Monday, April 07, 2008

Swanson Insanity

Whoever dumped a bunch of pea gravel at the bottom of the chute going into the creek bed needs to have their head checked. Not only did I feel like I was going to skid into the creek but I nearly nailed the tree as well. I would get a broom out there immediately.

Did THOR approve this?

11 comments:

T-bone said...

I hear ya. I went through there yesterday and was doing a two wheeled drift towards the tree. I about crapped my pants. I'm not sure what's going on out there anymore but it seems like the fun factor is going downhill fast IMO.

Biker Bob/Runner Bob said...

Check here and contact the trail leader: http://thor-trails.blogspot.com/

evie said...

Now that you've got to brake through the one remaining fast downhill, the fun's been depleted.

jc4300 said...

Completely agree. Threw the Goathead ride off on Saturday.

Angrybutcher said...

I think JC saved my life on Saturday by yelling out "GRAVEL!" even though I couldn't really make out what he said.

Martin said...

I did it.

I've been throwing sand and dirt up from the creek for the last three years to help keep one of the fast fun parts there for a few more years. That section is washing away from erosion and creek encroachment. The gravel usually gets swallowed up in the mud after a few good rains and some solid traffic. Give it some time or don't ride it until its perfectly manicured to your expectations.

Funny I probably have more trail hours maintenance hours out there so far this year than most people have riding out there so far...guess I will stop.

Anyone take notice of the trees that were down or hanging low that were removed before you got in there this last weekend, how about some of the ruts filled in? Thank the new Trail Leader for clearing the trail for you...oh let me introduce him to you next.

Frank O. took over Trail Leader duties for Swanson so bring your gripes to him.

So the originator of this post and two others know who's been taking care of Swanson for the last three years... Funny I didn't see any emails ref this problem or hazard so thanks for diming me out before bringing the problem to my attention. Saw one of these three in Swanson tonight while we had shovels in the wheelbarrow and he didn't say anything about a problem in person when we could have done something about it right then and there. Must have been having a good ride and forgot about the problem.

Guess the year is starting out with THOR Volunteer bashing...

KEV said...

Thanks for your help Martin and Frank. I agree that this should of just been brought to your and Frank's attention. Don't just stop, e-mail those complaining and ask for their help fixing it. Or find out what we need to do and I can help fix it. When is the scheduled trail day? I'm assuming it's before the race. Make sure Frank has my contact info. Friday afternoons are best for me.

I'm not taking either side, and we shouldn't have to. I know that whatever get's done or changed someone will bitch. There's many different levels of riders riding these trails. Something might seem fine riding at a casual pace when it may not work at full out race pace. I would say just contact Frank and let him know what doesn't seem to work. No sense in bashing someone's voluntary work.

Thanks for getting the trees cleared out!

Mark Savery said...

As the "orginator" of the post let me clarify something. Throwing pea gravel on a section of high speed trail immediately before a left/right chicane obstructed by a very large immovable object is a safety hazard. By the look of the the comments I'm not the only one who thought so.

I apologize if you see my comments as "THOR volunteer bashing". But for you to claim yourself as the sole caretaker of Swanson for the past three years is something I find insulting. Just Because individuals do not boast of their stewardship do not assume that a hand is not lent.

Let me also apologize for not noticing the downed timber removal. But frankly (no pun intended), I haven't been to Swanson since before the new year because I was told that trails were in a state of freeze/thaw or unrideable mud. Unlike you, I don't live across the street, so I just took your word on it.

So just to clarify, I'll grab a broom and sweep the pea gravel off the trail so it is safe for people to ride.

Haro said...

Rmember the old 70's song that Coke made a commercial out of sung by The Seekers?

I'd like to teach the world to sing..in perfect harmony..grow apple trees and honey bees and snow white turtle doves...

Wich reminds me of a quote from one of the most poetic men ever born, Rodney King..."can't we all just get along?"

Martin said...

Gravel and Sand concerns in the gully update.

http://thor-trails.blogspot.com/

T-bone said...

I would also like to apologize if my comments came off as "THOR volunteer bashing" that wasn't my intention. I was only trying to get the word out to people to be careful in that section. I didn't say anything last night because I didn't know until today you did it on purpose. I thought some kids put it there to cause someone to crash. Plus, I was in a hurry trying to get some laps in before the rain.

Thanks Frank for clearing the downed trees. I'm not sure where they were down at because Sunday was my first time at Swanson since fall but thanks. Give me a call if you want some ideas as to how to give some flow to the new trails.