Sandy reroute on downhill.

[manual63]

The reroute in the downhill section near the end, which was done earlier this year, is eroding very quickly and is very tough to ride. I think it needs attention soon. If your intent is to slow riders down, maybe you should do it like in autocross. Put in some gates, or staggered rocks that will make riders have to slalom through them. This will make us, wanna go really fast, downhillers have to slow down. It will also keep you from having to reroute the trail causing more errosion. Just a suggestion......hope it helps.

[TrailDale]

Yup. It is definately an errosion problem. The trail was placed in that area at the request of the County, to use as much ski trail as possible and avoid building additional trail. At the time, MORC warned the County that this was going to be a problem, and of course it is. We've had County staff out there three times this year and are very close to getting final approval for the complete singletrack re-route that we flagged in January, 03. I too am very anxious to get rid of that trail section. Should happen soon. At least this does serve as a clear example of the problems associated with a fall-line trail. This section of trail gets the same amount of riding as every other section, and because of its fall-line layout, its completely fallen apart in less than 4 months.

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by TrailDale
At least this does serve as a clear example of the problems associated with a fall-line trail. This section of trail gets the same amount of riding as every other section, and because of its fall-line layout, its completely fallen apart in less than 4 months.

Many people have good or bad things to say about the trail design at Lebanon - but as Dale said, this is a true example of what happens to a poorly designed trail that gets a LOT of use.

We have trails in the metro that maybe aren't designed to complete IMBA standards. Many are a blast and a real asset to the area. However, NONE - I repeat NONE of these trails would be able to withstand the kind of riding abuse that Lebanon gets and stay they way they are now. They would most likely start to look like this nasty section in no time.

Again, I don't mean to pick on other trails - like I said we're lucky to have all our metro trails as it gives us variety etc. But when it comes to building trails that can withstand the test of time, weather, and thousands of rider laps a week Lebanon is the true model for the entire metro area.

Having said that, I don't think anyone (not even Tim or Dale) is as excited about starting the new re-routes this fall if that time comes and they are approved. As corny as it sounds, I LIVE for working on these new trails. There is nothing like starting a brand new trail in the fall and see it taking shape - then come back in the spring to open it up for regular use. I hope we get a good showing again come September as we hope to get around to re-routing these nasty areas... and many of you who have come to know what it is like to work on obstacles for finished trail can get in on working with a trail from start to finish. Talk about rewarding!

Again thanks to Tim and Dale for all their hard work to make this trail possible. Tim was out flagging a ski trail re-route earlier this month and Dale has been mapping out the new routes and walking the trails with skiiers as well as working with Dakota to get the necessary approvals. (and I tag along to learn from the masters...)

I hadn't been on the board all day so I felt like typing... ;)

[manual63]

I wish I could help this fall, but I will have class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Maybe spring semester will be different....I hope so.

[martini]

I'd like to help this fall as well, but school has started again, severely limiting my time. In fact, I'll be lucky if I can get up for any riding this fall, much less trail work. I can't tell you how bummed I am about this. I'll miss all the trail work up there. On the bright side, I might have something to work on down this-a-way, so it may not be all bad! Keep your fingers crossed for us down here folks!

[jaybird]

Marty - Are you hinting about the potential trail work at our favorite local trail??? :shocked:

[socrates]

Count me in John...I'll be there (except my travel is picking up again and I know I'll miss 2 weeks in Sept and 1 in Oct :( )