If you like mountain biking on “flowing trails” – stop reading this right now, nothing here for you. But, if you like challenging trails, where you may not make every climb or descent - read on.
Alafia's Gatorback (GB) trail is restructured to “Ver-3.0”. After many months of neglect, GB degraded into raw chaos - many of you choosing to no longer ride it. GB has 180° switchbacks, steep descents/ascents, wooden and rocky features. For those who’ve never pedaled GB and don’t mind getting off occasionally, perhaps it’s time. And for those who, like me, love wild and gnarly trails, GB guarantees an adrenaline rush. Go for it.
After several days of trail maintenance, GB has been transformed:
- drainage damaged canyons are rerouted;
- bench cut trails are drainage contoured;
- compression areas are cleaned with rolling grade dip drainage preventing sand buildup;
- restructured rocky descents for challenge instead of terror;
- awkward, dead roots and specific rock impediments are covered or removed;
- rock steps facilitate high rollovers;
- alternate paths provide challenging or very challenging ascents;
- wheel stoppers, pedal catchers and extraneous brush are removed.
Thanks to trail-boss Art North and all the trail maintenance SWAMP volunteers who created and maintained Gatorback over the years.
Your humble trail maintenance servant: Jeff White
December 17, 2010