Wells Gray Outdoor Club
Construction has begun on the Candle Creek mountain bike trail network.
With funding provided by TNRD, Rec Sites and Trails BC, the Wells Gray Outdoor Club began work last week on the first singletrack loop.
This first trail will be the hub of the planned network of over 30 km of cross country, all mountain, and downhill freeride trails. The Ridge Loop is 1.5 km of easy singletrack suitable for all ages and abilities. The trail weaves through the open fir forests and offers good views of the Raft and North Thompson valleys. This singletrack will be great for hiking, trail running, and snowshoeing as well, but please no motorized use.
Wells Gray Outdoor Club has contracted a professional trail builder to rough in the tread with a mini-excavator. Trail finishing will be by hand tools with volunteer and hired labour.
The Ridge Loop is expected to be completed for June 1.
Volunteer trail building.
The first volunteer work session was Friday afternoon, April 24. Sixteen enthusiastic locals showed up to clear brush, cut roots, rake, and tamp to make a smooth rideable trail. Big thanks to Kurt Dodd for falling danger trees.
If you would like to volunteer, contact info@wellsgrayoutdoorclub.ca, or join the next volunteer three-hour trail day on Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. at the Candle Creek parking lot. Bring outdoor work gear, hand tools (rakes, pruning shears, loppers, polaskis), and safety gear.
All volunteers need to be a member to be covered by club insurance. You may sign up for membership on Saturday ($10 for mountain bike membership).
There will be a formal training day May 24; space is limited to 10 participants.
Hiring teens
The Wells Gray Outdoor Club in cooperation with KDC Forestry will be hiring a team of two local teens for part-time weekend trail building work in May and June.
If you are 14 or older and interested in riding and building mountain bike trails, then you should apply as a team of two:
• Submit a one-page description of your experience, interests, and personal info as a team of two. Email to solmountain2@gmail.com, call 250.674.1231 for more info.
• Attend a three hour volunteer orientation and application review this Saturday, May 2. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Candle Creek parking lot. Bring outdoor work gear and safety glasses.