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Post by brianW on May 5, 2010 10:57:10 GMT -5
Go up Washington Rd toward the Lake (away from Augusta) at Pollards Corner (4 way stop sign) take a right. About 2-3 miles there will be a road (and sign) for Petersburg campground on the left. Take it. Just before the gate to the campground there is a lot (on the right) for Bartram Trail.
The new section is great. you will have a blast.
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Post by brianW on May 5, 2010 9:49:12 GMT -5
Bartram is a beginner friendly trail but fun for all. No real technical features (some rock structures on the new section) It also has various places to park and ride, West Dam, Lake Springs, Petersburg. The stretch from West Dam to Petersburg I have brought my daughter to ride and they loved it (13,12,8) It is fairly flat withmany fine views of the Lake. Total length is 18 miles one way with one 3 mile loop off of it. However you can make it shorter if need be.
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Post by brianW on May 4, 2010 11:59:05 GMT -5
will this be for the Summit days or will this be a regular thing thru out the year?
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Post by brianW on May 4, 2010 10:58:53 GMT -5
I dislike to say "training" but what type of training should I be doing. Goal is to improve my time last year (around 7:30) I would really like to be sub-7.
Last year my longest rides before the race were only in the 20-25 mile distance. I did feel good 'til I hit the second SAG stop.
Plan to do more distance riding (30-50 mile range) with shorter rides in the mix. The other thing I need to figure out is the hydration/foo thing. I guess I'll work that out more on the longer rides.
long rides routes will be more likely
Bartram/Keg FATS Epic (6 loops) Wine/Turkey/Modoc "options" the last would throw in the roads that seemed to suck the strength out of me last year.
What did you do or will do to prepare for the SMC?
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Post by brianW on May 4, 2010 10:37:38 GMT -5
Also, on the main page, there is usually a monthly "Explore the Trails" ride. Great way to meet fellow riders.
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Post by brianW on May 4, 2010 9:38:35 GMT -5
Saturday there will be rides at various riding abilities lead by local riders at FATS. pretty sure it is every day during the Summit but I could be wrong.
As dgaddis said, ride with others, watch how more experienced, better skilled riders flow down the trail.
@ seenvic that line on GW (over/not around the rock) that you showed us at a work party is a blast.
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Post by brianW on May 3, 2010 17:37:48 GMT -5
No, sounds like you came to were Bartram crosses the road to Lake Springs picnic area(?) There is a small area to park, a outhouse and kiosi across the street and the trial continues in that direction. Bartram is about 18 miles one way and comes out on Washington Rd near Wildwood park.
Besides West Dam, you access the trail at Lake Springs, Peterburg, Washington Rd and i would have to assume Wildwood (do not know were to park for easy trail access though)
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Post by brianW on May 2, 2010 17:16:57 GMT -5
I try to keep the wheels on the ground. On a serious note, when hitting a section that has dips in them I keep my head at the same level, if possible, as if the trail is smooth. At the top of a dip I am more "crunched" up but going down into the dip I "stand up" pushing the bike down. Maybe "pumping" the dips for say. That is the best way I can describe it.
Another thing I still do and encourage others to do is watch other riders and how they ride the trail, pick their lines, etc. I learned a lot, and still am, doing just that.
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Post by brianW on May 2, 2010 14:23:57 GMT -5
I went out with my hand saw to cut the smaller, lower branch to give more clearance. someone beat me to it and removed the whole tree. Thanks you.
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Post by brianW on May 1, 2010 19:05:51 GMT -5
Lake Springs Loop is about 3 miles in length. Coming from the dam Bartram goes to the left and crosses the road (going to Lake Springs) at the top of the hill. There is only one loop. Previously there were two loops but the trail was re-outed last fall to make just one loop.
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Post by brianW on Apr 30, 2010 5:10:12 GMT -5
thanks dale, that is what I thought. Right across from the Wildwood boat ramp the trail passes with 15 feet of a very nice beach. I'm already thinking of riding with my kids to that point, let them swim and than head back.
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Post by brianW on Apr 29, 2010 20:36:06 GMT -5
rode it again this afternoon to the dock/shelter. The finishing touches looked reat. The "rock bridge' on/off ramps were widened but the actual rocky top seemed to be the same. The walk way has the hardware cloth down and there is a smooth trail up/down to it. The few stream crossing alos seemed to hav some rock/brick but into them so they will not become mud holes.
Hats off to Deno and his crew.
on a side note: lots of deer on this stretch. Spooked a few day old fawn that was a few feet off the trail taking a nap. Really cool to see.
One question. The dock/shelter close to the bridge SORBA put in last summer. Is that private property?
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Post by brianW on Apr 27, 2010 4:57:51 GMT -5
yetichic is correct about the lip/dip/jump. Maybe a simple sign saying jump on right side would work. There are a few alternate lines for riders to choose.
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Post by brianW on Apr 26, 2010 18:25:44 GMT -5
the problem is trying to catch her. My wife and i went up trying about a week or so back with no luck.
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Post by brianW on Apr 26, 2010 9:20:38 GMT -5
I personally feel the "rock bridge" width is wide enough. If anything an easy by-pass for folks could be racked in which i am sure it not, one would be done by riders anyway. The ramp up (picture of) is the narrowest if I recall and it widens a little when your on top. The rocks used ar large and somewhat flat. Great feature.
The only wet spot I really noticed (besides small stream crossings) was near the second bridge from Petersburg. Believe it is sepage from the hill not water pooling.
As dgaddis mentioned the board walk might need hardwear cloth. I went over it when it was dry and then when it was wet. a bit slick the second time.
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Post by brianW on Apr 25, 2010 6:17:15 GMT -5
While riding the Bartram section in Wildwood, I noticed that about a mile stretch is a dirt rode used as a horse path. Most of the trails around the CSRA that we ride horses are not allowed and many riders are not experienced with what to do when you come up to a horse.
First off, hikers have the right of way, than horses, than mt bikers. Horses are scared of mt bikers, we are quiet and fast like natural predators of theirs. It is a good idea when you spot them to call up the the equestrian and ask for instructions and than follow them.
In the past I have dismounted and walked past, rode slowly around them etc. Calling for instructions and following them I have never had a negative encounter with equestrians only positive encounters with many saying thank you.
Please share this info with other riders. One negative encounter between equestrian/mt biker is one to many.
-brianW
ps don't complain about those nuggets they leave behind, just bunny hop them. If you don't clear them at least it's a soft landing.
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Post by brianW on Apr 24, 2010 11:48:12 GMT -5
Freedom of Choice comes with individual responsibility.
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Post by brianW on Apr 24, 2010 11:39:40 GMT -5
Rode it this morning........like a kid Christmas morning!
Only problem, after I turned around at Wildwood the sky opened up. Didn't think it was going to rain 'til the afternoon. The rock bridge was sweet!
A big THANK YOU to the COE and the trail builders. Just an awesome ride.
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Post by brianW on Apr 24, 2010 11:32:38 GMT -5
Glad you enjoyed the ride. Bartram (West Dam) trail is a beginner friendly but very fun trail.
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Post by brianW on Apr 23, 2010 9:05:41 GMT -5
I am hoping to ride it tomorrow morning. Need an early start since I have to bring my daughter to karate for 11.
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