Joel Rogauskus has announced that the re-route of the Golden Spike, which connects the Stella and Growlers Gulch trail systems, has been fully scouted and flagged, and is ready for trail work. The re-route distance is 4.3 miles, heading west from the previous crossing near the Creek Trail.

 

The re-route became necessary when a slide wiped out the trail just above Monahan Creek last winter. Joel says the “B” in Plan B stands for “Better.” The new crossing of the Monahan Creek is 600 feet higher in elevation than the original. Starting at this higher crossing enabled Joel to design trail segments that are rideable in both directions. In addition, the new line crosses the creek at a shallower and easier location, and that means the use of the trail will be extended throughout much more of the year.

 

“The new entrance on the Growlers side is less than 0.5 miles west of Double Down,” Rogauskus said. “So before heading back from the Golden Spike to Jeep’s for beer, riders can enjoy the best downhill trails Growlers has to offer.”

 

The entire 4.3 miles of re-route has NO road segments, only road crossings. Finding the trail to the top of the divide will be easier than before because the trail segment entrances are now directly across from each other. If a good line can be located, the plan is to eventually add single-track  from the new creek crossing to the top of Double Down.

 

Joel is eager to organize volunteers to take his plan from dream to reality. Once the November 21st mega-work party is behind us, we should be able to focus attention on his line. Please sign up at the bottom of this post or email Joel at windriven@yahoo.com for details. I will post the news when a date for trail work has been solidified.