What is trail maintenance?

Mother nature and trail users can have a significant impact on our trails. Maintenance and upkeep involving grooming, brushing, removing obstacles,, fixing technical features, clearing fallen trees, post season clean ups and giving each trail a general service and clean up. We also address re-routes, repair damaged sections, or manage water runoff and drainage.

UROC identifies maintenance priorities and safety concerns on a regular basis. We also react to trail reports(from Trailforks) which direct us to specific problems in the network.

Public Trail Maintenance Days are organized in partnership with our six Comox Valley bike stores: these days are open to UROC members and are a great way for volunteers to learn how to maintain trails, provide support on projects and have fun!

We encourage our members to come out and donate some time, to spruce up, repair, or even re-route sections of the network. We’re always aiming for a great trail experience and improving trail sustainability is always a win.

When is trail maintenance scheduled?

Beginning in the spring (usually April), Trail Maintenance Days happen until October usually excluding July and August when dry conditions limit trail work.

Where do we meet?

We usually meet at the trailhead or trail exit we are working on that day.

What should I bring?

Dress appropriately for work outdoors, including work gloves and sturdy footwear. Bring water and a snack. UROC has a selection of basic hand tools (shovels, mattocks, rakes). You can bring your own tools if you have a favorite!

Does UROC provide lunch?

UROC does not provide lunch.

Do I have to be a UROC member?

YES. Your membership includes coverage under our liability insurance policy and your membership fee goes directly back into improving the trail network!

Can I bring my bike?

Yes. You may want to ride to the work site. What better way to make sure a section of trail rides well than to bring your bike to test after!

Can I join trail crew to work with them on their projects

Absolutely, join us on a few trail days and make new friends. Trail crew always have a bunch of projects on the go and we’d be delighted for you to join in the program.

Can I build a trail in Cumberland?

In short, you can not go into the forest within the Cumberland trail network and start building a trail. However, if you have a burning desire to be part of a build or take on a building project in Cumberland there are ways to do it. The lands we recreate are private lands and municipal parklands which means building a trail would require approval from the landowners and this process is facilitated through UROC. First off, you are encouraged to join in on some trail days and volunteer some building time with the UROC trail crew in order to pave the way to building a trail. Believe us, building a trail is not for the faint-hearted and involves a mammoth commitment, but with all that said and done it’s a very rewarding and satisfying experience. The first thing you have to do to get the ball rolling is contact UROC on: [email protected]

What if I need more information?

Send a note to [email protected]

Trail maintenance day video

Check out this video from Ryan De Milliano on UROC trail maintenance and what goes into a typical trail session.