October 31, 2005
October 31, 2005 – Yesterday I completed the third major re-route on this project. This section of trail is located about a quarter of a mile into the main loop when entering on the left at the park entrance. This area is commonly referred to as the "Big V," the "ditch," or the "gulch." This is the steepest section of trail as well as the most difficult climb in the park. This re-route is on the second half of the "V" and only addresses half of the problem. The remaining portion is in the TVA easement that runs though the park. It will require cutting down very thick thistle and substantial benching. This remaining portion should be re-route number four and is expected to be complete by year's end. Once complete, all four re-routed sections will be connected.
The idea for this re-route comes from the Canal Loop portion of the North South trail in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The problem is that there are two large hills side-by-side. The old trail climbs up the first hill, through the TVA easement, and then follows the fall line straight down the hill. It then climbes straight up the second hill, completing the "V." This section has claimed many a novice biker and almost made my girlfriend quite the sport (this was the spot of her first big wreck). The overall plan is to go around the first hill by traversing its south face, completing a switchback in the valley floor and meandering slowly up and across the second hill's north face. The section of trail completed yesterday was the second half of the switchback and the trail work on the second hill's north face.
This may be the most fun section of trail in the park (I don't think it has been ridden yet but one look at the trail reminds me so much of Montgomery Bell, it has to be fun. Tommy Hatcher will be proud[1]). The completed section begins in the valley switchback. It turns right beginning the climb. This section required benching a short section; when time permits, I may bench about one hundred more feet. It travels over natural dips and humps that will keep it interesting. The first climbing turn comes quick, right on the edge of the TVA easement. This required substantial thorn and vine removal as well as tree pruning. The beginning and end of the switchback crosses a downed tree. Although this may get annoying and have to be removed later, it will help with erosion control until the turn can be replaced with a rolling crown switchback. I have tried to build logrolls over them but they will need to be improved at a later date.
After the first big turn, the trail traverses across the hillside about half way up the hill. The trail crosses the old trail perfectly perpendicular. It follows the contour of the hill with a big, slow left turn where it makes the second big switchback. This is a medium to slow right turn that will require novice riders to get out of the saddle or shift low. Experienced riders will have no problem maintaining their speed through the turn. The trail meanders across the contour of the hill beside large trees before turning left up the hill. This begins a gradual climb to the edge of the park boundary. I concede that this 200-yard climb is a fall-line trail. However, even the IMBA trail crew would have chosen this route as it climbs over a natural hump and into a natural dip that, together, create a perfect "rolling-grade dip" for erosion control. More importantly, it goes between three very large oak trees uncommonly clustered together in this area of the park. Although it is a fall-line trail, the natural landscape, large trees, and very gradual slope will easily downplay the effects of erosion. Should erosion become a problem, there is plenty of good space to re-route the trail.
After going trough the tree cluster, a slight right turn allows the trail to hug the park's northeastern boundary. The trail gets tight here, as the trees are more plentiful. I, for one, can't wait to feel my shoulders brush these trees as I throw the bike side-to-side to keep my speed through the narrow slot. I don't even want to talk about all of the thorns and vines that had to be removed from this section. If anyone gets a flat here, it is not my fault. This marks the top of the hill, the end of this re-route, and the beginning of re-route number two. The section ends with the old ATV trail[2]
If this third re-routed section were to have a name, it would have to be "Thorn Pass" due to the abundance of thorn vines found here. I bet I saved 5 to 10 trees from doom by cutting the vines out of them. This slowed the trail building process but will help keep this area as one of the most beautiful spots in the park.
I thought a lot about how I was going to re-route this section. I visited this section for over four months. Some routes were clear; other problems seemed insurmountable. A drainage basin for the electrical power station on a flanking hill severely limited the possibilities. Despite the challenges, patience and research won out. I am very happy with this new section and I believe most everyone else will be as well. Some of the hardcore mountain bikers will be disappointed that the old section is being closed; it was a real challenge that could not be found in other parks (sorry Stacy). Overall, though, it was a nuisance that kept potential users out of the park. With this re-routed section open, park users will be able to get an idea of how the completed loop will be styled.
[1] Tommy Hatcher is the primary designer of the mountain bike trails at Montgomery Bell State Park. These trails are fast becoming known as some of the best-built and maintained trails in the Southeast.
[2] This is a poorly constructed fall-line trail that is being closed. It is a point-to-point trail that bisects the park on the Northeastern side. It used to connect the park to the K-Mart parking lot. K-Mart, showing uncompromised wisdom, closed the trailhead by erecting a very large, very long chain link fence. This stopped the Jeeps and four-wheelers. Horses still use it but it is a biker's worse nightmare as the trail tread is covered in large, round rocks. Bikers and hikers should avoid this trail.
The idea for this re-route comes from the Canal Loop portion of the North South trail in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The problem is that there are two large hills side-by-side. The old trail climbs up the first hill, through the TVA easement, and then follows the fall line straight down the hill. It then climbes straight up the second hill, completing the "V." This section has claimed many a novice biker and almost made my girlfriend quite the sport (this was the spot of her first big wreck). The overall plan is to go around the first hill by traversing its south face, completing a switchback in the valley floor and meandering slowly up and across the second hill's north face. The section of trail completed yesterday was the second half of the switchback and the trail work on the second hill's north face.
This may be the most fun section of trail in the park (I don't think it has been ridden yet but one look at the trail reminds me so much of Montgomery Bell, it has to be fun. Tommy Hatcher will be proud[1]). The completed section begins in the valley switchback. It turns right beginning the climb. This section required benching a short section; when time permits, I may bench about one hundred more feet. It travels over natural dips and humps that will keep it interesting. The first climbing turn comes quick, right on the edge of the TVA easement. This required substantial thorn and vine removal as well as tree pruning. The beginning and end of the switchback crosses a downed tree. Although this may get annoying and have to be removed later, it will help with erosion control until the turn can be replaced with a rolling crown switchback. I have tried to build logrolls over them but they will need to be improved at a later date.
After the first big turn, the trail traverses across the hillside about half way up the hill. The trail crosses the old trail perfectly perpendicular. It follows the contour of the hill with a big, slow left turn where it makes the second big switchback. This is a medium to slow right turn that will require novice riders to get out of the saddle or shift low. Experienced riders will have no problem maintaining their speed through the turn. The trail meanders across the contour of the hill beside large trees before turning left up the hill. This begins a gradual climb to the edge of the park boundary. I concede that this 200-yard climb is a fall-line trail. However, even the IMBA trail crew would have chosen this route as it climbs over a natural hump and into a natural dip that, together, create a perfect "rolling-grade dip" for erosion control. More importantly, it goes between three very large oak trees uncommonly clustered together in this area of the park. Although it is a fall-line trail, the natural landscape, large trees, and very gradual slope will easily downplay the effects of erosion. Should erosion become a problem, there is plenty of good space to re-route the trail.
After going trough the tree cluster, a slight right turn allows the trail to hug the park's northeastern boundary. The trail gets tight here, as the trees are more plentiful. I, for one, can't wait to feel my shoulders brush these trees as I throw the bike side-to-side to keep my speed through the narrow slot. I don't even want to talk about all of the thorns and vines that had to be removed from this section. If anyone gets a flat here, it is not my fault. This marks the top of the hill, the end of this re-route, and the beginning of re-route number two. The section ends with the old ATV trail[2]
If this third re-routed section were to have a name, it would have to be "Thorn Pass" due to the abundance of thorn vines found here. I bet I saved 5 to 10 trees from doom by cutting the vines out of them. This slowed the trail building process but will help keep this area as one of the most beautiful spots in the park.
I thought a lot about how I was going to re-route this section. I visited this section for over four months. Some routes were clear; other problems seemed insurmountable. A drainage basin for the electrical power station on a flanking hill severely limited the possibilities. Despite the challenges, patience and research won out. I am very happy with this new section and I believe most everyone else will be as well. Some of the hardcore mountain bikers will be disappointed that the old section is being closed; it was a real challenge that could not be found in other parks (sorry Stacy). Overall, though, it was a nuisance that kept potential users out of the park. With this re-routed section open, park users will be able to get an idea of how the completed loop will be styled.
[1] Tommy Hatcher is the primary designer of the mountain bike trails at Montgomery Bell State Park. These trails are fast becoming known as some of the best-built and maintained trails in the Southeast.
[2] This is a poorly constructed fall-line trail that is being closed. It is a point-to-point trail that bisects the park on the Northeastern side. It used to connect the park to the K-Mart parking lot. K-Mart, showing uncompromised wisdom, closed the trailhead by erecting a very large, very long chain link fence. This stopped the Jeeps and four-wheelers. Horses still use it but it is a biker's worse nightmare as the trail tread is covered in large, round rocks. Bikers and hikers should avoid this trail.
posted by Rotary Park | 11:39 AM
2 Comments:
Wow, the trail work is looking great, guys. I can't wait to ride the completed loop.
I finally had a chance to ride the new stuff yesterday. great job. very fun. I finally have weekends off and i'm looking forward to lending a hand with the trail or riding with you guys.
take care,
Adam
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