Hit a couple more laps at Jewell this morning with MIB. Don't have a distance check yet but I was putting in casual laps at around 24 minutes. MIB did a hammer lap on a single speed niner (32x20) in 19 minutes. So it's right on with swanson. Probably more distance, speeds are much higher at Jewell.
We took another look at some sections and think we can get a few more minutes out of it by reducing some of the steep climbing and switch it out more.
I scared the crap out of my self on a couple sections. High speed + loose dirt/new trail + trees = close call.
Don't have to work 'til two tomorrow. Might try and flag a quick reroute and do some additional work. Anyone free?
Sorry T-bone, having too much fun to stop and take pictures. Maybe tomorrow.
17 comments:
MOD I'M OFF TILL THURSDAY LET MY KNOW I'LL HELP, JIM
Get rid of the big logs for now, two are very dangerous since there is soft dirt and no groove to save your self on the opposite side. Couple of them are pretty off camber on steep turning climbs.
Besides they will replace themselves naturally here shortly.
I'll volunteer a bridge if someone will help me shlep it in and emplace it.
I went down to Jewel Park and listened and observed many riders on Sunday. Over whelmingly the consensus was this place is very VERY hard. I also would like to see many of the fall line routes follow the IMBA standard of half the steepness of the fall line. This would help out the novice riders and improve the over all flow. Great start on getting the trails going and hope I don't sound overly negative (especially since I haven't had any time to put forward in helping). In time it will all come together. Again good job!
I think everyone is jumping to a few too many conclusions on what is going on out there.
This trail is a work in progress and is by no means a completed trail. The way this trail is layed out, it will really teach riders how to use momemtum. The goal Saturday was to get some of the existing trail cleared and some fresh reroutes built so we can begin riding the park and packing in the trail.
MIB and myself talked about possible reroutes that will utilize sections that currently are not being used as well as options to eliminate some of the fall lines. I will probably flag these routes tomorrow.
Rusty do you have an inclinometer (if thats the proper term for the device) to measure grade?
I welcome everybodies input, because we can really make this park into something. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day!
Mike, thanks for the feedback, please remember this is a trail buildt into the side of a very steep hill. While I respect your ideas, this may not be a place for all riders. Swanson is near by (as is the Keystone). Sure there are some areas for improvement, but it has less climbing than L&C and less log sections than Manawa. You can't build all trails for all people. Maybe this can be a place for some folks to aspire to. Heck, I still remember walking parts of Platte River when I first started riding.
The IMBA folks said build for all to ride with flow and add the black diamond areas for the few super studs (and studdets)...not a personal training area for the local elitists.
Work in progress absolutely, hats off to those who have put in so much so far!
Next big build day the 20th? Gotta keep the momentum going...right MOD?
Next trail day is Saturday 8am. Coffee and bagels again. Hope to see you all there.
Don't overlook the novice riders, they are the future of the sport. The more we develop trails that are fun for them the strong our cycling community becomes. Remember the boom Swanson caused.
Like I said earlier, good job everyone on your hard work. The accomplishments and the work done is great. This park will be a "jewel" for mtb'ing. A perfect trail is never done. We learn from our mistakes (I have made a few) and you can never predict exactly how a trail will turn out and evolve, I think that is the fun in it. Sorry if other took my criticism wrong. I was merely making observations. Everyone also needs to understand that I can be a little anal.
I do have a "clinometer" that would come in very handy. Somebody give me a shout and I will make arrangements to get it to you.
As far as making this a trail for everyone, I think this park has huge potential. The original vision was to make something different, "unlike any other riding area we already have". Good luck again on Saturday fulfilling that dream. Keep up the good work.
Shim, you are disappointing, as usual. Are you trying to stir the pot, or just farting in your bedpan?
From you, I'd expect something much more cynical, naive, and whiny. Try this:
If novice riders are the future, why are we spending dozens of man-hours and $$$ making 3ft high "skinnies" that account for a measly 20ft of trail??
This will be my last comment on this subject before I go out to Jewell in the morning and flag in some additional lines that will be more IMBA compliant.
I agree that every trail should be focused on the novice rider but you are also restricted by the lay of the land. L&C has some pretty frickin' steep sections, ie. the neverest climb. We've had plenty of oppurtunity and time to make that park compliant but no one has said much about it.
It's very difficult to lay a trail out not knowing how it will roll on a bike. Considering the lay of the land at Jewell I think the Real Deal, Shim and MIB did a great job laying it out with the available resources.
Some of the more difficult climbs at Jewell CAN be avoided, just like you can avoid the difficult sections of trail at Manawa.
Trails are living, breathing things, they're different everytime you lay tire on them. Enjoy them for what they are and help make them into what they will become. Voice your ideas on new routes to the trail leader and they will take your ideas into consideration.
Ride your bike and have fun. We're lucky to have as many wonderful trails as we do as well as great people that want to build and maintain new and existing trails.
Thanks RF for mentioning it. T.H.O.R. has not contributed any money out of it general fund for the construction of TTF's at Manawa nor will it. I have an anonymous donor that supplied the first obstacles funding. It will be up to those who enjoy that activity to raise the funds for subsequent TTF's. See me if you would like to donate to building the next obstacle. Once I have raised $300, I will start the build of TTF2. I do not believe that it is right to spend the club'
s money for activities that will benefit a minority population. The funds are best spent on tools, signage, and kiosks. We have our work cut out for us to spread the good word of T.H.O.R. TTF's should be done as a separate funding.
On a side note, let's keep it positive and keep the negatives to a minimum. T.H.O.R. and the trails need the momentum. If you have a legit suggestion, say it. Otherwise we need to push forward. So.....everyone play nice. Thank the guys who got the job done at Jewel!!! Stop trying to break up the energy.
Where exactly is Jewell?
Coming from Lincoln...
There is a link for driving directions on:
http://www.trailshaveourrespect.org
I love you guys!
so did you get the new flagging done this morning, MOD?
hey, any of you guys coming down to the cross races this weekend after the trail work? the races don't start until 12 and 1:30 respectively...
and i need to get an idea on how much BEER to supply.
oh, and i can't wait to get to help build, maintain or ride this new trail.
your pal in lincoln
nate
good work.
Can you believe it? I'm getting support from Big Dean, Ryan and Josh,three of the guys I was writing so carefully not to offend. Remember its only fun if you don't hurt someone's feelings.
Mike as usual your remarks are poiniant, and right on the mark. Remember there are no bad trails only bad.....
Great Blog Thread!
Post a Comment