Lower Mel's exit
Looks like some work was done on Lower Mel's at the last two switchbacks before it exists on to Joe's. The changes are... shocking, to say the least. The entire section has been completely torn apart and replaced by dirt and gravel--no more right-hand berm, rocks, banking ladder, or mini-chute.
The dirt path is fairly well done: it is wide, good dirt, and already packed pretty well. What shocked me was the 2-feet wide trail of gravel running along the center of the trail, the same sort of gravel used to pave sections of Trans Canada while heavy machinery was moved in to do powerline construction.
The logical conclusion is that it is intended for drainage as the ditches on the side were filled in as well. However, placed in a switchback, it seems to be highly hazardous to inexperienced riders. Although there are plenty of wide dirt-trail to either side, you are still forced to cross the gravel to avoid riding into the shrubbery. Also, to avoid the gravel, riders have evidentally started to ride higher on the "walls" of the trail, effectively making the last left-hander into a semi-bermed turn. This seems to be contrary to the city's desired intentions in reshaping that section of the trail, which included ensuring that riders slow down before existing onto Joe's.
I deeply hope that this isn't the final plan for Mel's exit. The gravel is hazardous to inexperienced riders, is encouraging more experienced riders to carry more speed, and is an eyesore to look at.
Lower Mel's exit
I heard about this yesterday. I sure hope this isn't the finished work.
Lower Mel's exit
I heard city met with member of BMBA last week to discuss. What was outcome?
Lower Mel's exit
Okay, here is what is apparently happening.
This is the apparently the initial phase of a reconstruction of the exit.
Regardless, the BMBA is quite concerned over what has been done so far and will be meeting with the Parks department to find out what exactly they are doing.
Lower Mel's exit
It seems the city is going to contract a person that does work on the shore to fix the area. Brian and Dino had some good input as I understand it.
signage?
When talking with the city, do you think a request for some signable is possible? You could carry pretty goodspeed into the former berm and its a bit sketchy to whoa up on loose dirt the first time you come that way..
Same for the missing ladderwork on the North Road trail... the nails are still sticking out of the runners, and while you aren't going very quick, its still pretty surprising. Today I saw broken bush around the area from falls.
Lower Mel's exit
Okay, did a check on that exit yesterday with someone that does that kind of work with excavators etc..
It's all drainage work.
The gravel trench is pretty deep and it's designed to take the water that usually runs down that section of trail and funnel it off.
If some decent shore style construction goes overtop what's there it should be okay.
That being said, the natural right handed berm that used to be there is gone and it was a thing of beauty...hopefully that can be redone.
Lower Mel's exit
I also took a look and what a joke. There was some drainage issues but what they did was complete over kill and now to bring in a outside company to finish it of. Why not leave it to BMBA to finish off? Was it not BMBA that did the rock work at the beginning of Mels at ring road.
Lower Mel's exit
I saw nothing wrong with the trail the way it was, it was perfect. What drainage issues water flows down hill as far as i know, but i am not an engineer.
Lower Mel's exit
Argggg...I loved that berm :evil:
Lower Mel's exit
I hit that section fast on my XC rig last weekend and came very close to eating it in the gravel. My front wheel sunk in about 4 inches and pretty much skated through the entire corner.
Question to the BMBA exec, when City of BBY makes such a major change on a blind corner of a popular trail like this do they inform or ask for BMBA input first?