This really will be an amazing addition to our trail network and unlike anything else in the state!!! Thank you Mark for getting the ball rolling.

This looks like it would be an awesome addition to the area.   

I'm curious if we have gathered quotes from any other contractors?  The reason I ask is that some of the pricing seems pretty steep considering what is being quoted.  I won't go through every item, but I will call out the price for Closure Chains (4) for the price of $1650?  I'm assuming this includes the digging of post, and a chain.  To which I ask, what kind of chains are those?!?!   

We could rent a post hole digger for less $100 a day locally, 6"x6"x8' post could be purchased for $22 each plus tax and 30' of heavy duty chain for under $20.  and throw in 4 Master pad locks if you like for $36.  Comes up roughly to about $330.  I can see where there are a few other pieces, signage, some eye bolts and of course labor involved, but is that good money spent on some Closure Chains for $1650?   

I guess I'm just a little shell-shocked from a price tag of over $100K for the trails before the features are added.

Solar wrote on 05/11/15 at 3:48pm:

What you're talking about has already been considered.  We will most likely to all of the add on's ourselves and leave the bulk of the heavy machine/dirt work to the contractors.

Honestly, the trail itself is going to be the main feature.   

To give you something to compare:  We used a $75,000 RTP grant to build Laurel and Wildlife at LNSP.  Bob Karriker was the contractor and charged $7,000 for design and layout.  ETD charged $5,000 for design, layout and conceptual design.  If Bob had actually charged a going rate for professional trail building it would have cost $300,000 - $400,000 to build.  Most starting rates are $4-$5 per foot of trail built.  Bob charged us $1 a foot.

Solar wrote on 05/11/15 at 3:48pm:

In this case it is a very specialized design.  We chose Elevated Trail Design because they are one of the few that build this style of trail, understand how to make it flow and ride this style of trail...a lot.   

I understand the "why" in considering another contractor but in my experience, going with the lowest bidder for trail building is a disaster in the making.  They're rates typically go between $8-$12 per foot of trail.  What they are building is extremely labor intensive.  Ask any of the guys like Robbie Taylor or Matthew Wilson how much time and dirt it takes to build up a nice jump line by hand.

I bet we could partner with a certain restaurant / bar across the street from the entrance to make something happen.

They are well known for giving back to the local community.

The Cycle Path wrote on 05/12/15 at 10:20am:


Mark- thanks for taking the time to thoroughly answer my question. I appreciate it. 
I have no doubt it's a lot of work and I also will add I think it will be incredible to have at this trail as Beatty is now my home trail (after moving last year).
I've  been short on time over the past year but I do plan to get out to help on the trails when my schedule opens a bit.  I'll be getting in touch with Gravity Theif when I can give some time.

And when the day comes I'll be happy to help put those closure chains in!

Robert C. wrote on 05/12/15 at 2:31pm:


What restaurant/bar is across the street from Beatty?

All, $445 in 20 days is pretty lame. I know not everybody can donate hundreds of dollars, but $20 from 500 people can go a long way. Maybe cut back on the beer a little bit (not much though  ), or don't buy that new fancy derailleur yet, and definitely don't buy any new team kit. (nobody needs to see anymore of that.) I have donated, and I plan to make it a monthly effort. (that way the wify doesn't notice) So please try to put a little bit in, whenever you can, so we can start enjoying this trail.

--kit

maybe put on a race or event and the proceeds go to the pump track?

or a THTB cook out? 

Idk just throwing out ideas

Gravitythief76 wrote on 06/01/15 at 7:44pm:


Just curious, what will we be using the trailer to do?