Conditions on 2/25/09 Report

[bikerjay]

I have just returned from another great Laurel Hill ride.

The meadow and pasture loops are are mostly dry and feel fast again. Not terribly rutted out either. The power station loop and the apple orchard loop are still muddy for extended stretches and ought to be avoided. I rode them yesterday a little earlier in the day and the power station loop in particular was bad. I am also a dirt jumper so the thought of rolling the lips on those little power station loop jumps and messing up the lips irks me. That section is going to need some love. The pseudo pump track and slaughter house loop are in quite good shape. There is one slick spot on the slaughter house loop but its not terrible. I also skipped the trail from the parking lot to the (i think its called the green briar trail) CCT and instead parked at the art gallery just off of 123. This trail has some seriously muddy spots that are getting rutted out but nothing like the whole sale destruction at wakefield bog or fountain head.

I am stoked to see all the signs up and the the rocks that have been brought in. This new trail system is really coming together. I am looking forward to lending a hand when the trail building season rolls around again.

[dmk250]

I just got back from riding Laurel Hills today (FEB 26). I agree with everything above. Medow and Pasture rode really fast this evening. Slaughterhouse had a few damp spots, but nothing terrible. It's really exciting to see the new signage going up. Does anyone know if there are plans to give better access to Slaughterhouse and Power Station? I parked at the Arts center this time as well, but noticed a lot of new fencing and "No Tresspassing" signs in that area. It'd be great to have a quick access route from the 123 parking areas directly to Slaughterhouse.

[ChrisJ]

Good to hear. If the weather holds out I plan on hitting the trails. Never ridden there before.:thumbsup:

[dan_hudson]

Does anyone know if there are plans to give better access to Slaughterhouse and Power Station? I parked at the Arts center this time as well, but noticed a lot of new fencing and "No Tresspassing" signs in that area. It'd be great to have a quick access route from the 123 parking areas directly to Slaughterhouse.

The Art Center folks do not want to encourage recreation on their property, so the only access to the trails is via the two spurs from the CCT. As with most things-Lorton, the poor state of the legacy prison grounds contributes to this stance.

[eloach]

The Art Center folks do not want to encourage recreation on their property, so the only access to the trails is via the two spurs from the CCT. As with most things-Lorton, the poor state of the legacy prison grounds contributes to this stance.

Maybe the county will sell me the property for $100 and I can build a "Ray's South Central" there. The structures are probably nice and solid. I can already see all the cute names for "trails". ;) I'll add a "paint ball on bikes" area just to keep the historical flavor of the place intact.

Seriously though, that location is perfect for some recreation facilities that can currently be found nowhere else in the county.

[dmk250]

The Art Center folks do not want to encourage recreation on their property, so the only access to the trails is via the two spurs from the CCT. As with most things-Lorton, the poor state of the legacy prison grounds contributes to this stance.

I understand their position. I agree with the necessity to close off the prison structures and make them inaccessible. I was hoping the whole area would open up a bit more and feel less segregated. I feel more comfortable leaving my car at the art center on weeknights. It feels like there are more people around and my stuff is less likely to get broken into. From there, it's pretty easy to take the CCT along 123 to the first spur off to the right.

[ChrisJ]

Rode today at 130. Rain was to the north in Burke. Trails were in great shape.

[dmk250]

Rode today at 130. Rain was to the north in Burke. Trails were in great shape.

I wanted to ride too yesterday, but I let the weathermen scare me off. I've been really pleased with how robust the trails have been.

[kn0bby8]

Think the trails had enought time to dry up form the snow a few days ago?

[MyOtherBrotherL]

I got a report today that Fountain Head was dry. Its a good chance that if FH is dry then LH is dry too.

[bepooch]

I got a report today that Fountain Head was dry. Its a good chance that if FH is dry then LH is dry too.

LH was perfect Wednesday morning.