"I DIG GOOD"

The Next Chapter

2011-03-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well, as some of you might already know, it was time for a change. I have moved on to bigger and better things. The picture above is actually from Thanksgiving Day snowboarding at Snowbird Mountain just outside of my new home town of Park City, UT. I am also working with a new company, check us out ALPINE TRAILS the company has been serving the Wasatch and a few other areas for about 14 years!!! That is what I'm talking about. Working with these guys will allow me to more intensely focus on nuance and take things deeper. I have a pretty big net that I built with B4, and I will still travel a bit for the RIGHT jobs, but it will be nice to have a home. For now the blog will probably sit dormant while we get the Alpine site up to snuff. But don't worry, we will have project updates and some other things on that site as well. Thanks to all the folks that checked this site so much over the years, I am gonna miss it a little. For now, happy trails and “May the (trail) rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your (trail)s."

Gottr' Runnin'

2010-11-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a very successful weekend followed by some much needed rain. Today is just another moist Fall day in the South.

We got the beginner track flowing really well and had a whopping 40 or so people show up on Saturday to get the advanced pump track running as well. I now head to Chattanooga, TN to go to the National Trails Symposium to present with my buddy Scott Linnenburger on "recycling" public spaces and creating great trails in the urban environment. I come back Friday for two more days of dialing things in then the big "soft" opening on Sunday the 21st. Game On!!

Got to digg...

2010-11-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

Well today the real work on the pumptracks in Roswell began. I forgot how much I love GA red clay!

Here is the Intermediate line's base, can't wait to start on this beast!

Oh, and check out the FLY ridez! This week is sure to have more photos than words, but it will be fun fo sho!

Snow.

2010-10-26T14:16:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a rowdy last couple weeks. We made good progress on Trailside Bike Park but momma nature had different plans. The final push will happen in Spring and a bunch of quality photos will come out of that. For now I am in front of the computer feeling a sudden surge of Winter stoke. The irony?

I have to go back to the SE for a little while. That will certainly be a change. I can't wait to be back here watching white stuff just dump out of the sky.

Tomorrow it is off to the NRPA congress for a second year in a row, still probably my favorite conference of the year. Then back here to Park City for Halloween, then a week in these mountains building, finally back to NC/GA/TN for a few weeks.

Until the next time, think snow for me.

Running through a tank of gas....

2010-10-12T17:40:00.001-07:00

I am beat, we have been PINNED this whole season, this has certainly been B4's busiest year to date and it has been a life changing year in many ways too.

Right now I am trying my best to keep fuel in the tank for the next two weeks to finish the Trailsisde Bike Park. We have brought in little guns, big guns and snow guns...not really snowguns, but the photo worked HA...

Okay so why am I so exhausted? Well, I am off the road...I now am a resident of Park City, UT. It feels really good and suprisingly like home. This means a certain level of stress in trying to make the P...ayments on the house. I am also working on a very creative project right now which is requiring a huge amount of I...magination. N...ow I am on the computer working on this blog and about N...ine other things. Tomorrow is going to involve finishing the Flowstyle Line, starting on E...levated features and building a pumptrack D...amn! This is why life is so P.I.N.N.E.D. right now. Enjoy the pics and check out my facebook page for more up to date stuff.

The Dirty Bird With Alpine....

2010-09-30T16:05:00.001-07:00

Trails, not Bike Parks, man this is going to confuse the Hell out of some folks. But, while waiting to get started on the Snyderville Bike Park project here in the Park City area, I took the opportunity to work with the local trail builder Troy Duffin with Alpine Trails Inc. where we were working on a new trail for Snowbird Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The view from the mini is above and below...it doesn't get much better than this for a place to sit on a machine. Now I am headed out the door to go work on the design and build of the Trailside Bike Park here in Snyderville, with Progressive Trail Designs. This is turning into one of the greatest years I could ever imagine, and I feel like things are only going to get better!

Park City Is Effin Awesome!

2010-09-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

from outdoorparkcity.com

This town is the best, great fall mountain bike trails all over the place and amazing scenery. Right now there is a sense of anticipation in the area, as well, that is darn near electric, everyone is getting ready for the big four letter word, in a good way, SNOW! We got into town on Friday and have been running around trying to get in as much play as possible, because tomorrow it is back to the grind...ha, it is like a good grind, you know like a 50-50 or something, maybe a sprocket grind...kinda sketchy at times, but controlled chaos at it BEST!

We rode some trails and jumped some jumps, they have that here too. Tomorrow into the yellow Aspens and helping Alpine-Trails finish up a little project. Life is Effin AWESOME!

Finito

2010-09-21T16:12:00.001-07:00

Well we have left the lost coast behind and are now in Moraga visiting family and finding a little time to ride bikes and relax. I know you all have been missing the updates while we were obviously on the trip of a lifetime, but I needed the break and technology doesn't really exist in Shelter Cove. For some info on the project check out IMBA's write up and photos.

I still don't know how to give an ample description to the two months we spent in a setting that included the world's tallest trees, lush green surroundings, 4000 foot high peaks diving into the ocean, and trail production running all out. So I decided I'm not even going to try. The people that know me and buy me a beer will hear enough entertaining stories to take up a full night.

Now that we are back in civilization we will be heading to Park City and starting a bit of work with Alpine-Trails and Progressive Trail Design to build trails and parks for a month in the mountains of Utah. We will keep a much more detailed account of these experiences after the refreshing break I took from the blog.

Hope everyone is enjoying the first day of Fall and here is to the next adventure.

No words or pictures...

2010-07-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

will describe this place. Shelter Cove, The King Range and the Lost Coast are the most amazing places in California, bar none. Black Sand Beaches, endless rock mountains and huge evergreen canopies that ensure a level of humility is found even in every six foot tall human. The photos I can post don't seem to capture it, when I have on that does I will be sure to get it on. I also will try and get some shots next week of the trail work as well.

A little backlog: We finished the cross country commute to Shelter Cove on Monday, the only issue we had on the whole drive was a wheel axle on the trailer pretty much eating itself. Otherwise, everything has been stellar. We ran a few errands on Tuesday, then started the project working for IMBA on the Paradise Royal Trail System. We are here for the next eight weeks, in heaven and working fourty hours a week.

The photos are the best attempt thus far at capturing what this place is.

Snyderville Basin Bike Park Scoping

2010-07-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

We have been hard at work in meetings and on the ground in Utah getting our strategy together for a new bike park just outside of Park City. This area is one of my favorites in the country. Below is a photo of PTD and Scott Linny standing at the top of a fill pile contemplating the AMAZING view that is the job site. We will be coming back in the Fall for the Phase 1 build.

Tomorrow we head to the Lost Coast to begin an eight week build with IMBA. The next few months will be the highlight of my trail building and bike park building career. STOKED!!!

EPIC Park City Daze!

2010-07-21T18:37:00.001-07:00

We are in Park City for the week, working hard, as you can see. We have been scoping the local scene and trying to guage what people have and what people in the area may want. Tomorrow is not going to be as much fun and games. We have meetings and to figure out what is next.

But, today we simply got to charge the trails at Deer Valley and had a lot of fun!
Here are some "not riding" pics.

Colorado

2010-07-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

We are now in Park City, Utah for the week to begin the design process for a new bike park for the Snyderville Special Recreation District. This park will be a world class example that will stand at the top of the list for public bike park across the county. STOKED!

But first a recap of the last week. The photos below are of a great ride we did with a good sized group on the Magnolia trails outside of Nederland on Saturday. It was a great ride with an even better group. Before that we were just driving, so there really wasn't much to report.

The day after the ride we went to an awesome lake just a few miles from our friends house and did some cliff jumping, swimming and general goofing off. IT WAS EPIC!!!

Now it is back to buisness as usual for a week, then we make the final push to "The Lost Coast".

Road Trippin'

2010-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

We just landed up next to the Gateway to the West, St. Louis. Tomorrow we drop through the looking glass headed to Kansas then to Colorado for the weekend. We spent yesterday in Chattanooga and got to talk to some old friends and meet some new ones while wandering around in the woods as well. Tonight seems a bit like a pause before a crazy hard push the next couple days to get us settled for a minute in the Rockies. Next week is in a bit of limbo. I hope to get some photos and some write up on Friday, but it will all depend on how efficient we are in the drive. Wish us luck and have fun in the wait.

Itchy...

2010-07-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

We are down in Florida working on a design for a bike park in a new Florida State Recreation Area. Yeah, Florida is pretty much AWESOME !!!

So here is the plan - We take these:

And put them all over this area:

With regraded contours kind of like this:

Okay, so now where do we go eat lunch?

But, seriously, I did dip my toes in the lake and it was GREAT! Tomorrow is a meeting with the LA firm that is over seeing the new design. Computer time is very heavily in my future. I wish I could just make little mashed potato models and FedEx'm in to the potential client. Wouldn't that be COOL!

Axe Men Meet MTB...

2010-07-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

We are back on the road and hanging out near Savannah for the night.

While in Asheville, we did get some great riding in too. We rode all over Bent Creek, even went up to Five Points and saw the "New View". We also went down to Brevard and took Jenn to...DaDunDaDun! PISGAH!!!! She had a blast. It was interesting being back in WNC getting in some Summer riding. There are a ton of "trails" in WNC, but Jenn managed to say they are all roads, which is so true. I have already spoiled the "beginner" rider on all of the great trails NOT in North Carolina. The woods are pretty, but looks like the FS has figured out how to screw that up too....OOPS !

Feeling Creepy, and back in WNC

2010-06-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Creeper Trail is quite the experience, it really allowed some insight into what the "average" person enjoys on a bicycle ride, and let me tell you, this experience would be VERY hard to replicate.

We rolled into town on a Thursday afternoon to find a quaint little trail town of Damascus and then made our way up to the campground in a raging thunderstorm. The storm washed away our hopes of riding on the Iron mountain trail the next day so we decided to do a two part Creeper retreat.

Friday morning we dropped back down the mountain to ride from Damascus to the Holston River Trestle, WOW what a cool bridge. The ride was gently rolling and swept through some beautiful farms, with trail side attractions like some rapids and a few cattle right on the trail. We wrapped up our day and then headed back to the mountain to get ready for the next day of the shuttled "upper" portion of the creeper.

17 miles all pretty much downhill at a 1% - 2% grade. That is criteria number one for getting the average American having fun on a bicycle. Beautiful cascading mountain trout stream as your riding companion most of the way, that would be punch number two. Finally, a few amazing bridges and quaint little whistle stops complete the package. All in all there is more thought about this trail than I will be able to put on this blog, so be sure to ask for stories the next time you see us.

We finished the day happy and then I went and fished that same river and managed to catch two beautiful trout before getting back up to camp. Now, we are back in Asheville for a week while getting everything organized to make the great trip South, then West.

Blog posts to come will probably involve lots of riding and general good times. Enjoy the week!

Douthat...is all that !

2010-06-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

The last couple days at Douthat was just what the doctor ordered. We have gotten to do some spectacular riding. The photos in this post are from a loop we did with Mountain Side Trail, the MUST RIDE at the park. We spent the week riding and I did quite a bit of fishing to help pass time as well. It hasn't been all fun and games, just mostly. We have been working on getting bids organized and getting ready for some design work in Florida, then a big drive out to Cali to work on the Paradise Royal system for two months....yeah STOKED !!!

Beautiful bench cut by the CCC, those boys must have ridden mountain bikes!

Wrapped....NEXT !

2010-06-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

We is be dun y'all. This was a great project. We got to work in a beautiful area of the country while building really fun trail, that was really boring old road bed. We now head South to get things wrapped up in the South East before making the journey to the Lost Coast of Cali to work on a project with IMBA and the BLM, STOKED !! So where are we headed and what all do we need to do? First, is the race here in Harrisonburg for the HooHa, they will be doing the Super D and a really cool looking Short Track today, then XC tomorrow. Next, we head to Douthat and Mount Rogers to do some riding and to work on some proposals and maps, office days with fishing and riding involved...good life. Then, we head down to NC to get the truck dialed and ride in Pisgah a bit, before it gets changed for the "who knows" forever. Then, we head down to Florida to work on a design for a bike park in a new Florida State Recreation area. After that we will probably head over to St. Augustine to go from coast to coast during our drive. Where will we stop on the journey across the country? Don't know yet...have a project you want us to look at and you are within striking distance of a route between FL and CA, hollar at me. Email is on the right up there and phone number is on the Facebook page. Until then, Summer is upon us...get out there and enjoy it !

RT(squared)

2010-06-10T14:36:00.001-07:00

A road to trail conversion, unlike a trail to road conversion...like the soon to be Squirrel Gap (YIKES !!!). So here are some photos, finally, of the work we have been doing. Below is a before picture of the old road corridor, then a photo of the serpintine redo of that straight and narrow trail. Below that is another "sexy" trail picture of some flow and below that, well the top of an awesome mountain climb in the beautiful woods near the campsite. Yeah, things are great!

Pictures...

2010-06-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

would be nice, but I have the camera in my camelback from all the great rides we did last week and it can't seem to migrate to the truck. So a little update for now, then photos when we get the chance.

We are in Stokesville VA for some work on the Narrowbakc trail system. We are performing two road to trail conversions and had our first production day yesterday. All in all things are good. We will be on this project for about ten days, then headsouth to NC for a couple weeks to wrap up a few loose ends and get the Fall scheduled.

That's it for now, just plugging away, we don't have cell reception ecept at the jobsite and when we are here we really need to be on it, so it may be a while before I can get a good post up, but watch for it, the photos are sure to be great.

Coon Tree

2010-05-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we are on the big ol' Vacay...but Otie, apparently, is still on duty. A raccoon was busy snooping around the campground and he went NUTZ !!! Treed the poor creature. Oops.

In the other spare minutes we have had, we have been going for great rides on great trails and I have found my hand at fishing, quite an enjoyable passtime; and it does just that really well.

Tomorrow I need to wrap up a few actual work items, then we head to VA for the next round of work. Oh well, the job is still like everyone elses vacations...so we got that going for us.

Have Fun ! Ride Bikes !

An awesome day (period)

2010-05-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today was my favorite part. Dialing it all in to that last bit, now we just wait for mother nature and father time to take it to 100%. Great day. Thanks to the Redbull guys for helping keep the vibe alive.

Where to begin?

2010-05-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Delayne's Salvage is a magical place located just north of Madison near the town of Baraboo, and across the street from a huge munitions factory, COOL! We went there yesterday to get a bit of a break from the insanity that has been the Middleton Bike Park. The project has gone exceedingly well now that we are on the ground, I have been learning valuable lessons the whole way too. The locals are also helping to make it all that much better.

We finished the pumptrack over the weekend, and started the downhill flowline, but will have to wait for the pumptrack cores to dry before it is really ripping, kind of reminds me of the Rapid City dirt, again a lesson. The flow trail should come together much better as the dirt will sit on natural slope instead of soaking wet, new fill slope. The track rides, but isn't quite in the "rail" catagory yet...but soon.

Middleton...pinned!

2010-05-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it. In one day we laid down and were riding the outer line of the pumptrack at Middleton, don't have it anywhere near dialed, but still quite a feat considering where we were yesterday, four inches of mud and ... uh ... NO DIRT! But today we met the grading contractor on site at sunrise and threw 100+ yards of dirt on the ground by about 2pm. It was crazy. Then about 2 when he dipped, the local boyz arrived and we started getting to the shovel work, which is probably still going on to fix a few of the mucky bits. For now enjoy a before and after shot of why you need a hundred or more yards of dirt to build a "proper" pumptrack.

Reeling and Recovering...

2010-05-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

No photos folks, all the ones we shot are a bit too big for a post. But here is what you are looking for. Can't wait to see Hilride's coverage of one of the funnest weeks I have ever had...Thank you all!!!

Here

Here

Here

Here

I don't even know how to start a recap. So I will simply say there will be stories for the rest of my life coming from our time in Augusta...and exhale...

Now, we are hanging out in Brown County State Park in Indiana staging for the next move up to Middleton, Wisconsin. The days will be spent riding when we can, weather, and resting as much as humanly possible. Is it healthy to sleep for 20 hours in a day? I plan to try and find out. Enjoy the above photos and more that I am sure will come.

Music is the king of your soul...

SWEET !

2010-05-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

http://www2.wjbf.com/jbf/news/local/article/mountain_bikers_will_help_pump_up_local_economy/77839/

Public Meeting ... Whew ...

2010-05-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

What a day! Grand total 91 folks on the register...SWEET! The day was increadible. It started like any other day with an intrepid few rolling in with coffee, bagels and the "supplies".

Then, the locusts arrived and ate up the fruits of our labor. It was awesome. We gave tours and met folks interested in helping out.

So what did I learn interacting with 90 some odd folks...people in Florida LOVE shade. The indoor DJ room was all the RAGE at the polls. Crazy.

Well, now we recover and head to Augusta. We make a little stop in Gainesville tomorrow and ride the pedal bikes down to the pub and wash it all away. Then, Augusta and the IMBA Wolrd Summit, Happy May Day...but this ship is far from sinking. See folks in Augusta.

Mountain Bike Park As An Economic Driver

2010-04-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Yes...now watch the video.

We are preaching this same thing all over the country and here the "liberal" media is picking up on it.

We are still in Orlando working away on the design and scheduling of a new bike park, with lots of local support. Ironically, there are four buildings screaming to have indoor bike parks in them all.

Hope to get the design up on here in the next couple days.

Orlando...Biketown USA?

2010-04-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

Seems like this little area has been VERY underestimated. With Santos as the closeby destination for this "big" city in Florida, Orlando has quite a few mountain bikers, like a meet up group with about 750 members...Whaaaa! Yeah. So, we have been summoned to this little desert of mountain bike experience to give people an oasis to vent their energy when time is too scarce to travel. Below are some photos from day one of the design week. This area is cool, loads of character and more land than the estimated budget can fill out. We may even throw in a Dirt Velodrome, just to get those roadies tires dirty...bwawawawaaa. More stuff coming as the design comes together, but for now...do you see what I see?

A week of offices and riding...

2010-04-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished the Augusta park and lost the Valmont bid, so it feels like a transition period coming on right now. Check ou the locals shredding the pumptrack in North Augusta.

We got done with the track and headed over to the Victor's for a little out the door R and R. The FATS was great, it was Jenn's first real ride, which she stomped, and my first 20+ mile ride of the season, which I survived.

After the Fats, we headed to Gainesville for a couple days to see Jenn's friends and family and now we are camping for the rest of the week at Santos. We got two rides in today and expect to do the same until we roll out on Sunday. Jenn is doing great riding and this whole experience of teaching someone who is a natural athlete new sports is GREAT!

When we aren't riding work is piling up. I am working on the design for the project in Middleton that comes up after the Summit, we head to Orlando for a design next, and I have about 4 bids either in process or in writing which will decide our Summer, the second wave has come a bit early which makes me wonder what the end of May will look like. Onward and upward for the next little while and riding a bike as much as WE can...tired legs today, happy legs in a week.

Happy. Sad.

2010-04-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished the build today by completing the log rides and dialing in the pumptrack some more. This thing needs a heep of rain and a bit more shovel time to really be bad ass. The logs came together perfect and are more fun than I thought.

The pumptrack is pretty much the coolest thing ever. Easy line to the outside and a tight rager turn to a little pedal kick to a nice little set in the middle of the whole thing. Check out the boost on this whip...on a pumptrack...WHAT!!!!

So tomorrow we depart, we are honestly really going to miss this crew, the mountain bikers ruled the roost over the weekend, then the BMX crowd showed up during the week to dial it all in. Can't wait to get back and show people from around the globe how we roll. BIG HUGE SHOUT OUT to the locals. You all are our brothers from another mother. Keep it real and watch out for Hurricanes and Kagey folks.

Logs...

2010-04-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Prepped everything for the log rides: cut, wedge, cut, split...FUN-repeat!!!

A day off, but a RIPPIN' afternoon.

2010-04-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

A photo of the watered down back nine...just coming into form. The usual suspects and the inside line is dialing in.

Session and chill...ride and repeat.

2010-04-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

Another stellar day at the North Augusta pumptrack. Lots of riding and shaping happened today. Thankfully more riding than digging was required though. We are about 75% there. Some more compacting and work on the inside and crossover lines and we should be sitting pretty. We even solicited some child labor today!

Little guy chillin with the big boys thinking about his run...this is a Victor, thanks Bill.

The afternoon riding crew, 60 year old mnt bikers and 16 year old BMX kids, how can you not get it. Get it!

A great day...

2010-04-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Dialing in the track with some volunteer assistance.

I think the pictures paint it out...

Starting to start

2010-04-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

We fishined the machine work on the Pumptrack in North Augusta today and are beginning the hand shaping. Some will be easy, other parts will be tougher. The beauty of this project is the amount of time we will have to dial this beast in. This track should really rock. We are also looking at adding a small singletrack section and a few logrides to showcase "the other stuff" we can do. The photos over the next couple days should reflect things tightening up and we should be riding it in by Saturday night. YeeHaw!!

Better.

2010-04-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, today started off on about the same note as yesterday, but had really turned a corner by the end of the day. The poor little Bobkitten got a new set of shoes by about 3pm and its big brother showed up this afternoon to help finish the job its little brother started. By tomorrow afternoon we should be shoveling. Here are some pics from the day, tomorrow promises much more, including maybe dropping some BIG trees for logrides.

A case of the Monday's...

2010-04-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well, today, combined with yesterday being Easter, and us being in SC; turned into a case of the Monday's. I still needed to get the project from last week wrapped up with finalizing maps and the trail plan as well as the all important invoice, so the current project already started behind the eight ball. Good thing we have two weeks. Thank you preplanning.

Today in North Augusta SC we began the pumptrack, I got the design done once all the logistics were taken care of and low and punched a hole in the tire of the little machine we were given. Makes me contemplate buying my own piece of equipment until I look at the prices. The machine below managed about half an hour of moving the dirt from once side of the pavilion to the other before deiding that was enough of that. So tomorrow we fix a flat, do laundry and try to move the rest of the dirt. Ah yes, being on jobsites...with machines...DOH!!! Here is to a fruitful Tuesday and getting into a rythm while building rythm.

Ol' Fort's Ol' Fort

2010-04-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

So first off Happy Easter to those folks who appreciate it. I know I don't usually post on Sundays, they kind of are our day. But with the day we had yesterday and the fact we have a full day today I figured I would take a little time next to this sweet creek and do a bit of typing.

Yesterday we were invited by the owner of Catawba Falls Campground to come witness and participate in the building of a revolutionary era fort that the local citizens are reconstructing. This particular fort represents one that sat at the base of the mountains and was used as a safehaven against Native Attacking forces. There is a lot in that which facinates me but, will have to wait for another time. The highlight of the trip down there was getting to make handmade shakes/shingles. This is something I have been wanting to learn because the technique can easily be adapted to building bridges and is a dying craft that deserves reserection.

A big THANKS goes out to Joe, my instructor and patient mentor for the day. I only got to spend about an hour and a half actually cutting bolts and shakes, but every minute of it was prized.

Here you see me cutting "bolts" from the eigthed log, a HUGE piece of white oak. As you can see this isn't an easy process, but is one of the most gratifying feelings when that froe finally breaks the grain and busts the bolt off. This is about as far as you would need to take the process for decking on a bridge. It also takes very little skill and makes for a great introduction for volunteers on a bridge project.

Now, just for my own personal experience I went on to the step of making the shake, which required far more skill and dexterity. This was a tough job, but on that made you truly appreciate the complex structures of wood grain. All in all one of the best experiences of the year. Being back on the road has already paid off in experience. Now on to North Augusta and more fun in the sun.

Beating Spring...

2010-04-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well, the last few days have been crazy on the Three Creeks job, I have found a new respect for the peadmont and mountain joining of forces. Everything from super flat marshy terrain to crazy huge rock out crops and funky noses/ridges. Today we got most of the flagging done and are on a good schedule to have all the on the ground work of the design completed tomorrow. But, today I was trying to beat the leaves to opening, I know this because in this design we went over the same area a number of times and literally saw the leaves coming out bfore my very eyes...with about an hour delay between visits, CRAZY COOL!!

The scenary on this project is astounding and I have had a hard time capturing it with the bright Spring light. But here is our lunch spot for the day to give you a shot of the more...exposed areas, the hidden ones are even more amazing.

After the day in the field we stopped at Andrew's Geyser just to check it out, I have heard all about it in my time in the area, but had just never gotten to see it. Pretty cool I must say. They capture river water from some 1000+ feet up the mountain and send it through reducing diameters of pipe until...KAPOWEE!!! Huhu...awesome.

Remember These??

2010-03-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

This time last year, things looked very similar, yet very different, but the attitude was all the same. We are BACK ON THE ROAD, a few weeks later than would be liked, but snow can be thanked for that one. Check out the new digs.

We are down here at Catawba Falls Campground for a few days doing some design work with a local community, then off to Augusta for the BIG FUN !! After that we head to Florida for the end of April and some working and riding. That gets us through the next month. STOKED!!!

Ridge Runnin'

2010-03-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished the loop yesterday on the mountain with a nice little old school Pisgah Ridge. The property sits against a small penninsula of National Forest Land and the boundry has always had a bit of a trail on it. Yesterday we cleaned up the trail to make it ridable and to get the machine off the mountain. Now that the trail is complete, we just will spend the last two days finishing off the "punch sheet" before leaving town at the beginning of next week. The trail will take about 3 or 4 weeks of good riding to truly break in, then I really feel this will be some of the best few miles of trail in the area. Enjoy the photos and get to know the Green's this place will be a private trailhead in the very near future.

Getting things out in the open.

2010-03-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

We have been building HARD in the Rhodo and Laurel the last week or so with very little break. Only the occasional glimps of open forest. Well yesterday we broke through and today we got BAKED by the sun in the open canopy...I am ready for the leaves to come on back out.

We made it onto the ridge that is the property line with the National Forest, and tomorrow get to do some Ol' Skool building up and over the small ridgetop. This trail system is going to have just enough of everything to keep things interesting.

There and back again.

2010-03-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

We finally got out of the Rhodo and Laurel today. We are in the open, yet this is the first time I have thrown a track. Damn Hickory roots!! Tomorrow should mark the major completion of most of the "upper mountain". Then, Thursday we get'r done and do the ridge. Weather tomorrow...oh yeah 70 MF degrees...YES!. Now, time for bed.

Phase One dOne

2010-03-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

We have the lower loop completed, thanks to Mark (pictured). This week is all about the Upper Mountain. The trailer will begin getting filled up with our stuff and we will be getting our P's and Q's lined up for getting out of town in a week for our "dry run". Check in the rest of this week for the finale of the Green's and the start on the road...Here we GO!!!

Turning the corner...wasn't easy.

2010-03-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel like we turned the corner on the project today. We have pretty much punched through the lower loop making for a nice pedal for the Green's.

Today did come with some fighting though. Mark managed to get his machine stuck and roll a track. While I was busy breaking a cotter pin and loosing the bucket...that was kind of funny when it happened though.

Well after a tough day it is time to kick back and relax,... after I finish these few emails.

Back in the THICK of it...

2010-03-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well, the little vacation is over and it is time to "do work son!" - "Big".

We have been hard at it for the last day and a half and tomorrow should be really stellar. With the volunteer (Mark) as well as his machine, we are getting some trail built.

We hope to have the lower loop done Thursday and then move on to the next phase.

2010-03-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

This was how we spent the weekend. Tearing apart bad wood and replacing it with good wood, watch Aracnaphopia next time you get the chance..."BAD WOOD...take it out and put in good wood"...Seriously, this is the beginning of the craziness that will be our Spring. Tomorrow we start back on the Green's. Trailer is livable, so we got that going for us. Until next time..Keep it Real!!

Getting closer...

2010-03-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

This morning things started getting crazy, a project popped that I thought was done, so I need to find time that doesn't exist. But, then we started working on the new home, pics below and I found out I needed to take a few steps back before getting to charge ahead. Starting Monday this blog should really come alive. We dive into the trailer tomorrow hopefully getting the bed and some shelving built, we also need to seal the roof better and I need to rebuild the door from said leakage, thank you rain this week. Monday we start back at the Green's, there is a fella from Kentucky coming down for training and to help out the first week so I am hoping we really get some work done, we will probably be on the project for 2 STRAIGHT weeks. Then, we will head towards LL to work on desing on a private developement and to test run the trailer, then it is off to North Augusta for probably the most exciting project of the Spring. Next, we head to Florida for a design and public imput meeting in Orlando, a bike park in town...pretty cool. Then, we go to N. Florida to work on a Bike Park design for a new state recreation area, they want to see a park that beats Santos, that is also very exciting. Next the IMBA World Summit...Oh boy the kidney's are gonna love me after that one. Then up to Ohio and then to Middleton Wisconsin for a fun little check up and building. That gets me to the end of May, June might be returning to NC for any number of builds, or we could end up in CO; either way you get the idea. If you are reading this and a prospective client...GET IN TOUCH NOW or it may be 2011 before we get to meet.

Pics of the trailer, outside, doorway, inside stripped. In a few more days it will look very different. Check out the archive from this time last year to see what we have done before.

Transition...no not the bike

2010-03-09T06:41:00.001-08:00

Well, it is the end of the snowboard season barring some FREAK storm. Weather will be sixty for the next ten days and a nice drizzly little rain coming in too. So that means back to work. The end of this month has yet to completely hash itself out, but at least for the next week we will be getting our new trailer outfitted and ready and then figure out where we go from there. Right now there are three potentials: finish the project we started before things got white, head to FL for some design stuff and a bit of riding at Santos, or if a FREAK storm is on the horrizon, head up to WV and get in some steep and deep to cap things off before the season really cranks for us in North Augusta in April. How do things look for us right now? BUSY. The calendar is quickly filling, for every project we have had that flops, two more start. This week will be filled with paperwork and table saws, that is for sure. So here is to transition, this year we are going into the season rejuvinated and ready to rock. I will post up pics as we get the trailer together too, to try and get back in the blogging swing of things.

Cranking and Cruizin'...

2010-02-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

Striking a balance in this kind of life can be difficult, but I have an awesome governer in Jenn. We were fighting mother nature too much and she called it out. So now instead of dread when it snows we are able to smile. Jenn is really learning how to snowboard well, which secures we will spend next Winter out west and not bother with this whole building in the middle of Winter thing.

So, what is on the docket next? We are still waiting to hear on the very next project, but taxes and selling the moto have us covered until the beginning of April. Then, we build a Pumptrack for North Augusta, check us out on Facebook to see the press release, then we either come back up to NC to finish the Green's or if things get crazy, we may have to go down to FL. Then, the IMBA World Summit, follwed by a trip into the Midwest, That will get us to June...After that? Here we go again.

How are we in the looming shadow of a busy build season...GREAT! I hit the first stair gap and over rail gap on a street ride in years, I guess the riding is coming back. Why is it coming back you wonder? What is the secret to getting back on the horse? SNOWBOARDING!! I forgot after not cruising for five years that it was my balance in Winter...any of the people reading this, if you have buddies that drive cats in Winter, I want to try that shi$!! I think I could really enjoy that.

If you haven't ever ridden in the Winter you won't understand that SNOW IS GOD! It is amazing to experience it. The east coast has had the best Winter I ever remember, and now I can relax and enjoy it. Next year I hope the Winter smiles on Cali. We will see.

Until then, turns and waiting for the insanity to begin.

2010-02-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well, as you can see, Jenn and I have been keeping ourselves busy with extracurricular activities these last few days. The weather has been awesome and the snow has been better than I have ever seen it around here.

With no money coming in right now because of the snow, we have to get a little creative to save some dough, Jenn made some great chili and we have been reheating it in true tailgate fassion.

Today, is trying to get ahead in some office work, then back up on the hill tomorrow and maybe over the weekend as well. The weather seems like it is making a turn and if it does, we will jump back on the Green's. Until then it is finalizing contracts on three other very exciting projects and getting ready for build season to start.

Snowed OUT...

2010-02-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

We pulled the rental machine off the mountain and will have to get back to the project in April after a couple instramental projects, I hope to announce in the next week or so. We will be snowborading and doing little odds and ends while we wait for the next project to start. I am thinking quite a bit about selling my 2001 DRZ400 as well. Get in touch if you are interested. I hope to get some blue bird day photos on the blog in the next couple days. Everyone, enjoy what mother nature is giving you and take advantage of great seasons.

Skillz to pay the billS

2010-02-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we had our last meeting at the USNWC in Charlotte to discuss the creation of a Mountain Bike Skillz Hill, this will be a super cool project and one that will be a big benefit to the local community, but we are still waiting for the final Green Light, but it is all in their hands now, keep your fingers crossed. These photos show some of the terrain and meeting with a few of the locals to finalize design ideas.

Today, we head to the Green's to cut the machine out of the woods, we will most likely pull it for a few weeks and see how the rest of my projects and the weather comes together. I feel like with a real good couple of weeks we could get finished, but right now this isn't our Winter M.O. So, pull the machine to lower their overall machine rental costs, get all of the projects coming down the pipe lined up and then welcome the spring. Let Mr. Toads wild ride begin.

Digging in the snow...

2010-02-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well, we got back up to the Green's to actually get some work done today. I wanted to see how it was cuttin' in about two-three inches of snow. Actually wasn't too bad. In the last few feet of the day though we got into some gnarly rock and I needed to do a bit of chainsaw work, but alas the saw was broken, so home we came. I took apart the saw and of course the problem relates to some $1.50 spring that won't be here until the end of the week, so it looks like I will be felling a big adze tree with a two bit ax later this week...j.o.y...It looks like a nasty day tomorrow, but hope to get back up there on Wednesday. Until then enjoy some snowtos.

F#@! this F#@!ing Weather !!!

2010-02-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

photo credit: citizen-times.com

Ok, so it has been quite a while since the last post, it has been a whole week since we worked. Why, snowed in, we had to wench ourselves up to the top of the Green's driveway on Wednesday to just try and check out the jobsite. So, how have I been filling the time? I wish I could say productively, but it seems like everytime I try, something is in the way, trying to work on a sponsorship proposal for a DJ comp, but folks have already been working on some stuff at the park, so back to square one trying to get on the same page and see if the comp will even work with the timing...Okay, so screw it I go snowboarding and proceed to bounce my face off the ice in the trees, "oh, that is why all that snow was untracked. Got it." We have pretty much been passing the time working on a puzzle and doing some reading. Today's forcast, an inch to two inches of sleet followed by half an inch of freezing rain...G*& D@!#IT !! Oh well, here is to next week. This weekend is all about housesitting for a friend and having a TV to pass the time. We don't have one at the apartment where we are staying while in town. Go Saints !!

Switching Back...

2010-01-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a sequence from the swithcback I built today, possibly the best switchback I have ever built. It is all about refinement. Today was certainly very Zen.

Tooth and nail...

2010-01-25T15:15:00.001-08:00

The going was rough today...lots of thick sections of roots and some steep sideslopes. Only managed about 300 feet or so in the day, but tomorrow I will breack out into more open forest. For now enjoy the deep forest trail pics.

Workin' the turns.

2010-01-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

Yeah I know it is Saturday and I shouldn't be working, but I needed it, too much paper work this week. Here are pics of reworking two of the turns on section one to open the radii a bit. Check out our dirty dog too. Enjoiy your weekend.

Rain and ready for tomorrow

2010-01-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well, sorry for no pics with the post, but have been either busy in front of the word machine or have been out in rain, "camera-no-like-rain". So you will be getting a literary rendition. On Wednesday, we had to get a proposal together for a park in Florida, we also had about 10 phone calls to make or recieve that day, needless to say the day kinda sucked, I don't like not being outside. I did do a little pedal behind the house because the rain was coming. Well, the rain arrived Wednesday night, and stayed 'til this morning. Yesterday more paper work tryig to get everything back together from Wednesday. But the real fun was having to go replace the tracks on the machine, they called about the time it was raining cats and dogs and was about 32.5 degrees, so it was rain instead of snow...AWESOME...not. But, got those changed out and am ready to rock and roll this weekend. Today was a long morning meetig with a potential new client. I will spend the rest of the day finishing the paperwork up from this week. Tomorrow we will head back out to the Green's to finish up the switchbacks on section 1 and to get the machine back in the woods and the corridor finished up for contiuing on Monday. Okay so I guess I did post a photo. Credit goes to Jeff Zimmerman, local photog with a hell of an eye. Photo was taken during the TNSR, something I am becoming a BIG fan of. Rider:Adam Winton

Krazy...yeah with a K

2010-01-18T16:38:00.001-08:00

Well on Friday we finally got to ride some of the trail, pretty fun. After the weekend rain though it all looks REALLY FUN. Check out this stone switchback on the trail. Yeah it pretty. The retaining wall was built by some of John and Ann's friends, thanks guys. Wait till we build the mirror switchback exactly across the driveway, that will be such a cool gateway to see coming up the road.

We also moved over to what I am calling section 2 today. I am stoked about this area. The weekend rains also helped melt all the snow that was in the rhodo glades, the pictures for the next few weeks might be increadible.

Finally, ALL THE OTHER STUFF...holy crap seems like 2010 is going to be straight NUTTY. I am trying to just breathe and relax, but those of you that know me well know that is pretty hard to do. So, street ride tomorrow night should help. It is amazing how a great manual can help focus your energy.

Rollin'

2010-01-13T15:32:00.001-08:00

Winter's grip began slipping today, it was a balmy 42 degrees. We had another great day on the hill today 2 switchbacks, pics to come and about 600' of trail roughed in. Here are some photos of trail from the last couple days. Enjoy.

Back to work.

2010-01-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

Well, last week was lots of meetings and talking, this week is all WORK ! We started back up on the Pisgah Project. We picked up the machine from Casey at United Rental in South Asheville, great guy. Dropped the machine, had to return the trailer, then we jumped into full blown production, good distance too and one turn! Tomorrow should be a switchback and some more footage. The ground was crazy, some frozen some not, when I was benching it was all good, but when it flattened out to like 10% you were just breaking out big chunks. This will be one of the funnest sections of trail in WNC, I can't wait to put tires to this stuff.

The Process

2010-01-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

So you have stumbled upon this little Nook of cyberspace and decided you like what you see, you want something awesome to ride your bike on. How do we get this guy in our town. I am going to outline a "typical" project process from conception through completion and enjoyment. This will be from a perspective of a potential community advocate, if you are a land manager, you cut out a bit of the middle man and the process can be a bit easier. If anyone has any questions please get in touch benblitch at gmail dot com.

Man wouldn't it be awesome if...
First, this will take a while. Settle yourself into a three year vision. It can happen faster if the right things are in place, but this is most projects. Start with an idea, you see a picture in a magazine and want that, you ride a cool trail somewhere else in the country and you want that. Take this idea and get in touch with me, we start HERE.

After the what it is time to find the who. Who will also want this, who's land will it be on. This blog has more details about each indiviual type of project and the check list of it. Check out those links or get in touch, we can cater to any need. Okay now you have players for the plan, it's time to find money. This is hugely an individual basis to raise the funds, certain towns will pay for the project, others won't. There are grants, you would also be suprised by how many people will really help just to be nice. You do need money though because you will want a pro. We do this every day and will help streamline the entire process to get you enjoying the product with far less effort.

So you raise the money and have the approvals, we sign into a design/build contract to lock in the dates on the calander. Then, the fun begins. Upon arrival you will know the reality that was riding in your area is about to change. That is what B4 Consulting and Construction Inc. brings to your project. We don't just build a physical element, we infuse your area with passion and creativity, something truly unique.

You get to dig, or not, bake cookies, or not, you do what you want and we help everything happen. By the end of the production, you have a finished product and will be supported through that products lifespan. We present everything from helpful advice about maintenance on the phone, through a full maintenance contract. There ISN'T a reason you can't have what you want in your town. Be patient, but commited and it will happen, the pendulum has swung. Just ask.

Trying to sum it all up.

2010-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

Funny how moving from one year to the next makes the world reflect in front of you just for a bit. Last year had a few shoulda's and a few of those have shown up to bite back at the beginning of 2010. But, for the most part, things are looking up. Here is a little update on the right now, because that is all you can comment on really. Yesterday was a few errands and a meeting about the Pisgah Project, Today, Jenn is happy and warm at the Dome and I am trying to motivate to get a few more things up on this site. Also, had to work on the truck some, but honestly it feels really good to make things work right sometimes, miss that from the bikeshop days. It has been brutal cold lately so not much riding for me, bought Jenn a bike for Xmas and we have been doing some small ride around the house, but I haven't REALLY ridden in a while. That might be part of things. Tomorrow I head down to CLT for a followup meeting with some folks down there. Thursday dropping BIG trees at mom's, then Friday head back down to Creston to meet with them about a Phase 2 project. See things are doing well. Hope to work on some more company Philosophy stuff tonight too, might be good reading for a while, but photos will be lacking for the rest of the week...sorry folks. Maybe part of 2010, will be a little more reading.

Then and Now,

2009-12-28T17:22:00.001-08:00

Got back up to the Pisgah Project today. I think the break was needed, in a retrospective kind of way, but I am certainly ready to get back on it.

The tree stand above marked a trace of people from the recent past. Check the galvi screws for ladder steps.

We talked to the owner today about skipping the "back nine" build and doing a really cool rustic skills area that doubles as benches for a huge fire pit. I think that will be fun. Tomorrow is a real work day. Depending on my mood it may be New Years before I post again, if it is. I hope everyone the Happiest.

No-job site this week...

2009-12-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

Well we headed up to the Pisgah Project to see how it was looking. It looks like they got a boatload of snow, is what it looks like.

Well, looks like it is Christmas time. We will be cutting corridor in the snow come Monday...it will be cool to do that, been a while since I have worked in the snow.

Time for some changes on here.

2009-12-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Well, things have gotten a bit stale on the old Blog, as far as appearance goes. You will see a lot of changes in the coming days as we wait for the world to thaw so we can start clearing corridor on the Pisgah Project again. I will be adding more info to the company Phylosophies pages and also will be trying a few feedback pages. Have a suggestion for something you would like to see on the site? Fire it over via a comment on this post. Hope everyone is doing well and that a Happy Holiday season is had by all.

Ben

SNOWWAY!!!

2009-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it started snowing.

Today it stopped.

That patch of woods belongs to the Blue Ridge Parkway...looks like we will have a National Park all to ourselves this weekend..ROCK ON !!!

The balancing act...

2009-12-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Well today we split off the job a little early because I think I am getting sick. The balancing act refers to the balance of pushing to meet deadlines, versus pushing too hard and loosing sight of the big picture. I have a few things I can do at the house for the accountant and for potential clients for next year, so get ahead on these things now and maybe behind on the project at hand, but if I were to get really knocked down the project may be weeks instead of days behind. We will see how it goes. More saw work on the mountain with no real changes. Hopefully will get the machine and break ground next week, but no hurry, it will be the christmas week anyway. Enjoy the photos for now of more endless saw work and of the base camp for the couple hours today.

The Stash..

2009-12-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

They are being patient, they promise. It has been a while since I have been on a full blown production job, these tools have been just sitting unless chopping firewood in their spare time, can't wait to start digging! To give a little background, this particular project sits on a private 37 acres that is nestled, literally, nestled up against Mount Pisgah. We will be ptting around three plus miles on the proerpty. We have finished the lower loop clearing today and tomorrow will be flagging the final segment behind the house. Had to work around the septic instalation, there will be a lot of those types of things in some of the projects this year, hurry up and wait, but stay busy otherwise, you know? Anyway, we will finish the flagging tomorrow and the plan is finish clearing by the end of the next week. So that means the digger will be here soon, it will be like my own little Christmas present. This trail system will be AMAZING, I can't wait to get you guys great action shots. Until then, the suspense will keep building.

Fighting...

2009-12-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

Life and Branches of Rhodo are very similar things. I think this is where the old timers wisdom comes from is thought and processing, something missing in today's world. God love camping for months on end...Ahhh. So anyway, life and Rhodo. Both have branches that bump into each other and block progress, both have additive pressure problems, the more you push the harder things get. Buddha this one is your department. The photos are of the Rhodo, I look at the before and after and simply think that life too in time will be moved aside and the next Rhodo will await. Pete Webber, I think it was, asked me a while back the best way for clearing Rhodo and Laurel, Pete, this is the answer...

Pisgah Project Week 2...Tunnels

2009-12-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well, it is the end of week two on the little hibernation gig, we have doing outside of Pisgah. We cranked the saws yesterday, to much disagreement from our Stihl's. My saw was particularlly pissed. It was a bit of a hard emotional and mental day yesterday, then juxtapose that to the hard physical day we had today. Rhodo is a beast. If you resign yourself to slow pacing and being patient, you can get through the stuff, and the pay off is amazing, nature regrows in amazing deep tunnels. If you have done some riding around the mountains of the east coast you know what I am talking about. The feeling that you are being wrapped in a damp little nature cocoon, the beautiful opposition to this is when you bust out into the open hardwood canopy that is southern facing slopes, you enter the room! There are a couple of these spots in this project, we did our best to design these with accordance to views of the cool house that sits on this property as well. Including extra thought in a project like this is one of my favorite things to do. Enjoy the photos and imagine the tunnels closing in on you, enjoy that through the weekend.

Design almost done, saws crank Thursday

2009-12-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

We finished up most of the design today and will be starting on the corridor Thursday. Above is one of the many turns that we have been laying out over the last few weeks. This loop will have around 14 dedicated switchback-ish turns that we will have to contend with. About five will be real bears, the rest should be fairly straight forward. Below is a picture of Otie standing on one of the cooler features we found deep in the Rhodo glades. This tree must have had quite the story to tell, the trunk is imbedded in the ground for about five feet then begins its turn skyward. I don't know exactly how the trail will pass this yet, it will develope as we clear corridor and comein with the machine. Should be cool though.

Tomorrow is heavy on the computer time, I am working on a few bid packages and proposals right now, from the looks of it 2010 will be a banner year.

And away we go ..!

2009-11-24T15:19:00.001-08:00

Well, the new project has begun. I went to the site yesterday and walked all the property lines. This place is amazing, imagine all of the great things about WNC riding, then put it out your backdoor. That is what these folks will have. We are shooting for about four miles total after the project is done.

Today we were able to lay out the "right side", and got about half of the "left side" rough flagged. Tomorrow will be the linking of the top and the bottom of the left side, then hopefully we will be able to dial that line.

The right side will be mostly open hardwood forest with a 5% drop and around 7 nice turns to get you traversing the slope. It should be a mix of DuPont style trail with Pisgah style forest. Then, the left side will be like Laurel Mountain for a climb, but without the nasty slick sideslope rocks, yeah seems pretty good. The "back nine" is a whole different story, that area has the largest Hickory I have ever seen, 6 ft DBH, no joke!

Things in the developement front have been crazy this week too. I expected this week to be quiet with the Holidays and all, but turns out everyone is cramming a weeks work into three days. Yikes!

Dreaming...

2009-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the universe aligns and you get the opportunity to have great things happen. When we were in Charlotte this Summer the White Water Center gave us the place to rest and relax, but the whole while ideas were circulating in my head. The place represents the "ski resort" mentality and culture that is replicable ANYWHERE. Imagine a resort type environment where you have water, riding and good food and beer. Seems about like heaven to me. Well, the USNWC represents this kind of place. Today we went down and looked at new potential that can be reveled. Here is to fingers crossed!

Tomorrow? Well, first a few hours on Valmont stuff, then answer some emails and work on whatever those call for. Finally, the goal is to get back out on the moto to clear the head in the afternoon. Maybe a fire in the conference room after that.

Great weekend...now to git2werk!

2009-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Being back in WNC without getting to ride for a week was a hard fought battle, but worth it. Last week I knocked out a ton of work, now it is time to focus on the projects immediately at hand and to get reinvigorated, night rides in Pisgah here I come. Here are photos from the m-loop North Slope pedal on Saturday, then I went for a moto ride on the new tires...fuu--uun!

The Stairs and Boone...No CLT...Oh well

2009-11-12T07:42:00.001-08:00

I guess Boone first. I am going to keep the name on this one secret to help from getting bitten (ie. biters) for a little while. But here are some pretty pictures.

Now the stairs. Here is the build, below is the texture. CLT got called cause rain and red clay don't mix. Next week looks like.

Office day with Ida...

2009-11-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Well, today was the first chance we have had in a very long time to sit and get the office caught up. I think we got about half way through. Thank goodness this storm came through dropping ridiculous amounts of rain or I probably would have put off the boring computer and jumped on the bike. Tomorrow we head to Boone to check out a new county acquisition then to Charlotte to see some old friends and see what they got going on. Office day number two will be Friday, finally Saturday it is RIDE TIME!

If I get any cool photos from either site visit they will make it on the blog so the week probably won't be a total wash, pun intended.

CoooooL......!

2009-11-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

A new spot that OGT is managing in North Florida. I went up there today to take a look at the "potential" of this place. I will just refer you to the title of the post.

What the....?

2009-11-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a busy weekend. We spent some time in Tavares on Halloween and then headed to Orlando to check some stuff out on Monday, photo at the bottom. Today, I finally made the ride out to the Land Bridge at Santos, and it was really cool! The photo above is of the crossing, you are in the woods and start climbing a hill that seems way too big for Florida, then look to your right and there it is I-75, in the photo below. It was an excellent ride and everything I needed right now.

Orlando Woods.

Tomorrow we head to Gainesville to chill with some of Jenn's friends and for me to try and get caught up on some paper work. Then, I head to check out a cool property with some Florida folks on Friday. Enjoy your day and GET OUT AND RIDE!!!

Rippin' and Packin'

2009-10-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it is flowing. The whole day was spent riding in the pump track and doing a bit of final dialing. The photo above is of one of the kids helping pack things in. Below is fresh tracks on the yet to be full packed berms, then the very bottom is, well, this is the fun stuff.

The Rythm of the build

2009-10-29T07:41:00.001-07:00

Well, we are into the home stretch, I should be riding this beast by the end of the day. Above and below is a photo of how these things really get done. It is all about hard work. One of the best things about digging is it requires repetition and a zen like efficiency. Below Rob, the lot owner, gives a berm his touch.

The results are sculpted packed lines ready for tire packing and final rake downs. How many options can you count coming out of this berm?

The day ended with this great sunset in the background over the lake. Great Day!

Making it with the machine

2009-10-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the typical start to many a pump track. Beautiful piles of soft pliable soil. The process from here still has many options to go both the right and the wrong way. Below is what I have done with it on this particular lot. Just because it was done this way here does not mean it is necessarily what you should do for a pump track you are building. These things are an art and each one should be a creative extension based on a number of factors.

Then after the dirt is placed the detailing and "finish carpentry" begin. I always start with the clean up of the piles first, it feels like it closes a chapter and allows you to concentrate on the big goal in front of you...the digging, the packing and the repeating.

Florida flowbuilding...

2009-10-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Outside of Ocala and Orlando is a buddy who has a pumptrack in the backyard. He has spent the last couple months trying to build a flowy wonderful escape in his backyard, but alas it wasn't working so "who ya gonna call?" PUMPTRACKERS!!

We spent the first day simply tweaking what looked close and will spend tomorrow in the machine dropping new dirt and tweaking the "upper" two-thirds of the track.Hopefully we will be riding it by Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning.

Back to work...

2009-10-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the west was a great trip, I will give a nice little wrap up some time in the next couple weeks. But, for now it is time to get back to work. We are in Tallahassee to look over a project that the city wants completed on an urban trail system in the heart of the city. The pre-bid conference was yesterday and now it is time to do some creative writing...remember that class in school? We also head to a private pumptrack tomorrow to crank out some great backyard lovin' for a friend. I will try and update that one daily if I can, should be a cool little build. So for now, I guess we are back to work. But, how seriously can you really take Florida when people are driving around like this!

Oh my.

2009-10-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Been a busy weekend. So, we left Salt Lake bound for Boulder to check out the shovel turning ceremony at Valmont and now find ourselves in Fayetteville, AR via Eureka Springs. It has been one of those cross country weeks with a Denver bike ride along Buffalo Creek along the way. This is a cross country excursion that will end in Tallahassee on Friday. The above photos are my best attempt at capturing the drama and politics that are Boulder, the rest is off record and a joy by the moment. Until I can get my thoughts a bit more organized, here is to tomorrow.

Salt Lake is fine by me.

2009-10-14T17:32:00.001-07:00

Salt Lake's "trails". The above picture is not me. Click on the link to read a really good article about some dirt jumps in Salt Lake. I was lucky enough to get to see these trails today and it is impressive. Big, totally non progression friendly, and BIG. The jumps are gorgeous and were too wet to ride, but really cool. They even have a water fall built at the roll-in to give you a zen vibe before your run.

SO how did the presentation go? Killed it! in a purple tie and all. We are leaving out tomorrow to headed to Florida, so may be a bit away from the interwebby for a bit. Sorry for the fragmented post, but it is time to get some food.

Are you READY!!!!!

2009-10-09T09:17:00.001-07:00

We are stoved up in a hotel in Grand Junction, CO waiting to get our truck back out of the shop. While here with good access to the interwebby, I have been getting my head straight for doing possibly the most important presentation to date. I will be presenting at the NRPA Congress about Dirt Jump Parks, then attending a few really cool presentations as well. After Salt Lake we have to B-Line it to Florida to do a private pumptrack build and check out a few other projects. Look for an update Tuesday afternoon after the presentation, and shoot as many good vibes my way that day as possible.

Penitente Canyon, CO

2009-10-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

We are settled in to Southern Colorado for a ten day workation of climbing, mountain biking, emails and preparing for the Winter build season. Here are a few photos from camp, hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate and I can get some of the shots across the San Luis Valley over to the Great Sand Dunes.

Moab...OH YEAH!!

2009-09-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

The place rocks, I didn't quite have the time I wanted in this amazing place, but make no mistake, this crew will return. The photos below are from "the Slickrock Trail". Interestingly enough, it was actually a motohead in 1969 that went through all the tape to get this trail "built". Kinda cool, but man those guys are nuts.

Now we are hanging out South of Salida, CO doing some climbing and riding, both moto and pedal bike, should be a fun nine days.

Gooseberry Getaway !

2009-09-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

What do people do after Interbike? Take a vacation of course. Conveniently located on the way from Vegas to Penatente, CO is Gooseberry Mesa. What a drive to get in to the trails. We camped, drank and rode. Here are a few photos of the weekend. Now we are in Moab for a day of errands, then off to the Canyon for a week plus of climbing and office work.

Interbike...simple as that.

2009-09-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I am relaxing after my last day at "the show". Above is a photo of the frenzy about to unleash on day one. I was lucky enough to get an exhibitor pass and was able to snap this sweet photo from "in" the show. This is what a mob looks like at nine am before ravaging the industry.

So what is it like? Man, crazy to say the least. I spent two straight days trying to convince the manufacturers that what is a good idea...is actually a good idea. It's like the quire speaks Spanish and the preacher speaks Russian. However, we all speak BIKE. Check out this homage to the true old school below. Thank you creativity.

Then, what do you do at the end of the day? Go to "the strip" of course. And I got to see the fountain at the B, which was super high on my while in Vegas list. Next we head to CO to do a bit of riding and follow up with the umpteenmillion contacts I made this week.

Vegas Day 2...Orientation and Outdoor Demo

2009-09-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

The goal today was to learn the system. I have never been to either Vegas or Interbike. 14 years in the Industry and this is the first trip...and this place is certainly a TRIP!! Above is a photo of the Outdoor Demo, which was good, but definitely not for me. Crazy packed trails and bikes that I really should leave for shop owners to ride. The trip is paying off for next year already.

The photo below is of the line waiting to get to the demo. I showed up this morning to see this and found my boyz...BIG THANKS TO CANE CREEK...you know who you are. We jumped in the truck and off we jetted getting to the demo.

Now that I am oriented tomorrow is down to hard working trying to find sponsors for projects and the company. I hope to talk to the right people and be in the mindset to get the right things done. Folks...please wish me luck. I think I need it this time around, feels a bit David and Goliath.

Vegas and the Death Valley Curse

2009-09-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Man, Death Valley is HHHOOOTTTTT!!!! Why? Check this out. It really is too. On our way from So Cal to Vegas we drove through the valley and sure enough, she blew. We lost an o ring that fits in between the dip stick tube and oil pan on the truck. 4 Quarts of oil gone like a flash, good thing the truck holds 15 quarts! However, we did make it to Vegas. Upon much research on Diesel Stop and a Powerstroke Diesel forum we figured out the fix. No biggy if you have a shop. But alas we are on the road indeed and a hotel parking lot is nowhere to get 15 quarts of oil spilled in, for both laziness and ecological reasons. So, off to the shop for 200 dollars in repair on a 4 dollar o ring, we need a bigger trailer so I can carry more tools. Now I just am trying to relax and enjoy Vegas. All 100 degrees of it. Tomorrow I will be heading to the Dirt Demo and hopefully get to meet some nice folks in nicer weather.

Below is a video from a pretty interesting mechanic on the ins and outs of PSD leaks. If you can't tell I am a bit of a wrenching geek.

Design/Build Benefits

2009-09-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months we have been traveling the continent and reviewing on-the-ground, case-studies of operational bike parks and clandestine facilities alike. With a back ground in many industries, I find that we are forging new territory by creating a bike park construction industry from the ground up. Much like the life span of constructing a park you should first establish what the needs are. In the recent years fiscal responsibility has moved to the forefront and a municipal bike park project is no different. It is through all of this experience and the needs of financial efficiency that the design/build concept really shines.

Off-road bicycle facilities that truly excel contain elements of aesthetic beauty, craftsmanship, and experiential art. It is truly an endeavor that balances form and function. When a facility truly stands out it has a level of continuity and a level of detail unmatched by less unique amenities. This continuity is delivered through a unified vision and execution process, the core value of design/build procurement.

By qualifying and hiring the proper design/build team on a project, clients are able to achieve a number of benefits including cost savings, construction efficiency and an artistic community asset that is sure to please both the users and spectators. B4 Consulting and Construction Inc. is uniquely qualified for this type of project with a background in engineering, art and home building.

A specialty project like a bike park should not be left to less passionate design firms that do not understand the nuances of building the individual features and should certainly not be interpreted by a General Contractor based upon CAD style drawings. Having a true artist that understands the reality of the construction ahead; insures the ultimate product and the design/build model ensures efficiency and a better overall project value.

Take some examples from the skate park industry: (skateparkguide.com)

“There are a couple of design/build teams that insist upon the freedom to make any modifications they desire while the park is under construction. These skateparks undergo a dynamic, almost organic process while the park is being built. This design approach works because these teams have a high level of experience both as skaters and as park builders and demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail. The result is some of the best skateparks in the world.”

With the benefits of a qualified design/build team coupled with the lower general costs of a bike park project compared to a more materials intensive project like a skatepark or playground, building bike parks in communities is truly a priceless amenity to invest in.

References:
- http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=design+build+philosophy&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
- http://teampain.com/process.php
- http://www.thehaskellco.com/upload/NewsLibrary/ReferencePapers/DesignBuildBenefits.pdf

More...

2009-09-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

An $800,000 park in San Jose, Cali. Yeah $800K.

Pleasanton, CA has one too.

They both look pretty nice for piles of dirt. The question is "how do we take it to the next level?" Oh, Oh I know call on me teach!......Please!

Cali...Bro

2009-09-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I forgot the camera back at the campsite, but I think I can link to enough stuff to make this one interesting.

We are in a cool little community in San Diego County in So Cal hanging out for a few days and getting ready for Interbike. Things are great, we are staying right at the shore and get to listen to the waves crashing as we fall asleep during the night.

It was a good week leading up to this little workation as well. We started out in Moraga hanging out with granpa and having a very good time, then headed up to Folsom to ride their little park. I stacked it on a step-up, step-down in the beginner line and tweaked my shoulder a bit, but hey comes with the terrain right? The feature may need a little love, but who am I to judge.

Then, we headed over and did a fun little ride with Randy in Auburn and I had a crazy tire slice incident, maybe I should have stayed in bed that day. The next morning we woke up and went to Fresno to check out the bike park there. AWESOME!!! That place has it all. Hilride did a Progression park for them, then there is the best looking BMX track I have ever seen and finally, they have real diggers, building sick DJ trails. If you don't know...go.

Now we are just sitting here in Southern Cali hanging out and enjoying ourselves for a couple days. Hope to get some goo stuff up from Interbike, so keep an eye on the prize.

Wood.

2009-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we find ourselves in Moraga, CA visiting my grandpa and hearing great stories for the weekend, so here is a recap of the last couple days. First, we saw the largest wooden building in the US. An old abandoned blimp hanger in Tillamok, OR. Crazy story about how this things was built...I love our history of WWII.

Then, we went and saw the largest aircraft that has ever flown, also just happens to be made of wood, in McMinville, OR. DO we see a theme here. Bonus points if you know what the "Spruce Goose" was actually made from...Jeopardy Time.

Then, I rode Black Rock...the cheese grader is AWESOME. Where are all of the cool pictures of the crazy ladders and stuff? Well, this stuff was too fun to ride to stop and "shoot". Funny how the wood thing kept going for these couple days in central Oregon.

Finally, Ashland was a bit of a let down. I went to ride the stuff on the mountain, but the local shop turned me off. So, we went to the bar and found the local dirt jumps. They were fun for a minute, but were right next to the sewage treatment plant. Bonus points however because the best dog park I have ever seen was also right next to them. Otie was STOKED!

Well, for now it is gonna be a lot of R and R with some office work getting ready for San Diego and Las Vegas. Hope to see some of you there.

Ahhhh....

2009-09-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we left Hood River with no real agenda for the day. We are heading to Black Rock in Salem, but had a day to kill. Soooooo, we went to the coast, of course. And I can tell you in all truth it doesn't get any better than this.