A perfect ride spoiled - bridge vandalized

[hockeynut]

What a great night for a ride. Cool weather. Super bright full moon. Quiet up on the bluff, just the crunch of leaves under the tires. I'm actually going too fast, in a groove. Man, it's cool to ride with no lights at all with just the moonlight paving the way.

I've got it in the back of my mind that I'm gonna try to squeeze in a second lap (my lights are far from stellar, but it is sooooo nice out) when I come up to "My Dingaling" (or the bridge to those not up to speed on every name of every bit of trail up on Memorial). It appears that some hoodlums have decided it would be cool to tear the railings off of the bridge. They didn't do too good of a job as the inner third on each side is still holding on strong, but both sides on both the entrance and exit are either hanging there, or gone altogether. I jumped up and down on the bridge and it seems as solid as ever (and I rode over it). I would (if you plan on riding Memorial tomorrow afternoon) pay extra attention if you head to the Quarry as there may be lumber and stuff with screws sticking out under the leaves. Didn't get a good look.

I'm going to take a long lunch break tomorrow to get a look in the daylight to make sure it's structurally sound and probably to clean up a little bit so it's 100% safe to ride. Why would someone hike all that bleeping way just to rip something apart? IDIOTS!

Sorry for the rant - Gus you have mail.

Isaac

[gus man]

Isaac, Thanks for the update. I'll be calling you to set up a emergancy trailday. I'll have to go buy some lumber. Therer will be a new design for that railing. It willmake riders go slower but it will also be hgarder to rip down.

Chris

[hockeynut]

Sweet Gus, let me know when, where, and how much.

Isaac

[manual63]

Why....why?? Does doing stuff like this make people feel good about themselves or something? I don't think I will ever be able to understand why people do this @#$%! You said it best.....IDIOTS!!

[drmrboyalex]

i never have understood vandalism....at least that kind. paintin somethin on a wall i understand if u have a point to get across (still not right but i can understand). people are idiots

[Wolfchimp]

It always hurts a little when you put so much time and effort into something and then it is destroyed in no time. I am actually very surprised that the bridge wasnt damaged sooner. I guess I dont see why some people get pleasure out of destroying property...little bastards!!! If I could help with the rebuild I would. Good luck guys!

[Wolfchimp]

Change of weekend plans, ...if you guys are going to fix it this weekend, i will be down in RW. I will also have my bike(s). I'll throw in my cordless drill just in case.

[Don Youngdahl]

Isaac, I'll have to go buy some lumber. Therer will be a new design for that railing. It willmake riders go slower but it will also be hgarder to rip down.

Chris

Don't make it too much stronger. Then when the vandals rip it down they'll do more damage to the rest of the bridge.

Don Youngdahl

[drmrboyalex]

Don't make it too much stronger. Then when the vandals rip it down they'll do more damage to the rest of the bridge.

Don Youngdahl

that is a good point....more stuff connected=more stuff pulled off

[hockeynut]

Good thoughts on not making the railings impenetrable. If someone wants to mess with it, they'll mess with it.

Gus and I were up there tonight after work and tore down the rest of the railings, and started the rebuild effort. I'm going up there tomorrow just to check the width between the uprights and try and formulate some concrete plans/ideas. At least right now the plan is to work on it Friday night, and then get up there early Saturday to finish it off. I'll keep this thread up to date in case A) Porter still will be coming to Red Wing and 2) if the weather is decent enough for people to ride this weekend I want to let people know if the bridge is in play or not.

Take it easy

Isaac

[Wolfchimp]

I will be coming to RW! Nice job with the quick fix on the bridge. If it would have sat, someone was bound to get hurt.

[pokey]

I might be able to go up tonight (Wednesday night) but I have Fri-Sun booked this weekend. let me know if you are doing anything tonight that would be easier with two.
Also, when we are doing projects like this, We could use my generator to facilitate the use of power tools. I think I would have enough cords to reach the bridge from a vehichle at the top of the trail.

[hockeynut]

Thanks for the offer Larry. Unfortunately I'm not exactly certain about the lumber situation, and also what the railings ultimately should look like. I have a sneaking suspicion that they will need to be moved from what we started last night. We're (me, and the guys from the Route) are night riding tomorrow night, so I'm gonna check handlebar clearance and height issues then. Have a great weekend, and now that the offer is on the table, I can guarantee that the generator will be employed sometime or another.

Isaac

P.S. Porter, I'll PM you Friday night if we're gonna be doing bridge work on Sat. morning. Otherwise, if you'll have the bikes and the weather is ok maybe we should get a ride in.

[gus man]

Larry, I'll also thank you for the offer on the generator. Isaac, I agree we may need to redo the railing from what we started. I'mm drawing the plans tonight and I'll call the city with the quantities tomorrow.

Chris

[FarmerBEN]

why don't those bowhunters make themselves useful as long as they are up there. an arrow in the arse is just what pricks like that need. some people have no respect for anything