Lynn Woods Update 06.12.05

[dieselbikes]

As many know, mountain bikers have different names for Trails & Locations in Lynn Woods then listed on the "Official Trail Map". After discussing this matter with Park Management, they have agreed to create a Trail Network map using the names that mountain bikes are familiar with. Examples of this would be listing Spacemonkey, Acapulco and the 180 Trail Loop.

Park Management feels that this is a necessary step to aid Lynn Fire and Rescue on Trail Locations in Lynn Woods. During last years riding season, three (3) separate incidents involving injured mountain bikers resulted in lengthily rescues. This was mainly due to the fact Lynn Fire and Rescue did not know where the injured bikers were located since the location (biker's Trail name) was not on the "Official Trail Map".

This is going to be the first steps in documenting and creating a new Lynn Woods Trail map for all users. The map will be created for specific use by the Lynn Fire and Rescue. This map will also be listed on www.dieselbikes.com when it becomes available. The Official Release of a new Trail map will be a long process as it awaits approval by City Officials; but this is the first step for us mountain bikers to get on the map!

So here is the deal, I am pushing this matter through. I ride in Lynn Wood a lot, but do not know all the biker trail names and locations. Please e-mail me frankd@dieselbikes.com or PM me with information regarding local biker trail names and fun stop areas (on the trail network) in Lynn Woods.

[wannabee]

At Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, a GPS survey was performed of most of the trails. As part of the survey, at each 'major' trail intersection, a white sign (size about 4" x 4") was placed on a tree, as you faced NORTH. This sign contained a designation, ie N34 or E99, which would correrspond to a location marked on the park's trail map. This map is published by DCR and is on the DCR website for Wompatuck.

I would suggest this method (numbers vs names) because for riders that do not know what certain areas of your 'park' are called, either by MTBers, ATVers, hikers, or whatever, the numbering system would remove any questions at all.

I believe the GPS unit used was a handheld unit. If a trail map does exists, it would be quite simple to place these markers, and note on the map, what designation the marker has on it. This might be a good project for scouts or trail maintenance. The Wompatuck Park Supv, Steve Gammon, could supply further details. He can be contacted at 781-749-7160. The Wompatuck trail map is online. It works for us (the users) and the 3 fire/police departments that respond to the park.

Just another idea.

[slapheadmofo]

Great idea dieselbikes.
I also think that the way wannabee described the sign setup at Wompy would work well for other users and even us mt bikers that might not know the 'official' names of certain spots. Could be names instead of numbers, etc, but seems to make a lot of sense.

[Jisch]

I would suggest this method (numbers vs names) because for riders that do not know what certain areas of your 'park' are called, either by MTBers, ATVers, hikers, or whatever, the numbering system would remove any questions at all.


Numbers are a much better idea than names. I only occasionally ride Lynn and I would have no idea what any of the names of the trails would be if I were in trouble.

I've been riding in CT for almost 20 years. I guess I'm just out of the loop, but even at very popular spots (i.e. Case) that I've ridden literally 100's of times, I don't know any of the names other people have for the trails there. When I meet someone who knows the names, it takes forever for them to relate which trail is which without me knowing the name. Probably as a result of my normally riding with the same group of people.

John

[digger]

Lynn actually has a numbered intersection plan in place, based upon a grid. At each trail junction, there is a sign with the grid identification and the intersection number, all corresponding to the existing map http://www.flw.org/pdf_files/lwmap.pdf. This works relatively well in most areas, but the scheme is not implemented north from the balanced boulder/wolf pit area to route 1, where a lot of bike use goes on.

In addition to adding some additional descriptive names for features or trails, it may be beneficial to extend the grid/numbered intersection system to areas not presently covered, even if some of this is on non-official trails. Good idea Frank to address the problem of better directing fire/safety to intended locations, but it may be a big job to change to a name based system for all of Lynn Woods.

As an aside, I don't really like the numbered intersection system as much as a numbered trails like you see on Forest Service land out west. Much easier to understand and describe a route.

[MTBME]

The number / letter system of identification is being implemented in the Lowell Dracut Tyngsboro state forest. Eventually all intersections and trail heads will have a unique letter number combination. The letter "D" will indicate Dracut while "T" will be used for Tyngsboro etc. etc. The DCR is putting together a new GPS map that will have this new numbering system in place. That new map is expected to be available next year.

[DVRider]

I think it's a good idea to document the locations, because If I said to another rider, "You know that 8 foot drop to flat near intersection 3D-5" They would have no idea that I was talking about "Space Monkey". But if every named feature were written geographically on the map as it is now, I think it would clutter the map.

It may be better(easier/cheaper/cleaner) to keep the normal intersections but additionally provide a legend with MTB specific information:
M1 - Spacemonkey
M2 - Acopulco
M3 - Diving Board

Other prefixes could be for other user groups:

H - Hiker
TR - Trail Runner

Not really sure what other groups are active in Lynn Woods.

Oh, and BTW, I think the big NEMBA logo on the bottom of the current map is a lot further along than "the first step for us mountain bikers to get on the map!"

Dave

[slapheadmofo]

Using the names of spots will only work if you put up signs at them so EVERYONE will know how to refer to them. If some hiker or or biker that hasn't ridden there a lot (or doesn't keep up with what's called what) comes across an unconscious rider laying beside the trail, he can get on the horn and say "I'm a 1/4 mile north of such and such intersection". You can't just assume that everyone who enters the woods is going to be familiar with the names some people use for certain spots; I'd think you'd want to have one system that works for everyone, regardless of how freeride savvy they are.

[dieselbikes]

Everyone has posted great ideas about listing mountain biker related locations in Lynn Woods.

We are working with the idea of trail signs that will be posted at major intersections. But this will require more than the Park Management’s approval. Also, not all mountain bike trail features will be listed. Doing this would be impractical and redundant.

Again this is going to be a slow process. Park Management for Lynn Woods does not have the final say regarding this matter in Lynn Woods. But it is moving in the right direction.

As a side note, I am not a NEMBA member. I was invited to begin posting Lynn Woods Updates and Trail Maintenance Days on this forum.

I do not appreciate statements like:

""Oh, and BTW, I think the big NEMBA logo on the bottom of the current map is a lot further along than “the first step for us mountain bikers to get on the map!""

US MOUNTAIN BIKERS INCLUDES NEMBA, because NEMBA is about mountain biking.

[DVRider]

Even though I have not personally seen the work you've done for the past couple months, I think you have a good idea and have heard some rave reviews on the work.

As a NEMBA member, I do not appreciate statements when referring to Lynn Woods like "the first step for us mountain bikers to get on the map" getting posted on the NEMBA forums. I did not post this reply on BustedSpoke. I did not reply on Rage. NEMBA has done a lot at Lynn Woods, I'm sure a list could be provided if necessary, and I don't think you should minimize this, especially on the NEMBA forums. I find it disrespectful!

Instead of Bashing NEMBA, why don't you try:

In the past, NEMBA has done a good job at Lynn Woods with such projects as building immense bridges across swamp areas, re-routing water eroded trails, and trying fill the gap left by the Bow Ridge Developments. But there is much work and they need some help so...........

You may find you get a lot more respect.

Dave Riding

[dieselbikes]

I have no idea where you find in my first posting that I am bashing NEMBA? My statement about mountain bikers getting on the map was a general statement for all the forums I am posting on.

Also your statement: “Instead of Bashing NEMBA, why don’t you try”, what is that? Unless you were in the meetings between local Lynn bikers, myself and NEMBA regarding Lynn Woods issues I suggest you relax.

I have had point to point discussions with NEMBA representatives regarding there past and future projects in Lynn Woods. I am aware of there work and monetary contribution plus that they can not maintain Lynn Woods alone. I have posted updates regarding NEMBA and I working together! If you consider this bashing them, well I don’t know what to say.

I feel that I have earned much respect, but everyone is entitled to there opinion.

[slapheadmofo]

Damn semantics - they'll get ya every time.

I think there's a little disconnect over the statement that this is a 'first step' towards getting bikers recognized for contributions at Lynn. A lot of people who have put in a lot of work there over the years might feel better seeing 'latest step' or 'next step', as that builds on what has been done already. 'First step' seems to kind of dismiss all that has gone before. I can't imagine it was meant to be taken that way in the least though.

Respect all around from this corner.

The Official Release of a new Trail map will be a long process as it awaits approval by City Officials; but this is the first step for us mountain bikers to get on the map!


I see, it's one of those compound sentance thingys. The map refered to in the last word of the sentance refers to the new Trail map refered to in the beginning of the sentance before the semi;colon. Yea , thats it.

See, its all good.

Now we can all s.u.a.r.

[MTBME]

Hey JustBill. Your email address is bouncing on me. Whats your new one?

NB