Di_bear wrote:I strongly suggest showing up to a trail day so you can give your input on future projects and hopefully add some great technical elements in the process.
Most definitely THIS. Sometimes a TC may not have a technical background so they may not see a minor change that could add something to the trail. I personally like more freeride/DH type stuff so I look for ways to add some of those elements when re-routing trails and try and incorporate some of the natural terrain to achieve that when I can. Sometimes it just takes a person pointing out what can be done to the TC. I'm not saying that they are going to always do what you suggest but at least your voice is heard and they can tell you why they may not be able to do it too. Most TC's aren't dictators, it's everyone's trail and they will try to accomodate input as much as they can. We hate to take out signature areas too but sometimes it's unavoidable.
As a TC, we have responsibilites to land managers, the MMBA, and the users so we have to balance that. We try to keep thing in character for a trail as well...you won't find people putting in the uphill log piles that we just put in the Expert Loop at Novi out on the the Blue Loop at ILRA. Sometimes the scope of the change is also limited by land managers. ("Just do the minimum to fix it" or "Have At It") DNR parks are a little harder to get big changes approved due to park Master plans, Moritoriums, and even something as simple as changing mileage causes signage issues! The best way to make sure your favorite trail stays fun is to be involved...attend the 4 chapter meetings a year and get out on the trail days....
Justin
Trail Coordinator - Hickory Glen
