Old SWW Trail conditions - Locked

[harry2110]

This thread is for the riding comditions of SWW trail like the one at TRTP.

[Dave G.]

I can't always make it out to the trail to check, so I'm counting on you, my fellow trail users, to use your best judgement as to the rideability of the trail.  Like Dean has said, the light system is not an exact science, and even though it's mostly accurate, some times it isn't.  Whether the light is yellow or green, if the trail is greasy or if you are leaving ruts in the tread, please bail out of your ride.  

A good way to judge overall trail condition, is to check the trail condition on the South Levee extension, which includes the bench cut on Mann Hill, and the trail just ahead and behind the #10 Boy Scout bridge (If you ride the trail counterclockwise, it is at the beginning of your ride.  If you ride clockwise, it is toward the end of your ride).  If it's wet or greasy, do not ride.  If it's tacky or dry, then the rest of the trail will be in good shape too.

We've been fortunate that there have been few instances of trail damage due to irresponsible trail riders.  Thanks for your help!

Dave

[deanarammalamma]

Yellow does mean it is good to ride, but be aware there are slick spots, and puddles. As always, ride through the middle of puddles, not around, as to not create cheater lines.

Thanks!
Dno

[Dave G.]

Just an FYI, I am pruning the thread to keep it to one page for simplicity's sake and ease of reading.

Dave

[Dave G.]

Trail is very dry and sketchy.  A little rain wouldn't hurt.

Dave

[Dave G.]

Trail is so dry, lots of powder on the surface.  If you're running a dry to sketchy tire, you will probably slide around and not get much traction.

Dave

[Dave G.]

Lifted from the DINO website:

Southwestway Park is part of a new trail construction project by the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association. The new trails will be used, as well as some of the older trails in the park which are normally off-limits to mountain bikes. The course will be available for pre-riding beginning Friday afternoon. (Please keep off trails not designated for mountain biking at all other times.) The course will be closed between 8 am and 11 am Saturday for the Qdoba DINO Trail Run.

Dave

[getsometrail]

Great thanks for the info!  I thought I had read where the race course would be open starting Fri afternoon. 

[Dave G.]

For anyone that's curious, that sucking sound you heard earlier this afternoon was the trail slurping up what little rain we got.  It rained pretty hard for about three minutes, then just stopped.

Dave

[29erpilot]

Finally some rain!  If you ride, please report conditions and turn around if messy.

[Indiana Dave]

Trail is like concrete... It doesn't give at all when you fall... or when your pedal hits it. And I know!

[Dave G.]

The rotten tree that has been in a slow motion descent has finally fallen across the levee.  I can trim back some branches to make a tunnel to ride through, but it should be cut out.   In the meantime, it's hike-a-bike time!

Dave

[Indiana Dave]

Can I bring some boards and build a bridge over it?

Hope we get some rain today... Maybe it'll soften the trails up for the wed. night ride.

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

The Levy needs to be open for hike-bike-horse, so no bridges.  Let me know if I need to come down with a saw.

Paul

[Indiana Dave]

Figured you wood get my dry sense of humor by now...
If I had a chainsaw I'd cut it out tonight while I was out there.