Scales Lake }{ Southern

[Tim]

Wow, the brave come out in winter

If i didn't feel pain I would be there with you.
Unfortunately, I eat it on dry packed dirt, I
can only imagine the carnage of me on mud.

[freerideco]

FYI, more and more roots and rocks are being cut off the trails at Scales Lake every month. Just this winter, I noticed MANY roots that were cut out. There were even some major roots cut out just this past week. Believe it or not, but there are hardly any roots left on the trail compared to just a couple of years ago. I'm sure you all agree that this has to stop. I know that this concern was voiced last year, but the message obviously was not heard. Lets put our heads together and take action on this pressing issue. Thoughts?

[Tim]

Is your concern for the the trees or for the trails ?

Considering the size of the tree and how close the tree is to the roots removed would determine the damage to the tree.
Still not a good practice to be removing anything.

There are a gazillion channels that scales could / should use to communicate any issues or concerns they may have, even their own website. Unfortunately they don't seem to have have many issues regarding their trail system.

Just like Angel Mounds, it can easily become one of those "too many chiefs, not enough indians" type deals where no one is ever on the same page.

[freerideco]

Thanks for the input Tim. Our main concern is with the sustainability of the trail. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but roots are a natural reinforcement against soil erosion. We are also concerned with the challenge that the trail provides for riders. The trails here are some of the more challenging trails in the area and we'd like to keep it that way. A letter with these concerns has been drafted and will be sent to the powers that be. In the meantime, if anyone comes across someone doing this, we would appreciate it if you would report them to the park officials.

[Tim]

Here's their contact info, I'm not sure if it is current or not.

[e-mail]

[phone]

[freerideco]

Thanks Tim. I think the park would be the best line of defense. If the gate workers could send the message to anybody doing trail maintenance then hopefully it will stop.

[indytrailbuilder]

In some cases where trails were being dumb'd down, it was well meaning retired hiker. They are out in the day its hard to find them to talk to them. You may need to get a team to take vacation days and hang out on the trail.

In most cases, once we talked to them and explained that the rocks/roots where part of the trail, they stopped.

Also, you may ask the park employees about regular day time hikers, especially if any of them hike with tools.

Again, in most cases they think they are helping, be nice and they may become part of your trail crew.

Paul

[daniel240]

I noticed the roots that have been removed when I rode on friday. I agree that it is only going to hurt the trails. Another thing that I noticed was the amount of trees that have been removed. I dont understand why people are cutting down trees and making the trail wider. There is no way that many trees fell over the trail. parts of the trail are starting to look more like fire roads than singletrack.

[freerideco]

Thanks for the advice guys. We certainly don't want any bad blood with hikers out there. I talked to the guy in charge of maintenance for the YMCA tri and he assured me he wasn't going to be dumbing it down any more. He did cut down a skinny that I made on a down tree but I don't think he even knew what it was. After I told him what it was he said he would be more careful about what he cuts.

It does seem like they are cutting way too much though. My guess is that it's someone competing in the Y-tri since this damage only started since they have started holding the race out there.

[daniel240]

Where was the skinny that you made? I just noticed a cool one that someone made near the teeter toter. You can see it if your riding CCW after you turn right at the T past the teeter toter. The tree makes a Y so you can go either way. I would have tried it if I had my platforms on.

[ricdix]

The last time I rode scales was 3/13. There was a three man crew raking, blowing and chopping the trail in preparation for the June tri.
I was told that several of the tri athletes complained about the trail being too difficult and that safety is a major concern. That explains why they painted every root and rock florescent orange. They have good intentions but in my opinion..... this is a form of vandalism.
As far as the width of the corridor...... just wait a few weeks and it tighten up nicely.

[freerideco]

Yeah Daniel, that's the one. There was a lot more to it before it was cut. It's still fun tho.

[freerideco]

It looks like you found the culprits. I say we ask them to take a break from their trail work and urge them to become more aware of proper trail maintenance. If they are not cooperative then I think we should start reporting them to the gate. It's a shame that it's gone on this long, but keeping the remaining few roots and rocks on the trail would be nice.

The paint is definitely an eyesore but at least they are leaving those features in place. I might start wearing orange lenses so that I don't notice the paint anymore

[Tim]

Man, that was some straight up Law and Order investigating guys.
Didn't have to rough anyone up or anything.

[Tim]

well, with all do respect for him and the park amenities, if he has such an issue then he should post an announcement or search out the right channels for communication.

Does anyone know what type of personality this person has ?

If it were me I would have a yearly event / gathering sponsored by the biker entrance fees.

What is it anyway, $1 - $2

Hell, I'm poor but I'm always willing to pay a gate fee if it helps to support the park in someway.

If they're jerks, then its a different story.
Bikers do all the damn maintenance anyway.