Trail Work Thread - Harmonie

[nathan]

That was a section where we had to remove a lot of downed trees, and we started clearing leaves and debris from that section before we got the saw. Everyone who was working probably just cleared the path where we had all been walking instead of sticking exactly to the flags. I'd say it's an honest mistake, and it will be easy to fix since that area isn't bench cut. I didn't even notice it.

[timbarnes]

Paul, I corrected this on Tuesday. We're going to look at some other areas tomorrow that may need adjustments.

[indytrailbuilder]

Thanks for fixing that spot. The flags were mostly put in by Alex Stewart (I flagged some more, past the old work site). There is a reason why his trails are so much fun to ride, and it typically comes down to the little details. Please look for the flags and follow them. As you build the tread, run the trail to test flow. Its fine to adjust the tread a bit, but please follow the flagged route.

Typically when the trail is built without following the flags, grade reversals are taken out. Grade Reversals help keep water off the trail and provide "Flow" to the trail.

The other thing to look out for is avoiding tough sections. When we flag, we look for the best line, not the easiest line to build. Often, the flags will go through the middle of a fallen tree. Please don't take the easy way. Follow the flags. This trail will be around for a long time and you will only get one chance to build it, so please take the time to build it where it needs to be.

Thanks,

Paul

[ricdix]

Well said Paul.

People tend to take the path of least resistance in attempt to expedite the trail building process. I get it. Its hard work. However, trail builders should be mindful that the trail is designed with purpose and in many cases moving a few flags one way or another can create problems. The moving flags and/or not following the design happens at almost every trail system. Its mind boggling. Many volunteers do not understand that proper trail design is the most critical part in the trail building process.

Tim, my comments are in general and not specifically directed at the Harmonie trails. I read you went to the IMBA class so you have a better than average understanding and appreciation of the big picture. Keep up the good work and don't forget to ride everyone now and then. We don't want to see you burn out.

[timbarnes]

Also posted on the HMBA site:

The Sycamore Loop has some soft spots but can be ridden. Be careful, though. A couple are on off-camber turns and can cause your bike to slide if you're not aware of them. The Walnut Connector is in excellent condition.

Dan Cates, Steve Fuelling, and I worked on the new section of the Walnut Trail. We rerouted one section and bench cut it in. Steve moved a lot of dirt to improve the one drop and up that was causing some problems. Dan got some more of the flagged area ready for the rhinos. There is still some sections that still need to be bench cut in. We tried to figure out how to handle the tight curve below the small tree that we're riding over. The only really good answer (besides totally reworking a whole lot of trail) is a bridge. We'll pursue this making sure it meets IMBA standards for an intermediate trail.

Please feedback how the mods work. Our goal is to create sustainable trails with a lot of reverse grades. This will translate to a more flowy feel to the trail with less total slope in any section.

[nathan]

I'd be in favor of putting a bridge there. As the trail currently is, the wheelbase of my bike is too long to make the turn without dropping the rear wheel off the trail.

Also, I don't believe the offending section of trail was an attempt at short-cutting anything or trying to make our lives easier. If that was what we wanted to do we'd have all stayed home. As stated before, I think it was a simple, honest mistake.

[Ben Kaetzel]

I, too, am in favor of the bridge for two reasons: 1. That corner is just a little too tight and
2. Bridges are super cool.
I didn't get to ride the new section all the way to the end. I made it to the bottom of the hill and turned around. I like the adjustments Tim, Dan, and Mr. Fuelling made. It was mostly dry even after the rain on Thursday so I assume the tweaks are a success.
I happen to like the log on the trail, personally. It is an intermediate level trail.

[smackgilbson]

How bout a banked bridge around that first turn? Keep the flow u know?

[smackgilbson]

Did some work on the new trail yesterday morning. Basicly I extended the trail a bit, reworked a couple turns and got some ideas that will lead to a lot of work. Besides all the bench cutting that needs to be done, my main concerns are the two tight turns and the drop down and up though the drainage runoff shortly after the creek.
With the two tight turns: I think we should start the first turn to the right earlier and come into the trail closer to the log then add in the bridge over the second turn to the left. I think it maybe good to keep momentum thru that section. We still have the tighter more tec section going down to the creek.
With the down-up section tru the wash out i think we are going to need to fortify the dirt at the bottom with either rock, bricks or 6x6's, just something to let the water run though while keeping the surface trail intact. I believe over time erosion will take the dirt away leaving us with an eroded ditch again.

Tell me what you think....

[nathan]

The washed out area at the very bottom will probably need a bridge no matter what. There aren't enough rocks around to properly armor the crossing, and it looks like that ditch sees significant water with every rainfall. Maybe we could get fancy and make a horseshoe shaped bridge.

[smackgilbson]

Nathan, now thats an ideal...kinda go's along with my 6x6's ideal. Heck I have some railroad ties i could cut into 3 or 4 foot sections that we could bury half way 2 or 3 inches apart
As far as rock(which is the truly the way to go)- i don't believe there is a rock in the whole park. They would have to be brought in wheel barrel style. If you go in any direction from here you can find rock everywhere on the side of rivers and lakes and where they cut the highways out(I-64) for that matter. We don't really need all that much. half a truck load of flat river rock or sandstone and that section is golden.

I did a hike out there this evening to check out what is next. If we had a good work day we could def. get to the section that is cut out already by the old lake minus the last down hill to the lake which is a big bench cut section on a steep slope and most likely will take one more bridge. Push on guys.

Feel free to give me a call 812-457-1708 or an email at [e-mail] I plan to be back out there friday night after work to work on the reroute tim flagged out and bench cut the slope after the down and up wash out area.

[daniel240]

Did anyone ever decide on a monthly trail work day? I know we were talking about the first or second Sunday of the month. Either one is fine with me but I think we need to go ahead and set something up asap so people can put it on their calanders and plan ahead. I'm going to try to make it out there soon, Ive been so busy lately with other stuff and I've been spending most of my free time riding at Scales getting ready for the triathlon which is this Saturday.

I'm all for some cool bridges and hand built structures on the trail. As for the washed out section at the bottom I think rocks would be a good idea. Either way we are going to have to haul something in and I think rocks would be pretty cool. There are plenty more areas on the trail where bridges will need to be built anyway. Rocks will mix it up a bit and add a new feature to the trails.

[dcates74]

It doesn't matter to me if its the first or second Sunday of the month I work a 28 day rotating schedule. So my Sundays change every few months. What ever is best for riders that have a normal work schedule.

[Tim]

Agree- Bridge.

Water has a way of moving and eroding anything in its path.
Seems the best idea for the long term.

I think bringing in rocks will be good in future areas though.
Are there any rocks / rock formations anywhere in that area ?

[nathan]

The first Sunday of next month is the 4th of July, so I doubt many people could make it. Anyone want to plan on July 11th?