problem with roll in

outtacontrol

outtacontrol

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A couple of us are building an AM trail utilising some massive rock slabs. The brief for the track was to create a challenging trail that is all down, linking up giant rock slabs as steep rolls with some small drops to get off some, but no big jumps.

It is mostly finished, but we have encountered a big rock slab with a very challenging roll to get off. The slab needs to be used to make the track work, but there is a steep roll at the bottom that is about 5m high. Of this 5m, just over half of the highest part is very steep (too steep to climb up) with a near vertical drop of about 1.5m at the bottom. While this would probably be no problem for a DH sled, it is a bit above and beyond what we had in mind.
We have built a nice bermed runout, but are having lots of problems finding a fix for the bottom. We have encountered some smaller drops on other slabs that we have successfully fixed using rocks to ramp up the bottom, but have had no luck with this one. While the runout is on a reasonably steep sideslope, the angle of it is nowhere near as steep as the slab, resulting in a very abrupt transition.

The problem we have encountered is the rock in the area is decomposed granite which is very crumbly and doesn't seem to want to fit. We had thought of a small ladder for the steepest section, but the area has very limited access and we wanted to keep it looking natural. With no viable lines around it, we need to find a way of making it rideable without leaving a pile of dead bodies at the bottom :)

Probably a stupid question, but has anyone encountered this situation and have any ideas that could work...
 
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Sounds good. You need a ramp of some description, either earth, rocks, a combination, or a ladder. If you choose earth you'll need to be mindful of the path of water and erosion though. Given the height a decent width (pallet) ladder might be a good option as you'd need a lot of rocks or earth otherwise?
 
That is a tough spot. Is this at Douglas (I presume) or Pallarenda?

I know that some of the rounded boulders in the area do calve off onion layers and one could be positioned on base rocks/embedded to provide a run-out tranny, but sounds like getting it there is the problem. A north shore construction is the most logical approach, but apart from the access you said a natural look is the aim.

Without being there the only thing that comes to mind is a large log pile (half of a log over resting back against the slab). It would have to be large whole (rather than half) logs with lots of gravel in the gaps, sitting on a base of stones that drain and coated with a serious layer of clay on the riding line. That would allow some longevity via ventilation from the sides. The riding surface could be topped-up periodically. The logs would have to be secured with metal strips/large bolts to prevent movement. I realise this does not answer the access problem, but at least 2m lengths of log weigh less than part boulders.

Good luck and pictures would be great.
 
Cement. Either:

1) Use it to bond rocks in place to as to construct a ramp out; or

2) Mix up a cup, drink it, and ride it how it is.
 
bikesarefun said:
Cement. Either:

1) Use it to bond rocks in place to as to construct a ramp out; or

2) Mix up a cup, drink it, and ride it how it is.
Click to expand...

We had discussed Option 2 as being the root of our problem :)

I have ridden it, and was still upright and on the bike at the bottom (sort of), but it was so ugly the others said "F!@#k that!!"
When you see some of the stuff that guys ride on AM bikes, we are probably a bit soft, but if it goes wrong up there you are rewarded by a free helicopter ride.
 
G'day outtacontrol, is there any photo's of said rock problem? Quite hard for someone to come up with a solid solution without some visuals. As you would know there is a wealth of knowledge floating on this site, someone may very well have the answer you're looking for. I make the occasional trip to Townsville though have yet had the chance to ride any of the new trails you guys have put in, good luck with this one there isn't enough All Mountain in Queensland.
 
At about 1:10 in this video they ride a feature like the one you describe.
http://vimeo.com/ibiscycles/skidmarx
Seems the way the trail approaches the roll in slows the riders down and makes the bermed exit look secure.
Can you work on the line into the feature and leave the rock the way it is?
 
I will try and post some pictures of the spot, but it's hard to get any that show any perspective. Part of the problem with the roll in, is that there is a very challenging section directly above it. The line follows a big rock shelf, that while steep is quite rideable and provides good grip for braking. There is a section that is about 5m long where the the line has to leave the rock and swings around the side to come out below, to the top of the roll. This section at the moment is too loose to provide any braking control, so needs to be rock armoured.

This is what makes the roll harder. The section before it is also technical and your speed needs to be kept under control. Laid up with the flu atm, so won't get any shots till next week.
 
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