River Bottoms Raft...

[Danimal]

Anyone know what we plan to do regarding the raft this year? Due to the idiots that cut the ropes last fall I would be in favor of constructing a bridge of some sort for a crossing. I would imagine it would have to be fairly wide with rails due to the families that ride out there with children.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what should be done?

[bigwheel]

As much as I'd love to have a bridge, this is out of our league, IMO. The creek is much too wide for the type of construction that we are familiar with. We'd either need to use steel frame or make some kind of suspension bridge hung on steel cables. However, a suspension bridge would likely hang too low, and be vulnerable to a flood.

[bikeoutback]

I don't remember how wide the creek is, but when I was in school in winona we used to go down to a boathouse that an alumni owned on spider island. Walking back ther was always fun cause there were a couple crossings with bridges over some water channels that floated. They were wood bridges built on large blue barrels. And yes I was that guy who got to the middle and wobbled it side to side to make everyone else uneasy. Not sure how rideable they would be, probably great technically wise. These also had no railing, not sure if this would work there or not but would be interesting to ride.

[ppgc]

I think people canoe/kayak up in there a little ways past the raft don't they? I remember someone saying people were complaining about the ropes once.

-pete

[Thewavebb]

when I was in school in winona we used to go down to a boathouse that an alumni owned

When did you go to winona?

[bikeoutback]

When did you go to winona?

January 00 to May 04

[Thewavebb]

Its too bad we never hooked up. I was there September 00 to December 04. Did you ever ride in the WSU bike club?? I was one of the few active people in that before it died last year. I really miss the trails down there.

***Sorry for the Hijack of the tread.***

[berrywise]

Its too bad we never hooked up. I was there September 00 to December 04. Did you ever ride in the WSU bike club?? I was one of the few active people in that before it died last year. I really miss the trails down there.

***Sorry for the Hijack of the tread.***
I'm up for a hijacking. I loved going out to Latch island when I was in school. What a mixture of personalities on those islands. A good friend of mine did a photostory on the people who lived there and turned up some really cool stories and photos.

Used to ride my bike out there as well.


And what's this? My beloved cycling club has perished? Oh the humanity. Nothing better than the school paying for beer for cycling club meetings. I loved being president.

[Thewavebb]

some decent offroad wheeling over there too. Preston and I used to take his truck and do some Van Damage over there.

[biking_stickman]

Back to the raft/bridge...KEEP THE RAFT!

The River Bottoms is known for the raft...it keeps it unique. Think back to the first time you came across the raft and how fun it was to climb down the muddy hill with your bike, balance a bunch of people and bikes on the raft, and then pull yourself across.

[berrywise]

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/516/717rivercrossing3.jpg

Has there even been any talk about not putting it in? I agree it definately makes the riding experience there a unique one.

[soupboy]

I think the bridge request is something bigger than MORC.

I really think it's appropriate for the State/County/whomever to consider this. Since it is a multiuser trail a fixed bridge having footings significantly wider than the current stream and "floating" access ramps would be ideal. The fixed portion of the bridge could be 10'+ higher than the ground.

It would provide all users with a consistent and safe crossing.

I specifically do not ride the RB often because of the raft. It's a PITA when it's busy and when it is bad bug season. It also disturbs my quan.

[Paul Swenson]

I love the raft. It makes me feel like Huck Finn.

[berrywise]

I specifically do not ride the RB often because of the raft. It's a PITA when it's busy and when it is bad bug season. It also disturbs my quan.

So basically what you are saying is that you're a p***y? :D

[jag]

The old tree crossing was even better than the raft. I always look at some of those big trees and hope that one tips over and is crossable. For now I am glad the raft is there.

[Burke]

The raft will be back in business soon(ish). Buck Hill is again donating 900ft of rope to solve our cut and worn rope problem. They also supplied the rope that the raft had been using.

There's no "risk" of a bridge being put in at 9 mile creek. There are numerous reasons why: money, engineering, multiple land managers, multiple ideas for the ideal trail and surface.

If the raft isn't for you, there are 5 other legit trails in the metro for your riding pleasure. Or you can just ride to the raft and turn around.

I love the raft. It is part of the experience.

Scott

[soupboy]

So basically what you are saying is that you're a p***y? :D

Maybe. More like I'm sticking it to the p***ies that "like" it. These are the sort of people that like traffic jams, don't wash their hands after going potty and suffer frequent sharts.

[soupboy]

It is part of the experience.

And an overrated one at that.

[berrywise]

Maybe. More like I'm sticking it to the p***ies that "like" it. These are the sort of people that like traffic jams, don't wash their hands after going potty and suffer frequent sharts.

I think your energy would be better served trying to remove those damned logs at Lebanon :D

[soupboy]

I think your energy would be better served trying to remove those damned logs at Lebanon :D

Duly noted. I was planning on riding there tonite anyway. I'll gas up the Stihl and get after it. Those effing GD logs...;)

[manual63]

I think the largest issue to overcome when putting in a bridge is all the legal/safety stuff. It will have to be up to some code and then be inspected and yeah.....all that stuff.

That raft works great and adds a little to the adventure. I just learned to take my gloves off before I use the rope.....problem solved....:)

[2BOutside]

love the raft versus a bridge/trees/etc. many newbie riders i take out get a real kick out of the raft in the middle of the ride, and it's a good break point for them, since river bottoms is such a good all-around for all skills trail.

Post up if there's help needed in rigging it back up!

[Craig]

love the raft versus a bridge/trees/etc. many newbie riders i take out get a real kick out of the raft in the middle of the ride, and it's a good break point for them, since river bottoms is such a good all-around for all skills trail.

I second this - River Bottoms was the first trail I ever experienced, and the raft is what hooked me. Even though it's "well known" it still gave a magical "discovery" feel, as if I found a treasure that no one else knew about. Yeah, weird, I know...