Appendix V-ForestRidgeMountainBikeTrailsExtensionDesignReport-2023 (D).pdf

City of Raleigh, Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails

Extension Design Report

A natural surface mountain biking trail system for Intermediate and Advanced riders, located in Raleigh, NC.

Prepared For:

City of Raleigh, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources

Prepared By:

Rock Solid Trail Contracting LLC

Bentonville Headquarters 8110 W Ford Springs Road

Bentonville AR, 72712 af ROCK SOLID

TRAIL. CONTRACTING

Document Version: Final

Last Updated: 12/15/2023 Publication Date: 12/15/2023

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 1 of 33

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Key GOALS sc cccscsssesssssecsesneesrssiesssessseeseseneenseuneenssaneeneensrarsrsssssssessaseuennsrunarasrisesoeeesauanauincasssssessetsey 4

Site ASSESSIMENE seccscsesscessecsecsecsssestecsvesvecsssosnssssnesetseseeseeesseenrsareespestieseessienessneeneesesuneseenessneeerseereeree

Western Loop Trails ....c.ccccceecssesssssnsssensneenssssneesescnseanaaeererenesstissseaensieatenesrsesseesescaneceneeenanes 5

Primary Site COMStraimts ......-cccscccneesecceeseesseesteeneen sss sseessiessscnnennnesnsseensaasssoeauiseneesenssesstssetssttas 5

Primary Site Opportunities .....e cscs estes ee tener ress sesetesneneneereresssrsteteeeaaamenaeererssrst it eseits 6

Western Loop Connector (100) vo. cccccccseseensseneeenecseeneieteeieeniessrereseneecssimeearneatenenersesees 6

Western Loop (101) v.cccccecssssisissisesseresternssessessssaeanseessstesteitsnennernsaseenstecrrcesenssntenseenecenrenes 6

Western Loop Matrix Tables......c.csssccssersrrercesesesssnssersssecssstessaseataasaeensrtersrsrscaseseaseeeaeesnaens 6

Western LOOP Mapping u..c.ssccsccecsessessssessesseeenenssnssesesisseanesennsseeessssracetiststieannanenneneeenseesseaesteass 9

Southern Loop Trails... cssessseseeeeseeeeseeeeeceeeerensrersseeenarenesereesen sre neiinensaaenrneinirnr siete 10

Primary Site COMStraints ..ccccceussesnenss sees esstsceseneeneeeseneteteneeseeneeenesensaneessessessesseneereerreset 10

Primary Site OPPOrturnities ........cscscseseecseseeeeseeseasssatsessesneecensesenesteasnce centers geteceeceeneatneanes 11

Southern Connector (200) .......ccscescccessceseseseeeesssessussesassessssssteeseiseeniteerensenrvectsneratiessanvenes be

Southern Loop (201) cc cccseeeescecesneneissesssnseeeeesecsesneanssesianeianenneeaeentsaeaterseeereeereseenny 12

Southern Connector (202) ..ccsccsccsssecssssssssstssnccsesvssseessesssssnscsvesnacsiseseeseesssiiensenterereereesssaces LD

Southern LOOP (203) ...ececcecsecsecereersrsetseecsescseesesseansseesetsessanseenmanssneassssssstieeeseeesnannenneeateaceas 12

Southern Alt Lime (204) oo... cc ceeesceeeereecteeseeesssnestereseeaeeraectuaeeeenrerssienreseentetieagiseaenensenens 12

Southern Loop Matrix Tables.......ccccesisscesiiiece serene ieieeeiieeeeiernereriecs ie ienseeniseniay 13

Southern Loop Mapping ..... sasadanaguanenangunyanansaro nent nbal besSvOSSO So GUUS OU POUND PSION HUERTE TELA THIN EES EBS

Grading in Trail Construction...

Components of a Grade Plan.

Components of a Trail Design...

Sedimentation and Erosion Control... ieee etter nereneerieme errr reer 20

Tread Construction Types

Full Bench Cut Trad ...ccccececccccsscesscessstesesesnecensesenstsenonseseceeeenenensenensenesarstieetisentaaentnaesnaneneyes 21

Lift & Tilt Traiil.........ssssseseeeereeeeecees Jie

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Boardwalks and Bridges...ccccccscsccccsssceessscetseeenserseresseseeeetneneeneceerenmeesereranecetuennenenerer es 21

Trail Feature TYD@S......cccccssssesscccececsesseseseerenenerrereessesesssananensusrsaseeeecenenenanananarernerstpessecesescaaaeannens 22

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CHIMbING TU ccc tienes reer reiistseesereneeerereenentineiinies seeneyeoneorunciayecnersentsgs 22

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 2 of 33

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In-SlOped TUPM ....ssscccessecssssnessssveesssssssstiusessessaseerersseeeeesnsieerseseeseseitsesssssveusssrvasessesivessveneee 23

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Construction Budget Estimate... ccs

Recommended Next Steps......c.cccccccccccsesssessssscscsveversvapsvseatstesacansveneass

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Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 3 of 33

Overview

The City of Raleigh, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources has partnered with Rock Solid

Trail Contracting (Rock Solid) to develop Trail Design Report and accampanying Trail Design

Mapping to guide development of natural surface mountain biking trails for the Forest Ridge

Mountain Bike Trails Extension Project.

The property targeted for develaping a trail system is located within Forest Ridge Park, Raleigh, NC. The trail system will be accessed via the existing parking facilities and Welcome Center.

The Forest Ridge Trail Extension will complement the existing network of natural surface trails.

The design report focuses on the development of intermediate flow trail to advanced XC trail across the property. It features large mature wooded areas with limited underbrush, there are also several wide drainages. Except for the drainages, the grades across the side are mellow to moderate, To accomplish the project goals for the trail system, with the site's terrain, trails will primarily be bench cut construction, with a small amount of lift and tilt and turnpike construction in flatter terrain where positive drainage is necessary. There are a number of drainage crossings required. Most drainages can be crossed with a rustic, natural crossing;

boardwalks; or short span trail bridges. We are making recommendations on crossing type based on the City9s project goals.

This report outlines our recommendations and proposal trail design, including the details and documents required for administering a quality public bid of the project.

Key Goals

* Gevelopment of intermediate flow trails for the western loop and more progressive advanced XC trails for the southern loop that provides a unique riding experience to camplement the existing trails found at Forest Ridge Park, ¢ Mitigate potential erosion and drainage issues by specifying modern trail construction techniques and suitable crossing designs.

® Make the best possible use of the terrain to provide a backcountry riding experience for the southern loop.

Site Assessment

Rock Solid performed an onsite assessment in March of 2025, and we were able ta access the entire site for assessment and ground scouting. This field work, paired with geospatial analysis of the site, is the foundation of the design presented in this report. During our time at the site, we identified the primary site constraints and opportunities, which are outlined in this section.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 4 of 33

Western Loop Trails

Primary Site Constraints

Access

There is good access from the park maintenance road for the entire Western Loop, along with access from the lake if needed, This will allaw for ideal movement of people, equipment and materials to and fram the build site.

Onsite Rock Material

It has been noted that natural rack located within this site is minimal, therefore it will be necessary to source rock from a local quarry to be used for the purposes of, bridge abutment canstruction, tread hardening in drainage locations, rip rap at drainage structures, along with creating some technical trail features that could be incorporated into the trails.

Utility Coordination

There were no utilities noted during the site visit. Coordination with local utility companies should be completed before trail construction activities begin, to verify that no utilities are located within the project limits. If utilities are found within the project limits a plan should be put inte place ahead of construction so no damage is done to the utility infrastructure, and far the safety of project construction teams.

Drainages Across the Site The site's topography is defined by numerous small, dry gulleys and flowing creeks spread across the property. The drainages are naturally occurring and convey water from the City9s property to the downhill shores of the Neuse River and Jennys Branch. The drainages vary in size, with some exceeding 20 feet wide, with water present. Each drainage will require a specific crossing solution. The location of each drainage is called out on the Trail Design Map and the details for each are provided in the Crossing Inventory. Various types and styles of crossings will be necessary throughout the project. The most common, crassing for this site will include single and multi-span boardwalks where water is less present and the channel will not support bike traffic. In locations with flowing water, trail bridges with abutments anda minimum clearance of 49 above normal water elevation will be necessary. Same rustic crossings can be accomplished by clearing away fallen branches and leaf litter to expose a naturally occurring, durable, rocky trail surface, Bikes can traverse the crossing directly on the surface of the channel bottom. In some instances, a rustic crossing may require armoring by placing imported rock in the channel bottom. This will allaw for the existing channel geometry to remain but provide a hardened trail tread to mitigation erosian concerns.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 5 of 33

Primary Site Opportunities

Intermediate Flow Trail

Flow Trails are usually associated with a trail that provides a <roller-coaster= type of experience.

Flow Trails offer lots of fluid up / down, and left / right changes in direction through the use of rollers and berms. Flow trails are also slightly wider that traditional trails which allows for more side-to-side play, wider landing areas where features allaw users to get airborne. When constructed to a wider standard, flow trails also allow for adaptive riders to use the trails, It is recommended that flow trails be designed and constructed with ane-way trail directionality in mind, Western Loop Connector (100) Approximately 0.9-mile connector trail that has been designed as a two-way intermediate flaw trail. This trail serves as the connection to the Western Loop. Designed ta optimize grades of 3-

5%, which are prevalent across the site. The proposed flow trail will be constructed with tread that is wide enough to be accessed by adaptive mountain bikers. There is an opportunity to include a rocky spine as an optional feature for this trail.

Western Loop (101) Approximately 3.0-mile loop that has been designed as a one-way intermediate flow trail.

Designed to optimize grades of 3-5% which are prevalent across the site. We arerecommending a high frequency of trail features, which can include berms, switch berms, rollers, in-slaped turns, and table-top jumps. Constructing the Western Loop as a flow trail featuring wider tread than the existing trails will improve accessibility for Adaptive Mountain Bikers.

Western Loop Matrix Tables

Table 1: Trail Matrix detail each segment9s primary design characteristics. These values are the basis for the construction budget estimate. Full size trail matrix can be found as an attachment to this report

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 6 of 33

Description Tread Width | = Unite 8Quantity Comments int late ¢ Bike Intermediate FlowTrail seca Flow 6 Lt thang Bench Cut Trail Construction in areas that offer

(Bench Cut) eat : ; Spportunity for natural drainage, a cine Tey fruntioni intermediate / Bike & Tit Tread Constructionin areas that have a natural

Intermediate FlowTrall Optimized os ie 2551 cross slope of legs than S%and offer little tano (Lift & Tilt) Trall J opportunity for natural drainage. Quantity represents an estimated 16% of total trail length, Turnpike Construction in areas that are Mat, that havea Intermediate | Bike|

Intermediate Flow Trail Optimized Flow 1° LF 26n natural cross slope of hes than Sand offer littia to no (Turnpike) aa : 8 opportunity for natural drainage, Quantity represents 15% of total tralllength, Intermediate / Hike TypeT {Larger Radius

FELIPE itary 8 Optimized Fiow x EA 5 Larger wide climbing turns of berms Flow Trail) Trail

Rock Armoring to be used in low grade, predominately dry At Grade Crossing (Rock Intermediate / Basta? LF s00 ditches, quiley's and depressions that may Gonwey water al

Armoring! Advanced some point. Width of Rock Armoring to be 48" See

Crossing Matrix for detalls

Used at prodomimately dry water crossing locations and th ih Intan ate at quiley's or depressions where a culvert pipe would Boardwalk Ve or LF i) restrict potential flaw. Boardwalk deck elevation would be

2 max, and not require hand rails. Giridga may require handrails

Used predominately with Turmpéha Construction whare Intermediate / :

Culvert Hdvanced 24° = 4g" EA 4 positive drainage Is necessary In varlous intervals below the trail tread. Minimum size tobe 1° diameter.

Used at culvert pipe installations. One SY per culvert pipe, Rip Rap NIA NIA sy a Half Sf at the inlet side, and MalF S¥ at outlet side of each pipe.

Wayfinding Posts NYA AA Ea 2 Sign Posts at Intersections

Table 2: Trail Quantites Inventory that details trail construction and feature quantities in an inventory format. These quantities are used to prepare the construction budget estimate and may be subject to changed based an the final project construction budget. Full size quanitity matrix can be found as an attachment to this report

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 7 of 33

8Tread

Name 8Trell 8Type of Grossing Crossing width ute Comments eu Bera Carley, Hecomenended Rock fumored at grade (Rustic) erawsing woot | ixtwrrndtiata (1501) ky : Dery Guitay 7 oF lining imparted rock. Acciees be frail fot lmparting rmimterishe in goad.

Indu Rocummunded width for Mech armoring tx srr uiey, Rec h at grade (Puccicl At Gienau Ceuseing

WeE interrandiate (100) Hye Dry Cauttery uw is Jusing anpotted ruck. Accems to trall for importing maderiate te yood.

asain hc evel (arly. coed Finch, tor ing wed Ietermoedtate [1007 Pepe (Bry Gulley on oF Laing dinported nok. Acerss to tall fer porting ereaperiate is good.

Riecorrenended whith for Fock Arrmueina ia erat Gute, Wace ator | croaming m rossing

Wx interrelate 190) as, Oey Chuang a - ning imported roth Acceta 1a tril for importing Mantierials oe coer.

-weletth For neh Arrmeationg Heb

Wot | intermediate (100 Bonctwath Bry Sula or st Smeal Harrow utley, steep slopes, wicie buartwalh recommended, intermediate Loop: t Small Marrow Cuiey, Culvert pine recommended dur tom ecitence ot Cutvert 7 WEE jn Dry tuttey ar alae Sevichidad voll interpnediate Loop Serna Marrow Gulley, culvert pipe recoeenended dua tomo evidence at we? Cutty {ol ig ne ha enter during felis mat irdormedine Loop: Genet Marrow Oadlay. culvert pier mpcommended Gus bo no evidence ot fear outing A isle How wt BY = 3 wat rhurinng foeeel Wor

Wie Fat walany, tar ebmaiti orm Poo ai tre if (had peri

Ineerrrmdtiata Loop | At Grad Ceowsing ta Rock at grade ingore wee 8Out i a

(an (Rack Armoring! bis rote Accoeto tral (ne fmporling materials is good, Rucnreerded midi for Fock Arenonee be ia encase petal eA wicie: | tweets Laon AL Gende Gnesing | or 4 Recommended Rock Armand at grade (Runtil crowing uding enportetd too) (Rock demaring) rock. Accate 1a 1ralt tor importing reateriae fe gone. Recoremended wert fr ng i Wile Plat walliry, oc tenting water Faron at irre of foeied wpe trary wth wen || (noerenset bene AbGrade Crasaing ty we Pd Croapiey 1), Recommended Roth Armorad.at grade (ustichoroaning

i) (Wook Arenering) sing immntted fork. Acces bo trnll forimeorting maneriats bs good.

frecormreencied widtn for Sock Aermareeg 18S

Pils tier walkey, ren vonantilr weer fica a tlerop oe lad wpe. Uwe eth sity jesermediat Loop | AtGrede Cromerg bry Buty ¥ ar Cromging © Racenrmnended Nock Armorbd at grade (fumticl oreeainy thin) (Ack Armoringl es lieing imported rock. Access to the fer importing materiale iw ond.

Pecorrensnded wih tie Finck Armaring ia

Notas:

8Loop direction #ar Grousing number Idonillcaticn is bhachudtee.

TBeardecal, eidth assumed al F609

Vleck Arcror With In assumed at S000") tread sidth at Rock Armor Locaticors-aastanied at 2088-1) Trond ahstedd be cuntarad welts Reach remoting

Table 3: Trail Crossing Matrix for the Western Trails. Full size quanitity matrix can be found as an attachment to this report

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 8 of 33

Western Loop Mapping

A full resolution Trail Design Mapping is included as an attachment to this report. The trails are numbered and correspond to data presented in the Trail Matrix and Trail Quantities Inventary.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 9 of 33

Southern Loop Trails

Primary Site Constraints

<lecess

There is paor access from either end of the southern loop area, which makes hauling materials and equipment into this area more difficult. |t will be burdensome to move equipment and imported material along the existing trail corridor to the southern loop build, site due to the lack of access road and narrow tread of the trail. Importing materials for crossings and features may be accomplished via the lake by boat.

Onsite Rock Material

It has been noted that natural rock located within this site is minimal, therefore it will be necessary to source rock froma local quarry ta be used for the purposes of, bridge abutment construction, tread hardening in drainage locations, rip rap at drainage structures, alang with creating some technical trail features that could be incorporated into the trails.

Utility Coordination

There were no utilities noted during the site visit. Coordination with local utility companies should be completed before trail construction activities begin, to verify that no utilities are located within the project limits. If utilities are found within the project limits a plan should be put into place ahead of construction so no damage is done to the utility infrastructure, and for the safety of project construction teams.

Drainages Across the Site

The site9s topography is defined by numerous small, dry gulleys and flowing creeks spread across the property. The drainages are naturally occurring and convey water fram the City9s property to the downhill shores of the Neuse River and Jennys Branch. The drainages vary in size, with some exceeding 20 feet wide, with water present. Each drainage will require a specific crossing solution. The location of each drainage is called out on the Trail Design Map and the details for each are provided in the Crossing Inventory. Various types and styles of crossings will be necessary throughout the project. The most common, crossing for this site will include single and multi-span boardwalks where water is less present and the channel will not support bike traffic. Inlocations with flowing water, trail bridges with abutments and aminimum clearance of 49 above normal water elevation will be necessary. Same rustic crossings can be accomplished by clearing away fallen branches and leaf litter to expose a naturally occurring, durable, rocky trail surface. Bikes can traverse the crossing directly on the surface of the channel bottom. In some instances, a rustic crossing may require armoring by placing imported rock in the channel bottom. This will allow for the existing channel geometry to remain but provide a hardened trail tread to mitigation erosion concerns.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 10 of 33

Primary Site Opportunities

Intermediate Mow Tratl

Flow Trails are usually associated with a trail that provides a 8roller-coaster9 type of experience.

Flow Trails offer lats of fluid up / down, and left / right changes in direction through the use af rollers and berms, Flow trails are also slightly wider that traditional trails which allows for more side-to-side play, wider landing areas where features allow users to get airborne. When constructed to a wider standard, flow trails also allow for adaptive riders to use the trails. It is recommended that flow trails be designed and constructed with one-way trail directionality in mind.

Advanced XC Trail

Advanced XC Trail traditionally tend to be a bit narrower (12"-24") and offer less manipulated tread surfaces, This style of trail alsa typically has less frequent and more natural laoking technical trail features. The trail width, grade, and remoteness lend this style of trail to be more advanced.

Gravity Trail

While gravity trail is more typically associated with resorts and locations that have some type of uphill assistance, Within Forest Ridge Park there is an opportunity to offer a gravity type of experience on a smaller scale in the form of directional one-way descending trail as a way to introduce and provide a gravity experience that may be found within a couple hours of the greater Raleigh area. At this site, a gravity style trail would be incorporated asa short loap within the Southern Loop Trails. There would be no uphill assistance provided or designed into this system, as elevation at this site doesn't support the need for uphill assistance.

Techoical Trail Features

We are strongly recommending the installation of prefabricated or imported features to increase the feature density of this trail system. This is because there is a lack of existing rock and other suitable materials onsite for building technical trail features.

Prefabricated features are constructed with a steel substructure and rot-resistant decking boards. Prefabricated technical trail features can be made to any size and shape the project requires and can be used to add visual character to a trail as well as opportunity for skill progression, They vary in size, complexity and cost.

Imported natural features at Forest Ridge Park would include jumps and drops constructed with native stone brought ta the site for construction. Like prefabricated features, they can be customized in size and difficulty, and can add visual character and opportunities for skill progression.

The incorporation and installation of Technical Trail Features can be defined by the client and / or builder during the final trail flagging phase of construction, which occurs before trail construction begins. A predefined budget will help determine the style and frequency of Technical Trail Features added to this trail system.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 11 of 33

Southern Connector (200)

Approximately 0.23-mile connector trail that has been designed as a two-way advanced XC trail.

This trail serves as a connection between the existing beginner level trails to the first of two loops designed in the southern trail system. The nature of this trail will be advanced, with an average trail tread width of 18=.

Southern Loop (201)

Approximately 1.81-mile loop that has been designed as a directional advanced level XC Trail.

There are opportunities te incorporate tighter climbing turns / switch berms into this loop alang with some advanced feature such as rock gardens, ledges, rock gardens, rock rolls and other features commonly associated with advanced level XC trail. Feature materials wauld likely need to be imported to the site, as there is a minimal amount of rock native to this site.

Southern Connector (202)

Approximately 0.83-mile connector trail that has been designed as a two-way advanced XC trail, This trail serves as a connection between the first and second loops designed in the southern trail system. The nature of this trail will be advanced, with an average trail tread width of 18°, Southern Loop (203)

Approximately 1.1-mile loop that has been designed as a directional advanced level XC Trail, There are opportunities to incorporate tighter climbing turns / switch berms into this logp along with some advanced feature such as rock gardens, ledges, rock gardens, rock rolls and other features commonly associated with advanced level XC trail, Feature materials would likely need to be imported to the site, as there is a minimal amount of rock native to this site.

Southern Alt Line (204)

Approximately 0.15-mile alternate directional loop that can serve as a short climb and downhill section of trail. This trail should provide some features not found within the rest of the advanced trailsystem. Feature materials would likely need tobe imported tothe site, as there isa minimal amount of rock native to this site.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 12 of 33

Southern Loop Matrix Tables

Moers |. Frantaret semerey sveraped eas ibdtonisas Pre MND9 oa's F2 aastcria, Meat 3-4 natures, Wight = wd fewest

Table 4: Trail Matrix detail each segment's primary design characteristics. These values are the basis for the construction budget estimate. Full size trail matrix can be found as an attachment to this report

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 13 of 33

Southern Loop Quanttles | Matrix

Description Tread Width | = Unite Quantity Comments

Bench Cut Trall Canstruction jn areas that offer

Advanced Trail [Benehcut) Advanced we-24" LF raners opportunity for natural drainage ond have a natural cross slope of 5% or greater.

Tuen Type 2 i Tightor Radius Singletrack Type Turn including insloped turns, Advanced i -2e E 1)

Advanced Trad) " ul = switchiack and tigher climbing turns

AtGrade Crossing [Trail] intermediate / A" ia WA 8Crossing Matrix tor i mrad ai anced! 2 N. See Crossing i tor details:

Used at crossing water locations where water !s commonly present, Ralings would be required on all Intermediate / 8i

Bridge awed 4g" 60° LF BB bridges per local building standards. Total of 6 Bridges!

Watercrossings on South Trais, This quantity lathe sum of oll 6 bridges.

Used at predomimately dry water crossing locations and lat quiley9s or depressions where a culvert pipe would Intermediate / 4 8

Boardwalk iearaaa a LF 26H restrict potential tow, Boardwatk deck @evatton would be fan 7 max, and not require hand mds, Bridge may require handrails

Lised predominately with Turnpike Construction where Intermediate / 8 s pe

Culvert A i 20-40 EA 2 positive draknage ls necessary in various intervals balow the trail tread, Minimum size to be 18° diameter.

ised at culvert pipe installations. One SY per culvert pipe.

Rip Rap Nia NIA SY 2 init SY at the inlet side, and Half SY at outlet side of each pipe.

Wayfinding Posts NIA NIA EA a Sign Poste at Intersections

Table 5: Trail Quantites Inventory that details trail construction and feature quantities inan inventory format. These quantities are used to prepare the construction budget estimate and may be subject to changed based on the final project construction budget. Full size quanitity matrix can be faund as an attachment to this report

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Table 6: Trail Crossing Matrix for the Western Trails. Full size quanitity matrix can be found as an attachment to this report

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 15 of 33

Southern Loop Mapping

A full resolution Trail Design Mapping is included as an attachment to this report, The trails are numbered and correspond to data presented in the Trail Matrix and Trail Quantities Inventory.

Forest Ridge Park:

Flagged Trails w/2ft >_, 2 800 Feat

Contours

2: Southern Advanced Trails

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 16 of 33

Grading in Trail Construction

Trail design and construction does not conform well to traditional grading plans, A traditional grading plan outlines the criteria for large-scale land development, and is a precise, engineered document. The grading plan gives the regulatory agency, owner and contractor all the information required to manage and inspect the grading process from start to finish. The information in this section is provided to give an understanding of the process used to design and construct a trail and resources for managing trailbuilding and ensuring there are no undesirable drainage impacts on the project site, Components of a Grade Plan

Design elevation, surface gradient, and swale location are the usual components of the plan. The plan also shows the elevations, dimensions, slopes, drainage patterns, etc, The location of the building, existing/proposed elevation, drainage arrows, location of erosion control, and details of retaining walls are some of the key elements featured on this plan. Cuts and fills are the most common aspects of any grading plan. The former refers to the material that is removed from the land, and the latter refers to the material used to fill an area.

Components of a Trail Design

Trailbuilding varies from large-scale land development in that the construction activity occurs in an undeveloped, natural area and the intent is to maintain the topography and drainage of the natural area. To direct a trailbuilder on where to build, trail design is focused on defining the corridor within which a trailbuilder can construct trail. That corridor is defined as 50 feet fram either side of the corridor centerline, which is represented on the trail design mapping as a linear alignment. The trailbuilder takes the alignment (given to them as a flag line on the site and as a georeferenced PDF map) and the trail design information (given to them in Trail Matrix, Quantity Inventory Matrix and Crossing Matrix) and makes a final determination about where the final trail tread centerline fits best within allowed corridor. Once that determination has been made, the trailbuilder will clear the corridor (See Figure 1) and establish the trailbed.

The trailbed will follow the contours of the site, and trailbuilding activity will result in no net fill or cut along the trail corridor. The trail will be constructed to minimize potential erosion, and the primary tool for accomplishing this is the use of outsloping and rolling grade dips (See Figures 2 and 3.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 17 of 33

Saw branches flush with trunk rather Than cutting into ihe tree.

Original trai alignment

Figure 2: Diagram of a rolling grade dip

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 18 of 33 s te

Roln collects on hill anc . ' or : flows down in dispersed ' eee ee 9 shoots, called sheet flow co, ' 8 7

Water runs across trail ihat hrs o sustainable

8 grade and outsioped tread

Figure 3; Diagram of sheet flow across a trail with gentle outsloping

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 19 of 33

Sedimentation and Erosion Control

Trailbuilding activities will conform to the State of North Carolina sedimentation and erosion control requirements outlined in the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973.

A buffer zone around the lake will be required such that visible siltation will be kept in the 25% of the buffer zone nearest the trailbuilding activity.

Any slope generated during trailbuilding activity may not be so steep that it is impossible to prevent erosion from them by promoting the establishment of natural groundcover.

Groundcover or other erosion control devices must be in place within 21 days of completion of any segment of trail. Groundcover may be plants, mulches, duff, natural debris, rocks, etc that hold the soil in place, Permanent groundcover must be in place within 15 working days or 90 calendar days after completion of a segment of trail. Groundcover will be established with passive natural revegetation. Passive revegetation allows surrounding vegetation to colonize the abandoned trail. This process works when erosion has been stopped, precipitation is adequate, the tread has been scarified, and adjacent vegetation spreads and grows rapidly.

Rock armoring may be used to prevent soil erosion in areas where sustainable trail construction alone (rolling grade dips, well compacted tread, outsloping of tread, etc) will not limit soil erosion.

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Tread Construction Types

Developing a sustainable trail system at Forest Ridge Park property will require multiple tread canstruction methods, which have been called out by location on the Concept Plan map. Each special construction type is briefly explained for reference in reviewing the Cancept Plan map and Trail Inventary.

Full Bench Cut Trail Full Bench Cut Trail is a section of trail tread cut across the side or contour of t hill, A full bench is constructed by cutting the full width of the tread into the hillside. Finished tread cross slape should be 3%-5%. The entire tread is dug dawn to campacted mineral sail. This design creates a constant and stable tread. Drainage is provided by use of grade reversals along the trail alignment.

Lift & Tilt Trail Lift and Tilt trailis specified in flatter areas (defined as where the hill slide slope is less than 5%) where the tread prism must be elevated and shaped to enhance drainage and flow. This tread type uses near to trail borrow pits to source mineral soil to create the elevated tread. Drainage is achieved at grade where possible, but occasional use of culverts below the trail tread will be required to achieve positive drainage along the entire trail.

Turnpike Turnpike Tread is specified in flatter areas (defined as where the hill slide slope is less than 5%) is recommended to be constructed in a superelevated manor that allows passage of water under the tread. This method of construction elevates the trail above the prevailing grades a minimum of 18 inches with culverts placed at set intervals. This trail Is primarily called out through the Western Loap.

Boardwalks and Bridges In some areas of the property, trail must be continued over soils that cannot support natural surface trail construction. At Forest Ridge, these areas are located at natural drainage areas and ravines, Here a boardwalk, punchean or short span bridge is specified. Both are constructed as lumber structures supporting a rot-resistant wood decking for trail users to travel over.

Handrailing will be installed in sections where the distance from the top of the decking to the existing grade below exceeds 3 feet. The Crossing Inventory outlines the specifications foreach crossing and the Trail Design Map details the location of each crossing.

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Trail Feature Types

Trail Features are what make a trail experience unique and specific to each location or trail system. Bike specific trail features are essential to creating a high-quality mountain bike trail experience.

Berm A berm is a banked turn designed to help a rider change direction while maintaining speed and maximizing traction. A berm is typically larger both in terms of height and radius than an in-sloped turn. Rollers or Grade Reversals / rollers should be incorporated into the approach and exit of a berm for drainage purposes.

Climbing Turn

Acclimbing turn has trail tread at each end of the turn that is fully bench cut and are typically constructed on hillside slopes of 20% or less. The connection between the approach and exit of the climbing turn is a larger radius which allows for a flatter cross slope within the radius of the turn. Grade Reversals should be incorporated into the approach and exit of a climbing turn for drainage purposes.

Drop

A ledge that is tao tall fora rider to rall down. With enough speed and proper technique, a rider can ride off the drop so that both wheels are in the air briefly before landing back on the ground.

A drop can vary fram beginner to expert level and be made out of dirt, rack, wood, metal, engineered materials, or any combination of these materials, Due to the momentum required to ride a drop, these features are typically only built on flat or descending trail. Specific to this project, a drop would be incarporated per the request of the client as an optional feature within the trail project. Materials to construct this feature would need to be imported to the site.

Jump A Jump isa feature designed to send a rider upward into the air. A Jump consists of a takeoff and landing, with space between the two. Jumps can be designed asa Step Up/ Step Down, Gap or Table Top. Designing and building jumps require a high degree of skilland experience. A jump section or jump line refers to a section of trail with multiple jumps in a row, The skill level af a jump can vary from beginner to expert. Materials to construct jumps could be native to the project site, requiring material to be excavated from a site away from the trail and hauled to the jump location. Using imported rock for the lips of jumps would decrease maintenance of the feature, and increase the predictability of the feature. Materials required to construct a rock lip would need to be imparted to the site. Specifying a prefabricated metal frame with rot resistant wooden decking for the lip of the jumps is another option that would require less angoing maintenance and would increase the predicably of the feature, at an increased cast.

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Ledge

4 ledge is a vertical face that a rider must either ride up or down, Ledges can appear naturally or they can be constructed. Ledges can be made out of dirt, rack, wood, metal, engineered materials, or any combination of these materials. Ledges can be located on flat, climbing or descending trails, or a combination of all three. Specific to this project, a ledge would be incorporated per the request of the client as an optional feature within the trail project, Materials to construct this feature would need to be imported ta the site, In-sloped Turn In-slaped turns are similar to in-sloped tread which allows a rider to keep their bike perpendicular ta the ground for maximum traction, reducing the need for breaking or slowing down, In-sloped turns are proportionately smaller than Berms as described above, Grade Reversals should be incorporated into the approach and exit of a climbing turn for drainage purposes.

Rock Armoring Rock Armoring refers to a section of trail that has rock slabs or flagstone embedded into the tread. Rock Armaring would be used to harden the trail tread surface for at grade crossings or gullies. The purpose of rack armoring is to reinforce crossing locations, and stabilize sections of trail that transition into / out of at grade crossing locations, The tread surface of rock armoring is to remain relatively smooth, and represent the intended surface of the rest of the trail it can be found on. Materials ta construct this feature would need to be imported to the site.

Rock Garden A Rock Garden refers to a section of trail that has racks embedded into the tread. Rock Gardens can add difficulty and texture to the trail tread surface and can be optional or mandatary features based on the difficulty rating of the trail they are located on. Rock Gardens may also be lacated on Flat, Climbing, or Descending sections of trail. Specific to this project, Rock Gardens would be incorporated per the request of the client as optional features within the trail project.

Materials to construct this feature would need to be imported ta the site.

Roller

Rollers are grade reversals that have been shaped and spaced to optimize a fluid riding experience. Rollers are commonly found on modern flow trail. Rollers also aid in proper drainage for the trail tread.

Skinny

A*Skinny" is a narrow section of trail that requires increased skill, focus and balance for the rider ta navigate. Skinnies are commonly constructed out of downed trees, lumber, rock ar can be purpose-built metal framed features, Skinnies are commonly found as optional lines on beginner or intermediate trails, but can be the only line on advanced or expert level trails. Rot resistant materials should be used when constructing skinnies. Specific to this project, Skinnies would be incorporated per the request of the client as optional features within the trail project. Materials to construct this feature would need to be imported to the site, Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 23 of 33

Table Top Jump

A table-top jump feature has trail tread connecting the top of the jump with the top of the landing to provide a safe landing area and promote progression (may only be located on directional downhill sections of the Western Loop). Specific to this project, Table Top Jumpis)} would be incorporated per the request of the client as optional features within the trail project.

Materials to construct this feature could be native to the project site. Using imported rock for the lips of Table Top Jumps would decrease maintenance of the feature, and increase the oredictability of the feature. Materials required to construct a rock lip would need to be imported to the site.

Trail Feature Example Photos

Figure 1: Conceptual experience representing rock armoring at grade crossings

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 24 of 33 gure 2: Conceptual experiences representing a boardwalk sections of trail

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 25 of 33 ure 4; Conceptual experience representing Turnpike Tread construction seen in areas with flatter natural cross slopes.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 26 of 33

Figure 5: Conceptual experience representing Benchcut Tread construction, Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 27 of 33

Combo Rock/Prefabricated Technical Trail Feature with Jump

Downhill Trail Rollers, Tables and Mini-Berms Skinny, Ladder Bridge, or Boardwalk with

Features

Figure 5: Sample Options for Technical Trail Features.

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 28 of 33 i 6: Rider hits a constructed drop. Example of an optional feature constructed within the proposed trail design.

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Construction Budget Estimate

The Construction Budget Estimate provides a budgetary estimate for each of the trail desiqn items identified. If this project maves forward to the construction phase, cost estimates will be refined upon the completion of a comprehensive schedule of work items.

Forest Ridge Trail Extension

CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE

TRAIL CONSTRUCTION

ary Unit

Lump Sum $74,712

TOTAL

$74,712) Item $/Unit

Trail 100 (Intermediate Flow Connector)

Trail 101 (Intermediate Flow Loap) Lump Sum | $167,180)

200 (Advanced Connector) Lump Sum $35,920] i

201 (Advanced Loop) pl Lump Sum | $121,724

L, 202 (Advanced Connector) Lump Sum $45,370

203 (Advanced Loop) Lump Sum $44,800

204 (Advanced DH Spur) Lump Sum $8,665

SUB-TOTAL: WORK ITEM 1

TOTAL:

Table 7; Construction Budget Estimate for all trails presented in design report. Estimates pravided for the purposes of financial planning & fundraising.

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Summary

Forest Ridge Park has potential for develapment into an engaging, nature-based space for park visitors of all ability levels and the local trail user community. While the development near and on the site presents same constraints, the location of the site will make for @asy access toa large population of current and future riders. The inclusion of feature-rich mountain biking trails for intermediate to advanced riders will make this a valuable addition to the existing Forest Ridge Park trail system.

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Recommended Next Steps

1. Schedule a review meeting: Winter 2023 /2024

a. Discuss feedback on Trail Design Report.

b, Refine the project scope to meet intended goals and fulfill stakeholder needs.

c, Schedule any required design phase specification, constructian documentation or design-build phase of this project when funded.

2. Permitting & Construction Planning Stage: Winter 2025/2024

a. With an approved trail design and flagging completed, permitting and construction planning is the next step towards construction.

3. Construction Stage: Spring / Summer 2024 a, Construction could commence in Spring 2024 if approvals and funding are available. Trail construction scope is dependent on budget, available construction weather window, and contractor availability.

Enclosures e Western Trail Matrix (full size}

Western Quantity Matrix (full size)

Western Trail Crassing Report (full size}

Western Mapping (full size)

Southern Trail Matrix (full size) Southern Quantity Matrix {full size} Southern Trail Crossing Report (full size} Southern Mapping (full size)

Boardwalk Design and Construction Guidelines

Boardwalk Crossing Typical Drawings

Erosion Control and Vegetation Establishment for State Construction Office

« Crossing Framing Plan for State Construction Office

References e Mountain Bike Development Guide Lines for Successfully Managing the Process (2023)

° Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experince (2016) e Bike Parks: IMBA8s Guide to New School Trails (2014)

«Trail Solutions: IMBA9s Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack (2004)

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 32 of 33

Prepared By

Matt Britton, PE

Design Project Manager

Rock Solid Trail Contracting

Josh Blum

Trail Planner / Designer

Rock Solid Trail Contracting

With Input from Matt Torvenin

Trail Planner

Elemental Industries, LLC

Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails Extension | Page 33 of 33

City of Raleigh, Forest Ridge Mountain Bike Trails

Extension Design Report

Enclosures

Western Trail Matrix (full size)

Western Quantity Matrix (full size)

Western Trail Crossing Report (full size)

Western Mapping (full size)

Southern Trail Matrix (full size)

Southern Quantity Matrix (full size)

Southern Trail Crossing Report (full size)

8Southern Mapping (full size)

Boardwalk Design and Construction Guidelines

Boardwalk Crossing Typical Drawings

Erosion Control and Vegetation Establishment for State

Construction Office

Crossing Framing Plan for State Construction Office

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Deseription Tread Width Units Quantity Comments

Intermediate / Bike a Intermediate FlowTrail i re Bench Cut Trail Construction in areas that offer

Optimized Flow 36 Le 1,809 " (Bench Cut) Trail opportunity for natural drainage.

fai 8 Lift & Tilt Tread Constructionin areas that have a natural

8 Intermediate / Bike - Intermediate FlowTrail cross slope of less than 5%and offer little ta no

. 8Optimized Flow 36° Lr 2,531 ¥ (Lift & Tilt) Trall opportunity for natural drainage. Quantity represents an

: estimated 15% of total trail length.

= Turnpike Construction in areas that are flat, that have a i _ [intermediate / Bike Intermediate FlowTrail - r natural cross slope of lass than 6%and offer little ta no

Optimized Flow 36 LF 2,53) :

(Turnpike) Trai opportunity for natural drainage, Quantity represents 15% Ht of total trail length, Sith lin Radics Intermediate / Bike rn ger Radiu : ; :

vee a Optimized Flow a" EA a Larger wide climbing turns or berms Flow Trail) E

Trail

Rock Armoring to be used in low grade, predominately dry

At Grade Crossing{Rock Intermediate! 94-48" LF aan ditches, gulley's and depressions that may convey water at}

Armaring) Advanced some point, Width of Rock Armoring ta be 48" See

Crossing Matrix for details

Used at predomimately dry water crossing locations and

| at guiley's or depressions where a culvert pipe would Intermediate / P

Boardwalk Ad 8 36" LF 70 restrict potential flow. Boardwalk deck elevation would be Vance:

? max, and not require hand rails.