Lurk Trails

Out with the old trails and in with the new!

Since the loss of our friend and fellow rider Luke Esgate, the city of Albany decided that the trails in Bryant Park, Also known as AREA 51 are going to be torn out this spring. However they have agreed to work with us and give us a new location that is accessible by vehicles in case of an emergency incident ever occurs. On the 16th we had our first meeting with the city and talked about our options and possibility's for the new trails. They have agreed to get us water hook ups and even pay for contractors to push around dirt for us. They suggested some spots where we could potentially put the new trails but nothing was set in stone. We came up with this spot because is has a 22 foot elevation drop and we thought it was the best we could work with. Bryant park has history in it of BMX and so we really didn't want to leave that location. 

This is the old location at area 51, submerged in water from flooding. 

 This is the hill that we are planning on starting the new trails at. As you can see there will be a lot of work to be done clearing the ground for the new trails (especially since it is littered with brick chunks)

This is the back of the hill with some ancient foundation still sitting atop of it. 22 foot drop elevation on the other side. 

Let us know if you are interested in helping with the new trails. We can use all the help we can get to make these trails better than the last.

This is a quick video of the new location for what we are starting to call the "Lurk trails"

So fresh n so clean

This is the perfection we want all trail builders to aspire to...

The English Beat

Just tring to keep up with Noah on the Englishman shredders. These trails look pretty swell. I like the fast rollers in the long and low line. My favorite trick in this edit is that hotbar to mannie over the dubs and through the roller

A day with Liam Eltham from Robin Fenlon on Vimeo.

This is just nuts...

"Lurk Trails" meeting update

On Wednesday, December 16th, the main crew of builders (re-modelers for all you sticklers out there) of Area 51 had a round table meeting with the City of Albany parks and rec. director along with a city insurance representative. Some of the guys from the Black Rock Mountain Bike Association also make some time to come down to show their support and give some ideas.

I want to make it clear to everyone out there that it is not intended to be a closed group. This first meeting was a chance for the builders to hear the city's concerns about the existing trails, how they are not able to insure the trails, but how the city of Albany wants to work with the trails builders towards making a city sanctioned, public area for expert to pro level trails.

With that being said, Area 51 Trails will be plowed.

Ed Hodney, Albany parks director said that the existing course (area 51) is closed but will remain until a new trails area is established and at least under construction.

This is somewhat new territory for me, going through the "proper" channels to get sanctioned trails. Some of you may remember the Valley Trails, behind the BMX track in Eugene. Those trails where sanctioned through the ABA untill there was more interest of the racing participants to the trails over the BMX track. Soon after that, they were plowed.

Us builders are hoping, with clear and open communications with the city parks department, that this new sanctioned trail spot will be here to stay. The guys from BRMBA were there to share with us some ideas on how to organize a core group that would be the main connection between the city of Albany and the trails, and also how to structure some proposed plans on lay-out for the City's insurance provider.

This is going to be slow going. If you would like to be involved, hit us up and we'll get you in. Like I said before, we are just starting this whole process. So far we think we have narrowed down a spot in Bryant Park (area 51 is in the same park). Next is getting a proposed lay-out to the city's insurance for approval. After that, The parks department and and organized group of builders would come public with a proposed plan and could possibly start construction.

Big ups to the fellas from BRMBA, and Evan's mom Tari Hayes

Now if your fiending to build trails this winter, Go help Bean and D-boy

Best of the Northwest

OLD TEASER from brennen britton on Vimeo.

Just a little bit of what everyone has come to expect out of the NWC. Bean, thanks for keeping it thriving.

The new Albany trails

Albany parks and recreation is having a round table discussion on the construction of sanctioned BMX dirt jumps in Albany, Please bring ideas (location, design, materials, etc) and a friend to the meeting on Thursday, December 16th 2010 at 6:30pm at 

Council Chambers, City hall, 333 Broadalbin St SW, Albany, OR

Questions or comments call 541-917-7778

Email tarihayes@cityofalbany.net