Upcoming Trail Work

[MikeHufhand]

Paul Lapham and yours truly knocked out some pesky overgrowth this evening. Thanks Paul.   We started at the "Big Dig" and worked our way North.   We almost connected to another section that had been weed wacked a few weeks back (just south of the IMBA bench).

So if anyone out there in "Mtb volunteer world" would like to help beat back the weeds, start at the IMBA bench(a convenient starting place due to it's proximity to the northern most east gate) and walk South  until you get to "Big Bertha"(the largest log crossing that by the way, I'll never cut out, due to the rath that would be poored out on me by Loretta) and simply look for the tall weeds.

I'm pretty sure that once we finish that last section, that we'll have the east side of the park completely cleared and then we can focus on the west side.

[MikeHufhand]

Did a couple of laps around WW yesterday(Sat) and for the most part the trailbed was in great shape.   Still have several places where we need to do some serious weedwacking and some pruning though.   

Monica and I weedwacked south of the power lines on the westside and also between the water crossing boardwalks on the westside.    We also took some of the rock and armored some soft sections next to the new culvert.    It needs more rock and also some crushed stone to lock the rip-rap in place.

The 1st rock garden definitely needs more rock (or larger rock) and crushed stone.   Hopefully we can receive a delivery soon.   Jan told me that they will be working on armoring the big dig this coming Wed (Hooray!) Let's hope the weather cooperates.

Areas in need of weedwacking.

1) Section after crossing the bottom of the dam and spots after you cross the dam overflow area (not quite sure of the name).   
2) A short stretch north of the Big Dig
3) A section south of IMBA bench, quarter mile into the trail (Clockwise)
4) Lake overlook section after you cross "Lights out" bridge.
4) Westside mostly needs pruning with some short stretchs of weedwacking
 

[ChrisH]

I did battle with the overgrowth yesterday afternoon.  I started at the trailhead and made my way north trimming limbs with my hedge trimmer.  I found that the exhaust makes a nice insect repellant!!  It was slow going as it was thick with growth but i made it just past the old "sucky U". 
"Old Man" was out there with the weed eater tackling the same area. 
There is still alot of trimming yet to do out there.  I may be able to get back out next week.

[oldman]

Just an additional note to Chris's entry. If you are planning on riding, be careful of this section near the trail head. I did not have enough time to rake the trail and there are some thorns on the trail. The weed wacking is done from the trail head to where the reroute
 meets the old trail going clockwise past where the trail crosses the road.
I will also try to get out there to do more work as soon as I can.   Scott

[MikeHufhand]

Thanks guys.   Sounds like we are getting close to having the trails completely weedwacked.

I went out this evening and eliminated a short but bad fall-line trail that's been on my to-do list for quite awhile now.    This is immediately after "Big Bertha." In it's place is a much longer climb but more sustainable and should be more enjoyable.   The new section needs some tweaking (slight benching and a log chainsawed out) but definitely can be ridden ASAP.   Actually the old trail is still present too as I ran out of daylight to reclaim it.   

I had a weedwacker in the 4-Runner in hopes of tackling some overgrowth in the area but ran out of time.   

[ChrisH]

The west side of the lake is now "opened up"!  I went out Monday and trimmed back the remaining face/arm slapping growth.  The trail is still in need of weed eating from almost the power lines to the road crossing near the trail head. 

[MikeHufhand]

Hey all.   We're going to fire up the Westwood trail maintenance engine this coming Sat.    We're going to be focusing on 2 types of work:  Weedwacking and Rock Armoring.     

There's a few remaining stretches of trail that are in need of weedwacking and then we'll be movin' some rock.   Come on out and support Westwood Park and earn some DINO points while you're at it! 

Meet at the trailhead at 9:00am.    See ya there.

[plapham]

Huf - I'm in and will try to locate some stone from Arlinghaus.  See you Sat AM!

Paul

[Matt Ploch]

Huf, bring my saw would you please?

-matt

[ChrisH]

count me in

[malaby]

If I can avoid baby duty I would like to come out and help on Saturday. Is there any point in bringing my bike for a ride or is the trail basically underwater right now?

[Loretta]

The trail is in fine shape.  Absolutely bring your bike.

[malaby]

OK - I will start negotiations with my wife.   If I can make it, do you need me to bring equipment of any kind? I can bring my weed whacker, but I don't have an extension cord long enough to reach from my house.

[WheezerMF]

OK - I will start negotiations with my wife.   If I can make it, do you need me to bring equipment of any kind? I can bring my weed whacker, but I don't have an extension cord long enough to reach from my house.

Not a problem.  Loretta has an electric personality and can be shockingly witty.  He'll have to show you where to plug in, though.

[Matt Ploch]

I'm planning on clipping in before 7am for a couple laps before the work session.

-matt