Trail Conditions in Detail - Harmon Park (Salem Hills)

[ryno lite]

I totally agree. It looks like someone put it there.:confused: Maybe it is gonna be cut up and burned like the other trees were that they cut down in the south loop. They were burning on Sat. when I was riding. weird.:etard:

Yeah, I was trying to figure out what was going on with this tree and what appeared to be some burning out there. Oh well, I'm sure the park is up to some work out there.

[bakkeb]

Trail was tacky on the N. and Pond loop but drying quickly. The S. loop and skills loop are perfect. Trees were down around just about every corner. I removed them on my first lap except for two huge ones on the Pond loop. One is blocking the trail before the banked turn. Its about 2 1/2 ft. wide. The other one is on the west side of the pond and completely uprooted right on the trail. More like three trees in one spot. The trail will have to be fixed there as well.:etard:

[I_Fall_Alot]

Rode trail tonight. Very loose rocks, sandy. Many trees down. Pretty overgrown with lots of knee slappers, waist slappers and face slappers. Which was annoying. Unless, of course, you're into that kind of thing. :shocked:

[ppgc]

Rode trail tonight. Very loose rocks, sandy. Many trees down. Pretty overgrown with lots of knee slappers, waist slappers and face slappers. Which was annoying. Unless, of course, you're into that kind of thing. :shocked:

No ass slappers? I am skipping tomorrows ride then. ;)

[MikeyB]

2 trees down, only 1 has a ride around. Lots of sand traps, loose rocks and some trees/bushes need a trim.

[MikeyB]

Looks like they cleared that tree in the south loop. Few ruts and sand traps but all in all not too bad.

[KleinCrazy]

Trail has been trimmed back and is in very good condition.

Water is now available at the trailhead, both fountain and spigot for filling bottles!!!!

It is over across from the playground.

Also, for those who care, the Grapes out there are at peak ripeness!!!

L8er
James

[At the Gates 2121]

:banana:Trail has been trimmed back and is in very good condition.

Water is now available at the trailhead, both fountain and spigot for filling bottles!!!!

It is over across from the playground.

Also, for those who care, the Grapes out there are at peak ripeness!!!

L8er
James


WELCOME BACK JAMES :banana::D

[TML]

Awesome.

Thanks, James and crew!

[bakkeb]

Thanks James....nice to see you back.:banana::etard:

[jkf]

With the recent work this trail is in great shape:D

Thank you to the trail crew!!

[MikeyB]

Did something go on at Salem over the weekend? When we went last night there was caution tape everywhere. The trail was kind of beat up like there was some XC running or bike race. The sandy areas got twice as big and there was a lot of loose rocks compared to the week before.

[TML]

There was a 10K running race there over the weekend.

City or park department also must have come in and took our s bunch of trees on the west side of the field in the south section. There's a ton of woodchips and a makeshift fire pit where they once stood. ???

[berrywise]

There was a 10K running race there over the weekend.

City or park department also must have come in and took our s bunch of trees on the west side of the field in the south section. There's a ton of woodchips and a makeshift fire pit where they once stood. ???

Yeah they've been gone for awhile now. Looks like the local teens are partying a bit out there now.

[ppgc]

Yeah they've been gone for awhile now. Looks like the local teens are partying a bit out there now.

Looks like they have been active with the white spray paint on that tree I almost hit everytime when I come into the first good corner way to fast and on the water tower...damn kids. ;)

[MikeyB]

Any thoughts of making some mini board walks over those sandy areas? No matter if you clear the sand it will come back because that's the way the soil is there.

[KleinCrazy]

The 10K race that was held out there this weekend would have had some effect on the trail but after the rain today, it should be in somewhat better shape.

As far as the sand goes....

It is a mountain bike trail... you have fat tires.... live with it!!!!

OK... little harsh... I know...

Most of the sand problems are the result of water running down a portion of the trail and pooling in low spots.

There is going to be some work done to address these issues as well as can be.. but due to soil composition and topography sand is going to be one of those unique surface conditions that are going to be found at Salem.

For those who remember... when you hit those 5-15 foot long sections of 5 inch deep sand... just remember back to the Riverbottoms after the Floods and the 75-200 foot long sections of 5-12 inch deep sand that we had to ride through....

FYI.. Trails are wet and should not be ridden until Thursday at the soonest.

James

[ppgc]

I must have missed it but whatever happened with the planned skills park out here?

[ryno lite]

I must have missed it but whatever happened with the planned skills park out here?

There have been posts about this some time ago. There is no $$$. We thought we had some $$$ left from a grant, but there were some mistakes made in some calculations and the money we thought was there truly wasn't there. So basically there is no money for the project right now. I have no idea what that means in the future.

[ppgc]

There have been posts about this some time ago. There is no $$$. We thought we had some $$$ left from a grant, but there were some mistakes made in some calculations and the money we thought was there truly wasn't there. So basically there is no money for the project right now. I have no idea what that means in the future.

Huh, that sucks. How much they looking for? A fundraiser in order?

[MikeyB]

Sorry just making a suggestion in order to better the trail for all levels of riders. Plus the areas where the sand is collecting riders are going off the trail to get around.

[bakkeb]

Trail is in great condition...it got some rain right before I got there, but the trail soaked it right up. There is another tree down on the west side of the pond again by the spot where a whole bunch recently got removed. The area just before the berm where a huge tree went down is all screwed up again. It looks like someone is fixing it...must be the city cause there is a pile of black dirt piled up there today that wasn't there on Tues.:etard:

[bigwheel]

Rode there yesterday (10/3) afternoon. Trail was greasy in several spots, but drying fast. No standing water. It should be great by today.

Two trees partially down in the south loop. One in the woods near the pond, and another in the section of woods before that. You can ride under one, and can get under the other if you put a foot down. Both trees can be gotten with a hand saw.

[MikeyB]

Trail was great tonight. Nice and tacky.

[widespot]

Rode there this afternoon and the trail was in good shape just a couple damps spots. Great day, great colors.

[bakkeb]

I was also there today around 4 and the trail was perfect. The north and pond loop were a little slippery cause of the leaves but the south loop was bone dry. It was nice to be back on the trails and my SS bike.:etard:

[bigwheel]

10/22 8pm

Trail is in near perfect shape. Go ride it.

There were two trees down in the woods section. I cut them both out, but gave up trying to push out the top of one of them. It is mostly off of the trail, but a good push by the Wednesday night group riders will put the piece into never never land.

There were also two carsonite signs down in the prairie section, where the trail crosses the road. One of the signs was laying in an erosion rut, as if someone put it there for a ramp. I laid the signs off to the side of the trail, propped up by a rock.

There was some sand that washed into the low spots from the recent monsoons, but nothing bad.

[ryno lite]

Thanks Bob!

[bakkeb]

I was here again today and was wondering who took care of those branches. Nice work Bob and Thanx.:banana::etard:

[Danimal]

Anyone know who tore the MORC decals off of the trail markers along the trail? I was riding there with my wife and near killed a bunch of older fellows riding the reverse direction as well as a family of 4 going the wrong way.

Do we need new decals for the trail markers? If so, do we have layouts of the previous decals, I might be able to get some made up cheap or free if anyone has the old ones. That way I know how many to make and what goes on them (how many right directional arrows and left arrows).

Post up if you are in the know.

[KleinCrazy]

Dan,

The labels at Salem were never permanent and requests that were made for permanent labels tended to fall through the cracks.

I can help with layout and such if we are actually going to get some made.

James

[bakkeb]

Anyone know who tore the MORC decals off of the trail markers along the trail? I was riding there with my wife and near killed a bunch of older fellows riding the reverse direction as well as a family of 4 going the wrong way.

Do we need new decals for the trail markers? If so, do we have layouts of the previous decals, I might be able to get some made up cheap or free if anyone has the old ones. That way I know how many to make and what goes on them (how many right directional arrows and left arrows).

Post up if you are in the know.

You know, when I think about it, I've seen and almost run into a lot more riders this year at Salem than in past years. I guess that having the arrows off the signs really makes a difference. Damn kids!!:etard:

[Drew K.]

trail was in good shape at noon, it was sprinkling a bit while i was loading my bike up :)

Drew

[MOAB]

I rode Salem over lunch hour today. . . it's in great shape. Nice days like this are getting scarce, so it was fun to get out there before the real cold and snow settles in. :banana:

[manual63]

I rode Salem tonight to see what the trail was like. It is in good shape for riding, but it was snowing while I was riding so I am not sure how long that will hold true.

As far as stuff that needs attention, well.....we have a lot of work to do come spring. The trail is very nice to ride right now, but there are some areas that have some sustainability issues. There were a few very sandy spots too. But what needs to be done most, and John already pointed it out, is signage. I know the trail and I had a few areas where is was confusing. I am already working on plans to fix the signs. I did see the new entrance sign and it is pretty sweet!

Anyway, it's a good time to ride so go out and enjoy before too much snow falls. I will be out there at 10am on Friday if anyone wants to join me.

[berrywise]

Anyone have any thoughts about whether or not Salem is ridable tomorrow? Was thinking about taking my dogs down there during the day. Wasn't sure if I drag the bike along or not.

[jasonbauer]

I, too, am curious about the conditions over there. I'd like to run over there with the dog tonight if the conditions are favorable.

I went last winter once with the dog, and it was brutal. I got half way in and had to more or less walk out.

Anyone?

[ajleinfelder]

I was out there a week ago and it was a very bumpy ride (tons of icy footprints). It seems like only hikers have been out there this winter. I made it half way around and decided to ride the road back to my car. Is it summer yet...?

[manual63]

Salem Hills is closed until it dries out. Now if only I could get this message to the hikers and dog walking neighbors.......:banghead:

[RiverRat]

Does the city allow posting of trail closed signs there or putting up orange snow fences?

[smklugherz]

Does anyone know if the trail dried up from last weeks rain? I am hoping to get a lap in before tonight's rain hits if possible.

[gopherhockey]

Does anyone know if the trail dried up from last weeks rain? I am hoping to get a lap in before tonight's rain hits if possible.

I bet its ok if it doesn't rain.

[MikeyB]

Just got back from Salem. All is good. (until it rains soon) :D

[chiquito]

It was great, a couple of tacky spots, but is was in great shape overall.

[smklugherz]

Anyone have an opportunity to check the trail today. This would be pretty fast to dry out I figure. But hey, could happen...

I had my first ride on dirt here yesterday, and I am needing my next fix!

[KleinCrazy]

Salem will not be dry today.

We had 2 inches of rain last night.

I would give it until Thursday.

I will check it tomorrow after work and update.

James

[Cars-R-Coffins]

We had 2 inches of rain last night.

I got that much in my car last night.

[KleinCrazy]

I got that much in my car last night.

Forgot to close the sunroof?

[Pandl]

I got that much in my car last night.
Scared from the thunder & lightning?

[Cars-R-Coffins]

Scared from the thunder & lightning?Yep.:jumpy:

[Cars-R-Coffins]

Forgot to close the sunroof?I have a leak in my car.

[Danimal]

Anyone know if Salem will be rideable today 4-23? Just wondering if it has dried since the last rain before I drive down after work.

[kabbie_cache]

Anyone know if Salem will be rideable today 4-23? Just wondering if it has dried since the last rain before I drive down after work.
DJ Nree posted at 2:08 am this morning.
The trail seemed fine, two muddy spots on the prarie loop. Was my first time out there and i had a lot of fun. Many thanks to the people putting in work on the trail. Looking forward to heading back out there after all this rain dries up.

[charliebrown]

I am guessing it will be dry today it suppose to be very nice out all day. Are we going or?

[Danimal]

Yes Bubby We're Going!

And your new Avatar is creepy as hell.

[gopherhockey]

James said he would check things out and report back... if you go out before this please be prepared to end your ride early if its wet.

[KleinCrazy]

OK..

The wind and warm temps, along with the loose soil have allowed Salem to dry fine.

There are still 2 or 3 soft section so be aware of them.

The largest is when you are heading toward the Rock up.

The other one is before you cross the old trail and head south along side of the pond.

Have fun all.

James

[berrywise]

Four low areas are not draining and are good sized mud holes. Rest of the trail is premo.

Note to other riders to ride straight through the muddy areas. One area of the trail has noticeable ruts formed from people riding off the trail. I put some branches in the way to help discourage more of that.

[MikeyB]

There is a down tree that Petey and I moved that will need to cut Sat. It was located just after you go through the little pine tree forest.

[MOAB]

Rode Salem yesterday afternoon, and yep, the 4 wet areas have standing water. The rest of the trail is dry. It's to bad we are getting all this rain, the trail would have dried out nicely with another couple days of warm sunny weather. Now we'll have to wait till next week sometime to ride it again. :mad:

[samtheman]

will it be too wet on saturday.. i wanna train for the cup ;)

[ryno lite]

We have about an inch of rain so far and another inch of rain is expected tonight into tomorrow, plus a chance of snow tomorrow night. Basically, I'd say there is virtually no chance Salem or any other metro trail will be rideable Saturday. This winter and spring have been real rough for all of us riders!

[Danimal]

I wouldn't ride the trails until mid week next week "if" we don't get any more rain.

[ryno lite]

I wouldn't ride the trails until mid week next week "if" we don't get any more rain.

You're probably right on with that statement! It really sux!

[Shorty]

i wanna train for the cup ;)

Looks like road miles...

[YoBri]

anyone check out the conditions yet today? Wondering if the wind last night dried it out enough for a ride this afternoon

[gopherhockey]

anyone check out the conditions yet today? Wondering if the wind last night dried it out enough for a ride this afternoon

It was just rainy and snowing the last few days. I would seriously doubt we are going to be drying out in half a day. My sidewalk and driveway are still wet.

Give all trails a few days of sun and warm weather before riding. Don't get anxious because the sun is out...

[danomyte]

I don't know about the southern side of the metro, but it was snowing yesterday afternoon in Blaine/Lino for a couple hours or so - no accumulation, but it was wet... :mad:

[Cars-R-Coffins]

Anyone know if its dry?

[Danimal]

Waiting for an update... anyone.

[Pandl]

I would guess not. what has it been, 2 days since rain? Hasn't been very warm out, not very windy since Friday. But, I have NO idea. I wouldn't go off roading today.

[manual63]

I will see if I can get a report for today. But I would guess it's not solid just yet......probably another day. This sunshine will certainly help Salem, but probably not other trails that are more heavily wooded.

[DJ Nree]

Walked a very small portion of it earlier today, was bone dry. Once again, i didn't go very far and wasn't able to go back later but the first part of the trail was dry and firm. I'm guessing the rest of it is good.

[manual63]

Go enjoy the trail today before it rains tomorrow.....:)

Yay sun!!!!

[manual63]

Trails are wet after the rain. Please do not ride them.

Salem tends to dry out faster than most trails, especially if it's sunny out. So maybe it will be good to ride Sunday afternoon if it rains through Saturday. I will post an update based on whether the forecast holds true or not.

[At the Gates 2121]

Trails are wet after the rain. Please do not ride them.

Salem tends to dry out faster than most trails, especially if it's sunny out. So maybe it will be good to ride Sunday afternoon if it rains through Saturday. I will post an update based on whether the forecast holds true or not.

besides the low spot the trail did need rain it was quite quick yesterday and dusty in places

[ibismojo2001]

Anyone check out the trail today? Good for riding tomorrow (Sunday afternoon)? Post up. Thanks

[manual63]

If you look in Trail Conditions, you will see I am putting in projected dry date. I am doing this to help give people an idea of when they can start possibly riding. I changed the projected date I set Friday because we didn't get the rain we were supposed to Saturday.

So Salem should be good right now. If anyone rides there, please post up the conditions of the trail from a first hand view.

Thanks!!

[DJ Nree]

I made 1 loop earlier today around 2 p.m. Ran into 5-6 very swampy areas that were trashed and decided to call it a day. I would imagine those areas will still be wet Monday p.m. as a couple had a few inches of standing water.

Thank you very much to the guys who helped me break into my car.:)

[manual63]

It's wet.......give it until later Thursday to dry out if it stops raining by Wednesday morning as forecast.

[jag]

Shad, i was out there at lunch and there are a few mud holes that need to be drained off the trail soon to dry before the race. The rest of the trail was very dry but those pits are deep with water standing.

And like you said - the whole trail is wet now from the rain.

[manual63]

Salem is good to ride now, but there are still some muddy areas. At Salem, please ride through the mud, not around. We do not want to make the trails any wider and by riding around the muddy areas, you widen the trail and create a much bigger mess to clean up.

If you don't like the mud or don't want to get dirty, simply don't ride at Salem right now.

Thanks!

[BikerKitty]

Just heard from the trail steward at Salem, and was asked to post up that the trail is CLOSED! There's a lot of standing water, so there is absolutely NO pre-riding the course before the race tomorrow. NONE! ZERO! ZILCH! Stay off it, peeps.

At this point, the race is still on! A final decision will be made tomorrow by those empowered to do so.

(not me)

[redpic]

hey Shad, Is the trail open for riding?

[manual63]

Yes it is. I changed trail conditions, but forgot to post here.

The trail is open. Just watch out for the mud hole area, which is probably fairly dried up right now, as there is a huge hole in the trail. Clearly visible, so no surprises.

We will be working on the large hole created from last weekends race this Friday. So please come help out at Trailwork starting at 5:30pm.

[Howie J]

Just a FYI. Rode (most of) the trail and the mud hole by the end of the trail is still there, but seems to be drying up fast. Everything else was pretty solid. I didn't take the south/skills loop so I can't comment on that.

Howie J

[Cars-R-Coffins]

Trail is in good shape,there are some mud holes. Watch out for the last one, it's about 7 inches deep. I went otb and knocked my wheel out of true.:banghead:

[Howie J]

Yeah, I wasn't sure how deep that one was, so being my first real ride of the spring I didn't feel like getting caught in that or face planting so I took the least resistance path and walked around it.

Howie J

[DJ Nree]

I'm thinking about doing a couple laps today when i get off work (8-9 a.m.) assuming the rain holds off. I'm not sure how much if any rain this area got after i left yesterday. I'm fairly new to this and am not sure how moist is too moist.

Should i stay off?

Thanks.

[danomyte]

Don't know if you'll get this in time. But, I haven't been out there for a week or so. According to wcco, there hasn't been much actual precip in Inver Grove since Sat, when it looks like they got about .10" Salem usually dries pretty well, being fairly sandy and all so I would think it would be ok, but I don't know how bad it was before that rain. Bottom line, if you are leaving ruts, or you can see that your tread is doing damage to the trail, it's best to stay off. Thanks for asking!

[danomyte]

I stopped by the trail after work and walked part of the trail. It is still pretty wet with some standing water in a couple spots. The problem spots that were mud pits at the Spring Cup are holding up pretty well, if the rain holds off the trail might be dry enough to ride sometime Sunday.

[Ish]

Anyone been out today? A number of the trails seem to be in quesiton, but Salem tends to dry fast.

[DJ Nree]

I was out there yesterday until 5 p.m. There were three spots on the skills loop that were rutted and still tacky. The longer prarie loop seemed fine. Not sure how much rain the area got last night, but best case scenario i would still skip the skills loop.

[MOAB]

My wife and I rode the whole trail system and found conditions to be real dry. There were those 3 spots that were rutted. The rain in the next couple days will put a hold on the riding for a few days. :mad:

On a side note, the trail is started to get overgrown, lots of leg slappers.

[bakkeb]

On a side note, the trail is started to get overgrown, lots of leg slappers.


+1 on that comment:etard:

[ladder49]

Has everyone been bring home some hitchikers found riding Salem. When can we get some trail cutting?

[danomyte]

Most of the trail was nice and dry tonight. But I would say the trail was still marginal, there are still a handful of small muddy spots, and there are a couple spots that are bad, one with a large amount of standing water. There are also several short sections that are rutted out from being ridden when the trail was wet that are now dry, so watch out for them. Hopefully the rain holds off for a while!

[Mindsai]

My wife and I rode Salem last night and it is a jungle out there! We only got in one lap since the trail is overgrown and visibility was difficult. This trail might be good to avoid until it can be cleared. I will keep my eyes peeled for next trail work date so I can pitch in with the weed whip, etc. If you do head out there, make sure to wear lots of deet since the ticks are in full force!

[KleinCrazy]

There are plans in place to get it mowed this week.

Will keep this thread updated as to the status when done.

[tacdad]

Don't know how well deet worked, pulled almost 20 ticks from me and my son. That was only 1 lap.

[Cars-R-Coffins]

Don't know how well deet worked, pulled almost 20 ticks from me and my son. That was only 1 lap.
Deet dosent work on ticks.

[MisterClaw]

Deet dosent work on ticks.

Deet does work on ticks:
http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm

[rKo]

Last week, I had about 10 ticks after two laps and my wife had only 1 on a shoe. So, I guess the only solution is to shave your legs :)

By the way, make sure you check your shoes and socks before you go into your house. They seem to even find their way to Velcro closures and like to hide on socks.

[manual63]

James should be out mowing the trail Saturday morning (pending any issues that is).

We did trailwork today and the trail is in excellent shape. So once it's mowed, I hope that reduces the tick issue, go out and enjoy the trail......should be a lot of fun fast riding.

I found 1 tick on me after trailwork........not too bad considering I was standing around leaning my a tool barking orders the whole time....:)

[TML]

James is out this very minute. Trail should be in great shape by later this afternoon. :banana:

[KleinCrazy]

All of the trail is now mowed back about 2 feet on each side of the single track.

The one section that I did not get mowed was the area around the berm, everything else should be perfect.

Blackberry Bushes on the north end might be starting to encroach on the trail so be carefull. They should be full of taste treats in about a month I would guess.

[DmacBmac]

All of the trail is now mowed back about 2 feet on each side of the single track.

The one section that I did not get mowed was the area around the berm, everything else should be perfect.

Blackberry Bushes on the north end might be starting to encroach on the trail so be carefull. They should be full of taste treats in about a month I would guess.

Thanks James!!!

[ryno lite]

Thanks James!

[Cars-R-Coffins]

All of the trail is now mowed back about 2 feet on each side of the single track.

The one section that I did not get mowed was the area around the berm, everything else should be perfect.

Blackberry Bushes on the north end might be starting to encroach on the trail so be carefull. They should be full of taste treats in about a month I would guess.
Cool thanks, now all I got to do is get over this flu.

[manual63]

That rocks James!

The trail is in good shape. Now is a good time to get in some riding out there. We will mow again in a few weeks knowing it grows back rather quickly.

Please keep posting reports when you go out there to ride, it helps us organize our efforts to better maintain the trail.

Thanks!

[MOAB]

My wife and I rode the trail yesterday after work. The trail is nice and dry and freshly mowed. There is one tree that is down (not on the trail but at head level) back by the pond about 1/4 mile before the bridge with the handrails. Make sure you duck. :hit:

[KleinCrazy]

Doh!

Sorry about that, I knew it was down and forgot to mention it.

I believe that Shad has contacted IGH and they should have a parks crew out there soon to take care of it.

James

[MOAB]

Thought I would mention it for you James. :)

[DJ Nree]

Both sections of trail had muddy spots and standing water yesterday at 4 p.m. The area had some more rain come through around 1 a.m. this morning.

[MOAB]

I rode Salem last night. Trails were dry and in great condition. A few of the old wet areas had ruts in them, but otherwise, good to go. The tree that was down (at head height) back by the pond, is all taken care of.

[berrywise]

Dry and Dusty. Still broken glass in the parking lot.

[bakkeb]

Dry and Dusty. Still broken glass in the parking lot.

Sorry, I was to pissed at the time to pick it up. Haven't been back since:incazzato:

[manual63]

Trails are wet until at least mid day Saturday if we don't get any more rain. Please give them time to dry out before you ride them.

[berrywise]

Trail is dry. The smaller loop is quite overgrown with a lot of arm slappers. The perpetual mud spots were just starting to dry out.

[manual63]

I am working on trying to find someone to get out there with some loppers to clear out face slappers.

[berrywise]

I am working on trying to find someone to get out there with some loppers to clear out face slappers.

If I can somehow find a gas powered trimmer could I cut the short loop back a foot or so at the bottom? I'd have to do it sometime in the early morning on a weekday.

[manual63]

If I can somehow find a gas powered trimmer could I cut the short loop back a foot or so at the bottom? I'd have to do it sometime in the early morning on a weekday.

PM sent!

[MOAB]

The trail has been trimed back. Great job to the person that mowed weeds!! My wife and I trimed the face slappers, and did a little other trail trimming this morning.

The trail is in nice shape. . . get out and ride it! :)

[Howie J]

Just got done riding Salem. A few small tacky spots that will probably be gone by tomorrow or so. Other than that, nice ride. Kudos to the prairie mowing. There are a few places in the top/north? loop and down by the pond/swamp area where things are wooded and the small trees get a little personal.

Toward the end, before the rock, that rut that was worked around a year or so ago seems to like eroding still. Not a deadly rut, but seems to be getting deep again. Maybe I'm just not up to speed.:embarass: Anyway, trail is in fine shape.

Wife found one tick so the little buggers are still thriving.

Howie J

Oh, and watch out for some dog stuff early in the Pond Loop (I think)

[DJ Nree]

I was planning on heading to salem after work today. Anyone been out there?

[Pandl]

I was there on Sunday. A few items needing trimming, but still ridable. I wasn't gonna complain.

[manual63]

I was there on Sunday. A few items needing trimming, but still ridable. I wasn't gonna complain.

James, Dan, or Mike.....any chance you can get a trimming crew out there soon? I am sure some weed whips or whatever could do the trick.

Once Scott H asked if he could go weed whip some parts. I got permission from IGH for you to do this. Just let me know ahead of time when you will be planning on going out there so I can let them know. If you have a MORC shirt, please wear it while working. If not, contact me and I will make sure you all have them.

[berrywise]

James, Dan, or Mike.....any chance you can get a trimming crew out there soon? I am sure some weed whips or whatever could do the trick.

Once Scott H asked if he could go weed whip some parts. I got permission from IGH for you to do this. Just let me know ahead of time when you will be planning on going out there so I can let them know. If you have a MORC shirt, please wear it while working. If not, contact me and I will make sure you all have them.

I need to find me a cheap gas powered trimmer on craigslist.

[manual63]

I need to find me a cheap gas powered trimmer on craigslist.

That would be cool. But maybe we can use the Salem budget to pay for it instead of you doing it out of your own pocket.

Also, if someone has one Scott or others can borrow....let us know.

Thanks!!!

[firechic]

I have a gas powered trimmer that I was going to sell in a garage sale, but I would gladly donate to MORC. Salem is my "home" trail after all - all though I haven't been on any trail yet this year.:cryin:

The trimmer is hard to start at times and I haven't started it yet this year because I bought a battery powered trimmer. Let me know if you're interest and we can figure out a place to meet up so you can take a look at it.

[berrywise]

I have a gas powered trimmer that I was going to sell in a garage sale, but I would gladly donate to MORC. Salem is my "home" trail after all - all though I haven't been on any trail yet this year.:cryin:

The trimmer is hard to start at times and I haven't started it yet this year because I bought a battery powered trimmer. Let me know if you're interest and we can figure out a place to meet up so you can take a look at it.

Wow that would be awesome Kim! I don't know how Morc would want to handle storing it but if someone needs to come pick it up sometime I could volunteer to do that or even meet at the trailhead for a ride sometime.

[MOAB]

I can't make it out there until maybe Sunday or even Monday. Tomorrow we are packing to go to Hayward and ride the CAMBA trails thursday thru Saturday.

I have a gas powered trimmer, and can bring that out there next time I am out there. If anyone wants to help with the trimming on say Monday after work, let me know and I can be there by 5:30.

[Don Youngdahl]

If MORC does choose to accept that donation, I'll volunteer to tune it up & try to correct the starting problem, but I likely won't play a part in the ongoing storage, use & maintenance of the trimmer.

[manual63]

Trail is in great shape right now! I did a walkthrough with IGH and a quick lap this morning and it's in awesome condition for a ride. There are a couple of wrist slappers out there, but that is all.

I did not see any low branches or trees and am not sure what ever happened with the one that someone claimed they ran into. So no worries, just go ride and have fun!

[manual63]

Salem is too wet to ride right now. A lot of rain overnight. Please give it 24 or more hours to completely dry out.

[manual63]

Dry and ready to ride! The trail is in great shape this time of year. Want to open up a bit and go fast? Then you want to ride Salem!

[danomyte]

Trail is in great shape! I did a little trimming on my ride tonight, mostly in the north loop. We'll have to get in there soon and clean up a few other spots. Nothing too bad, overall the trail is riding good!

[MOAB]

My wife and I rode two laps this evening, and the trail is in good shape.

I'll help with the next trail work session. Hopefully we can get to do some of the trail watershed improvements we talked about.

I noticed a sheet of paper posted on the trail map sign that read, "2nd annual trail run" and it said the trail will be closed Sept 12th and 13th. Anybody know about this?

[manual63]

I noticed a sheet of paper posted on the trail map sign that read, "2nd annual trail run" and it said the trail will be closed Sept 12th and 13th. Anybody know about this?

I posted details about the run here.

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28418

[manual63]

9/11/08 -- Trails are wet from A good amount of rain today. Please let the trails dry for 36 - 48 hours after the last rain before you ride them.

[Scooter3m]

It rained again pretty heavily here in IGH a few minutes ago. She's wet again.

[HappyD]

Ran at Harmon Park yesterday and it is super duper wet!!! There were fresh tracks from someone riding so it is also tore up in spots. It may need some work when it dries out.

[manual63]

The trails are very wet. Please to not ride them today. They need some time to dry out after yesterdays rainfall.....especially the wooded areas.

[bakkeb]

Rode salem yesterday...everything is dried up but a few people rode it when it was wet and there are some serious tire grooves in numerous turns....they really F'ed it up....kinda sad:cryin:

[danomyte]

Inver Grove got 1.3" of rain yesterday. The trails are very wet. Please do not ride them today. They need significant time to dry out after last night's rain.
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[manual63]

9/24/2008 9:33pm - Thetrails still have some wet areas. The sun and warmth today should dry up the trail quite well, but please don't ride until later this afternoon.

[bigwheel]

9/29 8pm

Trail is nice and dry. No sign of any rain. Even a bit dusty.

Watch for sandy spots in some of the corners.

[danomyte]

Inver Grove got over 1" of rain last night. The trail is too wet to ride until maybe late tomorrow afernoon, Please let the trail dry out before riding!

[MOAB]

Rode their last night, and there are a few spots with a little mud, but for the most part, it's dry and in good condition.

[Speedbuggy]

Road Salem Hills Monday (11/10) in the afternoon. It was stellar. The trails for the most part are frozen hard. A few soft spots here n there. A few deer tracks also. But all in all it was pretty rad (course I just broke my Salem Hills cherry.)

Xs n Os

[Mindsai]

I rode Salem on Monday night 11/17 and the trail was rock hard and fast. There was not any icy spots that I saw. This is a fun trail for a night ride!

[ryno lite]

Everyone should keep in mind that we are now in the freeze/thaw cycle for the ground. Trails will be rock solid and fine to ride when it is below freezing, but as soon as we get above freezing, they will become a greasy mess. Please stay off of our trails if it creeps above freezing. This is the time that riders can do the most damage. Only ride below 32 degrees! Thanks!

P.S. Be aware that bright sun on a trail can also turn a trail mushy even if the temp is below 32 degrees. Basically, if a trail is at all wet or greasy this time of year, it is due to frost and you are doing more damage now than at any other time of the year, so please don't ride through these conditions.

[MOAB]

For now your safest bet is at night time when the temps dip into the 20's. Dress warm. :D

[Ish]

Friday, 11/28 8-10 a.m.
Trail was mint!

get some.

[Pandl]

Sunday morning, around 10 am, trail was awesome. Fresh snow. I was the first person to break a trail. Met Jeff there between my first and second laps. (2nd time on a bike in MN since Sept 26)