PGCC Winter singletrack grooming program
Donation protected
The Prince George Cycling Club is excited to announce the expansion of the winter grooming program!
The program is partway through its 3rd season of grooming. It has proven to be immensely popular for all trail users. It has increased access to more terrain and opportunities for outdoor exercise.
It allows groups to host new events that weren't previously possible in the winter season.
The groomer provides a predictable, stable snowpack at just the correct width for the trails.
The groomer improves safety and accessibility while also improving the experience for the user.
The program maintains 60-75KM of singletrack throughout the season.
Prince George has one of the largest winter single-track networks in Canada!
The initial program has been funded by individuals, sponsorship and a grant that was obtained from Northern Health
Support and land use permissions from various organizations and groups were obtained in 2019 when the program was initiated
- The City of PG
- UNBC
- Caledonia Ramblers
- Cranbrook hill greenway society
- Caledonia Trail Builders
- PG road runners
- Sites and Trails BC
The funding we seek will be used to purchase a second "snow dog" groomer and the associated equipment to outfit it specifically for trail grooming.
The funding will be used for the ongoing costs of operating this new equipment and the existing equipment. Volunteers run this equipment and program. There is no paid staff.
With a second machine, we'll provide increased capacity for grooming in the multiple areas that we service and faster response to weather events.
The current machine has put on several thousand kilometers and countless hours of operation to maintain trails in the most popular areas of Prince George.
Another benefit to the additional machine is reducing or eliminating downtime due to equipment malfunctions, servicing or breakdowns. Awaiting parts can put the program on hold at some of the most crucial times.
FAQ
Where is my money going?
100% of your funds will be directly applied to the grooming program.
Funds are directly used to purchase a groomer and ongoing costs such as fuel, tools, equipment and insurance.
Managed by the Prince George Cycling Club, a nonprofit group. All workers are volunteers, no paid staff.
Is this only for cyclists?
No, this program will benefit all trail users.
Runners, cyclists, walkers and snowshoers will all benefit.
Only specific trails will be groomed, and others will be left natural. We ask that you follow winter groomed trail etiquette, much like using muddy trails in the summer. There won’t be any new trail use restrictions.
Is there a fee or membership to use these trails?
No user fees or membership fees are required. Sponsors, donors and event fees will cover our expenses. We do recommend that all users purchase a PGCC membership. Membership has multiple benefits, including discounts and aid in our applications for further grant funding.
Where will it be used?
1. Pidherny Recreation Site
2. Unbc/Greenway/Blue Spruce Singletrack
3. Forests for the World
4. Ginters hill/University hill singletrack
Where was it used this year?
Grooming Reports are posted on the PGCC Facebook page and in the Fat Bikes in PG group
What is "Winter groomed trail etiquette"?
Running/Walking/Hiking
DO NOT leave footprints deeper than 1 inch/2.5cm
DO consider snowshoes if you are sinking
Cyclists
DO NOT ride the trail if you are;
-Leaving ruts deeper than 1 inch/2.5cm
-Your bike tires are narrower than 3.7 inches
-DO vary your track on the trail
-DO lower your tire pressure, 3-6PSI works best
Snowshoe
Acceptable anytime
Contact
Please contact me for any additional questions or comments
Organizer and beneficiary
Colin Stonehouse
Organizer
Prince George, BC
Kassandra Myers
Beneficiary