January 16, 2003: A coffee shop in Houston. On Wednesday, Jan. 15 the TBC and IMBA crews met with local riders who have volunteered to maintain an area informally known as "the Anthills" where trails have been located for 25+ years. The trail system was originally created down along a bayou adjacent to Terry Hershey Park and the trails often get flooded due to heavy rains which then leads to frequent maintenance needs. The local riders have been working to move the trails above the high water line and create new lines that are more environmentally sustainable. IMBA and TBC representatives agreed that the proposed re-routes look well designed and should provide good riding opportunities once the proper permits have been acquired to work on the trails.

IMBA Trail Care Crew

Thursday Jan. 16: IMBA and TBC went south of town to scout out trails that have been developed in Jack Brooks Park. The trails are not rideable when wet, as they go through several low-lying areas that hold water long after a rain has passed. However, there is enough topography in the park that provides a lot of potential for interesting, sustainable trails to be created. Another benefit is that the local park manager is very interested in working cooperatively with mountain bikers and offered to provide materials and assistance to build a trail system that will be a new resource for riders in the Houston area.

That afternoon a follow-up meeting was held on the Hill at Sims Greenway project to expand on the ideas discussed on January 2. At this meeting IMBA was present in addition to TBC staff and assisted in further defining ideas of what types of landforms and topography would best suit mountain bike riders in South East Texas. A round table discussion was held over what types of hillsides are most conducive for an entertaining outdoors experience. The project is moving forward with more natural looking landscapes and less engineered contours. This will not lend itself quite as well for the flood control aspect of the site, but will make for better topography for riding. Also discussed was a maintenance road to be used as a beginner loop with slight elevation changes.

The evening time saw the Trail Docs and IMBA crew attending one of the West End Bicycles weekly rides in rather frigid weather, as well as attending a short meet and greet session. Friday wrapped up the week with a very productive meeting between various user groups concerned with the Memorial Park issue. And after all the work, it was nice to get everybody together to have a fun ride and festival at Double Lake Recreation Area. More on that to come in the next installment.