Captain Jacks Workday a Huge Success!
We had a very successful workday on 6/6/26. The work party included USFS members Jake Ellsworth, Jordan and Collin; TPA Trail Crew member’s Greg Hamilton, Mike T., Carl, and Brendan; 3 members of Dave Kemper’s Trailcat Enterprises team, along with 12 CMTRA members. A big thank you for Dave Kemper’s donation-in-kind for his guys! Also, a big thank you to Dave Gardner for leading our team and for his employer’s contribution, TBK Bank, of lunch for the entire work crew! Please thank Dave K. And Dave G. when you see them.
We made pretty quick work of the 701 rocky hill sections around creek crossings #2 and #3 (counting from the intersection of 701/667). Large rocks were moved and the placed in the trail tread to improve the ride-ability and sustainability of these challenging trail sections.
The team had extra time, so we moved to the FST# 668 - Pipeline. We focused on the perpetually worn and braided section just above Nelson Camp. Several large rocks were removed and/or placed into the trail tread to armor it on this step section. Kemper’s team used a rock saw to cut down several rocks that were impeding flow on the preferred riding line. A few of us somewhat successfully rode the finished section to bed in the rocks.
Overall, we made the Captain Jacks trail much better. The TPA Crew commented on what a great trail system we have right next to Colorado Springs. Our work made the trail somewhat easier to ride, but I still consider FST trails #701 and #668 to be difficult and for advanced riders. Lastly, both the USFS and TPA Trail Crew expressed their appreciation to the CMTRA members for their help and partnership. We provided a morale boost for both organizations, that often work alone and without much appreciation.