Grrr...braiding in Northboro

[Tim]

I finally got out this weekend on my local trails (Northboro-Berlin conservation area) and was not happy to see a whole bunch of new "braids." These were obviously made by bikers who thought the main trail was too tough for them. I filled in a bunch with brush, so hopefully people will get the hint. Any other thoughts on how to combat the problem? I'm sure people think that just one person riding a new line won't do any harm, but the trails just keep getting wider and wider.

Tim

[steve_b]

Any other thoughts on how to combat the problem?

Brush, rocks, and/or trees are usually effective. The bigger the better, so they remain in place.

I find most braids are in wet areas. The easiest way to fix those is to build better drainage.

[mtbtom]

At the last Fells maintenance day we dug up the side of the trail and transplanted small trees to narrow it down again. We placed organic material on the sides of the trail as well hoping that plants would reclaim the area.

Also, as opposed to laying down logs and large branches along side of the trail to narrow it ( which doesn't look good ) we strategically placed rocks in various locations to encourage people to stay on the trail.

Trail braiding sucks big time. I'm at the point now if I see someone doing it I'll call them on it. Not much worse than some hoser creating a line around a rock or log because they can't ride it.

[SloMoJo]

You talking Pisgah Tim?

Where did you see this?
Which trail?
I only saw an alt route at the mud bog down by Linden.
It needed an alt route since the bog gets impassable.

Needs an alt route at the bog by the stone wall on other side as well.

I dont recall single track braided, but the doulble gets to be quite the wash out.

Splat and I would lie you to show us the trials on the other side of the RR track from Linden. Some guy told me there's more over there. You know those?
-SloJo

[Tim]

You talking Pisgah Tim?

Where did you see this?
Which trail?
I only saw an alt route at the mud bog down by Linden.
It needed an alt route since the bog gets impassable.

Needs an alt route at the bog by the stone wall on other side as well.

I dont recall single track braided, but the doulble gets to be quite the wash out.

Splat and I would lie you to show us the trials on the other side of the RR track from Linden. Some guy told me there's more over there. You know those?
-SloJo


Yep, Pisgah it is. The braiding is pretty much all over the place -- the ones I filled in were on the main trail which heads up from the Green St. parking lot to the central cart path. I also filled in a small one on the "Summit" trail this AM. It's not so much the widening that bugs me, but people seem to be basically taking short cuts, so they're ruining the flow of the trail too. However, there are certainly a couple of bogs that need some alternate routing and / or drainage work. The best way to avoid the bog down by Linden that you mention is to take a right up the steep climb (I've never made it, but I have hopes) just after you enter the woods.

There are trails across the tracks on Linden, in the flood control area. I've ridden them once and they really suck -- completely blown out by quads, and a lot of sand. Despite the whole property being ringed with "No motorized vehicle" signs, a family whose property abuts the area owns many quads and there's a superhighway of quad tracks leading right to their door. I wouldn't bother with those trails unless you're really desperate for something new.

If you want to try new trails in Pisgah, a couple of new ones have been cut. One goes down from the north overlook, just over a big rock by the stone wall at the top where 3 trails come together. I have not ridden it, only climbed up it. It's wicked steep in places (there's a rope at one point) so bring your full-face and a death wish! The other new one goes down from the south overlook -- look for a blue blaze at the north side of the open, rocky area. It is ridable except for one log that I'm not good enough to jump, and drops you out on the lower trail that you're probably familiar with. This trail isn't really packed out yet, but looks like a good alternate route. I'm sure the quads will find it shortly and it'll open up:-(.

Tim

[knucklebuste]

Ever try riding in Franklin? Might as well take that off the list of trails on here. *******s completely ruined it with dirt bikes and atv's. Franklin forest is officially closed as far as I'm concerned. Too bad, it was one of my most favorite places to ride.

Knuckle

[BrianK]

If you want to try new trails in Pisgah, a couple of new ones have been cut. One goes down from the north overlook, just over a big rock by the stone wall at the top where 3 trails come together. I have not ridden it, only climbed up it. It's wicked steep in places (there's a rope at one point) so bring your full-face and a death wish! The other new one goes down from the south overlook -- look for a blue blaze at the north side of the open, rocky area. It is ridable except for one log that I'm not good enough to jump, and drops you out on the lower trail that you're probably familiar with. This trail isn't really packed out yet, but looks like a good alternate route. I'm sure the quads will find it shortly and it'll open up:-(.

Tim


Tim, are you talking about the "Bennet Trail"? I don't think I've been down it yet. The map shows it as a dead end. Of course the map doesn't show everything...
http://www.skifreakz.com/images/northboro1024.jpg

-BrianK

[Tim]

If you want to try new trails in Pisgah, a couple of new ones have been cut. One goes down from the north overlook, just over a big rock by the stone wall at the top where 3 trails come together. I have not ridden it, only climbed up it. It's wicked steep in places (there's a rope at one point) so bring your full-face and a death wish! The other new one goes down from the south overlook -- look for a blue blaze at the north side of the open, rocky area. It is ridable except for one log that I'm not good enough to jump, and drops you out on the lower trail that you're probably familiar with. This trail isn't really packed out yet, but looks like a good alternate route. I'm sure the quads will find it shortly and it'll open up:-(.

Tim


Tim, are you talking about the "Bennet Trail"? I don't think I've been down it yet. The map shows it as a dead end. Of course the map doesn't show everything...
http://www.skifreakz.com/images/northboro1024.jpg

-BrianK


Yes, the Bennet trail is the one I was writing about. It goes down to the road, very steeply. It does not look like a very sustainable trail to me, but it is nice to have access from that side.

I had not seen that map before -- thanks.

Tim