Trails Update: September 4, 2026
WISH society trail day!!!
Trails director Ben and I were joined by members of the World Indigenous Sports & Health Society for a Sunday morning dig session. The WISH society launched their mountain biking program in August and they were keen to have participants dive straight into trail culture. This was our first event together so we went after some low hanging fruit: Watermelon Seeds. We smoothed out the bottom section and enhanced tread support where riders were drifting “into the weeds”. Alex and Schuyler had experience digging on Vancouver’s north shore and they loved moving Cheakamus gold! Next time, we’ll take them to the Marmot (Mayhem)! Speaking of Marmots, not only was it recently Fat Marmot week, but we’re starting up our fall volunteer digging events on September 13th at… you guessed it: Marmot Mayhem! WORCA members can sign up here for the Coast Mountain Trail Running sponsored event. We meet at 9AM behind Forecast Coffee in Function Junction.
school of rock
The crew joined the stone master (Ken Melamed) to repair and enhance the Beaver Pass Slab catch berm. It is now super sized and the steppy move on the left also got the rock “spa” treatment (smoother transition). Ken’s a great teacher, watching him place rocks is impressive, but he’s also filled with stories of trail masonry from all over the valley. Bod’a is still in disbelief as to the origin of the main anchor stone of that Beaver Pass slab berm… Surely Ken must use some sort of anti-gravity device when no one is watching!
duncan’s
Business Time is high on my playlist and it’s a great test piece for all around riding. It’s been showcased in classic events since the 4 kings (2011). This week’s Toonie course gives the trail crew an excuse to spend some more time in Duncan’s zone. This summer’s drought conditions have dusted away a lot of the tacky dirt on the crux climb. Some new “steps” have formed so Tall Michal and Jacob improved the rockwork to ramp riders up smoothly. We also patched up a few holes on our way down to the bottom and brushed back the bushes.
blue squirrel
The clouds were generous over the last week, helping us pack down the tread. We hammered on through the last metres, navigating another bedrock ridge and more monster boulders to connect the blue bypass just before the long weekend. Serendipitously, I was revisited by the great grandchild of the namesake Squirrel as I posted the sign. Look up, and say “hi!” when you ride by.
See you on the Trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
