Trail Sign Update

As you visit the park you may notice 4x4 posts at the trailheads and the intersections. That is because our sign project for the two smaller loops is well underway. You should start seeing signs installed as early as this Saturday. Soon, the Red Cedar Loop and Blue Bird Loop will be clearly marked in the clockwise direction as well as at all major intersections.

I would like everyone to know that the sign project, like the rebuilding of the trail network, is going to be a lengthy project. Our hope is to have the two smaller loops fully signed at all major trailheads and intersections in the clockwise direction. That should be complete very soon as all but two of the signs have been purchased, made, and delivered. Once that is completed, we will begin working towards having the trails signed in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. That will leave only the White Oak Loop and the connector trails to be signed. These trails are not yet complete and cannot be properly signed until they are completed and the old trails completely closed.

The reason the sign project is being completed in three phases like this is two-fold: 1) signs are expensive; 2) as stated above, the White Oak Loop is not yet complete. To address the "signs are expensive" reason, FORP is encouraging folks to donate money towards this project. I hate asking people for money but that is the only way a volunteer group such as our group can accomplish such a huge project. The signs we are installing cost between $22 and $105.50 per sign. This is expensive, but when you see the signs, you will know why and appreciate the cost. If we were to receive a large contribution from a corporate donor, it would greatly improve our ability to complete this project. So, encourage your employers if you can. It can be arranged where they pay the sign company directly if that is preferred.

As far as the rebuilding of the trail network, my goal is to have the entire trail network flagged by the end of the year, open by the end of Spring 2008, and fully benched and bridged by the end of 2008. That is a conservative goal. I think that it can be done much sooner if volunteer help continues to increase. Our volunteers are really stepping up and doing a great job.

Update from Aug. 4th

Friends:

Workday Review
I'm sure that you have all been on pins and needles awaiting my update from August 4th's workday at the park. I was out of the office last week in training and did not have Internet access so my report is running a little late. But, with no further ado, here it is.

We had an incredibly successful workday. The turn out was huge. I counted either 14 or 15 people. Lots of new trail was cleared and benched. We divided into two groups. One group worked on a new section of the White Oak Loop (big loop) while the other, smaller group worked on installing signposts.

A special thanks is owed to David Adkins for bringing so much heavy equipment. His auger made it possible to dig the postholes for the signs. We tried doing a couple by hand and it was nearly impossible. He also brought an ATV with a 25 gallon water tank mounted on the rear. This made it possible to mix the concrete at the site of the postholes and kept us from moving heavy concrete by wheelbarrow. We really owe David big because after digging two holes, the auger had to go in for repair. Additionally, David had to buy new spark plugs. This kind of volunteer work gets expensive for those of us who loan our equipment. Don't forget to thank these folks.

Also, a special thanks is owed to Mitch and Kurt for all their chainsaw work. They, too, spend money as well as time by providing this equipment.

This new section of trail promises to provide a spectacular bird's-eye-view of the creek. With the exception of two steep climbing turns, the trail appears to be in textbook form incorporating slight grade reversals, kinks (shallow drains on the lower grades), and contour trails that comply with all the rules for building sustainable trails. The climbing turns will be addressed after the entire trail is open for use. The plan is to go back and construct rolling-crown switchbacks on all climbing turns located on grades steeper than 15%. It appears that this trail will last a very long time. However, we desperately need to get some rain soon to bond the dirt together where we benched. Please don't use the new section of trail until we get the rain.

Why We Work So Hard
I visited Montgomery Bell State Park yesterday. Their bike specific trails are about 10 years in the making now. There is about 23 miles of trail there that can be divided up into two categories. The first category is the trail that was built first. Tommy Hatcher and the builders followed the IMBA standards that we are following (most of the time). The second category is the second phase of trail (the Green and Yellow loops). They did not follow the IMBA guidelines for those trails.

As I rode yesterday, I first rode the trails that were built following the IMBA guidelines. Despite being the oldest trails in the park, most of them were still in very good shape and drain well. It appears they will provide many more years of use with little or no maintenance. The areas on those trails that did not follow the IMBA guidelines are in need of maintenance and will have to be addressed soon.

As I rode the other trails, those that did not follow the guidelines, I was amazed at how quickly they are deteriorating. These are the trails that were built within the last two years. Despite being so new, they are already washing or suffering serious signs of displacement from riders having to brake on the steep terrain. I enjoy these trails as they offer a very unique challenge. Further, that park has enough land to offer a variety of trails. However, the trails that did not follow the proper guidelines will continue to erode and become more and more difficult and treacherous.

I discuss this hear because I want to remind everyone why we are building the way we are. We are taking a long time to design and build our trails. However, we are building quality, sustainable trails that will last a very long time with little maintenance. Thanks for everyone's help and continued support as we do what is best for the park and its users.

Chris