We departed Kamloops for Williams Lake, staying at the “Chief Will-Yum" camp site.
We were welcomed by Willie Sellers, council member of the Williams Lake Indian Band,
to their traditional territory.
Willie gave us a description about the tourism benefits of the campsite and trail network,
as well as the Nation's role in it's development.
After setting up our camp, Thomas Schoen, owner First Journey Trails Company, gave us an introduction about himself and trail building industry.
We covered tools for trail building, buying trail building tools, brands etc..
He also showed us his special trail builders back pack with chain saw compartment.
He also provided us with information about local wildlife and how to use bear spray.
We spent the afternoon on the Chief Will-Yum mountain biking trail
with tools for trail maintenance.
While walking on trails Thomas was constantly providing us with information about small things also answering every question in detail. He is knowledgeable and passionate about his work.
Thomas explained nicely the different types of trails from green to black diamond,
and various TTF’s (Technical Trail Features).
The following pictures show some of the
Technical Trail Features we find on trails:
Thomas explained various trail info to us including:
- what IMBA and Whistler Standards are,
- why an uptrack seeks to maintain 10 percent average grade,
- what pinch points, berm, skinny, single track, drops etc. are.
After a long hike we ended our day with dinner
were ready to sleep well in our tents!
