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' r <br /> How to Design ChallengingTrails <br /> By Chris Bernhardt and Pete Webber <br /> Safe and sustainable trails start with proper design. <br /> If you're developing a trail to include mountain Secrets to Designing <br /> biking challenge, you must first understand a multi- Challenging Trails <br /> tude of concepts for managing visitors successfully • Understand the needs of advanced rid- <br /> and minimizing environmental impact.Here are some ers: Experienced mountain bikers like <br /> tips for getting it done right. technical features that provide chal- <br /> lenge, flow, risk, and creativity. <br /> Understand What Advanced • Consider the role of advanced trails in <br /> the larger trail system: Offer opportuni- <br /> Riders Want ties for all skill-levels and consider sin- <br /> Input from experienced riders is essential to creating gle-use trails. <br /> a trail that will meet the current and future needs of • Design with safety and risk management <br /> in mind: Plan ahead to minimize the risk <br /> the mountain biking community. Expert riders look of injury and deter lawsuits. <br /> for trails that offer challenge,flow,risk,and creativity. <br /> • Emphasize skill instead of consequence: <br /> Technical rock gardens, drop-offs,jumps, and plung- Difficult features don't have to be <br /> ing descents are common features.Innovative wooden death-defying. <br /> stunts, such as the ladder bridges, skinny balance • Manage speed through trail design: <br /> beams, and teeter-totters first created on Vancouver's Minimize the risk of injury by designing <br /> North Shore,are popular too. trails that provide the sensation of <br /> speed without allowing high absolute <br /> speeds. <br /> T I P Enlist Experienced Riders • Provide clear sightlines: Be sure that rid- <br /> When designing challenging trails and ers can see what's ahead of them. <br /> bike parks, go to the source: Advanced • Make it flow: Don't create abrupt transi- <br /> riders know what they want. It's also best tions from fast to slow sections of trail. <br /> to have experienced riders—preferably • Provide optional lines: Advanced options <br /> '+ those involved with the design—test the on intermediate trails and easier options <br /> features before you open them to the on tough trails can create fun experi <br /> general public. ences for varying skill levels. <br /> • Use gateway filters: Provide tough fea- <br /> tures at the beginning of difficult trails <br /> or lines so users know what to expect. <br /> Look at the Larger Trail • Modify surface texture: Control speed <br /> g and provide challenge by creating <br /> System rougher sections of trail. <br /> The best trails are part of larger systems that have • Anchor the trail: Place features on the side <br /> been carefully planned. When creating a new trail of the trail to prevent trail widening and <br /> shortcutting, and to lessen rider speeds. <br /> specifically for technical mountain biking,think about • Make space between technical chat <br /> how it will fit into the surrounding trail network.Will lenges: Allow riders a breather between <br /> it add a new experience currently not available?Will it difficult features. <br /> connect to existing trails appropriately?Are new trail- • Provide appropriate fall zones: Consider <br /> head facilities needed? Do management plans need to modifying spots where riders are likely <br /> be modified or created? See chapter two for more to land following a crash. <br /> information on systemwide trail planning. <br /> 227 <br /> CHAPTER TEN: Providing Challenging Trails <br />