Another arrow in the chapter quiver...

[Loren]

As requested at our last chapter meeting, MCMBA now owns a backpack leaf blower:



168 mph. Use it responsibly. Never as a bicycle propulsion device.

[Mack]

You are going to love that thing. If I may ask why didn't you go with the BR600 Magnum.
I know there is some cost differance but well worth it. CRAMBA has the magnum and it
is awesome. Im sorry I didn't puchase that one when I bought mine.

[Loren]

Cost, mostly. The BR600 Magnum costs about 50% more, and I figured this would meet our needs as an occasional use only tool. Reviews on the internet and talking with the staff at the store supported this. (Cool that the guy behind the counter is a mountain biker, even if he does like Poto more than the Farm...)

On most of our trails, I expect it will only be used to clear leaf litter from trail features (like rock piles). Rouge needs it because the traffic is light enough that the trail becomes hard to distinguish. And they are great for new trail layout - clearing a proposed path to better visualize it without any permanent impact. Still, I'd be surprised if it gets more than 10 hours a year use.

[Mack]

50% sounds alittle off, but if you do not want to spend the extra I can understand
that. When you are trying to blow off those damp fall leaves you will wish for
201 mph. That and when it comes to constructing new trail it's a breeze sorry
I couldn't resist. Enjoy your new toy they are great to have.

[utabintarbo]

168 mph. Use it responsibly. Never as a bicycle propulsion device.

That's what I use ours for.

Oops, that was supposed to be a secret.

[G.Cook]

And they are great for new trail layout - clearing a proposed path to better visualize it without any permanent impact.

Great idea. If I ever do any more new trail work I will keep it in mind. Thanks.

[jwhitey]

Clearing the leaves off the trails in the fall is one of the coolest things I've seen. That, and the added visibility of the foliage down for the winter makes for some of the fastest riding of the year. Thanks!

[Loren]

(I sense another 'leave our leaves alone' thread brewing...)

We're in the process of doing a small re-route at Island Lake and have used a leaf blower to good effect in visualizing and clearing the trail. You still have to move the larger branches by hand, but it's a lot easier than raking. (photo courtesy Mr. Audet)