//Trail Status mouse over Java // Curious about the lakes

Author Topic: Curious about the lakes  (Read 3241 times)

Dave Tozer

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Curious about the lakes
« on: August 12, 2016, 03:13:47 PM »
I was looking on Google Maps just to see what my drive from Carmel would be.

I went to the satellite view and noticed several long, narrow lakes, like the one in the park. Most of them looked like they almost connect to other lakes but most of them don’t. At least as far as I can tell.

Is the topography that way due natural elements or mining or what?

Just curious.  Looks like the area is quite interesting.

holzhaus

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Re: Curious about the lakes
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2016, 03:54:20 PM »
Strip mining.
It has some resemblance to Rangeline with those un-natural ridges and valleys, but it has more total vertical.

allmountin

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Re: Curious about the lakes
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2016, 12:25:37 AM »
The water is warm. Apparently deep, too. I was told something like 120 feet.


Those peaks and valleys and contours make for a fun and interesting mix of trails. From pumpy and swooping, to wide open and fast, to tight and challenging, it's all there. Massive slope jumps in the center of it all. Skills courses, a lake jump, and a floating trail.


I found what I presume to be an expert rated loop(i think it's a loop) that contains some very unconventional construction. You slalom unbenched turns on opposing walls, which would be unsustainable without speed. Steep drop ins to g outs between ridges. One leads into a climbing, tight right hander around rocks, dropping back down out of the turn into an off camber left, then onto a narrow bench. Pretty cool stuff, but not the place you'd want lesser experienced riders to wander into, both for sustainability and safety reasons.


I'd think it worth the drive. Just expect some exploring. Markings are makeshift and incomplete at this point.

klainet

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Re: Curious about the lakes
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2016, 02:33:21 PM »
Yes, old Strip Mines are the reason for all the lakes in the area, as well as the topography, thanks Holzhaus!


Allmountin we are stoked you made it out to ride and appreciate the feedback! 120' for the lake is quite an exaggeration... the end of the lake jump is around 20' according to the divers who scouted it for us and cleared any potential debris. Still deep though!


From your description of the expert rated loop you are probably correct and found the Zulu trail. It is still in progress and needs groomed and some features added. The entrance will soon have a sweet over-under bridge that is going to be sick.


Unfortunately yes, our signage is lacking but in the works. The Parks department is in the midst of revamping ALL their signage and want ours to match... so our hands have been tied. It will be up by Grand Opening. I would encourage you to check out the maps on Trailforks and/or MTBproject, which are kept current and up-to-date.


Definitely worth the drive! This last weekend we installed 3 more 4' jump ramps in the Landing Zone! Sweet and smooth! Also working hard to complete the Perimeter Loop in the Northern section of the property. Come Ride!! (once we dry out!)

David Krahulik

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Re: Curious about the lakes
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2016, 08:38:26 AM »
Strip mining.
It has some resemblance to Rangeline with those un-natural ridges and valleys, but it has more total vertical.


Brian - is Griffin a potential XTERRA race site?


David K

klainet

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Re: Curious about the lakes
« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2016, 01:50:21 PM »

Brian - is Griffin a potential XTERRA race site?


David K


I will answer for Brian, because we have talked about it... YES!! We are trying to coordinate something.

jackhammer

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Re: Curious about the lakes
« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2016, 09:35:10 AM »
I was out there this weekend, awesome trail!! The floating trail definitely was the most challenging thing out there for this 53 year old with 25 years of MTB'ing under my belt.. Wow!!

 

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