This weekend was an awe inspiring build weekend. VKBC, DERM, and the City of Miami worked together to build a trail in a previously untouchable tract of land.
Map of area for new “DERM” trail
This piece of land is on the northern tip of the island we call Virginia Key. Since the park has opened we have called this area “DERM Land” because it is managed by Gary Milano of Miami Dade’s Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM). It is a carefully managed ecologically sensitive area which the VKBC and its members/riders have been entrusted with using now. Starting nearly 8 yrs ago it was shaped for native plants to grown openly and to prevent erosion down into mangroves at the bottom of the hill. The entire slope is essentially a terraced drainage system. We had to coordinate very carefully with DERM and the City of Miami to not hurt the work done on this piece of land along with many of the native plants in this area.
Board member/Volunteer Alain Martinez working with City of Miami Arborist Juan Fernandez, and Frenchy just getting in the way
Now, on to so very important information about this trail. Since this trail is in an ecologically sensitive area no one is allowed to cut any trees or build anything other than what will be built by the club. And another thing this trail is only to be ridden in its current uphill configuration since it is a multi-use trail. This means that it is a trail for bikers, runners and walkers.
The new trail will be about 1.2 miles long and for anyone that has ever ridden trails in the Carolina’s or Tennessee will be reminded of those trails. So far we’ve counted 5 switchbacks before we got tired and stopped counting. How is that for pain? The real fun comes at the end of your torturous climb when you are rewarded with a Dual Slalom course that takes you back near the entrance of the trail and into “Learning to Fly”.
Volunteers clearing trail
DERM trail should be opened in the first weeks of October. Sooner if you come out to help.
Stunt rider Jessica testing a new trail
Other things, we are about to finish one other short trail but we are waiting on a couple of key items to have it opened. Should be ready for the next weekend.
Gary Milano (left) of DERM and Frenchy collaborating on the new trail
A big thank you got Gary and Juan from derm and the city for coming out this weekend to help us build trails. Hopefully this is the beginning of a long lasting friendship!
Volunteers on Saturday after a difficult hot day or work…