Mid-State: Anderson Park

[sheppardjm]

Trails are too wet. I tried to ride but got about 20 feet and turned back.

Hopefully this warm weather this week dries everything up.

[qt314159]

Went out for an exploratory ride last night.

Green was pleasantly firm throughout. Did not check out the short loop across the road at the end of Green.
The first half mile of Red was mostly firm but with periodic muddy areas still, had a walk a few places.
Blue was also pleasantly firm thoughout until the last few log obstacles where it is usually wet throughout the year. Tree down at the very end of blue where the single track dumps into the service trail. I had a get off to duck under and it will probably need a chainsaw to clear.

[F7Cannon]

Thanks for the update. Will try to get to that tree this weekend if I have time and somebody else doesn't beat me to it.

[bikejoe]

For what its worth, most of us have been riding under that log for several months now. It probably won't hang at it's current height forever but I have enjoyed getting behind my saddle or taking a foot off a pedal in order to roll through.

I wouldn’t speak up if this was on the Red or Green. However, the Blue is our tighter, more challenging loop.

[F7Cannon]

For what its worth, most of us have been riding under that log for several months now. It probably won't hang at it's current height forever but I have enjoyed getting behind my saddle or taking a foot off a pedal in order to roll through.

I wouldn’t speak up if this was on the Red or Green. However, the Blue is our tighter, more challenging loop.

Ahh, I know the one your talking about Joe. Can totally be ridden under. I think I will leave that one alone for now untill it decides to drop down further on it's own. Catches us a little off guard at night sometimes but keeps you on your toes.

[jonw9]

OMG, another decapitator!

That needs to be removed right away. What if some rider doesn't know it is there and accidentally bumps their noggin? It could be disastrous!

[centralRH]

Trails are in very good shape. Few soft spots, but nothing that should keep you'll from enjoying this weather.
I pounded out some ruts this evening and cleared some brush working its way toward the blue and red trails.
The decapitator is now very low...about 5 inches above the point of my pelvic bone. I would need to think really skinny to get under. If you all are making it than leave it. If not, it should go.

If you are afraid of snakes don't look down.

There will be no "official" trail clean-up or building day this spring, but I will plan a playground stunt building day.

Below is a list of things you can do If you are looking for trail work hours:
-Pick up garbage
-Cut-back encroaching vegetation
-Propose a stunt (approval from me first)....build it
-Move brush out of red loop parking lot...for that matter tidy up both parking locations

There was a large gaggle of young-ins preparing to ride with their "Pops" when I was leaving. They asked about gorillas and I though maybe they spotted W9 recently, but then they asked about 'gators and lions too. Please post up any sightings.

[AllMountin']

Thanks for the update Brad. I vote remove the decapitator. MTBing to me is riding over stuff, not ducking under it. My camelback catches on it.

[jonw9]

There was a large gaggle of young-ins preparing to ride with their "Pops" when I was leaving. They asked about gorillas and I though maybe they spotted W9 recently, but then they asked about 'gators and lions too. Please post up any sightings.

I am positive there have been no W9-squatch sitings out there this year!

[AllMountin']

There is a log that has been cut on blue, not far in, where the trail makes a left turn to go to the bridge over the water. The top of the cut sticks out into the inside of the turn, where the rider leans into it. Just a matter of time until someone gashes their leg on it. I would recommend cutting the angle back from the ground up to avoid injuring someone.

I cleared two smaller trees off the red loop. Pulled back some vine covered stuff encroaching on the trails edges. Trail tread has a bit more rolling resistance than optimal, but it's pretty clear and I'm happy just to be able to ride it this time of year.

I can't fit the width of my fist between my saddle and the previously noted low clearance on blue. The only way I could possibly ride under it would be to position my entire torso behind the seat, but don't have the length to reach the handlebars to do so. This is a near impossible ride for a 21" bike with a XC saddle height.

[centralRH]

Thanks for the more complete report Steve and for clearing parts of the trail. I may be out there this afternoon to ride and use my handsaw to drop the low clearance offender. Not sure if I can handle the other log on the blue without a chainsaw.

[F7Cannon]

As long as we don't get any serious rain today I will be out later today as well. I will throw the chainsaw in the car and take care of the log Steve is talking about.

[Overdrive]

Trail conditions are FANTASTIC. Put in some trail work at Burchfield today and then headed to Anderson for a quick ride. Even made it home in time to catch the end of the MSU game.

btw, just have to put out another shout to Brad for the vision and all the work he put into making this happen.

[rvd]

Trail conditions are FANTASTIC.

I agree, the trail is in really good condition; some parts with leaves, some without, but the trail has weathered the winter very well. First time this year without snow for me, and it is just so much fun to be able to whizz(?) past the trees again.

Someone (Brad?) put a couple of ladders and boards on Green North to cover some of the notoriously wet areas. Thanks.
The low tree at the end of Blue has been dealt with. Thanks.
The one earlier on Blue that Allmountin' mentioned is still there, but I think it is no big issue. It has been there all winter and I never thought it was a problem. If F7 didn't take it out tonight, maybe we can leave it.

Brad, I was wondering this afternoon (as I hiked back to the car with two popped spokes), what is the reason that the Blue Cutoff joins the main Blue trail just AFTER the Blue-Red connector? I think the riding options would be further diversified if it were reversed. Is this something that could be on the table this year as a possible (small) modification to the trail layout?

btw, just have to put out another shout to Brad for the vision and all the work he put into making this happen.

I second that.

[F7Cannon]

Trail is in great shape! Not sure who was on the four wheeler that took out the decapitator before I got to it tonight but thank you. Didn't bother with the other one on blue but if enough people think that it might be an issue I can swing by one day and take care of that.

And as Remke stated the boards on Green North are a nice touch. Thanks to who ever did that.