Despite the inclement weather, a crew of close to 30 people gathered at the North Chuckanut trail head on May 15th to put forth an effort to continue the Raptor Ridge trail connector work on Chuckanut Mountain.
It had been about 12 years since I had personally last did the climb up the lost lake trail from the Arroyo trailhead, and let me say this, being my 4th day out on my MTB, I had totally forgotten what a brutally consistent 3 mile climb this was. I can say that even though all the climb was on a dirt road, the rains and build up of mud made it no easier. After 1 hour of straight climb I made it to the Raptor ridge trailhead, I rode up solo due to being fashionably late with morning time family obligations. Upon arrival the entry into the trail head was littered with bikes, packs and helmets, signs of what was a solid clue. In my climb up to the trailhead I also noticed fresh footprints, signs that some people decided to forego the climb on two wheels through miles of mud, which after the fact was probably a wise choice.
I met up with two other late arriving volunteers, which made me feel better. We hiked up the trail, and about a 1/4 mile into the hike we came to the area where the sandstone rock cutting work was going one, there we ran into Kevin Menard from Transition Bikes, whom was the sponsor of the trail build day. He and I retreated back down to to the trailhead to fetch the food for the crew.
On our way back we talked bikes and trails, during this walk I was mentally taking in the newly developed terrain that was unfolding before my eyes, and what I realized is this new XC trail was no trail for the faint at heart. This was going to be a world class, challenging XC trail. First off to access the trail, you will have access from the North Chuckanut trailhead (where I accessed the trail) or the Pine Lakes access off of Old Samish Highway. Either way the climb alone is a virtuous 1300 foot climb to the trail connector.
Once you are at the entrance (from the N Chuckanut side) the trail turns into a mix of climbing in flowing descents mixed with the finest PACNW obstacles of roots, berms, rocks, logs, trees, chicanes, stumps, steep slopes - all in a misty backdrop of lush PACNW rainforest. Also this ride will boast one of the best views in the county or country for that matter, with a picturesque view of the back and Chuckanut Mountains. All the while this trail will be a solid challenge for the XC rider at heart, yet give you the satisfaction of feeling like you are in a freeride environment with solid flow.
Big thanks needs to be shout out to WHIMPS for managing this project in coordination with Whatcom County Parks, then the assistance of the many sponsors, Fanatic, Transition Bikes, but what really has the most impact is the volunteers who show up and make it happen and put in a tough days work to ensure that the masses get the buffed out trail systems we have at our disposal, much respect and much thanks to all of them for all the help.
Next build day and final push on Raptor Ridge is June 4th, which is National Trail Day, so hopefully see you there. www.WHIMPS.org for more info.
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