More work on the Molino trail today, this time on the east side of the campground–the steep and very difficult climb up to the saddle. I always think that I am going to ride more and more of the climb whenever I attempt it, but I always end up walking a number of sections. It’s just hard.
I worked with Mike (FS guy) and two Mark’s on the other side of the pass. Some of the work we did was of questionable relevance, but we only made the trail harder/more interesting, so I was in favor of it. We basically installed rock ledges as dams for water, in places that were looking like they were starting to erode. We found some really nicely shaped rocks from the surrounding area, then dug them in deep in the ground. One section in particular turned out really nicely–a double step next to a huge boulder on the left side. It should be fun to ride.
What took us a hour to install will be ridden over and forgotten in a few seconds. But it won’t be forgotten when I rode over it.
On the other side the other crew built a nice crib wall leading into a switchback. The turn is still not rideable (at least not by me! — I spent considerable time trying to visualize riding it), but the trail has a nice tread where it used to be sloughed off.
As we worked, an SDMB and out-of-town crew of 13 armor-clad buddies walked their bikes through our mess. Most thanked us for the work, though one guy commented “Sanitized for your protection.” I replied, “Actually we installed a few new ledges on the other side.” I should have continued: “I hope they’re not too hard for you and your armor pads.” But it is nearly impossible to point out to the clueless that they are clueless.
I am against sanitation, especially when it means removing rocks. But there is some justifiable maintenence, especially on Mt. Lemmon trails, which are of questionable construction to begin with. Brushing and clearing trees are maintenence too, which after the big fires, are going to become even more important.
The best part of the day, of course, was just getting out. It was a beautiful and quiet morning–the calm after a storm. The clouds swirled and fresh snow was visible on the Rincons and on surprisingly low elevations of the Catalinas. Very nice. The hike up the saddle was just enough to be considered a hike. And of course, what could be more fun than slamming picks into big rocks? For this computer nerd an opportunity to work with my hands and strength is always welcomed.
I also enjoyed the ride out to Le Buzz on my commuter. The air was fresh. Mark F gave me a ride mostly home, so we could grab a much needed burrito at La Salsa together.
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