okearthbike.com | 2003 Subaru/IMBA TCC Visit-Week in Review, February 12-16

2003 Subaru/IMBA TCC Visit-Week in Review,
February 12-16

Once again Oklahoma had the pleasure of hosting Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner of Subaru/International Mountain Bicycling Association's Trail Care Crew, and what a visit it was! First, I would like to thank Mark, Lora and Avery Stonich (TCC Coordinator) for putting Oklahoma on their 2003 schedule. Oklahoma has hosted Trail Care Crews 5 out of the last 6 years and with each visit we learn more and more about building fun sustainable trails. With each visit they have managed to instruct numerous individuals on the many aspects of trail design, construction and maintenance. More specifically, this TCC visit marked IMBA's first contact with United State Department of Agriculture, Ouachita National Forest Service representatives from Oklahoma. With each visit, the bar is raised a little higher.

As always Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) came through with tremendous support. John Ressmeyer, Director of State Parks, continues to be mountain bicyclist's greatest advocate in Oklahoma. Also, I must thank Beavers Bend Resort & State Park Manager Terry Walker for his assistance with organizing the trail building school. Along with securing a meeting area for us, Mr. Walker also helped with gathering many of the attendees. Among those in attendance were, as previously mentioned, representatives from the US Forest Service Department and OTRD. Also in attendance were Americorps groups out of Broken Bow and Hugo, OK, as well as numerous volunteers hailing from cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman, OK; Fayetteville and Ft. Smith AR; and Dallas, TX. What an incredible turnout in spite of the weather, rain and lots of it, close to fifty individuals participated. Though the weather did not cooperate with us, thus causing the cancellation of the outdoor session. It did allow for additional time spent in the classroom and many participants took the opportunity to ask questions, practice with tools such as a clinometer, as well as share thoughts and ideas with each other concerning their respective areas. It was wonderful to see people come from as far as 200 miles away to take part in the school. Once again, Mark and Lora presented a top-notch trail building school but there was still more to be done.

What more could be done you ask? Mark and Lora decided they wanted to do something different, they wanted to teach an Advanced Trail Building School (ATBS) and thought the one place they could go to make a test run was Oklahoma! We would be their pilot project. The ATBS would require only a few volunteers (10-15) and it was important that they have knowledge of trail building basics. Most of those attending the ATBS have gone through at least 2 to 3 trail building schools, so without a doubt the knowledge and willingness to learn more was present. The site for this project would be Keystone State Park, Mannford, OK, approximately 30 minutes west of Tulsa. Why Keystone? Rocks, rocks and more rocks! Mark and Lora said they wanted rocks, well, we found them some rocks! Keystone's trail system is made up of 4 loops, beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert. Our plan was to replace a fall line section of trail with a technical descent that would involve some of Keystone's large boulder outcroppings. Obviously the expert loop was the best place to do this type of work. The project required the utilization of many large rocks, so large that sometimes 4 guys were needed to move such rocks. At one point a very large rock occupied 6 of us! In case you are wondering, we did not have the luxury of mechanized equipment. Every rock was moved by hand or with the aid of rock bars and straps, a wheel barrel. After 12 hours of preparation and work over two days we accomplished what we had set out to do. Keystone trail system now has an incredible section of trail that will definitely challenge any expert level riders ability to negotiate tight corners while having to remain aware of the large boulders that barely allow one to squeak through. Believe me, this section can be ridden. It may take a few attempts, but it can be cleaned. Some of you may want to bring your trials skills along as well. I hope you will enjoy it.

The following individuals set aside there entire weekend to help with construction of the new section of trail at Keystone State Park:

Tim Gritzmaker, OEF President
Shane Jones, OEF board member
Walt Brittain, OEF board member & Oklahoma MTB Patrol Director
Rhonda Brittain, OEF
Marcel Slootheer, OEF Webmaster & Newsletter Editor
Don West, Arkansas IMBA Rep.
Randall Clayborn, Keystone Off-Road Society
Paul Carter, OEF
Raton Parmain, OEF
Randy Ralls
John Ressmeyer, Director of OK State Parks & Bicycle League of Norman President
Les Pulliam, OK State Parks

I also need to thank the management and staff of Keystone State Park for their gracious hospitality. In addition, Clif Bar was mighty generous with their great selection of bars and Shots as well. They definitely got me through the rockwork on Saturday.

From Beavers Bend State Park, I would like to thank representatives of OTRD, USDAFS, Americorps, and Little Dixie Community Action Agency for attending. Also in attendance were numerous volunteers.

Bill Denni, Outback Guides
Raton Parmain, OEF
Dennis Welpe, DORBA
Pam Jackson, DORBA
Randy Jackson, Mercy Racing Team
Phil Trotter, Bicycle League of Norman
Tom Leoffelholz, Bicycle League of Norman

A huge thanks to Walt Brittain for assisting me with gathering all the tools and equipment necessary for a successful week of off-road trails education and construction. Speaking of tools, once again OEF allowed for us to use their tools. What a tremendous help OEF continues to be!

Last, but certainly not least, we should all thank Subaru for making the TCC program a reality. Some may not be aware but Subaru fully funds two full-time Trail Care Crews, they come through in a big way!

What can I say; it was a tremendous five days. It is always a pleasure to have a visit from the Subaru/IMBA TCC, Mark and Lora are always welcome in Oklahoma, they are like family! Hopefully we will see them again real soon. Thank you.

Charles Duke
Off-Road Trails Advisor, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Oklahoma IMBA Representative
OEF member