Duck 'n Run @McIntosh Run. Update and account

[supercraig]

I always understood “trail elf” to refer to a mythical creature who built unsanctioned trails in secrecy and wished to remain anonymous.

[tossedsalad]

Yeah, there’s that but people also refer to the magically repaired or cleaned up sections of trail as having been done by ‘trail elves’.

[Goose]

Call me what you like, just don’t call me late for dinner.

I post progress at Whooper to keep people informed and to try entice more to get out and ride and see the improvements or changes.

Trail Gnomes is a popular tag.

[Rockhopper]

Words fail to adequately describe the awesomeness of what has been accomplished at MRW. The MRWA folks are miracle workers - so many amazing accomplishments. Thanks MRWA’ers!!

[Lawrence]

@tossedsalad

I know “trail elves” is a popular term but it always bugged me a little (not a lot, mind) as it seems to lessen the importance of the work trail builders and maintainers do. Surely there is a way to refer to the people who are responsible for this massive effort without making them sound like little people who work in Santa’s toyshop. I’m at a loss as to what, though.

I think the terms are:

• Trail Association (and individuals within): responsible for establishing priorities, planning, fiducial and liability issues, interacting with landowners and other stakeholder groups, as pertaining to a trail system. Must have open elected leadership structure. Not synonomous with “group who rides and drinks beer together”. Partial overlap may in some cases occur but is not organizing principle.

• Trail builder: Moves rocks, dirt, lumber etc to build and maintain trails under priorities set by the above Association, and within limitations set by terrain and personal ability. May or may not drink beer.

I submit the above as my terminological proposal.

[Lawrence]

We had a great group on that last day with you, @JBrownlie, Kim, Peter, Kaarin, Woody and me! You’ve contributed for years.

I was pretty damn skeptical a year ago too. lol

[IanM_MTB]

Not much I can say that hasn’t already been said. I’m proud and privileged to have had a small part as a Trail Builder, and look forward to doing more when I can. Happy to act as a educator and trail steward under your guidance and education.

[JOsh]

Can someone tell me what the status is on duck n run? Theres been signs saying its closed until further notice every time ive been there so far. I apologize if its already been asked. Cant seem to find any info on it.

[Goose]

I believe it’s just due to some little trail fixes and the fact that the trail has not been officially open. But do not hesitate to ride it.

[Lawrence]

MRWA can’t officially open DnR until paperwork for the bridge is completed, so the signs are still up. I expect we’ll be able to take them down very soon…

[Alice]

The signs are now down and the trail is officially open!

[Mobettah]

Congratulations to all the volunteers and staff that worked on the trail. It’s a beaut!

[DHRider]

Can’t wait to ride this now that it’s finally opened up
Great job to all that were involved