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Post by ozymandias on Aug 1, 2009 18:04:06 GMT -5
Rode BC today, gotta say it was the first trail since I was activated here that i felt was a complete waste of my time. I classify myself as a beginner, but I want to be able to concentrate on the trail, not trying to figure out which way it goes. We got lost several times, and could have slept thru the rest of it, due to the lack of challenge. Has to be the worst blazed trail I've ridden. The path is tough to see, probably due to a lack of riders, and the markings on it are not good, to say the least. I have no idea whether I rode all of it, but I'll never ride that far from Evans again for this one. The terrain and lack of technical challenge added to my funk. If you are reading these forums to find a trail to ride other than the FATS, try Modoc and Mistletoe, they are worth the effort. Hope no BC fans are offended!
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Post by yetichick on Aug 2, 2009 19:13:11 GMT -5
We have ridden this trail many times, but the last couple of years we have been on the trail maybe twice. The last time was the National Trails Day in June. We know that trail, and yet we got off track several times. You are right in that the trail needs to be marked. Our plans, as a chapter, are to put signs on all the trails, and hopefully that will include Baker's Creek.
We met Connie (from Greenwood) this Saturday on the Bartram Trail. She, and several other ladies, were camping up at Baker Creek and rode the trail. They had a map, but said the map covered the forest roads, and not the trail.
I am guessing that you missed several sections of the trail as it is definitely NOT a beginner's trail. It has its own dynamics, which do not include fast flowing corners. It is a challenge to ride it, tough in sections, but always a good ride. I suggest you go again with someone who knows the trail before you totally write it off as a "never to ride again" trail.
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Post by jtaylor on Aug 2, 2009 21:24:58 GMT -5
BC used to be my favorite trail since it has a variety of terrain, technical features such as creek crossings, and it is a good workout. Usually a good trail in the winter. But, the last few years, it has grown in since no one is riding it (started charging a $2 fee), and they even closed this last winter. True shame. The drive from Evans is slightly longer to Hickory Knob and that is a great trail.
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Post by ozymandias on Aug 3, 2009 14:07:36 GMT -5
Apparently I did miss some sections, I see its listed as 9 miles, I doubt we did 4 before we gave up, including the lost time. If you say its a challenge to ride, I'll be happy to take your advice and try it again, maybe in the fall when its not 200% humidity! Thanks!
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Post by ozymandias on Aug 3, 2009 14:17:54 GMT -5
BC used to be my favorite trail since it has a variety of terrain, technical features such as creek crossings, and it is a good workout. Usually a good trail in the winter. But, the last few years, it has grown in since no one is riding it (started charging a $2 fee), and they even closed this last winter. True shame. The drive from Evans is slightly longer to Hickory Knob and that is a great trail. Hey John, my friend and I met you up at Mistletoe the last time you were up their doing trail maintenance, talked to you in the parking lot. I'm new to the area and have been riding a lot of the trails lately, so I thought I should start pitching in a bit, can you (or anyone) put me on to who I should contact to join up with the local chapter? I recently re-joined IMBA. I will be out of town for the AUG11 meeting, though. Thanks. Mark T.
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Post by jtaylor on Aug 3, 2009 18:25:48 GMT -5
yes, I remember. Thanks for being interested in helping out. As I understand, your membership in IMBA means automatic membership in SORBA, which the local club is part of. As far as the local club, the best contribution in my mind is to participate in work parties and/or do your own work party when you're out. I always carry a folding saw and ratchet clippers when I ride and have taken care of some pretty big messes. thanks again for caring. and we'll get together and ride BC the right way this fall.
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Post by ozymandias on Aug 4, 2009 15:56:02 GMT -5
yes, I remember. Thanks for being interested in helping out. As I understand, your membership in IMBA means automatic membership in SORBA, which the local club is part of. As far as the local club, the best contribution in my mind is to participate in work parties and/or do your own work party when you're out. I always carry a folding saw and ratchet clippers when I ride and have taken care of some pretty big messes. thanks again for caring. and we'll get together and ride BC the right way this fall. Looking forward to a trail guide for BC, especially when its cooler! I've been re-activated by the army for another year, so I'll be here till OCT2010. I'll take your advice and start carrying the same equipment. You mentioned up at mistletoe that you were chain saw certified. Is that a class you go to here? I've cleared miles of trails in Northern Michigan, but it was all on my own. I have a good saw and would be glad to help out during my down time. Thanks.
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