Hoots contributed greatly to Bighorn Recreational Trails development working collaboratively with West Fraser Mills Ltd. and the HMBA (Hinton Mountain Bike Association) for design-build of three significant trails. 

Click links for HMBA - Bighorn Ridge updates alongside background overview notes from West Fraser!

Bighorn Downhill (DH) ‘Giver Hell’ Trail (~5 km) - Work began in 2018 with flagging, clearing, machine and handwork to create an intermediate-advanced mtb trail within the original corridor, enhancing and optimizing a dedicated DH route between the upper ridge and lower north parking lot. The trail has been purpose-built for DH riding with berms, rollers and table top jumps, and sustainably constructed to address trail erosion and drainage challenges from winter / spring inundation and ponding. This includes rock armouring and innovative trail hardening techniques with leading edge enviro-friendly geotech products alongside elevated boardwalk over wet areas / water crossings.

Bighorn ‘Up Flow - Stairway to Heaven’ Trail (~12 km) with ‘Purgatory’ Connector (~200 m) - Completed over 2019 to 2021, this 2-way trail was machine built with hand finish employing sustainable building similar to the DH trail. Winding and traversing along the east side of Bighorn mountain, the trail averages ~10 - 15% grade with long pedal runs and swooping terrain. Test ridden and proven for fun, the signature trail rides nicely in both ways though suited for uphill travel and e-bike users with up & down flow and endurance training for intermediate-advanced riders. A playful short connector trail was also built at the 3 km mark, linking the Up Flow trail to the DH route.

Bighorn Ridge South & Lower Trail with Bridge Implementation (~13.5 km) - From 2021 - 2023, Hoots returned to design and build a 2-way connector across the Bighorn Trail that travels north up along the ridge from the lower trailhead area and Gregg River Cabin at the south. The high beginner-intermediate trail flows nicely both ways with the lower 2km created as a Flow trail that is e-bike friendly.

Throughout trail work, Hoots constructed with local resources and engaged in ride shares for the ~26 km commute to & from the staging area at south. As well, the crew used e-bikes and e-motos for trail travel and transport of materials and equipment.