Members of the Northwest NC MTB Alliance and Caldwell County HS Mtn Bike Team along with local bike shop owners and riders make up the Mountain Bike Advisory Team for Valdese Lakeside Park. 
Ideas from their first Brain Storming Session:
About Building the Trail
Trail builders are all different. They have different styles, different methods. When choosing a trail builder, go out and look at trails they have created. Make sure it is the feel you want. Jim Horton and Mike Thomas are 2 trail builders attendees had worked with.
Walk the property to find features to include in the trails – a large rock, a special tree, etc.
Build for the experience – not the mileage. A back country feel is what most riders want – not constantly seeing other riders because too many miles were crammed in an area.
Build the trail for all levels. Add progressions, so each time rides come back they can “move up.” Use trail splits (alternate lines) – at times, easy goes one way and moderate the other; later moderate goes one way and difficult the other. This could just be for 10-20 ft.
Advanced trails are needed for riders to come back – or to even come at all! If a rider checks a trail listing web site and we do not have any advanced trails, they will skip.
It is OK for trails to be used for running and biking.
Maybe consider cinder trail for the greenway. Most were opposed to paved trail.
On the trails, natural features over man-made wooden features. Yes to rock garden, fallen trees with narrow cut out to pass through, ramp feature over tree is ok. (No need to put wooden skill features out in trail.)
Do not become a “flow trail.” This is a trail that is over manicured, too pristine.
Pump track will bring BMX kids who are different from Mountain Bike kids. Some man-made skills items here OK – skinnies, ramps, etc. Make sure Pump Track is well designed to limit maintenance.
IMBA Standards – beginner – 4 ft tread, moderate – 3 ft tread, difficult – 12 inces. Difficult trail – cheaper!
For an NICA race – will need 300 parking spaces. 240-300 riders come to the 5 race events. Middle School and High School racers. Connecting with DHS will be a plus.
About Signage
Name the trails – history of town, donors, etc.
Color code the trails, then use color and number markings on trail. Do not use mileage markers in case you add trail/move trail over the years. Number markings are about location.
Use natural blending signs – not cheesy paper or brightly colored carnival signs.
Trail signs to announce Daily Reversal. If you change the loop everyday, people visiting for a weekend or 2-3 days, can experience a different ride on 2 visits. It really doubles the mileage of your trails.
GPS coordinates on trail signs in case you need to call 911.
About Trail Closing
- Have a facebook page or web site to announce closings.
- Put signage/gate at trail to announce closings.
- Not closing causes a maintenance nightmare.
- Some trails impose a fine if rider is caught on a closed trail.
About Working with NWNCMTB
- Town would sign MOU (Memo of Understanding) with Alliance to allow on property and what work could be done.
- They would schedule a big work day each year. But local volunteers (FVR) would go out more frequently for small stuff.
- They could create a “core group” assigned to our trails.
- Some of them are trained sawyers and they are insured.
Other Features
- Changing stalls at Lake James are nice to have.
- Repair stations – good – could get sponsored.
Resources
- MTB Project – web site and app
- International Mountain Bicycling Association
- IMBA trail solutions book
- Check out Hickory’s new beginner trail – nicely done
Members Present at 11/30/17 Meeting: Scott Duncan, Gavin Smith, Jaxon Smith, Shawn Moore, Jack Brown, Michael Lowther, Sonni Dyer, Doug Knight, Beth Heile (absent Charles Abernathy, Paul Stahlschmidt)