How's FATS looking

[moto922]

Whats the chance of FATS opening back up before the next rain. I know someone that has a new bike and itchin' to ride the rolling hills. I'm taking some time off work Wed., how's Big Rock & Tower looking.

[seenvic]

Looking like it needs workers, not riders.

You in?

[dgaddis1]

I'm free for some work on Sunday afternoon.

[ted]

The best part is you don't need a work party to go do any work, just a rake.

[dgaddis1]

I may go to the canal actually and get some pics of that giantic hole...see what you guys suggest to fix it.

[JIMMYC]

I need to see what we have going on, but i could be up for something on Saturday morning maybe even Sunday morning, but would like to done by 12:00.
last time I rode trail was mid-November. I'm not sure where the bad places are, so I could use a little direction as far as that goes.

[moto922]

Dec 22, 2009 8:51:46 GMT -5 seenvic said:

Looking like it needs workers, not riders.

You in?

Yep, I'm taking some time off work next week and a day at FATS sounds like a good idea. I watched a video about trail maintenance a few months ago...I would like to watch it again...I didn't bookmark it...anyone know the website with the trail maint. video. Maybe I'd go up to Big Rock & Towel unless someone can point out where to go.

Whenever the work party planned at the Canal, I'm in.

[breynolds]

Is the spot on the canal trail fixable? It's pretty bad! I often have thought when passing through there that a reroute looks like it would be easier, but I admittedly have no experience with trail repairs/maintenance.

I think I'm free to help on Sunday, family keeps trying to plan more stuff so I'm still not sure.

[mhanna]

I'll be glad to help and have some time between Christmas and New Years Day. Just keep me posted on times and what to bring. I'll even be glad to go out on my own if I can get specific instructions on what to do and where. Gotta start learning sometime!

[seenvic]

It takes a community to keep public trails nice.

This is a great response to what is needed.

I said at the last meeting (to a few people, privately) that we are 10 people from having an organized workday at FATS every weekend for the next 2 1/2 months. We need 10 people to lead. Pick a day, pick projects, get the tools to the trail. And lead.

On the flip side, Ted makes a good point. One really doesn't need an organized day to pitch in. Just a rake (mccleod works well too) and go clean out the spots that are holding water. Generally the trail has a high side and a low side (ideally no trail is on dead flat ground), identify the low side and make it drain that directions. Clean it out good so it won't fill back up quickly. Make sure the trail tread is not lower than the lower edge of the trail (this is called de-berming the low side).

But things move quicker with a crowd. And it's usually more fun. And some classic one liners are usually spouted out.

FATS was built with leadership and vision. And that is the way it will be maintained. It is time to find both within our community and show the world why we have FATS in the first place. No one gave it to us, we built it. Now lets maintain it.

[ted]

Dec 22, 2009 10:29:27 GMT -5 moto922 said:

Dec 22, 2009 8:51:46 GMT -5 seenvic said:

Looking like it needs workers, not riders.

You in?

Yep, I'm taking some time off work next week and a day at FATS sounds like a good idea. I watched a video about trail maintenance a few months ago...I would like to watch it again...I didn't bookmark it...anyone know the website with the trail maint. video. Maybe I'd go up to Big Rock & Towel unless someone can point out where to go.

Whenever the work party planned at the Canal, I'm in.

Lower trails before the new ones. Deep Step is bad across the road. Great wall before and after the rake and ride hand built section. Skinny around power lines. Etc....

I'm gonna get my thing going after the first of the year when most hunting is done.

[JIMMYC]

i agree with ted about waiting 'til the end of deer season, which is not far off. Lets start brain storming now, maybe it'll get some folks inspired and maybe get some things on the calender.

thanks for the heads up on sections that could use the work, if it's not raining Saturday morning I'll get my rake and see what I can do.

[seenvic]

Paul F. has been doing some solo drainage work on the west side of Deep Step Loop. This is the CCW climbing side.

[Paul]

If I get a kitchen pass, I plan to do more work Wed (12/23), Thur (12/24) and Sun (12/27) at FATS. Email me if you want to help; [e-mail]

Paul F.

[seenvic]

Paul is out there now and is taking the closed signs down.

When he gets home, he will change the website.

FATS is open until it rains again...which maybe tomorrow sometime.

Oh yea, it isn't dry out there. Standing water in alot of places according to Paul.

[seenvic]

So, how's it looking?

[brianW]

Bottom of Skinny is closed. GW wet in places. The "notched log" is no longer. It is in two pieces with one moved so you can ride by. Stick cleaned a few drains, plenty more to be cleaned. Also cleared one non-rider.

If it rains it will be closed again.

[mhanna]

The Edgefield side of Step still has some wet spots but generally in good shape. I didn't ride up the Augusta side. The drains Paul cut tthis week have made a huge difference there.

Connector is fine. BR and Tower are in good shape but the wet spots will fill up again tonight. Cutting some drains and cleaning out some of those spots will bring both of them up to par rather quickly.