How you might get what you want...

Well the "Damage" thread was interesting and I've decided rather than just tell folks not to do that type of stuff, I thought I'd give you some suggestions on how I would have handled what folks seemed to think they can just build on their own.

Mind you that at this point the 10%'ers have set themselves back miles with Jim, whereas their impact to the "Legitimate Trail Builders" has fortunately been minimized. But they might be able to recover their validity with him over time. Provided that they follow some suggestions.

I would have first contacted Jim and said "Hey, we would like to build a "Demonstration Project" of what might work when it comes to man made elevated stunts. We were wondering if you would give us permission to design and build a small stunt so that you might see what is potentially possible. It can be anywhere of your choosing, some where out of the way, in a series of boulders where we can show you what we are capable of. We'd love to walk the area with you and provide input on what might make a great site for this project.

When it comes to construction, everything will be done top drawer. We will design the stunt with a solid foundation made of 4X4's anchored into the ground with pilings and post brackets. The construction will utilize truss brackets and have bolted cross members with cross ties to make it a solid framework. All decking will be at least 36" wide for safety and screwed down with outdoor rated screws and bolts. No nails will be used so that it stays solid.

Materials will all be pressure treated to resist the elements and it will be stained to blend in to the terrain as well as possible. The decking will have no more that a 1/2" gap between slats and a non-skid, deck coat. It will not use lath which would potentially lacerate someone if they fell. Once construction is completed we would plant bushes and remediate the area so that it blended in with the natural surroundings.

If you would be so kind as to consider this project we would assure you that we would provide a thorough design for review before construction began and we would follow your direction during all phases of the implementation. We would hope that this "Demonstration Project" would provide you with an idea of what is possible and what we are capable of building. Maybe eventually we could expand this into a full fledged "Freeride Park". In any event, thanks for your consideration."

A couple weeks back, that might have gotten it done... But now, I'm not so sure he'd be open to it. Ya never know. He's very approachable when it comes to these types of ideas. But he may be a bit pissed with how the 10%'ers have in effect dis'ed him.

Something to think about!!!

Here's some more info that might help you discuss what you want with the Land Managers...

http://www.imba.com/news/trail_news/19_3/itn_19_3.pdf
http://www.imba.com/news/trail_news/18_3/itn_18_3.pdf