Why, man?

Trail maintenance is needed because, like all landscapes, trails change with use and weathering.  Trail maintenance programs involve planning, creating mitigation measures to change or eliminate problem sections, and establishing a pro-active approach in anticipation of likely usage patterns and weathering processes.

Huh?

Well, that's stuff like making a bridge over a small swamp or creating a new line around a section that has the potential for erosion.  Pruning vegetation, drainage projects, building berms or log ramps - that's all part of the program.

Cool!  How do I get into it?

Easy.  Join SIMBS members in the Hartland parking lot at 9:30 a.m. on the third Sunday of every month.

Hey, not so fast dude.  I don't like some of the changes I've seen there lately.

Well, in some cases neither do we.

Don't interrupt. You've been making the trails too easy.

Hey, good point.  First, the CRD has cleared the fire roads and has changed a couple sections of singletrack (that were just overgrown roads anyway) into, well, a road.  This is for emergency access.  I'm sure everyone would appreciate that if there's a fire or if you or a friend need medical attention after stacking off Organ Donor or the Hot Cherry Bendover.

Second, it is not our intention to model Hartland after the Galloping Goose.  We want to protect the integrity of the original trail designs but at the same time, ensure the durability of the trails under high traffic volumes and through extreme weather events.  Making some trail sections easier is a by-product of some of our work to maintain the trails and minimize the environmental impacts of trail use.
In other areas, sections of trail have been made less challenging by modifications that were performed by persons unknown to SIMBS.  By making shortcuts around switchbacks and between trails, and by removing rocks and boulders from difficult sections of trail, these people would turn the Hartland trail network into a rural bike path.

Hey, I think you've been making some sections too hard.

Well we can't please everyone.  SIMBS wants to maintain the established network of trails in order to satisfy riders of all skill levels.  Some trail builders like riding very challenging terrain.  Others might include difficult sections in a trail even if those trail builders don't have the skills to ride them.  Why?  Sometimes there are no other options for the line, and even if they can't clean a section, someone else might be able to.

If you come upon a section that is beyond your skill level, get off your bike and walk it.  Don't make new lines around tough sections.  Keep to the existing trail.  Don't make shortcuts around switchbacks.  Don't remove rocks or logs from the trail.

What do you expect me to do?

PRACTICE!  Also, learn to use your front brake properly.  Don't lock up your rear wheel and skid on the singletrack.

Why should I hook up with SIMBS to do trail work?  I been doin' it longer than SIMBS.

Oh man!  Look, we don't want to debate tenure or compare our noble accomplishments.  However, SIMBS members past and present have been doing work at Hartland and at other sites for years.  Previously SIMBS could not officially organize or sponsor work crews due to a lack of authorization.  The only difference now is that we are recognized by the local land managers.  SIMBS wants to organize local trail builders in order to coordinate design, construction, and maintenance activities.  This way we can avoid conflict or duplication of projects as well as ensuring fun, durable, and low impact trails.

Oh.  Alright then, how do I get involved again?

Join us at the Hartland Avenue parking lot on the third Sunday of each month.  We leave at 9:00 a.m.  If you've got 'em, bring tools and safety equipment - boots, safety glasses, gloves, head protection, sunscreen or rain gear in season.  Bring water and munchies too.
And JOIN SIMBS!  You can get a membership form from most bike shops in town.  It's cheap.  You'll receive the Mud News.  You'll feel better about yourself.  Members of the opposite sex will find you irresistible.