Running on red

[sdaniels]

If the trails are red, are they open for runners or closed completely?

[Guy]

In my opinion, runners make a comparable impact on soft ground as bikes so the same rules should apply. It's easier for runners to go around problem areas too, which leads to trail widening.

Red condition days are a good time to grab a Pulaski tool and make drains where water is pooling on trails and cutting out roots.... You get outside, get a upper body workout, and the added bonus of knowing the the trail will be more fun to ride and dry out quicker when the weather improves. (As long as you can move around without doing damage.)

[deanarammalamma]

It would really be up to your good judgement. The RED light is really to alert bikers that the conditions are such that bike tires will leave ruts in the trail, causing significant damage to the trail surface. Feet can do the same thing, but not necessarily under the same conditions. If you hit the trail on foot, and are leaving deep footprints, it's probably a good idea to bail and wait a day.

I hope this helps...
Dno

[Shark]

Go to the hiking trails of there is any question about conditions.

[TimBarnes]

Here's an example of what a hiker did on about 4 miles of trail last Spring when the trail status was "red".  It was a long day tamping out the footprints.


http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/timothywbarnes/ca3d2343.jpg

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

Red is Red for all trail users.

There are plenty of hiking only trails to thrash when HMBA's trails are Red. 

Hikers and Runners will use the edge of the trail to avoid mud and get better traction, making the trail wider, and foot prints hold water too.

Paul

[mrfun]

Have to agree that red is red.  If you are making any significant imprints into the trail they will hold water and lead to problems.  Ditto with the remarks about getting a rhino and get out and help keep trails in decent condition so spring time will not require so much fixing of the trails.  Also try to pleasantly mention to those you see using the trails when they should not be that they are causing trail problems.  Some don't care but some don't realize it.

[sdaniels]

Thanks everyone. I was reading the forum on the Indy Trail runners website and someone had mentioned it somewhere.  When I read it, I realized I had not idea what the protocol was and wanted to check before I was irresponsible with the trails. : ) Thanks in general for keeping the trails awesome. I brag to my friends all the time about how great the riding is out here.

[sdaniels]

Here's an example of what a hiker did on about 4 miles of trail last Spring when the trail status was "red".  It was a long day tamping out the footprints.


http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/timothywbarnes/ca3d2343.jpg

That looks bad... and a little worse than tire ruts actually

[Inept_MTBer]

This is all well and good but try explaining it to hikers who don't realize that the trails were conceived as mountain bike trails, let alone that there's a website that, gasp, lets users know when the trails are condition red. As it is we have a helluva time keeping other mountain bikers in check.