Trails Update: May 29, 2026
Dessert Platter Sweetening
The trail crew has spent the week crossing off the final bits on our workplans to keep this “close to the valley bottom” route at the Blue Square rating. Meeting Recreation Sites and Trails BC’s (new) more comprehensive rating criteria meant: widening some of the tread, smoothing some larger obstacles, stretching turn radius and shortening the sections that maxed out acceptable intermediate level steepness. After last year’s initial push which focused on Piece of Cake, A La Mode and Green Jello, this week saw upgrades to Whipped Cream and Cherry on Top. Honorary team member “Big Rock Rob” was frothing when I explained the vision for the Cherry switchbacks. During the original build, we had squeezed the trail below 2 huge boulders which made a turn extra tight and steep. This is the sort of project Rob dreams about: precisely turning a rock from problem to solution. The boulders were moved out of the desired line, into the lower rock wall which also widened the switchback entrance. It was sort of like 2 birds with 2 stones. You’ll notice more significant smoothing in Whipped Cream’s entrance which also accesses Bush Doctor, which also got a few upgrades. I’m excited to be done on this one just in time for the June 4th Toonie… that course is high on my playlist. See you at the Scandinave!
Patience and the Thrill of Urgency
It’s amazing how much anticipation can build in 5 years. In 2021, The WORCA board and trails committee were keen for more blue square rated options from “Flank elevation”. They proposed a trail that would enhance the value of Into the Mystic by providing an early(er) snowfree descent (compared to LESS/LOTS) and support looping rides back to the south end of town.
I commuted from Emerald for the first of many bushwhacks. I can’t say that I was enthralled by my first impression of the dark, steep hillside above Function Junction. Scott (Veach) and I mostly found some creepy squats, swamps and mosquitoes. Making this route happen started out feeling like homework, but the forest did show sparks of potential similar to the Chipmunk rebellion. In 2022, I moved to Cheakamus and daydreamed about the trail daily… that slope is showcased from every vantage point in the south end of town.
Watching the shifting shadows at sunrise reveals intricate ridges that suggest potential for natural berms or viewpoints on an otherwise steep, consistent slope. Once WORCA received approval to build, the excitement of micro flagging and cutting the line grew. Getting the mountain ready for the first trail day felt just like starting on LOTS in 2014. I have to admit that I went up to the Marmot Mayhem on the eve of the first dig day for a “last minute clean up and prep”… To my surprise, the creek that washed out the South Flank was raging! We’d been anticipating the first bucket for years now and everyone was going to get wet feet (or swim) before even accessing the site.
On Sunday morning, the trail crew sprung into action to bridge the torrent. This was a perfect distraction from the stage fright I usually feel before a new project starts. 30 keen diggers kept their feet dry as they joined us to finally release this trail from maps and imagination! After fighting stumps and stacking rocks, swoops took shape and the stoke for this project spread. “This is your trail now, and every time you ride it, you’ll experience a proud connection to it”. Thanks to Giant Whistler and Coast Mountain Brewing for sponsoring the first bucket event. WORCA members are invited to join the digging community; We’ll be connecting again on Sunday June 7 to make more swoops on BC Trails day!
See you on the Trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
