Pulpit Launch

[Matthew]

Been thinking a lot about the Pulpit PG launch. I originally wanted to raise it up higher. However, I think that might make things worse for HGs. We need to bust up the big rocks that stand up on either side of the lauch area for HG wing clearance. And to extend the launch run, I think we should add a 16' wide wooden ramp at the bottom of thelaunch area as an additional run off. I've run all the way down those rocks at the bottom when launching my PG once. Thus a wooden ramp extension of the launch area could just follow the existing slope. We'd need to add some more dirt and crown the exisiting launch area to help eliminate erosion. We still need to bust up the rocks that jut up high. And we'd need to beef up the exisiting rock wall at the bootom of the launch area to better secure the ramp extension. But all in all I think it's the best way to go. I'll have to take some measurements next time I'm out there.

Matthew

[brianvh]

Why would raising it make it worse for HG? Don't you mean worse for PG because it's harder to spread out if there's a rounded hill at the top? The ramp extension is a good idea in any case.

I think a full scale bucket brigade: at least 30 people with almost as many buckets, would work as well for getting gravel up the slope as the couple of bobcats we used a few years ago. Two lines going up the slope, several shovelers on each line, and a single lightly manned return line. Only have to purchase buckets and it wouldn't tear up the grass.

[mcelrah]

What technology for busting up rocks? Jack hammer? - Hugh

[Matthew]

Yes. Jack hammer. Gregory the Greek has mentioned a couple of times that he could supply a jack hammer.

Matthew

[markc]

I think a full scale bucket brigade: at least 30 people with almost as many buckets...

The day we get 30 people to a work party is the day I buy them all a couple of rounds
at The Mountain House afterwards!

And that's a challenge, BTW!

MarkC

PS: Yeah, this might work, depending on what we've got to work with at the bottom
of the current slope/slot. Could be used by hangies for straight-in days, perhaps
with only one person to help wirecrew. I think it might be a bit more work than it
sounds if you want to build something that will last... But it would be worth it.

PPS: To get the erosion on the slope under control, Matthew has also suggested
a huge patch of astroturf. That's quick & easy, but I'd rather bring up a load of
50/50 dirt & clay, and plant grass instead.

[dbodner]

I think we all agree on busting up the existing rock formations. That'll be fun.

Beefing up the current retaining wall would difficult and a bit treacherous. There are a lot of large rocks down there as raw material. But moving them into place would be quite difficult without at least Roman-era technology. And I'm just a bit worried about people scampering around down there.

Matthew is concerned about increasing height, though I admit I'm not understanding that. Could we simply increase the height of the slope by piling more crusher run on top? It wouldn't change the angle nor, necessarily, make the top more round. And I've been surprised at how little erosion I've seen so far. Is it really necessary to dress it up with dirt and grass, or astroturf?

[Gene]

"I think we all agree on busting up the existing rock formations. That'll be fun."

Dynamite !!!!!!

[mcelrah]

Hope this is not too confusing, but PGers have asked about putting down big old carpets on WOODSTOCK launch. Haven't heard from Bruce Engen about his plan to improve Woodstock with crusher run. Anybody think carpets would work? Any objections? - Hugh

[Matthew]

They'd have to clear it with GW National Forest park service. I'm guessing it would be okay as long as the carpet didn't stand out view-wise. Perhaps proposing a light brown or gray indoor/outdoor carpet to the park service would be best.

Matthew

[brianvh]

carpets can get gross. I'd think astro turf would be better, but more expensive.