhere.

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for approaching this issue the way you did. I would like to start by saying the rating system for the trail network was done to represent the overall rating for each trail.  There may be some larger features on the easier trails, but there is always a ride around.  Blacks and blues here probably will not relate to Silver Stars and such.

As almost all the original builders hung up the hammers after the fires of 2003, their trails and stunts have been left to the new wave of builders to maintain.  I for one, would like to see the original stunts stay as they are, but that is my personal opinion.  If you are talking about the wooden ramp to rock tranny on Fist First maybe talk to Johnny Cote (Punkaddic) about the idea as he is currently looking after that trail.  I think I am just opposed to seeing safeties on all the gaps, if constructed correctly, the tranny should be in the proper location for the speed of the trail.

As for working on stunts, I think it would be best if you teamed up with one of us and see the standard of building we are trying to reach. Some good examples are the new stunts at the bottom of Kerplop or the new line currently under construction in the middle of Casino Royale. You are more than welcome to join us anytime. The general riding public tend to under estimate the time it takes to build a stunt…. there is a reason you tend not to see multiple lines out there.  Dave put it well by saying builders tend to build stuff they want to ride so there may be a lot of new advanced/expert lines starting to pop up..so you're point is totally valid.

I will be out building tomorrow, Thurday at 5:00pm at the Top of Kerplop/Casino Royale with Andrew if you would like to come out and talk further.

Cheers,

Brant Lyon (250) 258-9247