OUTDOOR Forum at canaaninstitute.org

Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

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We can use this thread for general info on Shindagin Trail Work
Scroll to end of this thread for recent posts and check Cycle-CNY forum also for more info -m

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Check this link for the finer details and last minute updates-- the Cycle CNY gang will be tinkering with the schedule right up until the last minute: http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2250

Please register for this free event here - http://go.imba.com/ithacatcc, even if you only plan on attending a part of the event.

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Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Coming to Ithaca, NY --- The International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will be in Ithaca, NY, September 21st through the 24th to talk trails, teach people proper trailbuilding technique, and spend quality time digging in the dirt. The visit is one of 70 stops on the 2006 schedule. Everyone is invited to attend the weekend’s events.

poster http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/attachments/flyer_imba_781.jpg

The award-winning Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program includes two full-time, professional teams of trail experts who travel North America year-round, leading IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, meeting with government officials and land managers, and working with IMBA-affiliated groups to improve mountain biking opportunities. IMBA’s Crews have led more than 1,000 trail projects since the program debuted in 1997. Coming to Ithaca are Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew members Kristin Butcher and Ryan Schutz. Trail work will take place in Shindagin Hollow State Forest, 10 miles East of Ithaca in the Town of Caroline.

The Crews teach “sustainable” trailbuilding, which means building trails that last a long time and require minimal maintenance. This helps reduce trail damage, protects the environment, and enhances visitor enjoyment. Now in its tenth year, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program is more popular than ever.

All are welcome to join the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders when they come to town. Below is a schedule of events that are open to the public. All events are free. There will be raffles and giveaways as well as free food and drink for trail work volunteers!

Friday, September 22nd
5:00-8:00pm
Cayuga Ski & Cyclery, 624 West State Street, Ithaca
Meet and greet, free BBQ, Around the World with IMBA Slideshow!

Saturday, September 23rd
8:30am-noon - IMBA Trailbuilding School, Classroom instruction session at Cornell University, Appel Commons building, 3rd floor Multi-Purpose Room. http://www.cornell.edu/maps/
Please register for this free event here - http://go.imba.com/ithacatcc
1:30-dark – IMBA Trailbuilding School, trail work at Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Sunday, September 24th
9:00-noon - IMBA Trailbuilding School, trail work at Shindagin Hollow State Forest
1:30-? – Group ride at Shindagin Hollow State Forest

For more information, visit http://www.cycle-cny.com/ for up to date details, or contact Michael Jura, Cycle-CNY Shindagin Trials Committee, 607.621.3120.

Many thanks to our event supporters – Cayuga Ski and Cyclery, The Bike Rack, Swan Cycles, EMS, Red Bull, CLIF Bars, Cornell Outdoor Education, the Ithaca Beer Company, the Ithaca Bakery, Stans NoTubes, and Ludgate Farms

For a complete list of visit dates, photos and additional information on the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew visit www.imba.com.

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submitted by Nathan Hunter <nph4@cornell.edu>

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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

comin up!
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew is Coming to Ithaca this weekend Sept. 21-24 -- This very together trail workshop crew will be in town this weekend to train the volunteers who maintain the Shindagin Hollow trail system. It is a three day event, all the schedule and details are on my forum with links to Cycle CNY web page and forum. Cycle CNY is the core volunteer group who is bringing IMBA to Ithaca and the Cycle CNY gang has been working with NYS DEC to get the trails on the map: this will simultaneously protect sensitive areas of the forest and protect the trails themselves from logging operations. The IMBA trail crew members are experts at building, designing and repairing sustainable trails that enhance the recreational value for the entire outdoor community: most trail erosion problems can easily be prevented by proper planning - something this crew excels at. Go on out and lend a hand!

Check these links for the finer details and last minute updates:
http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2250
http://www.canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?t=118
http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/attachments/flyer_imba_781.jpg
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Ithaca Journal Article

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060921/NEWS01/609210342/1002
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The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Hi all.

As you may know, two IMBA reps came to town to help build a re-route trail in Shindagin. A classroom session was held on Saturday morning, followed by a long afternoon of hands-on trail planning and building. Sunday morning saw continued work followed by a BBQ and ride. The main focus of learning was how to plan and build trails that are fun to ride, environmentally friendly, use the natural topography, and are sustainable.

There was a strong showing by members of the Western NY Mountain Bike Association--maybe about 10--that trekked about 3 hours to attend for the weekend. These are guys and gals that all had a hand in the impressive trail construction in the Ellicottville area. If you've never been there to ride--plan a trip, it's well worth it.

Additionally, several reps from the DEC gave a brief presentation, and helped out too. They were thrilled by the turnout of the local biking community--helping to pave the inroads to positive future collaboration. The remaining volunteers were made up almost entirely of members of CNY IMBA and local men and women that ride the Shindagin Hollow trails. There was one person from COE and I believe one non-student CU Cycling Club member present. Cars were lined up Brearly Hill Road a quarter mile from the trail-head.

This may be one of the only trails that has ever been planned by mountain bikers for mountain bikers at Shindagin. By design, it will also serve as a wonderful hiking and trail-running trail too. The passion and effort put forth over the weekend was moving and much progress was made. When completed, the trail will be an over 1.5 mile long downhill. Progress was somewhere between 1/3 to 1/2 of that. Many commented that it will be the best trail Shindagin has to offer. .

Lots of work left to do. If you are a trail user at Shindagin, please consider lending a hand. Most likely, there will be folks helping out on weekends until the snow gets too deep. One person can indeed make a difference--a small group can really make headway. If you're interested in helping out, and learning first hand what kind of thought and effort goes into building a proper trail contact Nate Hunter at nph4@cornell.edu. He was instrumental in organizing the event, and can let you know how you too can help.

Give some sweat equity to a good cause. When you're flying down the trail with a big grin on your face in the company of friends, you can say--'I built that!'.

Thanks.

ms

Mark H. Schrader, MIM
Business & Operations Manager
Cornell University--Cornell Outdoor Education
Bartels Hall, Campus Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14853 USA

Phone: 607.255.9447
Fax: 607.255.9881

www.coe.cornell.edu

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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Follow up article here in the Ithaca Journal
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060926/LIFESTYLE05/609260337&SearchID=73258033681074

Also some photos on the Cycle CNY website here
http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2375

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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

From Mark S:

There is an informal Trail Work Day happening at Shindagin. If you enjoy using the trails at Shindagin and are looking for a way to give back and lend a hand--your help would be much appreciated.

It's on Saturday Nov. 11 from 11am to 4pm. Meeting place is at the south end of Brearly Hill Road--look for parked cars.

Some tools will be available, though I'd encourage you to bring your own or extras if you have them. If enough help shows up, the reroute that was started on Sept. 22'nd could be finished and usable prior to the snow flying!

more info on Cycle-CNY forum under "trail work"
http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=8

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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Hi folks.

Just a reminder that there's a community trail work session on Saturday at 11am at Shindagin. If you're a Shindagin trail user and interested in lending a hand, details are below. Drop me a line if you'd like to join us--we could use help.

Mark

The trail will serve as a wonderful biking, hiking and trail-running trail. It will be an over 1.5 mile long downhill. Many have commented that it will be the best trail Shindagin has to offer. One person can indeed make a difference--a small group can really make headway. We may be able to finish the trail! It was started Sept. 22.

Start time is 11am, this Saturday. We'll meet at the south end of Brearly Hill Rd (the north end is the fork at Shindagin Hollow Road). Some tools will be provided, but bring your own if you've got them. Maddox, loppers, hoe, saw, pulaski, and rake are all good candidates. Stay as long as you wish. If you don't have any experience, expect to learn about trail building techniques, and what type of thought goes into a well-made sustainable trail.

Questions? Let me know.

Mark

Mark H. Schrader, MIM
Business & Operations Manager
Cornell University--Cornell Outdoor Education
Bartels Hall, Campus Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14853 USA

Phone: 607.255.9447
Fax: 607.255.9881

www.coe.cornell.edu

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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Hi Folks,

As you may have seen, there has been a significant amount of trail maintenance, re-routing, and trail marking going on at Shindagin Hollow. I know that a significant effort toward these ends has been accomplished by Cycle-CNY--a local mountain bike club that is affiliated with Intl. Mountain Bike. Assn. (IMBA). Big kudos to them for their relationship building with the DEC.

Anyway, they've put out a map with the new trail markings on them, that is over-layed on a topo. This is probably the best map of Shindagin to date, and the most relevant given new markings. The link is below. There are two maps of Shindagin, and the one you'll probably want to see is unmarked, on the bottom right.

ms

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=49

Mark H. Schrader, MIM
Business Manager
Cornell University--Cornell Outdoor Education
Bartels Hall, Campus Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14853 USA

Phone: 607.255.9447
Fax: 607.255.9881

www.coe.cornell.edu

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Hello Everyone -

The 2008 season is upon us! The woods are drying up and the snow is all but gone. Time for trailwork!

POSTER for your workplace here http://canaaninstitute.org/photos/workflyer08.jpg

The Shindagin Hollow Trails Committee is seeking volunteers to join us in our efforts to improve the recreational trail system in Shindagin Hollow State Forest. Volunteering for trail work helps ensure that the trails you enjoy now will be there for years to come. Last year our dedicated volunteers logged over 200 hours of trail improvement efforts, including armoring of muddy trails, removal of downed trees and branches, re-routing damaged trails, and general maintenance activities. We need your help to keep these trails fun and free, so mark your calendar, meet some new friends, and enjoy a day in the dirt!

May 4 - Rake, clear, and improve R7

June 1 - Improve drainage and rock armoring B4 (IMBA trail)

July 6 - Improve drainage and rock armoring B6 (Creek trail)

August 3 - Trail improvement & maintenance B4 (IMBA trail)

September 7 - TBA

October 5 - TBA

All events are the first Sunday of each month. Start time is 10am. Rain dates would be the following Sunday. Parking for each event will be on Braley Hill Rd. Shindagin Hollow State Forest is located approximately 8 miles East of Ithaca, and 2 miles South of Slaterville Springs, NY.

Please dress appropriately for outdoor conditions. It is recommended to bring your own gloves and water.

Check for updates at http://www.cycle-cny.com or join our e-mail list by contacting shindagin.hollow@gmail.com.

A trail map can be found here - http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/shinny_map_2.gif

Check this forum for updates - http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=8

The goal of the Shindagin Hollow Trails Committee is to work with local authorities and organizations to improve existing trail conditions and increase recreational opportunities for the public. We plan to accomplish this through sound trail maintenance techniques, public and professional education, and working with IMBA and the local mountain bike community. Our Committee is currently the steward for the Shindagin Hollow Adopt-a-Natural-Resource (AANR) agreement with the NYS DEC land managers.

Directions from Ithaca
Directions from Binghamton

Attached is the official trail work flyer.

THANKS EVERYONE![/b]
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Reminder that our first Shindagin Hollow trail work party is this Sunday!

The group will meet promptly at 10am at the "Cemetery" parking lot on Braley Hill Rd. Traveling from Ithaca/Slaterville Springs, this parking lot is roughly 2 miles South on Braley Hill Rd, on the left side of the road. It's basically a large pull-off area that will accommodate 8-10 cars, at the North end of B6 (Blue 6 trail, also known as "The Creek Trail").

Since it looks like we'll have a pretty good turnout of people, we plan to form two work parties.

One group will hike up to R7 (Red 7), located in the SouthWest corner of the forest. This trail was created two years ago in order to bypass trails that passed through private property. We'd like to improve that trail's condition by raking the trail, cutting back overgrowth, removing downed trees and branches, and improving the trail entrance at either end.

The second group of workers will head to the upper section of B4 (Blue 4). This trail, commonly called "The IMBA Trail", was built in the Fall of 2006 when the IMBA Trail Care Crew visited. There are several sections of this trail that have become rutted and muddy, and our volunteers will work to improve drainage and "armor" the trail with large flat rocks.

Volunteers are welcome to choose whichever work activity they would prefer to participate in, and work for however long they wish. A post work celebration will be held around 3pm back at the cemetery parking lot. Hot dogs and munchies will be available for all volunteers. Please bring your own beverage.

Volunteers should bring:
•Clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions.
•Water and food to last you approximately 4 hours in the woods.
•Gloves.
•Tools such as metal rakes, brush cutters, and small hand saws, are helpful but not required. The group has tools to share.

A labeled trail map of Shindagin Hollow can be found here

Questions or comments, please e-mail us at shindagin.hollow@gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Shindagin Hollow Trail work Day
Sunday July 13, 2008
Meet at the new parking lot on Braley Hill Rd.
Please try to arrive no later than 10 am
500 ft. of raised tread construction to be installed, approximately 0.5 miles from the bottom of the IMBA (B4) trail.

This section of trail is in need of repair because of extremely wet conditions located on this particular hillside. The entire area was scouted for potential re-routes and it was determined that a re-route would not be feasible because of the wet conditions in the entire area. A raised tread construction will be installed using a mixture of stone paving, stone pitching and bank run gravel material provided by DEC. In the appropriate places we will pitch stone on the downhill side of the tread to act as a miniature retaining wall to reduce the chances of tread creep. A geo-textile fabric will be installed underneath the tread surface to allow the material being placed to "float" over the wet areas. We will use lessons learned from past installations of this type of trail to ensure that the fabric stays buried.

The process should go as follows:

Bench cut the tread to the proper width where needed (18 inches, +/-), then carefully lay the fabric in place ensuring to cut the fabric so it does not cover large roots or rocks in place (this will keep the fabric buried). Pitch stones in the appropriate location; fill the tread to approximately 6 to 8 inches above the mineral soil; compact with McLeod's or hand tampers. In some areas, we will install stone paving for extra protection. The gravel will need to be hauled approximately 100 to 300 feet in the downhill direction along the trail in wheelbarrows.

The method described above is an attempt to demonstrate how proper technique filtered through site specific needs can protect and keep trails narrow, fun and seamless. We would greatly appreciate as many volunteers as are willing to help out and should have a great day of trail work. The system that we have in place for this project will allow us to get a significant amount of work done in one day, and we encourage anyone that wants a sense of accomplishment or just to check out some different methods of trail work to come out and give us a hand.

Please remember to bring work gloves, appropriate attire and trail food/water. We will have a BBQ following the work (hotdogs, hamburgers, soda etc.) so stick around after the day's work is done and chat with fellow enthusiasts!

Thank You!
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

Shindagin Hollow
September Trail Care Crew Event

When: Sunday, September 7th,
10am start

Where: Shindagin Hollow State
Forest, Braley Hill Rd new parking lot

Join us on Sunday, September 7th as we continue to improve the
excellent trail system at Shindagin Hollow, and reward our volunteers
for this year's hard work. Our crews have undertaken some expansive
and challenging
projects over this season. For our September event, volunteers will
have a choice of several different
projects to work on, ranging from trimming back overgrowth and improving trail
markings, to rock armoring, bridge repairs, and berm building.
Volunteers will re-group in the main parking lot around 2 PM and
celebrate our achievements with free
pizza, beverages, and tons of great raffle prizes donated from local
businesses.
Everyone is welcome to join us for this fun event & bring a friend and
spread the word!

Volunteers are encouraged to
bring: Hiking boots, work gloves, water,
insect repellent, pruning sheers/snips, shovels, wheelbarrows, metal
rakes.

Many thanks to our local
supporting businesses & Swan Cycles, Cayuga
Ski & Cycle, The Bike Rack, Ithaca Beer Company, Napoli Pizza, EMS,
P&C, Ithaca Bakery, Giant Bicycles, and Stans NoTubes.

http://www.cycle-cny.com/
Save the Date: Sunday, October 5th & Our final organized
trail work event for the season!
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1717

What: Shindagin Hollow October Trail Care Crew Event
When: Sunday, October 5th, 10am start
Where: Shindagin Hollow State Forest, Braley Hill Rd new parking lot

Thanks to everyone who has come out to help this year. We have
accomplished a huge amount of work and this will be our last
"organized" trail event of this season.

Plan to work on some log crossings, trimming some vegetation back,
general trail clearing/maintenance, and better marking at some trail
intersections.

Bring trimming tools if you have them, snacks if you want them, and
most importantly Bikes for a ride afterwords.

Thanks everyone!
_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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