A big thanks to Davis local, Jason, for making this pump track rough in happen! With a bit more dirt in the spring and a lot of shovel work, this baby will be rolling great.
Planning Ahead: Olson Tower Area Development
In October and November, I had the opportunity to write up a development plan to help direct some specific sustainable work on the trails around the Olson Tower Area. This work was hosted by the Friends of the Blackwater and funded by the National Forest Foundation grant. That grant will also be providing funding for work on those trails and on the sectinos of the Rail Trail from Douglass to Thomas. Coordination between the Friends of the Blackwater, the USFS, the Allegheny Trail Club, and other local agencies is making this part of the project possible. Volunteer hours is a large part of this grant, so if you are interested in learning more about volunteering or about the plan in place, contact the Friends of the Blackwater at info@saveblackwater.com.
Construction Wrap up in Thomas
I’m a little late to the party with an update on construction. Building activities were wrapped up in early September, and the rest of the foot bridge work was completed in October. Hopefully you are one of the many folks that have been able to get out and enjoy the completed trail!
This trail, as noted during the last update is part of the Thomas Riverfront Development Plan. Stay updated and get involved with New Historic Thomas to see that plan realized. Next up is to complete Phase I of the plan.
New Construction in Thomas, WV
We have started construction on a new section of trail for New Historic Thomas as part of phase 1 in the Thomas Riverfront Development Plan for the City of Thomas, WV. Trail users have caution. I know this is a popular location, partially on an existing alignment, for dog walking, running, and biking. We will be mid construction from July 25 through August 20. For information about the Riverfront Development plan or about New Historic Thomas, use the following links:
http://www.newhistoricthomas.com/
http://www.newhistoricthomas.com/s/Riverfront-Plan.jpg
Now the cool part. Construction. I am very grateful for the opportunity to build this trail. This is partially on a route locals use already to access the gem of a trail system at the Thomas City Park. The development plan calls for this trail to be as accessible as possible for folks with a handicap. While friends like Eric Thompson are quite mobile and still doing some pretty rad adventures, “ADA” or “Accessible” trails is an extremly broad term. I’d rather say how accessible this trail is and let the user decide. It is a standard 48″ wide tread with an average running grade of 5% with no more than 6.8%. I’ll give a full report at the end, but that tells you a lot about it. It will have curves for days, and some really cool positive control points like a couple heritage trees with greater than 40″ diameter. Here’s a couple pictures of current construction to get you going:
appalachiandirt.com 
