Odd and Even

[shortlineskier]

Please take note as to which way you ride the trail. Although it's clearly marked at the trail head, I almost always run into (literally)somebody riding it the wrong way. Even calender days start to the right, up the hill to the RR tracks. Odd days take the left trail. Some of us ride that trail pretty fast and with visibility limited, it can get hairy particularly on certain parts of the trail. Also take caution at the little whoop section out at the ponds, some civil engineer has decided to dig out the little jump. It's now very steep (odd day) and doubles (even day). It's an accident waiting to happen.

[driftwood]

I'm guessing that you're the guy that my friend and I passed today on the canal trail, sometime around 2?

When I first found out about that trail I followed that sign. Til I realized that there aren't many people on that trail, and that most people don't follow the sign anyway. I've also been 'trained' by all of the traffic on FATS to keep my eyes open for bikers coming from the other direction.

We went over that bump for the first time today. I didn't even really see it and just rolled right over, no accident there. Then I turned around and went over it fast so that I could actually jump it again. It's harmless. I love civil engineers

[Angela]

It is important to follow the directional signs at the Augusta Canal Trail - we worked with the Augusta Canal Authority to establish the odd/even day directions to cut down on the number of accidents that were occuring at that trail. The trail is tight and twisty in places and no matter how "trained" you are to observe riders coming towards you you can't always see them until it is too late to act.

A lot of the people who enjoy that trail are not experienced mountain bikers and don't react as quickly when the face to face or bike to bike confrontation occurs.

Please be responsible and ride the trail according to the directional signs. We purposely suggested odd/even day directions so riders wouldn't get stuck riding the same direction if they rode the trail the same day each week.

Just because traffic on the trail is light is no reason to ignore riding in the correct direction. That would be like going the wrong way on a one way street simply because it is Sunday and not many folks are out driving.

[seenvic]

driftwood said:

When I first found out about that trail I followed that sign. Til I realized that there aren't many people on that trail, and that most people don't follow the sign anyway. I've also been 'trained' by all of the traffic on FATS to keep my eyes open for bikers coming from the other direction.

I rarely ride the Canal, so I really don't have dog in this fight.

But the reasons listed above are pretty weak.

I've been to the Canal enough times to have had several head-on close calls. I always thought the directional idea was a good one (for the Canal).

[driftwood]

I will go in the right direction when I go on the canal trail...

Though I still get confused and go the wrong way sometimes at the intersections.

[dgaddis1]

A bit off topic...but....

for anyone how hasn't ridden the canal in a while, you should! It's in great shape right now (100% rideable), and while it is a short loop it's a lot fun. Nice and twisty, and a few climbs that you can stall out on if you're not ready for them.

And it's just a short ride from the BMX track, which is also a lot of fun. There's really only two place where I'll jump my mountain bike on the track, but it's a lot of fun to just pump your way through all the whoops....it's a like a training camp for FATS!

[shortlineskier]

I agree it is a little confusing right in the middle past the two-way traffic area ( wide part of trail at the beginning. It splits at the top of the rise, stay left (almost straight) if riding odd day, follow the natural bend to the right on even days. I'm going to make a couple of directional signs and place them at the split in the next couple weeks. Want a thrill, hit that little jump on an even day at 15+ mph and you'll see what I mean. Happy trails!

[kommando]

Hrrm I go here all the time. Exactly how close is the BMX track and roughly what direction is it?

I actually tried looking it up and couldnt find directions anywhere.

-Daniel

[brianW]

If you are referring to the single track along the cannal it is by the pump house(?) along the canal path. go up the tracks along the fence perhaps 100 feet til the fence ends. There will be a trail heading (actually a few) off to the right going eown hiil. They meet in a small clearing with a the odd/even signs.

I had to ask someone when I went there the first time. It is a fun ride. i usally ride from the Rapids, do 2 or 3 laps of the singletrack and then head back. Makes a good ride.

[kommando]

Actually I was looking for the BMX track hehe, the other way around, but you got the right idea hehe

Thank you in advance..

[bgredjeep]

If you are on the Canal road, cross the bridge at lake Olmstead and ride up to the National Guard Armory. Take a left on the road there and its like a block down.

[dgaddis1]

You can also search "augusta bmx, augusta ga" in google and a map will show up.

LOL, I like your avatar by the way...

[kommando]

Awesome thanks guys, I have been thinking about going there for a while. Lets just hope the by bike can handle BMX jumps!

Thanks on the avatar, found it online (not me, but I do ride the short bike)

See you guys on the BMX track this weekend

-Daniel

[dgaddis1]

When are you going to the track? They have races on Saturday (not sure if there's one this weekend or not...).

I could meet up with you Sun. afternoon if you're interested....around 3:00ish?

[kommando]

Yes I think I could make that, but be warned Im a noob. But I did enjoy some BMX when I was younger (much younger), nothing hardcore though.

This would be my first time on a mountain bike though. Should be interesting.

-Daniel

[dgaddis1]

Cool. I just need to decide which bike to bring now....w/the mountain bike I could get a lap in at the canal trail....but w/the BMX I don't have to worry about trashing my mountain bike...hmmm....probably bring the BMX. Check your PM's, I sent you my cell number, so if plans change give me a call and let me know.

See ya at 3.

-Dustin