Trail Opening Date

[Matthew]

As long as we get some moderately dry weather at the end of this week, the plan is to open steeplechase up to mountain bikers this saturday. We just completed the last sections of the intermediate loop and now the entire loop is ready to be ridden. The race is planned for the first weekend in June and we definately need some help riding the new singletrack in and identifying the trouble spots. So come on down for 5 brand new miles of singletrack.

[Buck]

What shape is the DH in??? Has anyone looked at it yet? Is Kevin going to open it up?

L8Rz
Buck

[Matthew]

I raked part of the DH run a couple of weeks ago just to see how it looked. Overall it is in good shape, but it needs to be trimmed back in a couple of places and some of the lips to the jumps have been eroded away. Overall not any big concerns and she could be ready to ride with minimal effort. As far as it being open goes, from what I know it will be open at some point, though I haven't heard when. Kevin does want to put the DS course on hold for at least one more summer so he can see how things develop. I think this is a good idea because I don't want to put that kind of time and effort into the DS course and then have him close it a season later. Also right now Jeff has already started the planning stages for having a DH race the saturday before the mnscs race for next year. Which I think would be great. So I think the DH course should be good to go at some point this season, but no one that's been around has been a downhill or freeride guy so no one is really pushing it or asking about it so plans are limited right now. As always, if you don't mind pushing your bike, I think they can be ridden any day that the CC trails are open, there just might not be a shuttle run. Overall the trail looks pretty good, someone from the DH freeride scene just needs to take charge.

[Buck]

Have you tried reaching out to a local DH/FRer to up keep the trail if RASC doesn't want to/have time too?

I have two interested parties that want to hold DH races at Steeple Chase this summer and fall. one a college(NCAA!!!) the other a bike shop. The trail needs to be opened so that it can continue to show Kevin that it is a successful thing. Let's not leave it unused for 4 months like last year!!!!


L8Rz
Buck

[Matthew]

I completely agree with you. Let me know of any local DH/FR guys that you know of. Also if you know of anyone else with a pick up capable of running shuttle runs so kevin doesn't have to staff somone for it, that might help. Anyone interested in hosting races should cantact charly tri, or jeff roberts through rasc. If it's a Rasc sponsored event Kevin doesn't have to worry about insurance which would help the idea float. Right now the current group of people, including myself are a bit busy with the current xc development and planning for the first mnscs race, but if there are trail builders out there that want to take charge of the DH trail/races that would be awesome.

[gpzrider]

I plan on coming over on Saturday for a few hours. Any idea on what hours the trails will be open and cost?

[Matthew]

I don't know hours for certain yet, but I will find out when we meet tomorrow so I will post them then. Probably sometime in the morning until 7 or so at night I would think. Cost is usually 5 bucks, but if you get there early enough grab a tool and lend a quick hand to the trail workers and you will ride for free.

[gpzrider]

I've never done trail work before, but I would really like to get involved. Let me know what time the work will start and I'll do my best to get there.

[woodchuck]

I've never done trail work before, but I would really like to get involved. Let me know what time the work will start and I'll do my best to get there.

Trail work starts at 8:30 on Saturdays and goes until 12:30 (or longer if you want). We meet at the container at the top of the tubing hill at 8:30. If you get there late there is usually a note on the map as to where everyone is working.

[Matthew]

This would be a good weekend to get broken in on trail work as well since it will only be maintenance issues and a little digging, not a full on get as much bench cut as possible kind of weekend. Even if you can only make it down to help for an hour or two instead of the full 4 hours you will ride for free.

[gpzrider]

You read my mind. That was the next question I was going to ask. I'll be there at 8:30 and will work for a couple of hours before riding (my wife's graciously giving me all morning to work/ride, so I don't want to push much into the afternoon).

Thanks for all the info. Looking forward to Saturday.