Organizing to start grooming Cataract Creek Snomobile Area

[Kaz Dog]

Sorry for being so darn late with this post, but those of us who can still make it will be undertaking the trail safety and maintanence ride on Sunday, leaving Etherington at 9 AM. If anyone sees this tonight and would like to join in, you are welcome to.

 

[Kaz Dog]

If we get underway and the going is pretty rough and not worth it, we will do it another day. At this point, we don't know what the conditions are, so we will start and see how far we get.

 

[Kaz Dog]

Beautiful day out on the trails yesterday, although it started out with a bit of apprehension. I will be posting a report on the trails traveled and maintance completed as soon as I write it up and make sure it is complete with others along for the day.

 

[Kaz Dog]

Just wanted to post a quick snapshot of the trail safety check and maintenance completed on Sunday, January 20. Three members of the Grooming Society spent a collective 21 hours transversing approximately 65 kms.

Downed large logs were removed from Raspberry Pass Trail (valley bottom), Skyline Trial, and Oyster Excursion Trail (south end) which straightened and/or widened the trail to full width. Low leaning trees across the trails and those "crowding" the trails causing trail narrowing were attended to on Baril Loop Trail, Raspberry Pass Trail, Cummings Creek Trail (only to -->), Skyline Trail, Pasque Trail (only to -->), and Oyster Exqursion Trail. The days ride ended with the traveling north to Fallers Trail, Catarack Creek Trail (west of <--), and Etherington Trail. Signage was generally found to be good, with a few notes to make trails more clearly marked for first timers, turns, and brush cut back/repaint.

 

[Kaz Dog]

If anyone knows of an area or areas of the trail system that require attention, please let me know. We will be out soon again to check further trails.

 

[Highfly]

Nice!!

Can anything be done about the missing bridge south of the Cat parking lot?

 

[Kaz Dog]

Nice!!

Can anything be done about the missing bridge south of the Cat parking lot?

I hope so, but at this time, we are just trying to re-open/widen the current trails to what we are allowed. A list is being made with items we would like to address, which the missing bridge will be a part of. Honestly, the next safety and maintenance day will be through this area, so we will document it.

 

[raceu4it]

Well, I'm really glad that somone finally stood up to the plate to make a honest effort to do something with that area. Cararact/hetherington used to be a fun place to go for the day or camp out for the weekend. cudos to those involved!!

 

[heikki]

I was pretty impressed with the work done and the logs removed.....lots of sawdust !!

thanks Kaz Dog and crew...I was there on sunday

 

[Sledderglen]

Keep it simple guys. Ride the trails get some gps info clear whatever is totally blocking trail. You can`t do it all in a few trips. remember to have some fun also. When I come down to Calgary next time I will come out also and see whats happening.
Keep up the good work.

Those other riders help these guys out. Alot easier to do it as a group or groups of friends. Break it up and check it all over. I have never been there but have a interest in this area as another snowmobile trail system that can be added to the provincial system.

 

[Kaz Dog]

Just an update for now:

Volunteers have come forward, fundraising is being pursued, and government contacts have been undertaken. We have organized under a 2-3 year plan, depending on fundraising, to have a groomer at the area.

For people interested in working on trial maintenance, we will have dates this fall or early winter to get to the trails before, or just before, the snow falls. Leave a message on this thread or PM me if you would like to help out.

 

[Bunn]

Yes thank you for doing all the leg work.Will be more involved next year.

 

[BRP QSC]

yup will be there for the clean up and even grooming if you would like

 

[jaked2ca]

Has anyone been to Cataract Creek in the past week or so? Is there enough snow out there for a decent days worth of riding? Or should I be heading West?