Raven Trail Mountain Biking Skills Course

It may be unusual for a snow-bound mountain biking organization, but the Lakeland Area Mountain Biking Organization (LAMBO) has had a busy winter. With the assistance and cooperation of The Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest (NHAL), LAMBO has been building a set of skills course obstacles for mountain bikers. Designed to appeal to riders of all skills and comfort levels, a series of ramps, balance beams, drops and teeter totters will be installed at the Raven Trail in Woodruff, Wisconsin.

"We're totally stoked!" exclaims Peter Zenti, club president, when describing LAMBO's enthusiasm toward the project. "We have built obstacles that will not only challenge experienced riders," continued Zenti, "but there just as many entry-level obstacles on which beginners safely learn fundamental mountain biking skills.

LAMBO also works with the NHAL to build new and improve existing mountain biking trails at the Raven. All of the trail work follows the International Mountain Biking Association's (IMBA) guidelines for building fun, safe and sustainable trails. The work on the Raven skills course will be no different. Placement and approaches to the obstacles will be designed in such a way as to minimize erosion.

"We want people to be able to enjoy the skills course for a long time." said Tony Martinez, Trail Manager for the NHAL.

That means safe sturdy construction. All obstacles are built using pressure treated (arsenic free) dimensional lumber with 2"x6" cedar decking. Depending on the obstacles span and width, 2"x8" treated lumber may be used for the frame. The teeter totters will all be equipped with FSB P207 sealed bearings.