The New Wakefield...

[martin]

I first rode Wakefield back in 92, when I was stationed at Fort Myer. I met Charlie in the parking lot after that first ride and joined MORE soon after (I'm aging myself, aren't I?)

Back them there was a very short loop under the power lines and a twisty trail along the creek (most of it still remains) The trails in the woods adjacent to the power lines were few, but fun nontheless...

A lot has changed since then and over the past few years I stopped riding wakefield that much because of how muddy it got and because of the absolute mess of trails that had evolved from years on sporadic trail building.

But, over the past couple of months I've had the chance to ride the new switchbacks and have found it to be better than ever. Add that the long creekside trail, the bowl and the powerline double wides and we now "really" have a biking destination along the beltway.

I think the new wakefield trails are fantastic! kudos to everysingle one of you who had a hand in making them possible.

Now, how do you like the new trails at Wakefield? Post your thoghts here...

[Dirt]

When there is a major reroute on something like this, there is a sign of a good trail... that is how many people work hard to go back to the old trail. I haven't seen any signs of anyone trying to revert back.

We'll see how the hold up to rain. I was amazed at how quickly they were ready to ride after the last rain. Once they've been ridden in a bit, Wakefield will be a great place to play in the winter and spring.

Thanks to all that worked on it with us.

Pete

[Squirrel Girl]

how many people work hard to go back to the old trail. I haven't seen any signs of anyone trying to revert back.Larry Cautilli caught some kids move the branches out of the old trails. I can't understand how, even if you prefered the old trails, you'd not wait until work in progress is finished to see what good is to come. And not to screw over the people who are obviously working very hard and investing lots of time and money to improve things (even if you don't like change).

Now, we don't have those steep section for flying downhill or pushing you for going uphill. I could understand why some might find that not a change for the better. These trails are certainly more sustainable and I don't have to hop off and push. But that's not what everyone would find desirable.

[kltbo]

Doom on me.... I've been hoping to ride the new trails before it rained. looks like it will have to wait for now. I feel that I am going to love them...... thank you everyone :)

[drewdane]

Larry Cautilli caught some kids move the branches out of the old trails. I can't understand how, even if you prefered the old trails, you'd not wait until work in progress is finished to see what good is to come. And not to screw over the people who are obviously working very hard and investing lots of time and money to improve things (even if you don't like change).

Now, we don't have those steep section for flying downhill or pushing you for going uphill. I could understand why some might find that not a change for the better. These trails are certainly more sustainable and I don't have to hop off and push. But that's not what everyone would find desirable.
I have to admit I'm going to miss practicing my climbing skills on the power line hill, but there are worse things to have happen. The new trails are really fun!

[Dirt]

I have to admit I'm going to miss practicing my climbing skills on the power line hill, but there are worse things to have happen. The new trails are really fun!

Before you know it we'll have enough daylight to ride Accotink first, then hit Wakefield. That'll help with the climbing skills. :D

Night rides are going to be much more interesting once Accotink is back on the menu.

Pete

[bigbadbrad]

Night rides are going to be much more interesting once Accotink is back on the menu.



Hey Pete: just curious, please clarify? :confused: Do you mean it may be re-opened to night rides in future?

OR, as I suspect, do you mean that w/more daylight in the evenings, a "night ride" could begin as a twilight ride that swings through Accotink while there's still some daylight, then returns to Wakefield at sunset?

Curiously yours,
--Brad

[Dirt]

Hey Pete: just curious, please clarify? :confused: Do you mean it may be re-opened to night rides in future?

OR, as I suspect, do you mean that w/more daylight in the evenings, a "night ride" could begin as a twilight ride that swings through Accotink while there's still some daylight, then returns to Wakefield at sunset?

Curiously yours,
--Brad

Night rides will begin with a lap at Accotink before dark. That will mean that they'll be legal.

Some of us are already getting pre-rides at Accotink right now. They tend to be faster paced rides at this point since we need to be out before dark. I don't go every week, but I manage to hit Accotink a time or two per month as a pre-ride -- conditions permitting of course.

Pete

[Snot-Rocket]

I recommend folks not ride through Danbury at Dusk / Night...my spider-senses tell me they are a factor to no night riding in Accotink- granted, that is pure speculation based on past history.

A simple solution to the Accotink Problem is that everyone who MTB's to start buying out folks in Danbury, Ravensworth Farms and the Springfield Community off of Highland Road...if we own the communities around the park- there you go!

Rah,

Tom

[joep]

I rode Wakefield a day after it rained. :eek:
(just too see how well the new trails hold up to a good soaking).

While the rest of the park was slop, the new trails were in perfect shape. Kudos to Rich Edwards for the nice, sustainable layout.

I can see how some people might think the new trails are too easy. But heck, if you feel it's too easy, just ride faster!

[kalsop]

I first rode Wakefield back in 92, when I was stationed at Fort Myer. I met Charlie in the parking lot after that first ride and joined MORE soon after (I'm aging myself, aren't I?)

Back them there was a very short loop under the power lines and a twisty trail along the creek (most of it still remains) The trails in the woods adjacent to the power lines were few, but fun nontheless...

A lot has changed since then and over the past few years I stopped riding wakefield that much because of how muddy it got and because of the absolute mess of trails that had evolved from years on sporadic trail building.

But, over the past couple of months I've had the chance to ride the new switchbacks and have found it to be better than ever. Add that the long creekside trail, the bowl and the powerline double wides and we now "really" have a biking destination along the beltway.

I think the new wakefield trails are fantastic! kudos to everysingle one of you who had a hand in making them possible.

Now, how do you like the new trails at Wakefield? Post your thoghts here...

Do you remember Charlies last name and spelling? I was trying to remember it the other day. Been a long time.