Design and Engineering of Trail Bridges and Structures

Instructors: Jim La Hatt, P.E., La Hatt Engineering Corp  and Gerry Wilbour, Northwest Trails

Cost: $120 per person (includes lunch)
Workshop Dates: March 17, 2017 (one day)
Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm each day

Where: Riverhouse Conference Center

Description:

This workshop will explore the various issues involved in planning; design and engineering of trail structures.  The structural portion of the workshop will be given in two parts; the first elements we will explore are the basic structural and engineering issues.  Ignoring engineering needs can lead to poor, inadequate, unsafe or unsustainable structures.  Over engineering especially by the misapplication of design load criteria can be costly and lead to difficult implementation issues.  We will discuss the important differences between highway loading, habitable structural loading and trail appropriate loading (such as hiker, equestrian, bike, & trail equipment loading) and how to apply these criteria to the successful design of practical, efficient, aesthetically appropriate and cost controlled trail structural features.  Second, we will explore the real world application and cost of these structural criteria.  Structural types that will be discussed include footlogs, solid sawn, laminated, steel, aluminum and composite stringers, as well as truss and suspension bridges.

Bridges often become a significant visual feature and/or viewing platform within a trail system.  We will discuss a variety of ways that designers have woven appropriate aesthetic appeal into their structural decisions.  The guidance of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS class) for federal land managers will be covered.  We will also cover appropriate design criteria for safety standards.  These will vary by land owner/manager, the type of trail, adopted standards (if any), and remoteness of the site including ROS class on federal projects. Good bridge site selection is often the most critical piece of the planning and design process and it’s always site specific.  We will cover appropriate design guidelines and examples.

We will take a short excursion to visit and discuss nearby features. Please bring examples from your experience to discuss and share.

Appropriate For: Anyone who is involved in the management, design, engineering and construction of trail projects or systems with bridges or other structural features.

Instructors:

Jim La Hatt, P.E., La Hatt Engineering Corp

Since graduating in Engineering from Washington State University in 1979, Jim has had a diverse career in professional engineering, teaching and construction including completing over 2000 various structural and civil projects. At La Hatt Engineering, he has been responsible for the structural analysis and design of concrete, steel, aluminum, wood and masonry structural systems in addition to earthwork and earth retaining systems.  He has also been responsible for the design and engineering of more than two dozen public and private trail bridge structures.  He has sat on the City of Bellingham’s Board of Code Appeals and currently teaches at Washington Engineering Institute.

Gerry Wilbour of Northwest Trails Inc,  has an extensive background in planning, designing, estimating and developing trails and trail systems.  In the last 30+ years, he has designed and/or built over 300 trail bridges, boardwalks and other structures from the most remote Wilderness bridges to urban bicycle structures.  He has shared the depth of his experience on a variety of trail related subjects to local, regional and national workshops and training sessions.

Stonework and Rock Armoring for Mountain Bike Trails

Instructor: Kent Howes, Treadwerks

Cost: $300 per person (includes lunches both days)
Workshop Dates: March 17-18, 2017
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day

Where: Tetherow Resort, 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd. Bend OR

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION 

Join Kent Howes from Treadwerks and Onay Weaver from Top of Line Construction in a two day class to learn the basics of working with stone.

From sourcing and transporting the stone, from rock placement to building crib walls, switchbacks and rock armoring, we will cover the basics including safety, tools and power equipment to the aesthetics rock filters and work site revegetation.

1. Stone procurement (sourcing) - In Central Oregon, there are two types of rock that dominate the landscape, Basalt and Welded Tuff. We will be working with both types. Some of our workshop will focus on Welded Tuff (Sandalwood) previously gathered from the project site. The remainder of the workshop will use Basalt sourced as we build technical features on an existing trail corridor (COD Trail)

2. Stone Transport- We will be using both power equipment and a variety of hand tools to move and place the stone. Safety will be a major focus, as will efficiency of motion.

3. Stone Placement- The class will be building a variety of stone structures including dry stack crib walls, rock armoring, rock filters and revegetation 

First aid kits and all of the equipment needed for the workshop will be provided. Participants should bring hard hats, safety glasses, work gloves, long pants and sturdy work boots.

The weather in Bend during March can be anything from mid-50’s and sunny to snow flurries and mid 30’s.

The fee for the workshop includes: high instructor to student ratio, lunch on each day, stone work specific equipment and limited PPE.

We need a minimum of 10 students for this workshop, and a maximum of 20.

PROJECT SITE-

We will be meeting at 9am on the first day of the workshop at the Tetherow Resort in Bend. 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd. Bend OR 97702

MEETING PLACE DIRECTIONS-

To get to Tetherow Resort form the Riverhouse Convention Center take the parkway (HWY 97) south to the Colorado exit. Turn right on Colorado and follow it through 3 roundabouts until you reach Century Dr. Go South on Century Dr. for approximately 1 mile to Skyline Ranch Rd. turn right (North) and Tetherow Resort will be on the right in 200 yards. Our project sight is immediately across Skyline Ranch Rd. from the Resort.

Modern Mountain Biking Facilities Development Workshop: Bike Parks, Flow Trails, and MTB-Optimized Trail Systems

Cost: $300 (lunch provided on Friday and Saturday)
Dates: Thur-Sat, March 16-18, 2017
Times: Thursday, 5:00-6:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Instructor(s): Nat Lopes, HILRIDE Progression Development Group, Scott Linnenburger, Kay-Linn Enterprises, Woody Keen, Trail Wisdom

Indoor sessions at the Riverside Hotel, and outdoors at various parks and MTB trails close to Bend

Workshop Description

Recent innovations in mountain biking facilities have left many land managers confused. What is a bike park, a flow trail, a pump track? Who do these facilities serve, what do they cost to develop, and how is risk and maintenance managed? Three of the country's leading mtb facility planner-designers, Nat Lopes of Hilride, Scott Linnenburger of Kay-Linn Enterprises and Woody Keen of Trail Wisdom, will provide a comprehensive classroom and field-based exploration of these facilities and provide best (and some not so best) practices examples from around the world. Day 1 will be indoor overview presentation to set the stage for the workshop. Day 2 will be site visits to a number of local bike park facilities and mountain bike optimized trails. Day 3 we will visit a local traditional park (ball fields) under consideration for adding some bike park features and the class will study the land, understand constraints,  and then work on a concept master plan for including some bike park features into the existing park. 

Intended Audience

• Land managers 
• Parks and recreation professionals, 
• Trail and mountainbike advocates

Workshop Agenda

Day 1 Thur 3/16

5-6:30 PM-Indoor Session: Introduction and overview of bike parks and mountain bike optimized trails    

Day 2-  Fri. 3/17
Site visits to many local bike parks and mountain bike trails: Prineville Bike Park, Family Bike Park at 7th Mountain Resort, Phil’s Trailhead, The Lair, and RockRidge Park. 

Meet at 8:30 AM and plan to be in the field until 5PM

Lunch provided

Day 3-Sat. 3/18
Site visit and planning work at Big Sly Park, Bend Parks and Recreation District.

Meet at 8:30 and plan to be in the field until 5PM

Lunch provided

Workshop Goals

The goals of the workshop are to: 

1. Provide a comprehensive understanding ofthe breadth and depth of modern mountain bike facilities,
2. Share information and experience regarding demographics served, funding, risk management, and long-term operations and maintenance, and 
3. Examine a number of different bike parks and trail systems and learn about their successes and challenges. 

Learning Objectives

After completing the workshop, participants will: 

1. Differentiate between different types of modern mountain bike facilities (i.e. mtb-optimized trail, flow trail, pump track/park, etc.),
2. Understand space, slope needs and other factors that make successful mtb parks and trails, and 
3. Comprehend the basic development/management patterns and challenges for mtb-focused facilities.

Instructor Biographies

Nat Lopes

Nat Lopes is Principle and Lead Designer for HILRIDE Progression Development Group LLC.  A mission driven company, Hilride is dedicated to realizing the potential of the global mountain biking movement as a force for economic development, environmental conservation and the promotion of healthy, active communities. Providing consulting based design and construction support services with integrated approach to community outreach, master planning, environmental resource compliance, construction documentation, fundraising, branding and volunteer management, Nat has worked on the development of many landmark projects across the country. 

The recently opened destination bike park called Griffin Bike Park in Terre Haute, Indiana is perhaps one of the most comprehensive and interesting projects to date, with a 20 mile purpose built progressive trail system that is anchored by a 7-acre Terrain Park with pump tracks, skills park, dirt jump park and dual slalom course, a 5-acre Basic Training Skills Park, and a Land, Air and Water Training Park with first in the nation Lake Jump and Floating Water Trail facilities. The project included establishing the Friends of Griffin Bike Park volunteer group which has managed more than 1,200 individual volunteers and 15,000 hours of volunteer labor in addition to the development of a fundraising program and volunteer training that raised $2M to construct the park. 

Scott Linnenburger

Scott Linnenburger has nearly 20 years of experience in recreation/trail development, conservation planning, and environmental restoration projects.  His successful work on more than 100 trail projects in the federal, state, local, and private sectors demonstrates a keen ability to assist clients in developing projects that fulfill their mission, protect natural resources, and enhance community sustainability.

 After developing the International Mountain Bicycling Association's Trail Solutions, Ride Center and Gateway Trail programs, Scott founded Kay-Linn Enterprises to provide professional consultation and project management services. With multiple bike park and mountain bike-optimized trail projects in development around the country, Linnenburger has a finger on the pulse of the current desires of the mountain biking community, innovative opportunities present on public and private lands, and concerns of land managing professionals in developing these outside-the-box facilities.

Woody Keen

With a long and successful career in the outdoor industry, Woody Keen has always been a positive voice for the benefits of playing in the natural world. After growing one of the largest trail contracting companies in the country, Trail Dynamics, Woody founded Trail Wisdom in 2012 to focus solely on trail education and mountain bike facility planning. 

Internationally known and respected, Keen has served as the keynote speaker for the World Mountain Bike Conference, played a key role in the nationwide acceptance of freeriding as a board member for the International Mountain Bicycling Association, and has designed and managed the development of many different styles of bike parks with a wide range of development types (turnkey, hybrid contracting etc.) . With the most comprehensive understanding of risk management in the trails industry, Keen's consultation has helped gain wide acceptance of bike parks as desirable park amenities.   

What to Bring:

Appropriate field gear for the weather. Expect to be outside both days of the workshop. Participants should be ready to hike and spend an afternoon/day outside and bring necessary gear, water, and/or medication to assure a comfortable day. 

Workshop Costs: 

$300 early registration ($330 after March 1 2017); This fee includes: nationally recognized instructors, high instructor to participant ratio, 

Maximum of 25 participants.

For More Information, Contact:

Scott Linnenburger, Principal 303-241-3301- scott@kay-linn.com

Turns for the Better

Instructor: Christine Byl & Gabe Travis, Interior Trails
Cost: $300.00 per person (includes lunches both days)
Workshop Dates: March 17-18, 2017, 8 am - 5 pm each day

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Learn how to design and lay out a perfect direction-reversing Sweep Turn or Switchback on various side slopes. Use standard survey tools to create a geometrically precise layout, minimize construction time, and connect trail leg approaches at the proper grade. Gain an understanding of the effects of different slope angles on layout, construction, traffic wear, drainage and maintenance. Discuss user groups and how those parameters affect decisions about turns. Learn how to minimize common mistakes made when laying out "by instinct" alone. One day of classroom instruction, one day of field exercises. Please bring a manual compass w/ protractor and a clinometer, if you have them available.

This class is largely about the structural geometry of direction-reversing turns (sweep turns, switchbacks, and some of their variants), and the fundamental role of both sideslope angle and soil integrity in that geometry. We will be focusing on turn layout, in particular how to make it accurately reflect the turn geometry and respond to site terrain limits, and on how layout choices predict construction difficulty, traffic flow through the turn, and long-term durability. We'll cover the geometry, angles and math behind turns (a pocket calculator will be handy at times), as well as more intuitive guidelines and a discussion of aesthetic components of layout. You will receive a binder of text covering everything we’ll talk about so note-taking should be minimized.

In the classroom segment, which will last from 4 to 6 hours, we’ll cover the basics of sweep turns (both slope-grade and controlled-grade), fishhook turns, banked turns, standard switchbacks, full-bench switchbacks, and “simple switchbacks”. In the field we’ll first acquaint ourselves with the role and use of the clinometer for turns in particular, and the magnetic compass used as a field protractor. Then in teams you will get to lay out a variety of turns on varying sideslopes, and decide which turn type best fits a particular site, weighing such factors as traffic type and volume, minimum tread width, minimum turn radius, drainage difficulties, and both tread and terrain stability. Class ratio should allow plenty of time for small group contact with instructors.

WORKSHOP AGENDA:

Day 1: Classroom discussion of above, with handouts, power-point, drawings & photos, and plenty of time for class discussion. Intro to layout tools in the field.

Day 2: Field Exercises: in small groups, laying out and staking turns in a variety of settings. There will be plenty of discussion on site as well as hands on instruction for folks at a variety of level of experience.

WHAT TO BRING:

Appropriate field gear for the weather. Expect to be outside both days of the workshop. We are in the Pacific Northwest. Expect rain and be pleasantly surprised if it stays dry.

Instructors:

Christine Byl & Gabe Travis, co-owners of Interior Trails, have been building trails for more than 20 years. After 12 years working on federal trail crews in Glacier NP, Chugach NF and Denali NP, in 2008 they founded Interior Trails, specializing in sustainable trail design, layout, construction, consulting and training in Alaska. Christine & Gabe have layout and design to clients from across the country. They live on a few acres of tundra north of Denali National Park and spends as much time as possible in wild places by foot, bike, ski, boat and dog. For more information on Interior Trails, visit www.interior-trails.com.

Terrain Dynamics for Trails Folks

Cost: $300/person (includes lunches both days)
Instructor: Michael Shields
Dates: March 17-18, 2017, 8am - 5pm each day

Location: Smith Rocks State Park

Description:

A 2-day workshop (1 classroom, 1 in field) providing an in-depth look at the variable nature and basic mechanics of the ground we build trails on, including snares hidden within it. Treats that ground as a "dynamic structure" and covers slope stability factors (including on flat ground),soil mechanics, terrain hydrology (both surface and subsurface), the roles of bedrock and vegetation, surface indicators of subsurface phenomena, and using this knowledge in the selection of trail routes, structures, and drainage systems that work. Includes problem scenarios and a binder of reference material.
Max class size 12 (with co-instructor on field day 2).

Instructor: Mike Shields, Michael D. Shields Consulting
(907) 746-2515
meshie@mtaonline.net

Rigging for Trail Work

Cost: $300 (includes lunches on both days)
Instructor: Jed Talbot, OBP Trailworks
Dates: March 17-18, 2017, 8am-5pm each day

Description:

Trail Work often requires moving heavy objects in a variety of settings and conditions. The proper utilization of backcountry rigging systems can increase worker safety and efficiency while reducing physical impacts to the environment. Trail rigging systems are comprised of tools such as hand and engine powered hoists, wire and synthetic rope, synthetic slings, shackles, and snatch blocks. Crews properly trained in safe rigging practices can move large loads such as logs and rocks by skidding them over the ground or suspending them in the air.

During a two day trail rigging workshop, participants will be educated in the following:
• Mechanical advantage
• Rigging components: use, safety and maintenance
• Component strength and Working Load Limits (WLL)
• Ground based operations: skidding and pulling
• Systems of communication
• Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and tailgate safety sessions
• Determining safe working positions
• Understanding vector forces on loads, blocks, slings, and hoists
• Aerial operations: skylines and highlead systems
• Setting blocks and anchor systems
• Belaying heavy loads

From: Jedediah Talbot
OBP Trailworks, LLC
(207) 312-1340
jed@obptrailworks.com