This past week of trail work was the final one for the inaugural FVMBA Summer Trail Crew, and the crew was up to something a little different. We partnered with FVRD to complete work on the Elk Mountain hiking trail in Chilliwack. This popular hike gains elevation quickly, rewarding effort with fantastic views. Our work was to install some additional stairs in a steep loose section to help improve safety.

This was a true opportunity to both build trails and build community. The crew gained new skills in building stairs but also helped build relationships beyond the mountain biking community as ambassadors for the FVMBA. We had great chats with the many of the hikers who were very appreciative of the trail work. It was an honour to work with the FVRD and we’ll be heading back for one more day in September to finish off the project.

August also saw the crew partnering with the Chilliwack Park Society Trail Crew for work at the Chilliwack Community Forest and Lexw Qwo:m Park. The two crews have been hard at work keeping these trails in fantastic shape – drains cleared and pumps and berms freshly shaped.

We also had the opportunity to help out with the initial construction of a new MTB skills area adjacent to the parking lot. Two short practice loops have been cleared with a third in planning.

It’s been an incredible summer and we’re stoked to see all of the work completed by the crew on Red, Bear, Sumas, and the Chilliwack Community Forest. A big shout out to Ryan for leading the crew, providing instruction and guidance throughout the summer. We’re lucky to have such a talented and dedicated builder and trail advocate as part of our team.

Many thanks to Ryan for leading the FVMBA inaugural summer trail crew!

We’re excited to have both Owen and Siobhan staying on for the Fall and they will be joined by one new crew member. It’s time for a well-deserved week off but we’ll be back September 8th, stay tuned!