Trail Maintenance (TM): Tools and talk
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fishnchips
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« on: June 29, 2007, 01:06:35 PM »
Thought we could use a general Trail Maintenance topic, so here's a question to get the ball rolling:

I wonder what you experienced builders would recommend as the best tools to carry? Or, if you had to bring just one tool what would it be? A folding saw? A machete? the shovel?  How about designing the ultimate mobile TM kit...
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Kelly
Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2007, 03:18:54 PM »
I like to carry a Machete, but it's not really good for anything bigger than your finger (unless it's sharp as a razor like somone who is obsessed with sharpening their tools carries it) so I wouldn't recommend it. I would recommend maybe a pair of hand clippers in the camelbak, or under your seat. Small, light and very effective for doing what needs to be done the most at Wiss, clearing the trail corridor, or as I like to call it, clearing sight lines.

Clearing sight lines is a really good way to help limit user conflicts between us and other users. If you come around a blind corner and startle someone, it's going to leave a bad taste in their mouth about Mountainbikers. Not only that, but it is dangerous as a collision could mean injury to both users.

Only clear out what needs to open up the line of sight around the inside of a corner,  slightly above the waist is usually sufficient because you do not want to intice people to make social trails or shortcuts. Cut back enough that it will last a while and try to keep you cuts clean and at the base or the branches.

With good site lines, you can ride more confidently since if there is anyone there, you will see them and be able to slow down in plenty of time without scaring the crap out of them. Cool
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Tom Coyle
Dmitri
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« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2007, 09:47:22 PM »
I carry this saw http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=49364&memberId=12500226, it weighs near nothing, folds down to size hardly bigger than a trail pump, and it cuts thru any trees or logs up to, I'd say, 10-12" like no ones business! It came very handy many times to clear freshly fallen trees which were blocking the trial.

My take is that you might want to carry some light tools for "simple" clearing, to keep the traffic moving, foldale saw, machete, clippers. That's it.

I don't think it's a good idea to start re-grading the trail on the spot, it takes a longer an more careful planning to do that level of maintenance.

dz
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2007, 07:05:39 AM »
All the PMBA tools have been sharpened up for FOW's work day. See you out there.
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Keep trails friendly. Go by slow and say "Hello"
Tom Coyle
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