Indiana Trail Status (Special Notice)

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

The recent weather pattern has been tough on our trails.  While a trail that is dry and in good shape typically dries quickly, the repeated rain / sunny but humid weather pattern can really take a toll on the trails.  So Please:

1) Lets make sure the trails are really rideable before turning them yellow or green.  This will require a report from the field.  If you are going to hike a trail to check its condition, please do so with a rhino and do some trail work while you are out there.  If there are mud hole, lets get the mud holes repaired (I don' want to see "trail is yellow except for the mud holes." Lets get the mud holes fixed!
2) Lets get some trail work days organized.  It would be ideal if every trail was hiked and all mud holes were addressed
3) Riders, Please be patient, and see item 2.  This is the week to give up a ride or two to do some trail work.  Trails will likely stay Red for a while.  Many trails need 2 to 3 dry days and some trail work to get them open.

[N9TKF]

Paul, I am glad you posted about the trail conditions and that the trails are going to be red for awhile.
 
French Lick trails suffered an amazing amount damage from the surface runoff from the recent rains and are in need of a lot of work to bring them back to their flowy fun condition. The French Lick Resort is busy cleaning up the flood damage to their property and the crew has limited time for the mountain bike trails. Myself and Jason (West Baden Iron on the boards) are planning to evaluate the trails tomorrow to come up with a game plan to help the Resort crew. Be on the look out for possible trail work days in the near future.
 
Also if the board says the trail is RED please respect the red light and refrain from riding and pick up your rhino and do a little trail work. 
 
John
 
 

[Dave G.]

Couldn't agree more.

[Phil Legere]

Paul,
Please describe in detail the proper way to fix mud holes to ensure that any newbies like myself are not causing additional unnecessary damage.
 
Thanks,
Phil

[David Kuehnen]

Phil, there is not a simple answer to that question other than to show up at trail maintenance sessions.  Sometimes it is as easy as cutting a drain into the puddle but other times there may be the need to cut back channels and diversion swales.   

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

I am sure we will have plenty of examples of mud holes at town run tonight. and Fort Ben tomorrow.

Paul

[Phil Legere]

Understood,
 
I just did not want people showing up at non scheduled work time and causing more damage than good.  I'm planning on being at Ft. Ben tomorrow.
 
Thanks again,
Phil