To the Editor:
Alyeska Resort is pleased to see that mountain bikers and hikers are taking advantage of our newly completed trails on the Chair 7 and Christmas runs. We would like to inform/remind some trails users of a couple things to ensure future development.
As happy as we are to see people on the trails, we are asking that users (hikers and bikers) refrain from using the Girdwood/Alyeska trails in wet weather. The new trails are in a fragile state. Usage in the rain results in rutting, drainage issues, and increased erosion.
The two trails have been designed to serve specific functions and lend themselves to a particular traffic pattern. By understanding and using the recommended trail directions, users are able to form a complete trail loop that begins and ends at the Hotel Alyeska.
The Bear Cub (chair 7) trail is designed as a climbing trail and will provide easier access to the top of the Christmas run. Christmas run is designed with large banked corners that allow the descending user to carry higher speeds. If you find that you must climb up Christmas run, please use the existing access road and be cautious of descending hikers and bikers. The same precautions are also true of the Bear Cub trail.
Alyeska wants all trail users to have fun and be safe. As we work together, we can be assured of quality, long lasting trails in the years to come. For further information, maps and updates, please visit: www.alyeskaresort.com.
Thank you,
Alyeska Resort, Hiking and Biking Trails Division
To the Editor:
I attended the recent GBOS meeting to refute Mr. Henderson’s statement in the July 17 issue of the Turnagain Times, specifically, the article on page 15, paragraph 2 with regard to our non-performance in preparing Timberline Drive (short section) for emulsion work.
It was two years GBOS was first introduced to emulsion for roads in Girdwood. At that time, it was contemplated that at the start of Timberline to the driveway by the Methodist Church would be done. We prepared the area (grading) for the contractor to lay their materials to finish; however a change on the GBOS was made on the Roads Supervisor position and no further action was taken.
In so far as being “let go by the city” it is totally erroneous in that after the first contract year was over, we applied for a machines line items increase because of fast climbing expenditures, but the Board refused. It was decided to rebid this contract—H.R. Redmond Co., Inc’s decision was not to bid the contract. I repeat, not bid the street maintenance contract.
We look forward to reading current events and future development for Girdwood. Inaccurate statements pertaining to our contracting business has become tiresome and very disconcerting. Enough said.
Jean Redmond
H.R. Redmond Co., Inc.
Girdwood, AK