Black Mountain, East Ridge Update (Nothing Open Yet)
The Black Mountain master trail plan is coming along nicely. Last year, we were able to connect Miners Ridge parking lot all the way to the Ball Fields with 1.7 miles of NEW SINGLE TRACK. For the first time users can circumnavigate the mountain without having to ride on a sidewalk or paved road.
This year, we have a highly ambitious plan (endorsed by the city and ranger!) to add nearly 4.5 miles of more single track on the East Ridge, overlooking the 15 Freeway to the east and the old homestead valley to the west.
As of 11/12/2015 much of the trail alignment has been flagged. The A.C.E trail crew is out cutting the corridors to make the tread building easier once the rains come and the moisture stays for a while. It is still bone dry out on the mountain. While we have reserved time for trail building on Meetup.com but there is a high probability the dates will shift to match the weather.
Map -You are looking north at the East Ridge. Black Mountain is to the left, the green trail is Nighthawk as it heads south towards Hilltop Park.
A) Nighthawk Connector is completely brushed. One steep section to be rerouted to obtain a lesser grade but essentially shovel ready.
B) East Ridge Connector is completely brushed and shovel ready. Some steep side slope in one or two sections but a good bench cut will fix it right up.
C) North Rim, West Side is completely flagged and in the process of being brushed. Trail is relatively flat with undulations and awesome overviews of the valley below.
D) Little Black Mountain Bypass is cleared end to end and shovel ready. The dirt is very soft so ample moisture is needed to back down the soil once the bench is made.
E) North Rim, East Side has yet to be flagged. That will start this weekend to keep ahead of the trail crew. It will incorporate part of the original fire road on the south side but the majority is all virgin single track!
F) Not Shown are the South View trail and a bypass up the south side of Little Black Mountain that are yet to be flagged and cut. These are relatively short as they are using a lot of existing trail.
Once we get the much needed moisture, we will be setting up trail building days. We have enough building needs to satisfy most trail builders. Keep your eyes open and
PRAY FOR RAIN!!
