Are we just blind? (FH Question)

[Kelley]

We were at FH two weeks ago or so, and have ridden the trail at least 10 times. Went back on Saturday, and after Shockabilly we went over the little two-way traffic section, over the bridge, and somehow ended up going the wrong way, out the in. Did we just miss the exit? We were a little confused because there's a big uphill and downhill (going the wrong way it's in that order) that we've never seen before, and that we didn't ride coming in to the trail. Or I don't think we did. Anyway, we may have just been tired and completely missed the sign pointing to the parking lot but I thought I'd check. Input anyone?

[plojaa]

Did we just miss the exit? We were a little confused because there's a big uphill and downhill (going the wrong way it's in that order) that we've never seen before, and that we didn't ride coming in to the trail. Or I don't think we did. Anyway, we may have just been tired and completely missed the sign pointing to the parking lot but I thought I'd check. Input anyone?

It sounds like you went left over that hill vs keeping right and going out the exit.....but if you have been coming in the correct entrance you have been doing that hill too...its right near the end of the loop.

Or have you been entering via the exit and missing it altogether?

[rizetech]

Over the bridge, past the teeters and the log, you have to just keep going straight so you can get to what i love to call no-man's land - the part of FH i never seem to recognize no matter how many time's I've been there. It's a right bit o fun!

[MyOtherBrotherL]

We were at FH two weeks ago or so, and have ridden the trail at least 10 times. Went back on Saturday, and after Shockabilly we went over the little two-way traffic section, over the bridge, and somehow ended up going the wrong way, out the in. Did we just miss the exit? We were a little confused because there's a big uphill and downhill (going the wrong way it's in that order) that we've never seen before, and that we didn't ride coming in to the trail. Or I don't think we did. Anyway, we may have just been tired and completely missed the sign pointing to the parking lot but I thought I'd check. Input anyone?

Next time you go to FH walk down the exit trail (I know - You are NOT suppose to, but it’s a very short section. Just try to stay off to the side). In an 1/8th of mile you will get to the intersection of the entrance loop/exit loop and you'll be within eyeshot of S.O.B.. Do that once and you'll understand where you are the next time you get to that point.

L

[ridethewomble]

Do that once and you'll understand where you are the next time you get to that point.
L
...or just look for the "Larry scars" on the tree at the bottom of SOB (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showpost.php?p=85234&postcount=24), and keep going straight! :D

[kn0bby8]

When I first started riding FH I would went in the exit like 3 or four times before I realized it there was another entrance. I also exited the entrance once or twice.

[Kelley]

So we are just blind :hammertime:. Thanks for the comments - we'll pay better attention next time!

[ChrisJ]

Wasn't there a thread a few years ago where someone got lost out there? Fairfax PD had to send out a search party? I may be thinking of something else. But I could swear that was at FH.

[tsunayoshi]

Wasn't there a thread a few years ago where someone got lost out there? Fairfax PD had to send out a search party? I may be thinking of something else. But I could swear that was at FH.

Yes, it was 2 years ago I think (it was a summer when I was still running regularly, so not last summer). I believe the rider went in expecting to have enough time to complete the trails, got dehydrated & tired, and then got lost in the trail system.

I was running along the blue horse trails that same evening which is why I remember the timeframe.

[eloach]

Yes, it was 2 years ago I think (it was a summer when I was still running regularly, so not last summer). I believe the rider went in expecting to have enough time to complete the trails, got dehydrated & tired, and then got lost in the trail system.

I was running along the blue horse trails that same evening which is why I remember the timeframe.

This is a weekly occurrence, except the police don't usually get called. I have twice asked the park to hold locking the gate while I went in with a flash light to find a new rider that I passed on a late lap who had no lights and was not back to the parking lot by sunset... and that's 2 out of 3 late rides I have ever done there. The park guy told me it happens "ALL the time" and when I asked him to clarify he said "once or twice a week".

I think the place is well signed and well laid out. However, if you go in with no map and are expecting there to be more signs and less trail/difficulty than there is, then... surprise... what you thought would take 50 minutes (hey, it's only 7 miles!) turns into 1:45, and it DOES get dark in the woods sooner, which will make you slow even more if you are already nervous about the general nature of the trail you are on.

In fairness, most folks find their way out, or would have without help. It's just they are locked in and either have to call someone to come and get them or look in the service area for someone to unlock the gate.

[all4you]

Yeah, Ive passed some riders in the past late in the evening, same think, but they looked confused, and going the wrong way didnt help the situation, and they ended up following me out. But in anyones defense, it can be quite confusing the first few times you ride there.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Man I would hate to be stuck at FH without lights somewhere in the back loop once it gets dark. I remember coming down SOB with a buddy of mine just when the sun went down. All we had was his little dinky headlamp (which convieniently ran out of batteries :hammertime:)...

Needless to say, we made it out OK but it would've been much worst had one of us had a mechanical or injury.

Your favorite bike trails can be pretty scary once you have no lights.