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Post by Tim on Jul 7, 2009 10:04:04 GMT -5
Glad you posted, I was gonna go out after work.
I think they cut the trail that wide to get their equipment out there.
I think they have done an awesome job as far as clearing the debris.
When they built the bridges they ran that "mule" back there over and over. If they are going to throw gravel, I hope that it's not the giant
loose kind. They have gravel on the tunnel hill trail in illinois that would be perfect. Very tiny ground and it has packed in really smooth.
Some spots they threw the heavier gravel and it was almost impossible to ride on.
Angel mounds is what it is right now. At times I feel like if I go and
try to fix something out there, someone goes behind me to sabotage it somehow. Like I'm working against the grain.
Weird to say but it seems that way.
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Post by nathan on Jul 7, 2009 15:53:26 GMT -5
I really hope they don't spread gravel out there. That would be fine for a hiking trail but I think it would be miserable for bikes. The wood chips on the short loop north of the levee have had a full year to settle and they still suck to ride on.
AM needs to take a look at Harmonie's trails before they do anything else. Maybe solicit some advice from HMBA. Or maybe even talk to the people who use the trails.
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Post by Tim on Jul 7, 2009 17:51:58 GMT -5
I've been emailing Mike back and forth all day, here's a bit of what he wrote"
We have 7 YHCC kids (Young Hoosier Conservation Corp) working here this summer on the grounds. Their work up in the more public areas is over so we are sending them into the woods to start on the trails. Our goal is to widen the one trail coming off of the levee closest to the parking area heading towards the area where the nice bridge is located. As you know it is almost overgrown in some areas or has large logs creating bottlenecks. They will also start grading the ruts out as best we can and if need be, start hauling more soil/fill into those trouble spots.
I'm not sure about the gravel part, he mentioned "fill"
I told him that we had a lot of input to offer as users and bikers.
I don't think the focus is on bikes as much as it is just multi use type trails. I knew they were eventually going to open the trail back up in certain areas to allow their gator or pick up to get through. He's dead set on that feature of the trail, at least from his gate to the cornfield. He mentions the trail from the levee closest to the parking area and that has me wondering. I knew they were going to use those trails as a road, thats why I was hell bent on opening the other trail up back to the bridge.
Either way, if we can all come together and at least get some
common idea of what the place is going to become, it would help.
I was the first person to protest the use of the logging roads for trails anyway but the use of them as an access road seemed to be priority. Not really sure what kind of trail is going to withstand a 1000 lb 4x4 vehicle without tearing it up.
I mentioned that we should have some input, we are the ones who are maintaining and using them most of the time. As well as having the knowledge of what a bike trail should look like.
There are certain trails I could care less about and the trail from the gate to the bridge is one of them. I just want make a good loop
and get some speed going without having to plow through mud or thorn bushes.
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Post by Tim on Jul 7, 2009 20:52:27 GMT -5
Ok, I think there are more people involved or giving opinions or advice than I thought about. I need to set up a Q&A session. See what everyone agrees to as far as trails go. Personally, I like it as a bike trail but it has to be multi use. Just getting all the opinions on this and that squared up would be nice. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. I like single track and don't care much for the huge gaping ruts that exist on some of the trails. I enjoy some of the mud crossings but not the deep torn up areas. Nathan thinks the tails are too wide and after seeing then tonight, I don't think they are too bad. I got in a good ride and kept up some decent momentum. I think they are in great shape and there's a really nice groove. On the flipside, Mike from Angel Mounds says the riders he talks to seem to like the ruts and don't want them removed. post your opinion here: simtb.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=talk&thread=109 |
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Post by nathan on Jul 7, 2009 22:56:32 GMT -5
I have a lot of ideas but I want to take some time to organize them so I don't sound like a spaz.  |
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Post by Tim on Jul 8, 2009 11:39:37 GMT -5
Take your time, have a brew, watch some tv. It's all good.
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Post by Tim on Jul 10, 2009 19:42:58 GMT -5
Does any know how to reach Jerry Beck ? I had his address but it has since been changed. i'm assuming he still works at Gilles. I'm trying to reach him about the signs that are placed along the trail and I think they were his  If I'm wrong please let me know. I want to replace the signs with some nicer plex covered kind that will stand up to the elements a bit better. Update the map drawing also since new trails have been added. Thanks!! |
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Post by nathan on Jul 11, 2009 16:30:33 GMT -5
I haven't talked to Jerry since I ran into him out at AM last summer. I'm pretty sure he still works at Gilles.
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Post by Tim on Jul 11, 2009 18:09:30 GMT -5
Yeah, probably my best bet to get hold of him there.
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Post by Tim on Jul 13, 2009 20:33:57 GMT -5
Trails are in good shape considering it rained a bit yesterday. There are a few mud spot but nothing major. Surface was a bit greasy in spots, slid the front tire a few times. THORNS, THORNS !!!!!!!!! Might as well be riding through barbed wire.  |
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Post by Tim on Aug 1, 2009 16:30:02 GMT -5
  Went out today and did some trail work. went to war with some of the thorny wildlife. Looks like Angel Mounds is doing a good job of clearing. The trails north of the levve are clear now where they were really overgrown. They have gone through some of it and widened it to 6' or so. I don't mind but it just doesnt look right. Looks like a fire road when its wide like that. As per the map and as Nathan noted, the slough is full of water so both trails the run the west side are impassable right now. If the sun would come out for once I'm sure it would dry quickly. Other than that there are a few mud spots but nothing major. Trails are dry for the most part. |
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Post by Tim on Aug 1, 2009 21:16:51 GMT -5
Well that didn't last long Now they are  |
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Post by Tim on Aug 6, 2009 19:09:06 GMT -5
Going out Friday, probably.
Let me know how the trails are looking.
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Post by nathan on Aug 6, 2009 19:39:09 GMT -5
The usual spots are still wet. I didn't even bother riding down to the slough because I'm sure it's till under water. I managed to nearly fall down twice by being a bit too optimistic about how much grip my front tire had. I saved it both times though.  :edit:: Oh yeah: |
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Post by Tim on Aug 6, 2009 20:14:45 GMT -5
Good deal. I was out last weekend and the slough was full.
not sure how long it takes to dry though.
Still gonna build a crossing some time soon. Hopefully next weekend.
angel will purchase what I need, just have to go out and get some idea of how long it needs to be.
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