Trail Conditions in Detail - Harmon Park (Salem Hills) [Archive] - Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists Discussion Forums

KleinCrazy

02-12-2005, 11:23 AM

OK all,

This is for Salem , but should apply to any other trail that is open to riding in the winter, i.e. River Bottoms, Theo.

We went out for a ride today 2/12/05 and started at 9:00am temp was 30 degrees. By 10:00am the temp was up to 38 and the exposed dirt sections of the trail were already soft enough to leave tracks.

The trail at Salem had evidence of 2 people riding yesterday afternoon when the temps were above 45 and they left 2 1- 3 inch deep ruts the whole way.

If you are the ones who left those ruts, please read the below and try to be a little smarter about riding in bad conditions.

Sooooo.

The law for riding this time of year is..

1. If the trail is ice and snow coverd you can ride it up to about 40 degrees.
2. If there is exposed dirt, do not ride the trail when the temp is above freezing.
3. RIDE IN THE MORNING before the thaw, not in the evening after the thaw.
4. With all the melted and refrozen snow and ice, studs are almost required ( though Mara tore it up today without)
5. The melting snow and Ice is leaving large fluid puddles an the ground since the ground is still frozen underneath.
6. Once all the snow and ice has melted, riding is prohibited on dirt when the temperature is above freezing.
7. Once the Thaw is out of the ground and the dirt has had time to dry up and set again, the trail will reopen for riding.

Thanks
James
Salem Hills Trail Steward

Tim Wegner

04-30-2005, 05:50 AM

Just wanted to update. Dale and I have started moving some dirt around at Salem. The new trail will continue to be nice flowing trail with great sight lines. Put in one awesom inslopped turn and after working at Steeplechase yesterday I think we will have to add a little table top near the end of the turn---just for those of you that want a bit more thrill to their ride. I thinkwith about 3-4 more nights of work on this trail the dirt work will be done. Need to put 2 bridges in place before it is completed.

TW

waitabit

05-01-2005, 07:29 PM

Let me know when the trailwork will be.

Tim Wegner

05-01-2005, 08:01 PM

James Ford is the trail steward for Salem Hills. He is on his annual pilgramage to Fruita Co. I am sure he will set up a schedule for trail work and post on the MORC forums.

TW

waitabit

05-10-2005, 06:17 PM

just got back from riding the trail, great shape, the re-routes look awesome.If you ride it make sure to go to the right. (counter-clockwise)

hacman

05-11-2005, 10:15 AM

hey mike,

how were the trails with all this rain we've been gettin?

and CC is the way out back past that bridge? whoops! :)

waitabit

05-11-2005, 10:24 AM

hey mike,

how were the trails with all this rain we've been gettin?

and CC is the way out back past that bridge? whoops! :)It was fine yesterday, could not even tell it rained.And th CC thing is no big deal since theres such good vision on the trail, but there was a guy there yesterday who was riding the wrong way so we just told him to turn around, no problem.:etard:

bigwheel

05-11-2005, 10:48 AM

It was fine yesterday, could not even tell it rained.And th CC thing is no big deal since theres such good vision on the trail, but there was a guy there yesterday who was riding the wrong way so we just told him to turn around, no problem.:etard:

I rode it around 2pm yesterday, and the trail was great, other than the small muddy spot where the trail crosses the marsh. I recommend walking your bike through it. The other low areas were tacky, but still decent. I also posted yesterday in the Trail Conditions section. Don't know what last night's rain did to it.

I thought the correct direction was clockwise?? That was how we did the group rides. Anyway, if there is an official direction, I violated it, doing loops in both directions.

waitabit

05-11-2005, 11:00 AM

I rode it around 2pm yesterday, and the trail was great, other than the small muddy spot where the trail crosses the marsh. I recommend walking your bike through it. The other low areas were tacky, but still decent. I also posted yesterday in the Trail Conditions section. Don't know what last night's rain did to it.

I thought the correct direction was clockwise?? That was how we did the group rides. Anyway, if there is an official direction, I violated it, doing loops in both directions.maybe I'm wrong?I thought when the trail first opened it was posted to go CC, but I'm going to check right now.

waitabit

05-11-2005, 11:06 AM

I checked the original trail conditions post and it is Counter-Clockwise.

KleinCrazy

05-11-2005, 11:10 AM

The Trail was originally designed and built to run CC. However; after a year of testing, it has been found that the trail runs much better in a clockwise dirrection. When the new sections are complete, the trail will actuially run both ways. the short loop through the trees on the north end of the park will run in a counter clockwise direction comming back and hooking into the southern loop just before the 2 way entrance/exit section. The souther loops will all be run in a clockwise direction and once again hook back with the northern trail and run the same direction it does just before the 2 way entrance/exit section.

Hope this helps.

James

bakkeb

05-11-2005, 08:16 PM

So you basically do a figure 8 when connecting the north and south loops?:etard:

bakkeb

05-22-2005, 09:32 PM

Went out to the trail this evening and the conditions are perfect, except for the small area that is always muddy at the low point of the pond. Does anyone know if there is going to be something done about that section? It was the worst I've ever seen it. I noticed that a dirt bike has been on the trail. It didn't seem like it did much damage. While I was on the southern loop, a 4-wheeler came flying across the prairie. The girl wasn't on the trail but rather making her own trail. I'm guessing this isn't allowed here but there wasn't much I could do to stop her. I could see the new sections of trail and I can't wait til they are done. It was so awesome to be back on the mountain bike. I haven't been on it for 2 weeks and I'm already out of shape.:cryin: I almost didn't even bother to go out today, I'm glad I changed my mind.:etard:

Tim Wegner

05-22-2005, 09:46 PM

Dale and i looked at the section by the lake and have some ideas for repairs. the work at Salem has been put on a short hold until we can finish some work at the river bottoms in preparation for national trails day sponsored by REI. I have to do some deberming etc down there. Once that is done we will hit salem hard and get all the rough cut done and then Terrace and then back to river bottoms and then to lebanon to do some changes to the dream trail.

My time line is:

River bottoms this week (5-22)
Salem week 5-29
Terrace Week following salem<
tw

bakkeb

05-22-2005, 09:56 PM

Sweet! I can't wait til it's completed. I live the same distance from Salem and Leb and I have to say I'm starting to like this trail a lot more than Leb. For one it's not busy. The trail is getting better the more I ride it. I rode the South loop clockwise for the first time ever and liked it. It felt like a whole new trail again. It still seems to flow better cc. We definenately need to post the direction of the trail at some point because in the summer when everything is overgrown, you won't be able to see someone coming. Just a thought.:etard:

Tim Wegner

05-22-2005, 10:52 PM

Hopefully this summer the stuff that was planted will not grow up quite so tall. I noticed a lot of little trees are coming that were seeded last summer!! Just think, first time ever that we built the trail and then grew the forest around the trail!!!

TW

bakkeb

05-23-2005, 09:42 PM

That's funny. I hope it doesn't overgrow too much also. One time I went last summer and I thought my arm was broken after hitting those stalks for 10 min or so. :hit: It's nice when the city tractor goes through and cuts them down. The tics are bad too. Those are the only faults I have with the trail though.:etard:

martini

05-23-2005, 10:13 PM

KleinCrazy

05-23-2005, 11:34 PM

Its nice to know that Salem and Leb are so close to my mother-in-laws house. Both trails are about 10 min by car, and both offer great riding. I rode salem on the 15th(no worries, it was only damp and tacky, not sloppy) and was surprise at how fun it was. It was my wifes frist ride back since having a baby and she loved it too. Choice is a good thing!

Marty,

Why didn't you give me a call?!?!? I live about 2 miles from Salem and didn't have much going on on the 15th. I would have loved to hook up with you and ride my trail.

Next time your up here with the bikes, give me a ring.

James

dasil003

05-25-2005, 09:40 AM

KleinCrazy

05-25-2005, 10:10 AM

Well, I took my girlfriend out for her first ever mountain biking last night. Gotta say, this trail was a godsend. It's the perfect first time trail as it shows the true quality of singletrack, but without anything intimidating. As a result, she enjoyed herself immensely, and the dream of a mountain biking girlfriend remains intact!

The only thing she didn't like was the mudpit filled with spawning gnats. It hadn't rained for days and days, yet there was still standing water down there. I know this has probably been discussed before, but are there any plans to build a boardwalk crossing over that short section?

Yes,

A boardwalk and or bridge system is planned for the area east of the pond. I will also say that we will be adding over 1 mile of additional trail north of the pond this summer to complete the 5+ mile total loop system.

Keep an eye on the forums for trailwork days and times, they will most likely start in june.

L8er
James

bakkeb

05-27-2005, 10:40 PM

I got to ride Salem before rhe rain started yesterday and it was awesome again. The same spot is a mess by the pond. I walked some of the new areas and I got to say they will make the trail better:banana: This wet spring has made Salem a better option compared to Leb. Without it I would be going nuts:crazy2: . Say James, you'll have to let me know when you are going out one of these days. I'd like to tag along for a good ride:etard:

KleinCrazy

05-30-2005, 11:58 AM

Trail is dry and in great shape!!!!

East side of the pond is wet as usually and we are exploring our options to alleviate this.

We will be starting trailwork next Thursday and with enough people, we should be able to finished by the end of June.

L8er
James

Burke

06-05-2005, 08:39 AM

Has anyone been out to Salem Hills in the past couple of days? How is the field grass situation? Has it grown out of control, river bottom style, with all of this rain?

I'm thinking of taking my mountain tandem out there today for its inaugural ride.

Thanks

jeffgude

06-05-2005, 02:39 PM

Burke

06-05-2005, 03:20 PM

I just got done taking a picture of it loaded up on our car rack.

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1289&size=big&sort=1&cat=last1

The bike details aren't fantastic, but it's full sus with disc brakes. I haven't gotten the crankset for it yet, so i had to pirate 3 of the crank arms from my road tandem, and borrow the drive side crank from my wife's mountain bike to make it work for the time being...

I hope to get the brakes and suspension dialed in this week. The rear brake is a little soft and the shock/fork isn't tuned for our combined weight yet.

KleinCrazy

06-05-2005, 06:42 PM

Scott,

The Park had rekilled alot of the field grass already this year to help promote something I am not sure what. Maybe the ahrdwood tree's they planted. I do know that some of the things they tried to seed last year were taken out by weeds, so they might have killed again and are going to reseed.

Foliage will not be the problem at Salem for a while but with the rain it might be a little soft and slimy.

I would give it a good 3-4 days without rain before riding.

James

TrailDale

06-16-2005, 11:36 AM

Mowed 3+ miles of trail last night.

Until yesterday,the field grass was starting to get out of hand with all the perfect weed growin' weather we've had. Some trail sections had been eaten by weeds up to 5 feet tall, with virtually no open trail in between.

I covered both sides of all the trail south of the pond with the DR mower, and cleared about 18 inches of killer weeds from each side of the trail. My guess is that this will likely be a monthly summer maintenance issue for the forseeable future. MORC should probably schedule a "DR mower day" each month for both Salem and the River Bottoms.

Tim worked North of the pond with the DitchWitch and we're getting most of the machine work done. The insloped turn just south of the parking lot is still very much a work in progress. The first night I worked on it at the end of the day and had to quit because of extreme darkness. The next day that I was able to spend time on it, it was still wet and I spun the track off the Dingo 3 times (pain in the butt and a time killer). I had to abandon it and get more productive work done. The next step is to get the Dingo out there with the bucket instead of the blade and move the necessary volume of dirt to properly drain the turn. As far as the overall design of the turn, recognize that its far from done, and be patient.
:fool:

TrailDale

waitabit

06-19-2005, 03:39 PM

manual63

06-24-2005, 08:30 AM

These trails are starting to look really good. We did some work last night and we actually saw some riders go by. They looked like they were having fun. This trail is not tight twisty singletrack, but it is a lot of fun. I like the rolling hills in the open fields and the dip into the woods every now and then. For those who like to pound hard and get a good workout, this is the trail for them. It's open enough to get some good speed and maintain it. Unlike a tight trail where most of the work is skill diving between trees, this trail allows you to open up and pedal hard for longer periods of time.

I really hope this trail becomes more popular. I just don't think many people have checked it out, but once they do, they will use it regularly.

jonbodin

06-26-2005, 05:07 PM

I went to Salem Hills for the first time this afternoon. I had the whole trail to myself from 3-3:45. I really enjoyed it. I loved the opportunity to get a cross country workout. For someone who is not confident with technical obstacles but love to bike this is a great trail! I tip my hat to those who put this trail together!! :banana:

TML

06-27-2005, 04:30 PM

A big thanks to Dale for doing the mowing. It makes a world of difference on this trail!

Took my wife out to the trail for the first time yesterday and she really enjoyed it! It was a hot one but we had a blast.

Get out and ride Salem. Once we get the northern section completed it'll really be a sweet loop!

Ubergiant

06-27-2005, 11:46 PM

When did you ride today? My buddy (Ubercannondale) and I rode this place for the first time around 6:15 or so tonight just before the storms rolled in. When the sirens started going off and we were able to see the lightning, we were really wishing there had been a map of some kind or at least a sign saying we were going in the right direction. We got a little turned around in there and just took a guess at what trails to take. We made it back before the rain hit but only by about 5 min. It was definatly not Terrace or Leb but we kinda thought that was a good thing. Its nice to have very different venues to ride.
Any idea when some kind of a map will get going for this place?
There seemed to be a lot of criss-crossing of trails and a whole lot of unfinished work south and west of the water tower.

Brick

08-22-2005, 03:56 PM

Had the opportunity to finally ride this trail this afternoon--I've been down in the IGH area daily for the last week or so, and had to make a point of getting a ride in. Very nice flow on the trail, with a nice mix of conditions.

Can't wait until the whole system is done and tied together.

Any idea when some kind of a map will get going for this place?

The city was out there today w. the big shoulder-mounted crew served GPS unit doing some trail mapping.

waitabit

08-22-2005, 08:39 PM

Had the opportunity to finally ride this trail this afternoon--I've been down in the IGH area daily for the last week or so, and had to make a point of getting a ride in. Very nice flow on the trail, with a nice mix of conditions.

Can't wait until the whole system is done and tied together.

The city was out there today w. the big shoulder-mounted crew served GPS unit doing some trail mapping.It is pretty much done, it just needs to be mapped, with signage, 4 of us worked on it on Sunday and James showed us the way to go now, its awesome, especially the new berm.

LightWeight

08-22-2005, 09:08 PM

It is pretty much done, it just needs to be mapped, with signage, 4 of us worked on it on Sunday and James showed us the way to go now, its awesome, especially the new berm.

So what is the correct direction to ride S.H.?

Brick

08-22-2005, 09:16 PM

So what is the correct direction to ride S.H.?

Not knowing really where to go, I rode it clockwise--that put the insloped turn on a nice downhill....:crazy2: FUN!

stoneage

08-22-2005, 09:59 PM

From a post this spring by the steward:
The Trail was originally designed and built to run CC. However; after a year of testing, it has been found that the trail runs much better in a clockwise dirrection. When the new sections are complete, the trail will actuially run both ways. the short loop through the trees on the north end of the park will run in a counter clockwise direction comming back and hooking into the southern loop just before the 2 way entrance/exit section. The souther loops will all be run in a clockwise direction and once again hook back with the northern trail and run the same direction it does just before the 2 way entrance/exit section.

waitabit

08-24-2005, 03:11 PM

Rode today and brought a computer, 4.62 miles for the new complete loop.

KleinCrazy

08-24-2005, 03:39 PM

Rode today and brought a computer, 4.62 miles for the new complete loop.

North and south loop or just south?

James

waitabit

08-24-2005, 03:54 PM

North and south loop or just south?

JamesNorth and South.

bakkeb

09-04-2005, 01:55 PM

Rode the trail before it rained yesterday for the first time in 3 months thanks to back surgery. It flows perfectly going the other direction and with the new portions of singletrack. Salem is becoming my favorite trail. Good job to all the people who have done trail work on this trail. I'm just happy to be back out riding again. :etard:

jjrsds

09-04-2005, 08:32 PM

Hi Bryan, glad to see you are out ridding again. Hope the back is holding up well and hope to see you on the trail soon.

bikeoutback

09-06-2005, 04:55 PM

I rode the trail yesterday and it was damp but not bad at all. Nice causet it was getting sandy in places and the rain helped. Only one spot on the trail with mud, about a 6 foot long section down by the swamp. It will be great when there are signs as I just started riding and haven't quite got this trail figured out yet but as a beginner it is great cause I can chug along it quite well. I accidentally rode it the opposite way yesterday than I did the other two times and some areas were harder, signs will be nice. I haven't seen a soul out there riding each time I've gone, except about 15 rabits and 7 deer on friday night. Great trail though, thanks those who have put this together!

bakkeb

09-15-2005, 08:14 PM

Rode the trail yesterday. Totally love it. I have one complaint though. While I was there I noticed a couple people going the wrong way. I also got some feed back about the trail from a first time rider that I recommended the trail to. I told them how to get to the trail and told them to go clockwise. He said other riders told him to go counter and after 15 min of getting lost on the trail he gave up and said he would never go back. I figured out that he somehow got on the hiking trail and started going backwards on the trail. I felt bad because I think it's an awesome trail, and he didn't get to experience it the right way. He said he'll just go to Leb. where there is good signage and no doubt where to go. My question then, is salem going to get proper signage to help first time riders? I have been riding the trail since it's infantacy so it's easy for me, but I could see how the trail entrance can be confusing. Just wondering.:etard:

KleinCrazy

09-15-2005, 11:17 PM

Trail signage and stuff.

Yes we are going to have a nice big kiosk at the trailhead with maps and such, along with on trail markers. Hopefully the trail markers will be up in early october.

The correct way to run the trail is Counter clockwise for the northern loop and clockwise for the southern loops.

If you are trying to go up hill on the banked corner you are going the wrong way :)

L8er
James

waitabit

09-21-2005, 08:17 PM

Went for a night ride tonight, it was starting to storm but I thought I'd be OK, I did the North loop and it was windy but OK, and then I got to the top of the hill on the South side of the pond and saw the clouds moving and the lightning and turned around, got my stuff into my truck and it started to rain, whew, just in time!:p

halls

09-21-2005, 11:40 PM

I rode Salem for the third time this year. This a great place to ride. Tue. it was fast. James and crew have done a fantastic job. I think counterclockwise is the best way. The singletrack has a great flow that direction.
My only problem is with Thrusday trial work. My job gets in the way. Any chance of other times? i'd like to help finish this fun trail. Thanks again.

waitabit

09-22-2005, 06:49 AM

Little D

10-19-2005, 10:50 AM

Rode last night for the first time. Can't wait to ride it when it's daylight?!

If you haven't ridden the trail, I advise you to check it out. It's a little different then the other trails we have around here.

waitabit

10-31-2005, 10:47 AM

I did a night ride on Fri. the 28th, Had a blast saw another guy get on the trail with a helmet and bar light, tried to say hi, it was about 8:oo, who was that?

KleinCrazy

10-31-2005, 10:50 AM

I did a night ride on Fri. the 28th, Had a blast saw another guy get on the trail with a helmet and bar light, tried to say hi, it was about 8:oo, who was that?

Not Me,

I rode it Tuesday night and Rode Leb on Friday Night.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Tuesday night ride will continue till the ground conditions change.

waitabit

10-31-2005, 10:51 AM

Not Me,

I rode it Tuesday night and Rode Leb on Friday Night.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Tuesday night ride will continue till the ground conditions change.Cool, hopefully I wont work late on Teusday.

Kingbozo

11-03-2005, 10:40 AM

Any plans on updating the info on Salem in the "Trails" section?

KleinCrazy

11-03-2005, 11:02 AM

Any plans on updating the info on Salem in the "Trails" section?

Erg,

Thanks for pointing that out... I will send a new trail description to John and some new photos. I will also get ahold of IGH and see if they have the Trail Map done yet.

Thanks for pointing this out to me.

James

bakkeb

11-21-2005, 06:41 PM

Rode the trail tonight before it got dark and the trail is in excellent condition considering the weather. No mud, just soft. The trail is finally worn in pretty good. Must be the night rides groups we've been having, that is helping this process. I said it before and I'll say it again, I love this trail more and more everytime I ride it. If Leb is too wet, people should be riding here. It seems to dry out much quicker.:etard:

KleinCrazy

11-21-2005, 07:46 PM

Hey Brian,

The Pup and I must have just missed you. We went for a walk and run around the pond about 3:00-3:30. Ran into Chris, A Silver Cycling member out there enjoying the trail and had only good things to say about it.

He did point out that he almost knocked himself off his bike when his head hit a limb on the inslope turn. I went over and sure enough there was a good sized branch haning down that would catch you right in the head iof you rode the inslope high.

I tore it off as it was dead and now the inslope should be hazard free...:jumpy:

Ther is also a tree down on the west side of the pond that I will bring a saw along for tomorrow night. It should only take a couple of minutes to clear out.
Hope to see a good crew tomorrow.

L8er
James

cendres

11-23-2005, 08:52 AM

He did point out that he almost knocked himself off his bike when his head hit a limb on the inslope turn. I went over and sure enough there was a good sized branch haning down that would catch you right in the head iof you rode the inslope high.

I tore it off as it was dead and now the inslope should be hazard free...:jumpy:

Er, yeah, it was a bit of a surprise getting whacked in the helmet. I was riding the top line, and not very fast. I imagine most people ride lower and/or faster and therefore cleared it fine. Anyway, thanks for fixing it it up. I do really like Harmon. It's a nice bit of variety after countless laps at Lebanon.

bigwheel

11-23-2005, 09:32 AM

We rode Salem last night. The south loop (the big loop) was in good shape, however, the north loop was a bit greasy. We ended up not doing a second or third run on the north loop. I'd recommend waiting until freeze (tomorrow) before riding the north loop.

There is also a tree down in the woods section where you come up on the pond. We didn't have any tools with us, but it looks like a fairly easy get with a bow saw, but it's a bit too big for a folding pocket-saw.

funky-funky-chicken

11-26-2005, 12:34 PM

8:00 - 10:00 AM Saturday. 100% snow covered over solid frozen ground. I made fresh tracks. Quiet and only saw one person walking her dog. Lots of rabit tracks.

BrightYellow

02-05-2006, 10:13 PM

12:00 noon Sunday - Ummm... I take it nobody is riding out here. The trail was pretty tough. It wasn't packed down - only a few hikers - just enough tracks to make it challenging.

All it needs is a good group ride to pack it in...

bigwheel

02-06-2006, 08:00 AM

Bummer. I was going to bug James to do a Tuesday night group ride.

Oh well, Leb and the River Bottoms are both in decent shape.

waitabit

02-12-2006, 11:56 AM

Rode today (Sunday) and the trail was OK, not many people riding it, I think I was the second person since the dusting of snow on Thursday.Some parts are more packed than others.It is rideable but we need more people to ride it.

bigwheel

02-16-2006, 09:34 AM

Feb 15 8pm.

Harmon really needs some riders. There is a strip of semi-packed snow in the middle that I had trouble staying on. If you are able to stay in the middle of the trail, it isn't too bad, but still not good. On about half of the trail, if you go off of the packed part, you will have a tough time, because there is a couple inches of snow with a crust on top.

If we can get a few more riders out there, it will be a lot better.

Studs are not necessary.

KleinCrazy

04-07-2006, 06:51 PM

Caelan and I walked some of Harmon/Salem Hills today and it is Still CLOSED!!!!!

I am going to contact the city about getting some snow fence and a sign up at the exit.

The trails near the trialhead are dry and seem rideable, however there a long sections of very wet and muddy trail out in the praire and a number of sections that have standing water up to 3 inches deep on them due to the ground still being frozen and the rain water not having anywhere to go.

I would say at least 2 weeks before we can ride.

There were 2 sets of tracks out there that put down some Very large Ruts.

bikeoutback

04-12-2006, 02:31 PM

A buddy of mine that lives near Salem went roller blading up there last night and said he saw mountain bikers coming off the trail. He asked me when I was gonna go and I let him know that it was still closed, directed him to forums here cause he is thinking about getting into biking and he figured it was still closed. He said they came out pretty dirty... hopefully they didn't do too much damage

Little D

04-12-2006, 03:01 PM

Why don't you ask your "buddy who lives near Salem" to come out and help on a trail work session there?

bikeoutback

04-13-2006, 12:27 PM

Why don't you ask your "buddy who lives near Salem" to come out and help on a trail work session there?

That's the next step, I've gotten him onto the website to start and interested in giving mtn biking a try, one step at a time. He's also moving to Eagan in a month and I'm in Apple Valley but hope to split time between Salem and Lebanon.

Ala Carte

04-13-2006, 05:16 PM

At the Gates 2121

04-14-2006, 07:32 PM

I did a recon ride here this morning before the rain, and it was still soft in 5 or 6 spots. People have definitely been riding here. There will be some pretty good size ruts to fix when all is dry. I'd give it a couple days to dry up.

i walked part today intercepted 4 riders today and told them to go to leb. They were not so happy to hear the trial was closed

i think we need a load of diamond dry for the rutted areas to soak all the rain up its what baseball uses it'll work um we need a truck load of diamond
dry please

KleinCrazy

04-20-2006, 09:19 AM

Trail is in great shape for riding.

Though there are 2 soft spots that you might sink in a bit on, the majority, 99.9% of the trail is hard as a rock and actually a little dusty.

KleinCrazy

04-22-2006, 05:59 PM

Trail is in great shape.

Went out and got some milage estimates for spring cup today.

Prologue - 3/4 mile
Laps - 5.0 miles or a little more.

Should work a beautifully for a race course. Lots of spectator areas, wide open flat sprints to the finish line, lots of tight racing action.

I had 5 people out there today for the first time ever just to preride the area before the race. All had only good things to say about it.

There will be trailwork and a ride tomorrow if you can make it.

James

bigwheel

04-22-2006, 07:46 PM

Great! I can't wait to show that "the rock" is still rideable by unskilled old fat people.

When will we see the volunteer sign-up for Spring Cup?

dopey048

04-23-2006, 06:42 PM

KleinCrazy

04-23-2006, 11:01 PM

I made it a mission to get out to Salem today. It was really confusing. I asked where the trail head was, I got a "somewhere that way" from 2 people dressed for biking, then I didn't know which way was what or which trail my tires should be on. I asked another person on the trail if it was directional, he said he didn't know but hopefully it would be decided before the Spring Cup. I read this thread and I'm wondering "where are the signs?"

I'm not knocking anyone. I think for noobs like me there should be signs because it could turn someone off to this trail. I really like this trail, its a good option to Leb.

Sigh....

It is being worked on and I know it is a problem.... There are internal problems with getting this solved... they are being worked on...

For now.

CLockwise on the southern loop, Counter clockwise on the northern loop.

So....

From the trail head, you go either right or left and make no oblivious changes of direction...

James

KleinCrazy

05-03-2006, 06:08 PM

Trail is dry and in good shape to ride.There are a couple of low spots with standing water and mud that we are going to address tomorrow night.If you get out there, please ride right through any puddle or mud to prevent the trail from widening.ThanksJames

dopey048

05-06-2006, 04:01 PM

Got in a couple laps. A big "THANKS" to those who got the signs in.

Hopefully I will be able to help out on some trail work soon.

grizzly adam

05-09-2006, 02:01 PM

How'd it hold up to the rain last night?

KleinCrazy

05-09-2006, 02:37 PM

How'd it hold up to the rain last night?

We got quite a bit of rain last night. I would say it will be good tomorrow if we do not get any more.

The low spots will definitly be very wet with standing water and lots of mud today.

I tried to address them as best I could last Thursday, but I could only do so much.

I plan to ride and or check it out tomorrow after work, I don't have time today.

James

KleinCrazy

05-12-2006, 08:53 AM

Rain is coming down and looks like it willbe for quite a while.

Most of the trail was very dry and compacted hard so if we can get 24 hours with no rain, it should dry out.

Please do not ride the trail tonight, or at least 24 hours after the rain stops. We want to keep it in as good of shape as possible for the race next week.

Thanks
James

KleinCrazy

05-12-2006, 08:53 AM

Rain is coming down and looks like it will be for quite a while.

Most of the trail was very dry and compacted hard so if we can get 24 hours with no rain, it should dry out.

Please do not ride the trail tonight, or at least 24 hours after the rain stops. We want to keep it in as good of shape as possible for the race next week.

Thanks
James

woodchuck

05-15-2006, 05:50 PM

hockeynut

05-15-2006, 06:38 PM

Also, can someone describe how to get to the trailhead for those that would like to ride the course this week. Is it best to park at the school as it says on the race flier or is there another place.

From Rochester take 52 to upper 55th street exit. Take a left at the light, look for the Harmon Park (or Salem Hills) sign a little after the 4 way stop. This is the standard trailhead. Isaac

P.S. NO clue on the conditions, but if it would ever dry off it would probably be fine for pre-riding on Wednesday.

waitabit

05-15-2006, 07:00 PM

How are the trail conditions looking for the race? When will the course be OK to preride after all this rain? Does anyone have an outline of the course?

Also, can someone describe how to get to the trailhead for those that would like to ride the course this week. Is it best to park at the school as it says on the race flier or is there another place.The trail usually drys out really fast, so if it doesnt rain tonight and its sunny tomorrow, it should be ready, but I havent checked the forecast, I cant bear to anymore.

KleinCrazy

05-16-2006, 08:44 PM

Trail is dry and great for riding!!!!!

I could have posted that it was fine but I didn't know until I got up there tonight.

It is very dry and even the 3 soft spots should be rock hard by Saturday.

Get out there and get you Spring Cup Practice laps in!!!!

We will be out there Thursday and Friday Night finishing things off.

Come out and help, or stop and say hi.

James

fasterfoster

05-16-2006, 09:35 PM

Trail is dry and great for riding!!!!!

It is very dry and even the 3 soft spots should be rock hard by Saturday.

Get out there and get you Spring Cup Practice laps in!!!!

We will be out there Thursday and Friday Night finishing things off.

Come out and help, or stop and say hi.

James
My son and I rode Harmon Park for the first time tonight. We kind of just followed the arrows and eventually ended up back by the parking lot. The trail was in surprisingly great shape. We happened to see Doug and James (right?) who had been working on the trail. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS! THEY ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!

berrywise

05-17-2006, 09:45 AM

Sounds great. I haven't ridden in over a week (and will be out of town this weekend) so I think I might stop down there to ride on Thursday night. I'll look for ya guys.

KleinCrazy

06-06-2006, 07:47 AM

We had a good rain at the park last night.

Total of about 2 inches in 1.5 hours.

Give the trail at least until this evening to dry out and if you do show up and are leaving tracks, please hold off on riding until Wednesday.

Thanks
James
Salem Hills Trail Steward

waitabit

06-06-2006, 07:39 PM

KleinCrazy

06-06-2006, 10:07 PM

Trail was in good shape and dry tonight but the mower needs to come out and theres also some face slappers to be done away with.Also, the area after the left turn on the downhill leading towards the pond is severely washed out, saw some guy leaving who said he got a pinch flat there, and I also saw where he got it.

After or before? I know we have a rut that needs addressing before the 90 degree left at the pond but I didn't think after it would be a problem.

I will talk to the city and see if they want to mow or if they would like us to do it again.

I will plan a work session for Next week to address the other trail issues.

I will go out tomorrow night and check it out and do a little face slapper trimming.

Thanks for the heads up

James

waitabit

06-07-2006, 05:27 AM

After or before? I know we have a rut that needs addressing before the 90 degree left at the pond but I didn't think after it would be a problem.

I will talk to the city and see if they want to mow or if they would like us to do it again.

I will plan a work session for Next week to address the other trail issues.

I will go out tomorrow night and check it out and do a little face slapper trimming.

Thanks for the heads up

JamesThe area before is about the same, but believe it or not, the area after is worse, just formed all of a sudden.

Burke

06-07-2006, 06:37 AM

I will talk to the city and see if they want to mow or if they would like us to do it again.

James, as part of the Spring Cup agreement, we said we'd handle mowing this year. Let me know when you'd like to get the DR. It can be delivered with a little bit of advanced notice.

Scott

tns1972

06-11-2006, 08:38 PM

Rode Salem Hills for the first time tonight, it was bone dry. I loved the trail:banana:, it's a nice contrast to Leb. I never did find the "skills" on the skills loop, are they in developement? The green stuff is really tall, very fun, but my cohort and I both had ticks on us images/smilies/sick.gif. Riders beware!

Hellz

06-12-2006, 10:44 AM

KleinCrazy

06-17-2006, 02:56 PM

Trail has just been completely mowed down both sides of the trail!!!

Without any more rain today it should be Primo by about 3:00pm.

Get out there and enjoy it.

Look out for an erosion issue before and after the 90 degree corner heading north at the pond. We will be rerouting this section next week to atempt to fix this problem.

Crash

06-19-2006, 10:22 AM

Took my 7 yr. old out on Sunday afternoon. We were the only ones on the trail and the conditions were primo!!!

Had a great time - thanks for mowing.

Craig

Nickel

06-19-2006, 12:03 PM

Hey James --

Rode Sunday and and the trail was great! Is there a specific day you work on the trail? Encountered maybe 3 face-slappers.

bikeoutback

06-19-2006, 12:48 PM

So I drove all the way to Salem yesterday afternoon just for it to start raining when I got to the parking lot. Being that I wasn't sure what it would do I left and headed for REI, as soon as I got on 494 it was sunny again and no rain. Spent an hour at REI and drove all the way back out to Salem and glad I did. Course is in great shape, little sandy but that's just it's nature. Great ride too except I still won't hit that rock, not that I'm worried about not making it, I'm just more worried about breaking something on my bike that I can't afford right now.

KleinCrazy

06-19-2006, 03:46 PM

Hey James --

Rode Sunday and and the trail was great! Is there a specific day you work on the trail? Encountered maybe 3 face-slappers.

Salem Trailwork occurs on Thursdays.

This week we will be working on the erosion problem on the south side of the pond.

bike>>rider

06-19-2006, 04:30 PM

It's true, the trail is slightly overgrown in a few places even after we just trimmed it Thurs night - wild.

I also saw a big white egg (about the size you find in the grocery store) of some sort on the trail. Didn't touch it as it was easily avoidable. What is it with animals laying eggs on that trail? (I say this because we - well, James - found two turtles laying eggs in the singletrack last Thurs)

Trail is dry.

bike>>rider

06-20-2006, 03:54 PM

Trail was dry today at 2:00. Tacky in a few areas but mostly dry.

A real testament to the trail builders because there were puddles in the parking lot at Arby's just a mile down the road and I thought for sure that the trail would be too wet, but after walking about 500 yards of the trail it was clear that the trail would be ridable so I went back and saddled up.

waitabit

06-28-2006, 08:11 PM

Trail was in great shape today.

HEY JAMES!I thought there was trailwork tomorrow night, I saw the rough in for the new re-route and Im ready to work on it, let me know.

Nickel

07-03-2006, 11:18 AM

Rode last night and it was dry as a bone. Excited for the re-route as I caught my back tire in a rut and became very acquainted with some very picky bushes!

MisterClaw

07-12-2006, 12:17 AM

Rode this evening, and took at a coworker out for the first time mountain biking on his new Fisher. He seemed to enjoy himself quite a bit. Now I just have to work him up to the XX loop at Lebanon.

There was a 4" tree that fell right across the boardwalk, probably from one of the windy days a while ago. With a little struggle we managed to move it to the side of the boardwalk. Rest of the trail was bone dry.

waitabit

07-12-2006, 05:39 AM

ebrandel

07-23-2006, 08:56 PM

Dry in the prairie (what isn't right now?) and nice in the trees. Fun ride.

funky-funky-chicken

08-17-2006, 08:25 PM

Conditions were excellent tonight. Rode 5 laps of the north and south loops. All is good.

KleinCrazy

08-17-2006, 09:02 PM

Conditions were excellent tonight. Rode 5 laps of the north and south loops. All is good.

Any opinions on the reroute Ken?

funky-funky-chicken

08-17-2006, 09:24 PM

Any opinions on the reroute Ken?

When is the next trail maintenance? It could use a little work. The extra switchback is good. Like the concept, could be dug in a little better. The flow is a little awkward but maybe that was because I was just riding on the grass?

Tonight was only my second ride off-road this entire summer. Having not ridden Salem since winter, I was pleasantly surprised by the new "complete" feeling of the trail. I like the new in-slope turn on the south loop. Maybe something similar could be constructed in place of the re-route when the trail heads down to where the trail runs along the pond?

You know, Salem deserves more credit too! I was surprised that I was there for 2 hours and only saw 3 people riding! Conditions were prime, so I thought.

KleinCrazy

08-18-2006, 07:10 AM

When is the next trail maintenance? It could use a little work. The extra switchback is good. Like the concept, could be dug in a little better. The flow is a little awkward but maybe that was because I was just riding on the grass?

Tonight was only my second ride off-road this entire summer. Having not ridden Salem since winter, I was pleasantly surprised by the new "complete" feeling of the trail. I like the new in-slope turn on the south loop. Maybe something similar could be constructed in place of the re-route when the trail heads down to where the trail runs along the pond?

You know, Salem deserves more credit too! I was surprised that I was there for 2 hours and only saw 3 people riding! Conditions were prime, so I thought.

We purposefully left it as it is to allow the tread to pack in a little before we finish off the bench cut. The soil is VERY VERY sandy in that section and if we cut a full bench right off the bat we would have had deberming issues. we are allowing the bike to pack the tread in a little and then will go back in a finish off the bench.

The flow is a little slower than the old trail, but since that was straight down a hill, it is not surprising.

I'll post of the next woork session probably after Afton.

TML

08-18-2006, 09:28 AM

Conditions were great last night! Must have missed you Ken. I did 3+ laps then had to go. I was out from about 5:30 to 7.

Trail tread was perfect. Just enough moisture to allow your knobs to hook up.

Trail could use to be mowed and trimmed in a few spot but it still rode awesome!

The new re-route is a little awkward like Ken said, but as James pointed out, maybe a line will get ridden in that has a bit smoother transitions. It's better than the fall line 90 degree turn that was there. Nice work James and crew!

bigwheel

08-18-2006, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the update, and all the work.

Sorry I missed you last night. I thought everywhere would be too wet.

I'm going to take the single over there for a few laps around noon or so. Email me if you are able to sneak out for a ride.

KleinCrazy

08-25-2006, 07:26 AM

We had about 2-3 inches of rain in about 2 hours last night so Salem is going to be pretty wet until later this afternoon, or more likely tomorrow.

With the relative humidity so high, things are just not going to dry out real fast.

If you do head out for a ride, please use good judgment on riding if the trail looks questionable.

Thanks
James
Salem Hills Trail Steward

Nickel

09-07-2006, 09:57 PM

Great as always. Some parts could probably use a mow but it's not bad yet. I counted two face slappers. It is very creepy in the dark! 4.71 miles in 34 minutes.

And a conversation:

Me: Sees a young (11?) girl come off the trail. No helmet. Magna or equal quality ride, not very well maintained since you can hear it coming before you see it. I am getting my lights set up.
Girl's dad?: Wow are you going out there now?
Me: Yes
Girl's dad: Uh, but it's getting dark
Me: Shows him the lights
Girl's dad: Ohh I thought that was a radio
Me: Ah Okay
Girl's dad: Man I was running like crazy but now my chest is really hurting
Me: (Should I call 911?) Ooookay

They go off to the playground while I finish getting ready. The girl approaches as I am getting on the trail. Yes Pa was not on a bike.

Me: You might want to look into getting a helmet
Girl's dad: We don't wear helmets. We like to learn from tumblin'
Me: Well...good luck with that

berrywise

09-07-2006, 09:59 PM

Great as always. Some parts could probably use a mow but it's not bad yet. I counted two face slappers. It is very creepy in the dark! 4.71 miles in 34 minutes.

And a conversation:

Me: Sees a young (11?) girl come off the trail. No helmet. Magna or equal quality ride, not very well maintained since you can hear it coming before you see it. I am getting my lights set up.
Girl's dad?: Wow are you going out there now?
Me: Yes
Girl's dad: Uh, but it's getting dark
Me: Shows him the lights
Girl's dad: Ohh I thought that was a radio
Me: Ah Okay

They go off to the playground while I finish getting ready. The girl approaches as I am getting on the trail

Me: You might want to look into getting a helmet
Girl's dad: We don't wear helmets. We like to learn from tumblin'
Me: Well...good luck with that

"tumblin" haha that's classic. Then again that's how I grew up.

bolmsted

09-08-2006, 10:22 AM

"tumblin"?

are you sure that was his daughter? It might have been his wife and his daughter...or sister and daughter or something like that.

B

bakkeb

09-08-2006, 08:45 PM

Trail was in awesome condition today. Had the whole trail to myself ( except for the hikers, dogs, deer and squirrels I had to avoid). Perfect temp. for mtbiking. I love this time of the year.:etard:

Sevadari

09-16-2006, 06:43 AM

Just wondering what the weather conditions are out at Salem this morning (Saturday 10/16)?

I imagine you've had a bit of rain overnight, but wondering if there's any chance of getting any riding in later in the day, say midday or early afternoon.

I've got some newbie rider friends that are all pumped to get out and hit the trails today...don't want to have to make the 45 minute trek out to not be able to ride. Thanks in advance!

Go sun go :banana::banana::banana:!!!

waitabit

09-16-2006, 08:34 AM

I live about 2 miles from the trail and it rained pretty good here last night, but with the wind and if the sun comes out, Salem dries out incredibly fast.

Sevadari

09-16-2006, 09:17 AM

I live about 2 miles from the trail and it rained pretty good here last night, but with the wind and if the sun comes out, Salem dries out incredibly fast.

Thanks!

I'll keep an eye out on the boards to see if it's any better for riding later today.

transplant

10-04-2006, 08:58 AM

Does anyone know if Salem will be rideable tonight, say about 5:30ish?

KleinCrazy

10-04-2006, 09:17 AM

With no more rain it should be.

I might be out there about that time with a couple of people from work.

I also want to see how much mowing I will have to be doing on Sunday.

James

transplant

10-04-2006, 09:21 AM

Thanks, James. I'll make the call when I get there. Too wet and I'll just head home and put the geared bike on the road.

Nickel

10-04-2006, 09:27 AM

With no more rain it should be.

I might be out there about that time with a couple of people from work.

I also want to see how much mowing I will have to be doing on Sunday.

James

If you need any trimming help, please let me know! I miss doing trailwork.

Nickel

10-18-2006, 07:21 PM

Any chance it didn't rain/snow in Inver today?

gopherhockey

10-25-2006, 08:35 AM

Salem is in good shape, although the trail has become overgrown on the sides and is difficult to see in many areas. Tree areas have some low hanging eye pokers.

James, any plans for the DR to be out again before winter?

KleinCrazy

10-25-2006, 10:04 AM

John,

I have a request in for the DR this weekend and I hope to be able to get it taken care of.

I will be out there this afternoon riding and getting an idea of what all else needs to be done.

I will take a clippers with and trip the branches during the ride.

Thanks for the update.

James

gopherhockey

10-25-2006, 10:37 AM

John,

I have a request in for the DR this weekend and I hope to be able to get it taken care of.

u day man James! :banana:

We missed you at the group ride last night....

KleinCrazy

10-25-2006, 11:12 AM

u day man James! :banana:

We missed you at the group ride last night....

I was going to go, but I felt like cr@p all day at work. Got home and took a nap... until about 10:00pm when I woke up and had dinner...

Next week I should be there.

pro1200

11-07-2006, 10:09 PM

Thanks for the great trail maintenance James! I cranked a few laps there today and it was nice. The only surprise was having to do a panic stop when I came upon two loose dogs in a blind turn but the owner was nice about it. This trail is a refreshing change of pace from Wirth (my most frequently ridden trail).

ryno lite

12-09-2006, 04:48 PM

Bone dry at 3 pm. No sign of frost. I don't think frost will be a problem this season.

bakkeb

12-09-2006, 09:04 PM

awesome to here. I was stuck in a classroom all day today and missed a great opprotunity to ride:cryin: . I'm for sure riding Salem tomorrow before the Vikes game around 10am. If anyone is interested......:etard:

berrywise

12-19-2006, 06:49 PM

Anyone know the trail conditions for tomorrow? I recently was laid off and have some time on my hands during the day. Was thinking I might bring my dog down there to practise trail riding with her since there shouldn't be hardly anyone around down there on a weekday afternoon I figure. I know right now the ground can be pretty unstable.

bigwheel

12-19-2006, 10:07 PM

The trail was dry and rock hard tonight. It should be fine, no matter what the temp.

KleinCrazy

12-21-2006, 01:07 PM

Salem Closed until further notice

With the rain we have had, and the temperatures, Salem will be closed until further notice.

Until we have a number of days below freezing or >6" of snow to protect the dirt, damage to the trail will occur.

Thanks and I will report early next week on hopefully be able to open it to SNOW RIDING!!!!!!

James
Salem Hills Trail Steward

phaberman1

12-21-2006, 02:09 PM

...Until we have a number of days below freezing ...

I understand the importance of not riding on wet trails (and I don't), but it doesn't take a number of days to refreeze the ground. Why not just say "trail is closed until froze".

I was reading this same logic earlier this week in the Theodore Wirth threads.

:confused:

Kosk

12-21-2006, 02:20 PM

Technically, it can take days. Not always, but it can. IF it were to dump 2 feet of snow, right now, it would take the thawed ground longer to freeze due to the insulating affect of the snow cover over the warm ground. Either way, you got it right; As long as the ground is frozen.

The logic I was trying to get across in the Theo thread was that the temps were forecasted for above freezing everyday this past week and even above freezing at night a couple times. The trails likely were OK at certain times of the day/morning/night, but also bad at many other times as well. Care and Caution was all we were trying to get across.

bigwheel

01-13-2007, 07:13 AM

James, How's about opening up Salem again? It's 1 degree outside.

bigwheel

01-16-2007, 12:15 PM

Salem Closed until further notice

Marco ?

KleinCrazy

01-16-2007, 01:49 PM

Sorry!!!!

I have been busy....

I stopped by the park yesterday afternoon and the trail is in fine shape to ride.

Hikers have been out on it so it is a little rough, but a few laps by bikers should take care of that.

SALEM IS OPEN UNTILL I SAY OTHERWISE
Polo...
Salem Hills Trail Steward

bunk

01-20-2007, 03:30 PM

I took the pugs out for a couple of laps this morning. The trail is not to bad. Some parts are kindof loose, a few short spots of drifting iin the meadow areas that are not good. Did three laps the last lap was nice.
Diffently could use more riders packing things down or at least as much
packing as this fluffy snow allows. I plan on getting back for more soon.

Nickel

01-20-2007, 04:33 PM

Thanks for the trail info!

Nickel

01-21-2007, 06:51 PM

A few folks and their child on a sled had gone through the short loop. Not entirely sure of the longer loop conditions. It was really nice out today.

bowmanmark

02-20-2007, 09:06 AM

Is the trail rideable today?
I don't have my tires studded and I am woundring if the trails are icy.

KleinCrazy

02-20-2007, 11:15 AM

I will be swinging by Salem Hills this afternoon to check on the condition of the trails.

I would believe that with the lack of snow and the current temperatures that there will be alot of bare dirt and muddy places.

I will post a definitive observation after 4:00 today, but at this time I would consider Salem Hills

Closed

And plan your riding accordingly.

Thank you for protecting our right to ride and the stability of the trails.

James Ford
Salem Hills Trail Steward

KleinCrazy

02-20-2007, 04:33 PM

Salem Hills is CLOSED to riding until further notice.

The warm temps, bright sun, and lack of snowpack has allowed for a couple of inches of the exposed singletrack dirt to melt and turn into a muddy mess.

Most of the singletrack is exposed and a number of ruts have already been formed.

Inver Grove Hieghts has been contacted and will be putting up signs soon.

Please respect the trail and do not riding until conditions improve.

Thanks
James Ford
Salem Hills Trail Steward.

waitabit

04-14-2007, 01:33 PM

Checked out the trail today, close but still too greasy, caught a guy riding and told him he shouldn't be riding but he'd already finished a lap, his answer:"Yeah its probably too muddy"!:confused: So I told him the damage hes causing and he was educated, hopefully he takes it to heart but as there was no sign at the trailhead I guess if he didnt know then maybe we should put a sign up, unless someone tore it down.

bovaddict

04-15-2007, 12:42 PM

how much longer?

waitabit

04-15-2007, 12:51 PM

how much longer?Couple more days of sunshine and it should be ready, I might even check it again today.Of course James would be making the final call.

bovaddict

04-15-2007, 06:11 PM

sounds good..

KleinCrazy

04-16-2007, 10:37 AM

I am out of town for a few days so I am unable to check on the condition of Salem Hills.

Knowing the soil types and topography of the trail, I think Mike is probably pretty close on an opening.

I will have Mike give it a lap, look for low spots, and let everyone know if it ready to open up.

Keep an eye on the boards for trail work days coming up to get it ready for the Spring Cup.

Thanks all for being patient and waiting until it is ready before going out and riding.

James
Salem Hills Trail Steward

Nickel

04-16-2007, 12:25 PM

Yay trail work! :banana:

bigwheel

04-16-2007, 12:31 PM

James, good luck with your interviews.

Mike, my fingers are crossed that you'll find dry conditions so that we can get in a couple Salem laps before Fruita, while we can't open Leb. Please post when it's dry enough to ride.

bikeoutback

04-16-2007, 02:20 PM

Whew!! the bike got done in time for trails to open.... now lets get one of these open..... maybe open in time for a tuesday night group ride ;)

waitabit

04-16-2007, 04:40 PM

If you havent already, get out there and ride it!!:banana: theres only 2 muddy spots to avoid in the extreme southern part that runs through the woods, otherwise its smooth sailing.

ryno lite

04-16-2007, 05:02 PM

Wow, that's the advantage of a mostly treeless course!

waitabit

04-17-2007, 05:29 AM

Everybodys been waiting all winter to ride on dirt, I take time out of my weekend twice to check the trail and one effin person responds!!:mad: Thanx.

Shorty

04-17-2007, 07:01 AM

Everybodys been waiting all winter to ride on dirt, I take time out of my weekend twice to check the trail and one effin person responds!!:mad: Thanx.

Start a thread titled "Salem Hills is OPEN" and you'll get a response. I'm guessing a lot of people expect it to be closed, so they don't check the Trail Conditions thread. Or... they are out riding!

Thanks for checking!

bigwheel

04-17-2007, 07:31 AM

Everybodys been waiting all winter to ride on dirt, I take time out of my weekend twice to check the trail and one effin person responds!!:mad: Thanx.

Thanks Mike. I didn't want to litter this thread with my banter. There's a chance I'll be there tonight.

smklugherz

04-17-2007, 12:02 PM

bigwheel

04-17-2007, 12:45 PM

Which is correct? The trail conditions page says Harmon Park is closed. The forum says it is open. Before I go out and ride on real dirt for the first time this year, I want to make sure everything is copacetic.

Hi Steve, Welcome to MORC,

This is exactly the problem that we were discussing in another thread. Mike says it's open, but forgot to update the trail conditions. I'll change it right now.

Thanks for checking. Have a good ride.

waitabit

04-17-2007, 07:36 PM

Thanx for filling me in, its been so long since Ive updated trail conditions that i forgot.:sick:

bakkeb

04-17-2007, 07:51 PM

The trail was awesome again!:banana: Its so nice being on dirt again after being inside on the trainer and on the road. Both of which I dread, but need to do to stay in shape. The muddy part in the deep southern part of the trail is still there, so for anyone who is going to ride the trail, look for it and walk around it so we don't make it worse than it already is. Other than that the rest of the trail is almost dusty its so dry.:etard:

Tomg

04-19-2007, 02:07 PM

Rode last night and even the muddy part on the far southern loop has dried up. The trail is actually pretty dusty in spots.

On the down hill right after the re-route in the southwest there are the remains of a ~3in dia tree that has been busted off about 2' off the ground just waiting to spear someone in the chest should they fall there. Next work session it should be cut down to trail level.

Also saw 4 dog walkers. We're not the only ones itching to get out in the woods!

b_rogo

04-19-2007, 09:22 PM

I rode it for the second time this week, (and the second time ever!). There really aren't any spots to be careful of and it's actually a bit loose and sandy in spots. I wouldn't say that HP is my favorite local trail, but its fast, flowing and easy to hammer some miles on. Plus it's a great place to get your tires dirty after a long winter's nap! I'm heading back on Saturday with my wife so she can get some trail time in before we head to Colorado next week.

bigwheel

05-03-2007, 11:26 AM

Wed May 2, 7pm

Trail was in perfect condition. Thanks to the peeps that are maintaining it.

trompete

05-06-2007, 05:50 PM

Trail was in good condition today. The wind was very strong, which made the field interesting.

ibismojo2001

05-08-2007, 02:25 PM

Anybody been out there today? I would assume that given the sun and wind it would be good to go tonight (provised there is no more rain).

Trevize1138

05-09-2007, 10:43 AM

Anybody been out there today? I would assume that given the sun and wind it would be good to go tonight (provised there is no more rain).

I'd like an update, too! How 'bout some general knowledge about how well this trail dries out on hot, sunny days like today? I would guess the south loop at least would dry out quite well considering how exposed it is.

I'm thinking of hitting it at 4 p.m.. I know there's a 6 p.m. ride there tonight but I've got an item on my Honey Do list that means I gotta go early :)

ibismojo2001

05-09-2007, 11:01 AM

I actually rode last night and the trial was in great shape and even dry in dusty in spots. With the sun today, I think it will be in fine shape by 4 pm with the quick rain we had down here last night.

bigwheel

05-09-2007, 06:54 PM

5pm 5/9 Tacky, with just a couple small damp spots in the shady areas. The damp spots should be gone by the time of this post. Saw several MORC folk there.

Trevize1138

05-10-2007, 08:33 AM

Indeed, my suspicions about how quickly this trail dries due to the exposed nature were right! At 4:30 yesterday it was just about perfect. Keep Salem Hills in mind next time the other trails are too wet and it's a warm, sunny day. :banana:

trompete

05-17-2007, 01:26 PM

manual63

05-17-2007, 02:40 PM

I went over my handlebars trying to avoid it on my first lap today.

Welcome to real mountain biking.....:)

trompete

05-17-2007, 03:00 PM

Welcome to real mountain biking.....:)

Ha. Thanks shad. In other news, I had clips on and actually clipped out instinctively rather than staying attached to my bike. Woot for surviving my first endo with clips. :banana:

ibismojo2001

05-17-2007, 03:12 PM

The tree angled in from the right in the woods in the southeast corner seems to be getting lower. I'm 6'3", and I can't seem to avoid either hitting my shoulder or helmet on it every lap. I went over my handlebars trying to avoid it on my first lap today.

Nice work. I am also 6'3" and while I avoid the leaning tree I usually clip the bush on the left. Should be fun on Sunday ripping through there.:banana:

aliensporebomb

05-21-2007, 02:52 PM

Monday May 5/21 - trail conditions were great, there were a few other
riders out but despite stiff breezes it was warm and quite nice.

THUMP!

05-25-2007, 01:14 PM

Anybody seen the trail today?

Trevize1138

05-25-2007, 01:49 PM

I'm thinking about hitting the trail around 3. Based on how fast it's dried out in the past I'd guess it'll be OK by then.

bigwheel

05-25-2007, 02:02 PM

Friday 5/25 1:45 pm

I just got back from Salem. It's still to wet to ride. I tried the south loop (normally the dryest part), and got just past the berm, when deciding I didn't belong in there. Neither did the person who rode it earlier.

I doubt it will be rideable until tomorrow (Sat). I doubt any trails will be rideable today.

I'm hitting the pavement in a couple minutes.

bike>>rider

05-28-2007, 08:40 AM

Tree down on north loop couple hundred yards past the high-speed section. I was not able to move it by hand. Laying across trail about 2 ft above ground. Looked like people have been going off-trail to ride around.

Trail is tacky/dry at 7:00 AM Monday.

Jfederer

05-29-2007, 11:15 AM

So I take it Harmon Park Trail is now open, even thought the trail page says it's still under construction?? Anyone have any details on the trail (length, difficulty, etc)?? Thanks!

bigwheel

05-29-2007, 11:56 AM

So I take it Harmon Park Trail is now open, even thought the trail page says it's still under construction?? Anyone have any details on the trail (length, difficulty, etc)?? Thanks!

Looks like the trail review is out of date. I could have sworn that someone wrote a review within the last year. If anyone wants to write a new review, we'd appreciate it.

Yes, Salem/Harmon is open and rideable (assuming it is dry). The trail is a figure-8, with about 4.5 miles of beginner single-track.

Park at the same place, under the water tower. From the parking lot, head towards the woods, on the paved trail. There is a kiosk at the beginning of the trail. When you enter the trail, take a right (the north loop). This is just under a mile, and goes counter-clockwise through the woods. It will bring you back to the same location. From there, follow forward (the south loop). The trail heads along the pines, around a big berm turn, and all over the south side of the park. It will bring you back to the same place. The south loop is about 1/4 woods, 3/4 prairie. The last couple hundred feet of trail is shared between the north and south loops.

The trail is an easy one. Good if you want to ride fast or if you are bringing a novice along. I try to ride it every week or two, when I want to get outside but don't want to kill myself.

Last week, there were still some ribbons left over from the Spring Cup. They might be confusing. Just ignore them.

Note that this is a shared trail, So, be polite to the hikers.

Enjoy.

gopherhockey

05-29-2007, 12:07 PM

James forwarded me some text for a new review. I will look for it.

b_rogo

06-07-2007, 07:53 PM

just a couple of really small slick spots in the woods today; 99% dry as a bone!

smklugherz

06-11-2007, 01:30 PM

Is Harmon open, the conditions page says closed.

bigwheel

06-11-2007, 01:37 PM

Is Harmon open, the conditions page says closed.

I haven't ridden it lately, but am nearly positive that it is open. So, I updated the conditions page. If you (or someone) get a chance to ride it, please update the conditions page with first-hand info.

trompete

06-14-2007, 08:52 PM

6/14 - Dry. Be careful of the sandy parts as it's easy to slip. Also, a great deal of the southern part is overgrown.

dakotabuck

06-17-2007, 05:42 PM

6/15 South loop getting overgrown.

dakotabuck

06-23-2007, 02:36 AM

6/22 Dry as a bone, even after the rain today and yesterday – sandy soil dries quickly.

Bring your weed-whacker!

igor

06-25-2007, 05:59 PM

6/23 Nice and dry. North Loop is sweet but could use some trimming. South Loop could use a mow but it's is ridable with some loose sand in the usual places. There is also some tape laying around from the Spring Cup that could be picked up. If someone wants I can head over and take care of that. Lot's of prairie flowers and weeds in bloom, great color!

bakkeb

06-28-2007, 07:35 PM

The trail is nice and dry but its way overdue for a trimming. You can barely see the trail at times. Thank god I know the trail like the back of my hand. Does the city decide when its time to trim it or does the trail boss have to contact them.:etard:

KleinCrazy

06-28-2007, 10:37 PM

Working on it... :)

Maybe this sunday...

bakkeb

06-29-2007, 09:56 PM

Working on it... :)

Maybe this sunday...

Cool!:etard:

rKo

07-03-2007, 12:34 PM

The trail is in pretty good shape, just some tall weeds growing close to the trail in a few sections as they tend to do. However, make sure to check yourself for ticks after you ride because there be ticks in them weeds. I did 3 laps on Friday and found 2 ticks starting to make themselves at home on my legs. Not a big deal, just make sure you look for them soon after you ride. I have also found ticks at Battle Creek recently, and I'm sure they are elsewhere as well.

bakkeb

07-04-2007, 11:36 AM

berrywise

07-04-2007, 01:18 PM

The trail is in great condition after the rain yesterday. This morning there were a couple muddy spots that are usually there in the north loop. By the time I took my last lap, they were pretty dry. It needed the rain. Now if the weeds would get trimmed.....;)

It was nice meeting ya today Brian. It was a nice day to get out in the morning. Nice little breeze. I'd say Brian summed up the trails pretty well. The discussion of Holzinger has convinced me to head down there for a little camping :)

bakkeb

07-05-2007, 01:07 PM

The discussion of Holzinger has convinced me to head down there for a little camping :)

It was good seeing ya and the group you were with. A perfect trail to hit after it rains. I gotta get a group to go down to Winona sometime this year. Never been there and feeling the need for something new. :etard:

bakkeb

07-09-2007, 05:06 PM

Rode Salem this afternoon and the trail was in shambles. 4 trees down and the weeds have yet to be cut back and are really bad right now. I was able to remove two of the trees that were down in the north loop and pond loop. I was also able to remove the tree down in the skills :laugh: loop. I wasn't able to remove a very large tree on the west side of the pond. Its not in a good place either and is about waist high so everyone watch out for it. I almost didn't stop in time cause its in a real fast section. A less experienced rider could be in for a disaster. It was hard to even climb over it. The weeds are so bad right now that it left several cuts on my knees and shins.:hit: I might have to start wearing my knee pads out there.:eyeroll: The south loop is the worst but really it needs the whole thing trimmed up. Other than that the trail is in perfect condition. The trail is soft, not muddy or tacky. It was in dire need of some rain and it got about 1.5 inches yesterday. Not dusty at all.

CookieMonster

07-11-2007, 10:25 PM

I rode Salem yesterday and all I have to say is I won't be going back until it is trimmed up. Like Bryan I got cut up by the weeds overgrowing on the trail. The way the trail is currently IMO could be dangerous for a new rider who is unfamilure with the trail. There were many spots where you couldn't exactly tell just where the trail was. Luckily I'm familure with the trail. What's the deal with this trail not being taken care of?

ryno lite

07-11-2007, 11:14 PM

Pandl

07-12-2007, 12:43 PM

I haven't seen any posted trail work sessions for Harmen/Salem. Has there been any?

Nickel

07-12-2007, 12:45 PM

I can help if someone gives me some tools. :D

Crash

07-12-2007, 01:55 PM

I could be remembering this wrong, but last year didn't James (or someone) go through and trim the trail back and then the City came through and basically did it again - but wider?

What agreement does MORC have with IGH? Is it there responsibility or MORC's to do the trimming?

Since this is/will be a regular recurring need for this trail, it seems like it should just be scheduled out in advance.

kabbie_cache

07-12-2007, 02:26 PM

I am willing to go to Salem this afternoon to do some clean-up. I was looking for something to do today anyway. As I have to bus/ride there not sure on what time. Should be about 5 or 5:30.

Anyone wanting to help out let me know.

trompete

07-12-2007, 02:52 PM

If you guys want to have a "make harmon park ridable" day Saturday, let me know. I miss having this trail be ridable. Just bring an extra weed whacker for me.

MOAB

07-12-2007, 02:54 PM

I would be willing to help out again this year James. Set up a evening for trail work, and I will be there. As far as the trimming goes, I thought the city did it last year? I could be wrong.

I was there last night, and YES it needs to be cut back soon! :mad:

Burke

07-12-2007, 03:00 PM

I'm trying to coordinate the DR mower getting dropped off at Salem this Saturday. Look for James Ford or Ryan Lieske posting up times...

Scott

berrywise

07-12-2007, 03:51 PM

I'm trying to coordinate the DR mower getting dropped off at Salem this Saturday. Look for James Ford or Ryan Lieske posting up times...

Scott

Has Morc always mowed this? I, like others, have thought the city had been doing it.

Burke

07-12-2007, 04:12 PM

I can't speak to every time it's ever been mowed, but our arrangement with IGH has us mowing it a few times each summer.

MORC also mows the river bottoms trail.

CookieMonster

07-12-2007, 04:22 PM

Very cool... Thank you for getting to this so quickly. I will come out to help with the mowing / trail work...just let me know the day and time :)

bakkeb

07-12-2007, 05:10 PM

It takes volunteer time to get things like trail building and all the needed maintenance like trail trimming completed. To be honest, I think we currently have more work to do than volunteers to do it. I know a lot of the people who have made comments about the long grass at Harmon have donated plenty of time to our trails, but this message goes out to all those who haven't volunteered: We need your help! We need people to volunteer their time to help us get these projects done. We're doing the best we can! Most of us volunteer many hours a year, but we can't get to everything. We always need new volunteers in the mix, so if you like metro trails and want to help, please do, we truly need you! If you absolutely can't volunteer time, please consider joining our ranks. We need members and membership money to gain and maintain trails! Thanks for your support in advance!

You're kinda preaching to the choir and beating the wrong drum in this case. If the people posting on this forum are also members, I'm pretty sure they understand how things work. I was posting up the trail conditions. I've stated before that it needs to be cut back and the fact that there is a huge tree down. If MORC allowed just anyone to go out there and clean things up, it would've been cleaned up by now. Last I checked, no one is allowed just to go out and change the trail without a trail boss or just a trailwork session set up. Haven't seen one posted for Salem since the Spring Cup. Hence why there was racing tape still out on the trail until last week.:etard:

kabbie_cache

07-12-2007, 07:32 PM

The fallen tree is gone !!!!!!!!

Thanks to Gabreil (hope i spelled that right), it took me and him a few minutes but we got it cut and moved out of the way.

chiquito

07-12-2007, 07:46 PM

Tranks Travis for taking the tools!!!

bakkeb

07-13-2007, 01:52 AM

Thanks Travis and Gabe for doing that. It's too bad that it wasn't done earlier. I'm starting to wonder if anyone is in charge of Salem anymore?:confused:

Pandl

07-13-2007, 07:23 AM

Bryan, I was thinking the same thing. That was what my original post was asking, but I guess not directly.

Thank you Travis & Gabriel!! :banana::banana:

kabbie_cache

07-13-2007, 11:09 AM

No problem, happy to do it.

It was acctually the first time I had ridden Salem at any where near a fast pace.

A bigger issue though .........

There was a fairly large tree removed from the south loop / praire section. Anyone know who or why this was removed ?????????
Or why they brought (from the looks of the tracks) a large truck / tractor in to do it ?????????

rideharder

07-13-2007, 01:08 PM

A bigger issue though .........

There was a fairly large tree removed from the south loop / praire section. Anyone know who or why this was removed ?????????
Or why they brought (from the looks of the tracks) a large truck / tractor in to do it ?????????

most likely a diseased tree and the removal goes to the lowest bidder or city forester which means that it gets removed with machines rather than man power( about double the cost and time). the plies of chips are left because if it is diseased it is against the law to transport the logs and brush due the the risk of spreading the disease and it cost $$ to dispose of chips and logs. the other thought is it is in the comprehensive plan to keep a natural prairie from being over grown with vegetation.

trompete

07-13-2007, 02:32 PM

So yeah, let me know about cutting down the weeds sometime. I don't own a weed whacker, but I can use one if you have an extra.

berrywise

07-13-2007, 03:05 PM

if anyone has a few thousand feet of extension cord I could bring my weed whip :) I'm gonna brave it and get in a slow ride with my wife and a few friends on Saturday morning.

KleinCrazy

07-14-2007, 03:53 PM

Salem Status Report

To all who have been concerned about Salem, the Trail Steward had LIFE step in and take priority. It continues too and the future looks to be much the same.

I was able to get out today (Sat July 13th) and mow both sides of the south fields and the north field from the pond to the rock.

I am goign to attempt to go through and remove face slappers Tomorrow morning as Blood donation ridge along Babcock was very bad through the thorny locust trees.

I will also clear out the woods and the blackberry field to the north.

If someone would like to join in and help with the upkeep of Salem, and/or if someone is interested in taking over the trail stewards duties next year or late this year, please contact me.

I would like to send a shout of thanks out top Mark Gavin and everyone else who has done what the could to help keep Salem up.

I once again apologize for be being out of touch. (when I logged on today I had 2678 new posts!)

If life settles down in August, I will attempt to hold a Saturday trail session and will keep everyone posted.

James

bakkeb

07-14-2007, 07:30 PM

Its alright dude. I agree, life can get in the way of riding and stuff. We hadn't seen ya in awhile and not quite sure what we can and can't do to help out. I talked to Bob S. today on the ride at Memorial and discussed the possiblity of helping out when I can at Salem. 2600 posts!!! Yikes! You have been busy.:etard:

ryno lite

07-14-2007, 07:42 PM

Thanks James! All of your hard work over the past few years is greatly appreciated!

Sorry I bailed on the mowing today. I blame the Lebanon Gnome! I can try to volunteer to mow it at the end of summer if that's ok.

gopherhockey

07-14-2007, 08:01 PM

The 2600 posts were probably just from that membership thread the last 3 days... :p

James - too cool, thanks so much for your work out there!!!

bootsiebee

07-14-2007, 10:49 PM

I rode Salem today & noticed a tree down (beginning of the pond trail). I tried to move it, but apparently I am a weakling.

I also noticed that some of the intersections weren't labeled & since this was my first time riding there - wasn't sure if I was heading the right direction. :crazy2:

I would be interested in helping maintain this trail. I'm a newbie & have only done a few hours of trail work @ the tread & trail day @ lebanon so will definitely need some instruction!

:)

MOAB

07-16-2007, 03:59 PM

Thanks for the update James. Post a date and time of next trail work session, and I will be there to help out.

berrywise

07-18-2007, 09:24 AM

Trail was dusty and fast this morning. Looks like the city had also been out there mowing as they mowed a few of the fields. My wife and I took our dog out for her first ever trail ride. What a blast that was. Wasn't sure how she'd behave but she just caught on my rear wheel and stuck there the whole way. Gonna have to start forcing myself to get up for more riding before work since she was wagging her tail the whole way around. Finally a way to be able to almost tire her out :D

redpic

07-18-2007, 03:45 PM

We have a ride planned here tonight and Im just wondering if Harmon Park was hit with any of the storms that passed through?

bakkeb

07-18-2007, 04:33 PM

We have a ride planned here tonight and Im just wondering if Harmon Park was hit with any of the storms that passed through?

I was about to go around 3:30 and it was obvious that it was storming there. I went inside, checked the weather radar channel and it confirmed that it rained. How much? Not sure. Salem dries out pretty quick so depending on when you are going, it might have dried out enough. I would go and check it out and if its too wet, I'd go over to Leb. It didn't rain over there. :etard:

Crash

07-18-2007, 05:15 PM

What time were you thinking. I am about 4 miles West of there and at 5:30 it is absolutely pouring. I think game over unfortunately.

redpic

07-18-2007, 05:40 PM

Thanks Guys for posting the conditions, you saved alot of people a long unnecessary haul

berrywise

08-02-2007, 01:33 PM

Still bone dry out there. The sand is building up in spots.

Brian were you out there today around 11-12 I thought that might have been your car in the parking lot.

bakkeb

08-02-2007, 02:01 PM

Still bone dry out there. The sand is building up in spots.

Brian were you out there today around 11-12 I thought that might have been your car in the parking lot.

I was there rockin' with my i-pod all by myself. I saw your car out there ( or do you have a truck) as well but didn't see one soul on the trail. Weird. :etard:

berrywise

08-02-2007, 03:12 PM

I was there rockin' with my i-pod all by myself. I saw your car out there ( or do you have a truck) as well but didn't see one soul on the trail. Weird. :etard:

Yep that was my Mazda. My friend and his girlfriend also came along and they drove the truck. First time out on dirt on my new Surly 1x1. Pretty sweet.

bakkeb

08-02-2007, 03:45 PM

Yep that was my Mazda. My friend and his girlfriend also came along and they drove the truck. First time out on dirt on my new Surly 1x1. Pretty sweet.

Dammit! I would've loved to see the new bike. I love new bikes.:etard:

berrywise

08-02-2007, 04:08 PM

Dammit! I would've loved to see the new bike. I love new bikes.:etard:

This will have to do for now :)

http://www.theharaldsons.com/images/bikes/surly/surly01.jpg

bakkeb

08-02-2007, 05:18 PM

Nice. :etard:

berrywise

08-02-2007, 05:23 PM

Nice. :etard:

Only took one ride to realize I am not all about the rigid rides :crazy: . I got a new fork for it from Troy Rappe but the steerer tube is about a half inch to short so my wife is gonna be getting a nice upgrade.

If anyone out there has a good 80mm (or 100) I'm interested :D

Oh and because I have hijacked this last page of this thread: Trails are super dry and dusty as of 8-2-07. Some arm slappers out there as well that can give ya a little cut in the north loop.

Nickel

08-02-2007, 05:36 PM

What is your (Scott) payment plan for taking pictures of people's bikes and making them look sexy? :D :banana:

berrywise

08-02-2007, 05:41 PM

What is your (Scott) payment plan for taking pictures of people's bikes and making them look sexy? :D :banana:

Haha I think beer would be a perfect payment for something like that :)

The condos they put in across the street from my work have been my goto place for taking photos of my bikes lately.

http://www.theharaldsons.com/images/bikes/gimp/gimp01.jpg

ppgc

08-02-2007, 10:08 PM

Trails are super dry and dusty as of 8-2-07. Some arm slappers out there as well that can give ya a little cut in the north loop.

Yeah, those arm cutters hurt a bit, or they did Tuesday. Glad to hear you got the 1x1 out there. I think we might be going back out there Sat AM at around 730 if you want to join us.