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05/25/2013 - 9:00am
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05/27/2013 - 9:45am
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06/01/2013 - 9:00am
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06/16/2013 - 11:00am
Keeping Track of Trail Work
Each year Disciples of Dirt members log thousands of volunteer hours maintaining and improving local trails. Last year the USFS awarded the DOD a certificate of appreciation for dedication to trailwork. This year we're off to a great start (click on the shovel for details). Check the forum or calendar to find out about the next trail work party, and join us!
Bikes, Beer, Bonfires, and Barbie
Camping and riding in sunny Sisters is a blast
At least 43 happy mountain bike campers attended Spring Barbie Camp 2013 near Sisters April 26-28. Peterson Ridge trails were adjacent to camp so they saw a lot of DOD traffic throughout the weekend. On Saturday, thirty or so riders hit Smith Rocks / Gray Butte, then returned to camp for the usual awesome Barbie Camp potluck where everyone tried to outdo each other with their dutch oven dishes. Everything was about as good as it gets ... weather, trails, camaraderie, campsite, bonfires ... all of it. See y'all for Fall Barbie Camp, October 25-27 near Camp Sherman!
—Davey Sprockett, DOD Rides and Events Coordinator
Crawfish Gets Out of a Rut
National Forest Foundation funds major improvements on Crawfish
When a lot of people, many mountain bikers included, think of the mountains east of "The Grove" they conjure up visions of gold mining and tiny mill encampments falling apart. Those in the know ... take advantage of the rocks, roots and steep terrain to enjoy some of the best riding the state has to offer. If rough and rugged are your flavor of bike trails, the Cottage Grove district of the North Umpua National Forest has some trails for you. The supreme trail in the forest is the Crawfish trail. There's lots of elevation to be lost once you drop in. More roots, rocks and speed than the weak of spirit can handle ... but the reality of Crawfish is: it's an easy trail to ride ... but it's a difficult trail to ride fast!
Read more here (more photos too).
Important: With all of the newly dug dirt and all of the recent rain, this trail is extremely susceptible to damage right now. Please avoid Crawfish if it’s raining or has rained within the last 48 hours.
Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow ... Nor Mud
No, we are not talking about the US Postal Service ... we’re talking about the Disciples of Dirt trail workers. In conditions that ranged from blizzard to drenching rain on Saturday Feb 23, and sunshine on Sunday Feb 24th our hard working volunteers were out there braving it all. And they delivered! Hauling loads of gravel, moving giant rocks, and digging drains and culverts, volunteers logged 320 hours on this second weekend of a huge effort to improve and renovate the Goodman Creek and Eagle’s Rest trails. Total number of hours on the project to date: 857 hours!
Thanks to all of the mountain bikers from DOD and GOATS, as well as folks from the UO Outdoor Program and Eugene Cross-Fit who came out and helped. We are going for one last push on Saturday March 2nd to hopefully wrap up the sections left unfinished. Details are on the forum here. Please join us if you can.
For more photos, click here.
Eagle's Rest Gets Some Love
February 2nd and 3rd 2013. Last weekend 82 trail workers representating DOD, GOATS, UO Outdoor Program and Life Cycle Bikes came out and put some sweat equity into Eagle’s Rest Trail. The result was the completion of 100 feet of turnpike (with another 175 feet more begun), and three reinforced switchbacks. In addition more than 100 drains were dug, five culverts installed, one section re-benched, and the entire trail was brushed and logged out.
The DOD plans to polish this trail off at the next work party and then start with improvements and fixes on Goodman Creek. Thanks to all who came out and helped. It was a huge effort!
All Comer's Meet IX Draws a Huge Crowd
Sunday, January 20th 2013
As the riders wound their way through the woods on this chilly January morning, rays of sun began to break through the fog, slanting between the frosted trees and vines. It wasn't long before the spectacular and magical light effects had everyone exclaiming in amazement and reaching for their cameras.
This was the Whypass mountain bike trail system just outside of Eugene and the Disciples of Dirt's 9th annual All Comer’s Meet. Hailing from all over Oregon as well as from California and Washington, 235 people participated in the riding and festivities at this year’s ACM—an event that has slowly grown from “group ride” to “festival” status. After signing in, the mountain bikers broke into groups according to fitness and skill level. Then led by DOD guides, everyone was treated to a fun-filled non-competitive day riding this network of recently buffed-out singletrack trails.
Returning to the staging area (“The Pile”), the now tired and happy riders got in line for hot chili, tomato soup and cornbread. And after filling their cups from the kegs of beer donated by Ninkasi Brewing, they stood around the bonfire socializing and waiting for the raffle drawing. Everyone was hoping to win the grand prize of a RockShox fork, although many other cool prizes donated by our sponsors were claimed before the lucky winner of the fork, Steve George of Portland, was finally chosen.
It was a great day ... of riding ... of catching up with old friends and meeting new people ... and of sharing and showing off the Disciples of Dirt's local trail system. Thanks to everyone who came out and added to the fun and who supported the DOD by buying raffle tickets and donating so generously. We hope to see you next year at ACM X! Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 19th, 2014.
Read more on the DOD forum.
Photos by Nate Pfeifer. See more of Nate's photos here.
