FountainHead Conditions

[martin]

August 12, 2003

Anyone know how the trail is doing? I'd love to get ina aride this evening

[martin]

Rode FH last night. Trail was in great shape. A couple of small puddles here and there but nothing major.

Great to be out in the "cooler"evening under the trees...

[Widebody Driver]

I spent a couple of hours with a McLeod and a Mattox nicking a few of the wet spots.

Most of the first loop should be in pretty good shape.

[Widebody Driver]

What's he talking about???

McLeod...Mattox...nicking???

Mark your calendars. The IMBA Trail Care Crew will be visiting Fountainhead in October. Among other things, they'll be teaching a couple of classes to teach the finer points of trail design, construction and maintenance. Attend one of these classes and you'll learn all that you need to know so you'll be able to tell the difference between a McLeod and a Mattox. You'll even become proficient with a clinometer.

Watch the Event Calendar and Club News for specific information.

The classes will likely be held on October 10th and 11th.

Lots of other festivities are still in the planning stage.

[TMayhew]

Got a quick ride in after work last evening (19 Aug.) and the trails are in great shape. There are still a couple small wet spots, but nothing major and they're starting to dry. They were noticeably smaller than last week. I don't see it mentioned below so I'm guessing it's fairly recent, but there is a tree across the trail in the entrance loop. It could be made rideable if someone has some time to hike in with a lopper.

Also, at the trailhead I overheard a lot of praise of the new loop from several riders. It really is breaking in nicely.

[Widebody Driver]

Thanks for the heads-up about the tree down across the trail. I'll be by tomorrow with a saw to remove it.

Although many of us enjoy an obstacle like a downed tree to practice our bunny hopping skills, part of the goal of the first loop is to be rider friendly for the less skilled riders who are still developing more basic skills and increasing their fitness. We don't want to scare them away with obstacles that require more advanced techniques or greater skill. There's plenty of room on the other loops for those challenges!

Glad to hear the positive comments about the new loop!

[EJensen]

I rode FH this Saturday and Sunday (August 23 & 24). On Saturday, I called the hotline, which indicated that the trail was open and announced that the trail would be closed for most of the day on Saturday, September 13 for a running race.

When I got to the parking lot, there were far more cars than usual, but very few with bike racks, and I realized that a lot of them were runners. About half way through the ride, I came upon several packs of runners on the trail, traveling in the opposite direction of the bike traffic. I had to stop several times to allow packs of runners to pass by. I caught with another biker who indicated that he had to stop midway on a climb because of the foot traffic.

One of the runners told me that this was a training run for the race on the 13th, and someone in the parking lot told me that there was another training run planned for the following weekend as well.

The hotline gave no indication of either of the training runs and I saw nothing listed on the bulletin board at the trailhead.

The runners were friendly enough, and running in the opposite direction to the bike traffic was probably the safest thing to do, if foot and bike traffic are to share the trail. However, there did not seem to be much awareness among the runners as to the protocol for right-of-way.

Does anyone know whether the training runs have been cleared with the park?

[Widebody Driver]

Hmmm...some of this is news to me. I wasn't aware of any scheduled training runs.

Here's a little history lesson, to try to put this apparent conflict into perspective.

When the concept of a MTB Trail at Fountainhead was first approved by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA), MORE understood that the approval had been granted for a multi-use trail. IMBA has long favored (for many, many great reasons) multi-use trails, to the point of discouraging efforts to open MTB only trails. AFTER the MTB Trail was opened, the Board of Directors of NVRPA changed their mind and declared the trail to be single use (MTB) only. The reason given was that MTB's operate at too high speed for safe mix with slower users in areas of limited sight line. This effectively KILLED opportunities for MORE to demonstrate that we CAN safely operate on multi-use trails at Fountainhead. Now, this desire for multi-use isn't solely because we're happy to see other users on "our" trail. It DOES, however, give weight to our suggestion that we should have access to ALL the trails at Fountainhead.

Sooo...where does that leave us now? MTB's are PROHIBITED from use of trails other than the MTB trail. Park policy is that the MTB Trail is for MTB's only, except for special use permit holders (the upcoming race holds a permit).

Is the use of the MTB trail by trail runners practicing for their upcoming race a violation of established Park policy? Well, I'm not a lawyer...but, it could be a violation. What should we do about it?

In the past, when I've encountered other (non-MTB) users on the trail, I've seized the opportunity to stop and chat with them. My dialogue has usually been along the lines of:
1. Isn't it a beautiful day to be out on the trail?
2. Isn't this a neat place? So peaceful; so close to so many people.
3. You know, there are lots of MTB's on this trail because it's the ONLY trail we are allowed to ride in the Park.
4. In fact, Park policy is that this trail is for MTB use ONLY.
5. That policy was established because the Park Authority (NVRPA BOD) thinks it could be dangerous to other (non-MTB) trail users.
6. Isn't it nice that we've met on the trail in a manner that has presented NO HAZARD to you?
7. Wouldn't it be nice if we could meet like this without violating Park Policy?
8. Maybe it would help change Park Policy if YOU talked to the NVRPA.
9. If you don't, I'll kill your dog and eat it next time we meet on this trail.

I'm just kidding about #9. I can't make the same claim about the cat's I've found along the trail.

Seriously, the more non-MTB users we find on "our" trail, the stronger our case for access to other trails in the Park. There are some really, really sweet places there.

In recent history, IMBA has slightly relaxed their opposition to single use (MTB) trails in some places. The MORE BOD has decided that Fountainhead is the ONE place in the region that satisfies the criteria for single use. This decision has allowed us to expand "our" system by two miles in the last year.

I hope this explains a little about how we got where we are with this user conflict issue at Fountainhead.

Oh, one more thing...as long as I've got your attention. The Laurel Hill (Lorton) plan currently calls for establishing natural surface trails in large parts of the site. The topography is essentially identical to Fountainhead. Although the current plan has specifically indicated that these natural surface trails will be multi-use, the controlling authority of a large part of the area will be NVRPA...NVRPA has a history (see above) of favoring single use for MTB's. We really don't need to be making noise about keeping other users off "our" trail right now. We're hoping that we will be able to establish the Laurel Hill system as multi-use and demonstrate to NVRPA that multi-use will work on "our" trail at Fountainhead, too. And, as long as multi-use is OK on "our" trail at Fountainhead, we might as well gain access to all the other trails at Fountainhead. This would be a HUGE expansion of MTBing opportunities in NoVA.

That would be much, much better for everyone than requiring NVRPA to enforce their policy (with which we disagree) to keep the trail runners off "our" trail.

[EJensen]

WD, thanks for the history.

I don't think I said or did anything on Saturday that will interfere with the why-can't-we-all-be-friends-and-get-along-and-oh-by-the-way-could-we-get-access-to-more-trails approach. At no time did the pump leave my backpack.

I have limited riding experience, limited mostly to Accotink and Fountainhead. I will admit that I viewed FH differently, and on Saturday I was having a bit of a problem getting my head around seeing anyone other than a rider on the trail, something I was quite used to at Accotink. I will also say, however, that on some of the extended decline sections at FH, I get speeds going that are much higher than anything I approached on the sections of Accotink I used to ride. That may be attributable to my increasing confidence as much as the trails, however.

In any event, I'm all for sharing, particularly if it results in access to more trails.

Regards,
EJ

[Widebody Driver]

We CAN all get along!

Thanks for doing your part, EJ. Keep that pump where it belongs. ;-)

After reading my history essay, it seems that I never answered your question...

Are there more trail running sessions planned prior to the race on September 13th?

I'll speak with my friends at Fountainhead and post any info here. It may be a couple of days, be patient.

Thanks.

Oh, BTW...posts from Widebody Driver represent the opinion of the MORE Fountainhead Liaison, only. They are NOT official MORE BOD policy!

[Widebody Driver]

The Virginia Happy Trails Running Club is sponsoring a race at Fountainhead on September 13th. The race will start at 8:30AM. The course will include some sections of the MTB trail.

The MTB trail will be closed to MTB's during the race; likely opening in the early afternoon.

As was the case last Saturday, there is another scheduled, unofficial training run on Saturday, August 30 at 8:30AM.

Don't be surprised to meet some trail runners if you're riding on Saturday morning.

[EJensen]

Stu:

Thanks for the additional information. If I am out at Fountainhead this Saturday, I'll keep an eye open for runners.

Regards,
EJ

[Widebody Driver]

!!Fountainhead Impromptu Cleanup!!


Although I've been unable to personally assess the conditions of the MTB trail at Fountainhead, I have heard reports of significant deadfall blocking the trail.

The Park authorities are allowing me to use their chainsaw to remove the deadfall. The first foray will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23, beginning at 7:30AM.

If you're available to help, feel free to join me. Please bring everything you need to support yourself for as long as you plan to stay. If you're not available to meet at 7:30AM, feel free to join us later.

Please let me know if you plan on attending.

I'll have my cell (703-628-3440), however, signal coverage is spotty.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Stu Moulton
Fountainhead Liaison

P.S. Don't forget the upcoming IMBA Trail Care Crew visit in October (9-11).

[BHartman]

Stu:

I was out there yesterday for the first time. I didn't take the new loop. There are a lot of large trees blocking the trail. I would say about 10 large enough you have to go around, climb over, and on occasion go under. In certain parts the trail had enough debris on it I found it difficult to find. I would say a few days of the chainsaw should do the trick. Or one long day. I would love to help if it were a weekend. Thanks.

[Widebody Driver]

It's likely that we won't completely clear the trail tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 23). My work schedule leaves me available again on Friday/Saturday (Sept. 26/27).

I expect that, by tomorrow evening, I'll have a clearer picture of the deadfall remaining and will post my plans for completing the cleanup.

If you have a preference for continuing the cleanup on Friday or Saturday, feel free to express your preference via email to StuMoulton@aol.com.

Of course, if enough people show up tomorrow, we can enjoy a ride on Friday & Saturday instead!

Thanks for your help!

Stu Moulton
Fountainhead Liaison

P.S. Don't forget the upcoming IMBA Trail Care Crew visit in October (9-11).

[Widebody Driver]

A small group was able to make big progress today at Fountainhead.

At times, it's like playing a giant game of "Pick Up Sticks" with 18" diameter sticks.

After seeing the condition of the trail, my recommendation to the Park Rangers is that the MTB Trail remain closed until the deadfall is removed. I believe that they will honor my request. Please don't harass them about the closure. Rather, use that energy to come out to help clear the trail. The sooner it's cleared, the sooner it will be open.

My best guess is that it will only take one more BIG effort to finish the job.

Saturday morning at 8AM...for the BIG effort. Meet at the Fountainhead parking lot.

Bring gloves and necessary water and food. Please, realize that this work will be primarily focused on removal of deadfall. Wearing long pants, boots and gloves will make it a much more pleasant experience for you.

If you have a favorite chainsaw, bow saw or rake, feel free to bring it along.

[Widebody Driver]

Fountainhead remains closed today, Friday, Sept. 26.

IF enough of you show up on Saturday morning, we'll be able to finish clearing the remaining deadfall by noon.

Meet at the parking lot at 8AM.

Bring gloves, water, rakes...you'll be glad if you wear long pants.

Thanks,
Stu Moulton
Fountainhead Liaison

[EJensen]

I rode Fountainhead today (Sunday 9/28) and the trail appears to be in good shape.

I was not able to respond to the call from Stu for able bodies to help with the post-Isabel cleanup. As I rode, I was amazed by the number of trees, BIG trees, that had been cleared away from the trail. Let me send out a very sincere thank you to all who put in the effort to restore this terrific trail to service.

Very Sincerely,
Eric

[BHartman]

:D

I rode Fountainhead as well last night before closing. Great job Stu and whoever else pitched in to clear the trail. I would have loved to help; however, I had a mountain bike trip to Conn. My buddy dislocated his elbow and we had to take him to the hospital. We'll scan the x-rays so I can post it.

BHartman

[Widebody Driver]

Thanks for your compliment, Eric.

However, I could never do it alone. As you described, a huge amount of work was done by volunteers. More than 70 hours of work, on three days by a dedicated cadre of MORE members and other friends of Fountainhead.

As we finished on Saturday afternoon, it was nice to see the parking lot filled with cars with empty bike racks. The satisfaction of knowing that many would enjoy the trail made our effort worthwhile.

I'm glad you enjoyed your ride. I fully understand that many of us have commitments that preclude participation in a specific trail maintenance effort.

Mark your calendar now...the next scheduled trail maintenance at Fountainhead is on November 8th.

See you there.

Stu

P.S. Don't forget the IMBA Trail Care Crew visit, October 9-12. If you'd like to learn the fine points of trail design, construction and maintenance from the "experts", this is your chance. It will be well worth your investment of time.

[Widebody Driver]

I cleared all the deadfall that I could with a hand saw today. There was one large deadfall across the trail near the exit, completely blocking the trail. I reported that to the Park Ranger who assured me that he'd attempt to remove it this afternoon (Thursday). It will be several days before I'll be able to revisit the trail to check.

There is one other deadfall wedged over the trail. It's located near the bottom of the fire road descent just past the Optional, Dead End Loop. Although it was high enough to easily ride under today, gravity will surely bring it down...someday. Please use caution when riding under it. Unfortunately, it's far enough from the trailhead that it will be a while before the Ranger will have a chance to remove it. At my first opportunity (that may not be until late next week), I'll arrange a small group to remove it, if the Ranger hasn't yet done so. We used to call deadfall like this a "Widowmaker". Be careful.

The rest of the trail is in good condition with just a very few puddles remaining.

Stu Moulton
MORE Fountainhead Liaison
StuMoulton@aol.com

[Mark]

Rode Fountainhead on Saturday (10/25/03). Trail conditions are excelent with all the trees removed.

Still one of the best rides around.

-Mark