Fountainhead trail is open???

[starcitymtb]

I went to ride Fountainhead this morning and it is absolutely sopping wet. I made it down the entrance throught to the next climb and got out. There were a number of deep tire ruts throughout the trail and there is very little traction. I can't believe that the trail is open because from the little bit that I saw, it was getting torn up especially the climbing sections.

It may be fun to get a little muddy but to continue riding the trail in the condition it is currently in and the pressure it already gets is questionable. I don't want to offend those who may have gotten a ride in there today but it just didn't feel right. I am sure those roots were extra slick today!!!

[jabberwocky]

You can't rely on the trail status line. They are sometimes slow to update it when conditions are bad. If you are leaving ruts in the trail, its too wet to ride. Period.

Good on you for bailing on the ride.

[starcitymtb]

Good on you for bailing on the ride.

Thanks Jabber. I ended up going to Spokes Etc. by the house and bought all the components for my winter bike build at 40% off instead. Man that whole store was on sale.

As for Fountainhead, I can't imagine what it was like on the lower sections of that trail. Thanks.

[sturner]

So, what's the official status, open or closed???

Doesn't sound like much fun to ride and it cannot be good for the trails.

[Dirt]

I called the ride line and it said that the trail was open. That was before the rain started. I'd say that FH will not be rideable after the rain tonight.

Greenbrier, Gambrill or the Shed will be the places to ride tomorrow.

Pete

[Pinoy Rider]

I rode FH on Friday around 1200. Still frozen @ that time. Not a lot of tree cover due to the absence of leaves, so as the sun comes through the trail conditions will get worse. Tree down on the first loop, uphill after the bridge.

[srwings]

According to the trail hot line, the MTB trail has been closed for the last 2 days. Does anyone know if the trail is closed for the winter or just until things are bone dry again?

I don't have a good understanding of the decision making process that goes into opening or closing the trail so if anyone could shed some light I'd appreciate it. For example, the ground has been frozen hard (at least on my trails) until at least midday. Does the Park Authority take below freezing conditions into consideration?

Thanks.

[darren]

Called the machine today and it said it was open, so I guess I am riding. I am going early so that it might be frozen still(sat) will have to see.

-D

[MyOtherBrotherL]

Called the machine today and it said it was open, so I guess I am riding. I am going early so that it might be frozen still(sat) will have to see.

-D

Per Tom's E-Mail. The machine is always gonna say its open.

In my opinion you shouldn't go. There's winning odds that say it's gonna be muddy. The temperatures are not dipping below freezing till 5:00 AM and they'll be back up to 32 by 9:00 AM. That's just a really small window for hoping and expecting that conditions will improve dramatically.

Just my 2 cents

[eloach]

What do you think about Sunday morning, Feb. 16? Did anyone venture over there today (Saturday)? The report on Rose has me wondering if FH is okay.

Thanks.

[srwings]

Anyone know that trail conditions for FH today, 2/19/08? The trails are open but I'm looking for actual conditons from yesterday or today.

I was out there on Monday of last week and there were about a dozen blow downs.

[srwings]

Anyone know that trail conditions for FH today, 2/19/08? The trails are open but I'm looking for actual conditons from yesterday or today.

I was out there on Monday of last week and there were about a dozen blow downs.

So, I guess I'll answer my own question. I rode the evening of 2/19 finishing around dusk. All the blow downs have been removed- thanks!. The trail is a little soft in some places but otherwise ridable. I walked the steeper hills to cut down on the erosion. Conditions will continue to improve until we get precipitation. Some sections have a fair amount of fallen leaves obscuring the trail and hiding roots and debris. Use caution.

[eloach]

So, I guess I'll answer my own question. I rode the evening of 2/19 finishing around dusk. All the blow downs have been removed- thanks!. The trail is a little soft in some places but otherwise ridable. I walked the steeper hills to cut down on the erosion. Conditions will continue to improve until we get precipitation. Some sections have a fair amount of fallen leaves obscuring the trail and hiding roots and debris. Use caution.

I used to hate those leaves. Now I realize they are saving the trail from a lot worse erosion than is occurring. Bless the leaves, and watch your butt. Not much you can do to climb up a pile of leaves though. Especially the entrance loop climb.

[srwings]

I used to hate those leaves. Now I realize they are saving the trail from a lot worse erosion than is occurring. Bless the leaves, and watch your butt. Not much you can do to climb up a pile of leaves though. Especially the entrance loop climb.

I was going to use my gas powered chain rake but thought better of it.

[mtnbikerva1]

too muddy?