Preparing Your Playground with Les Amis Des Sentiers and Guru
On July 27, a trail work day was held in partnership with Les Amis des Sentiers Bromont and Guru. Volunteers came together with the mission to clear and clean up some bike trails. So with a healthy dose of organic energy from Guru, the team set out to maintain the paths on Mont Bernard in Bromont.
Blessed with good weather, the team broke into groups equipped with rakes, rock bars and shovels to begin the trail maintenance. Just a few steps up the trail, you could see a group modifying a switchback to make the climb easier. With smiles on their faces, they drew up their game plan. We could hear the first blows on rocks that needed be removed to create a smoother path.
Higher up, a second group set to work on an intersection, which was a high-traffic spot. The team began to remove loose rocks with rakes and even out the terrain so that cyclists could continue climbing without slowing their pace. Many cyclists rode by and made appreciative comments. A physical task is always much easier when you’re getting props for the work.
Suddenly the Kubota truck appeared with one of the organizing members of the Amis des Sentiers Bromont, Eric, and Guru. Handing out energy drinks and water, Eric wanted to show his appreciation for a job well done that he described as “unreal.” A regular at trail work days, he proffered some advice and explained to the work team that they could move on to the next step, which was to continue up the trail to clear other sections. After a few strokes with rakes and rock bars, we heard the group of volunteers who had been working on the upper part of Mont Bernard coming back down: it was time to enjoy a late evening happy hour at the foot of the mountain. Of course, that wasn’t before we went to give a final helping hand to the first team, which was trying to complete a large section.
Time for a Well-Deserved Reward
Back at base camp, participants cracked open a few beers. We heard stories about everyone’s latest rides and discussed future sections to work on. Other volunteers exchanged news about their personal lives. Then the time came for the drawing. To reward participants, Oberson offered a pair of mountain bike glasses, performance socks, a long-sleeved jersey and other mountain biking accessories. Guru also provided an entire case. After the drawing, participants took the opportunity to have a second drink and congratulate themselves on a wonderful evening spent in good company.
Trail work sessions are crucial for the maintenance and sustainability of mountain bike trails in Quebec. Everyone can get involved regardless of their region. Inhabitants of the Bromont area can consult the various events organized by Les Amis des Sentiers Bromont on their Facebook page. It’s more than just a trail work day; it’s the perfect time to meet and talk with other mountain bike enthusiasts. You will have a real sense of accomplishment as you see the work you’ve done. Plus, you’ll feel the satisfaction of riding trails developed under your painstaking care.
By subscribing to the Oberson newsletter, you’ll always be up-to-date on upcoming trail work days. I look forward to seeing you out on the trails on a bike or with rake in hand.
