|
Post by kconner on Apr 24, 2011 15:47:11 GMT -5
Thanks for the updates! I was in the process of making my own tracks of each trail as I ride them (so that I can have them in the Google Maps app on my phone) but this really sped up the process ;D
Question about the Modoc trail....the topo map shows the trail dead ending at a property line, but the orange gps track shows it passing through an area that appears to be recently logged that is past the dead end. Does the orange track pass through private property?
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 23, 2011 13:18:13 GMT -5
Caught this guy out sunning himself on a tree stump. he didnt move an inch- why should he move? you can't see him anyways, he's camouflaged ;D
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 20, 2011 20:22:28 GMT -5
I know one of the forestry guys at SRS, they have machines that they use on airplanes, helicopters, ATVs, trucks, and they even have hand-held ones. The ball I found was punctured, but for some reason didn't ignite....I would think that for some reason the chemical never made it into the ball. We do quite a bit with wildland fires at work, it would be awesome to get a job on a crew that does prescribed burns
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 20, 2011 20:17:28 GMT -5
looking into getting a light of some sort in July for my birthday and get into doing some summer time night rides to take advantage of the cooler temps....but until then, I'm stuck to daytime riding
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 20, 2011 17:05:00 GMT -5
Rode Skinny, Brown Wave and Great Wall today. This was my first time riding a trail soon after being burned, and it was different from what I thought it would be like. I thought it would reek of burnt pine straw and leaves, which doesn't bother me as much as it does most people, but, with the exception of a few spots, you smell something akin to those pine air fresheners you can buy for your car or in candle form....very nice surprise! I also thought it was cool how the singletrack stood out from the rest of the environment, like a brown ribbon through a sea of black. It seemed that a lot of the technical features stood out better...I've ridden past Shrimper's Rock several times, but today I was able to see it and ride it without having to backtrack The lack of undergrowth also opened the trail up and allows riders to see further up the trail and around turns/bends in the trail. I was also didn't realize how close parts of the trail come to each other in some spots. The only downsides I found were: Snags-I spotted 2 trees on Brown Wave, just past the river traveling CCW, that probably need to be felled as they are right next to and leaning over the trail. The first is a dead hardwood about a foot off the trail that is leaning towards the trail. The bottom has been burned and I have a feeling it won't stand much longer. The second is a pine that has a pretty heavy burn spot and also looks as if it will drop soon. All other trees appeared to be in good shape. Debris-it's everywhere. Be especially careful if you like to jump whoops, there may be a pile on the far side of the whoop that you may not see until it's too late. I tried to clear as much as possible, but some small limbs may fall for another few days. I would definitely wear a helmet ;D If you wanted to roast marshmallows or hot dogs, you're out of luck. Fire break plowed from the end of FS 662B....may want to scout this for an additional "escape route"...this is wide enough for EMS to get their truck within 30' of Great Wall that would otherwise be a LONG hike with a patient. Passing from the green to the black Found one of the balls they shoot from the 'copter to start the burn Never realized how close some parts of the trail come to each other The forestry guys and gals did a hell of a job....raked around all signs, markers and bridges and caused no damage that I could tell, and they even moved the Rocky's Last Run marker away from the black so it wouldn't get damaged My ride is camouflaged now....good thing I wore a red shirt A ribbon of brown in a sea of black Lots of small trees down....
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 20, 2011 16:31:10 GMT -5
I looked at both the Contour and GoPro and honestly couldn't find that many differences in price and picture quality. I settled on the GoPro mainly because they seemed to have more exposure....I saw more videos made with a GoPro than a Contour (the crew of Deadliest Catch also makes extensive use of GoPro cameras). I also like the selection of accessories with the GoPro. That being said, I bought the "naked" version, which comes with the camera, waterproof and non waterproof case, battery and a selection of cables. I also bought the seatpost mount. Overall, I'm very happy with the product, all though the mount leaves something to be desired. The mount comes with a 3-way articulating arm that I was unable to get to stay in place on the bumps of a trail. Once I removed the arm, I had much better success. I plan on buying the helmet mount soon, but going to the RAM mounts for different angles (as suggested by the biker in Alaska). Very happy with the quality of the video, and I'm in the process of experimenting with the different settings. I use Imovie for video editing with no problems. The only other problem I've seen is when uploading video to YouTube, the quality of the video suffers greatly. I'll probably get an account with another website (vimeo for example) and see if that solves the quality issue. Overall, very pleased with the GoPro.
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 20, 2011 9:44:22 GMT -5
GPS feature = VERY COOL. Over all, what do you think of the Contour? I recently purchased a GoPro, but I'm still playing with the settings and such, but I've been very happy with it overall.
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 18, 2011 17:50:30 GMT -5
Mexican is the best (Monterrey is my mexican of choice) followed closely by BBQ. I spent a few years in high school & college working at Mot's, and it's a great place to stop for quick q.
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 17, 2011 19:16:20 GMT -5
I would think that it will start returning to normal within a couple of weeks, especially with it being spring time. Check out the area around the boat ramp below the dam on the Georgia side, it was burned just a few months ago. When grass catches fire (on the side of the road for example), it typically grows back within 1-2 weeks, especially during the spring and summer with enough water. With the woods around FATS being as healthy as they are, you should see an explosion of growth very soon....
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 15, 2011 16:27:00 GMT -5
This was my first time on Mistletoe, so I just followed the most worn path, especially on the Cliatt Creek Trail, where I didn't notice as many blazes as there were on the Rock Dam Trail, so it's very possible that I missed part of the trail. After looking at the map provided at the office or online at www.gastateparks.org/item/147824 is it possible that your track cut out part of the Cliatt Creek Trail and included the Canyon Loop Trail? One day I plan on going back out and riding all the trails they have listed in the map. That being said, I had a great time on this trail....really enjoyed the rocky off-camber (rode CCW) and the gulley ride. Different feel from the other trails that I have ridden.
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 15, 2011 11:32:06 GMT -5
Rode Cliatt Creek and Rock Dam along with the back entrance from rock dam to the old forest road and my cheapo computer only read about 8 miles. The map at the Mistletoe office says the correct mileage is 10 miles. Any word on the correct mileage? My computer doesn't appear to be malfunctioning....rode New Bartram yesterday and my computer agrees with the posted mile markers to within a few hundredths of a mile.
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 15, 2011 11:12:49 GMT -5
worked for me on a mac. thanks for posting complete tracks....ive been making tracks of trails as i ride them, but this puts me ahead of the game so to speak....
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 13, 2011 21:44:36 GMT -5
Lol, the first part of your story made me think of this commercial:
Always avoid running over the little creatures, you never know what may happen ;D
As for the chair, hopefully it survives the burn....I know it takes away from the natural setting, but it cracks me up thinking that someone hauled it all the way out there....
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 11, 2011 20:52:14 GMT -5
I also went out this morning and this was my first time on this trail. While it could definitely be worse judging by the amount of trees down that were not on the trail, it wasn't the funnest ride I've been on due to dismounting so often. Other than that, I really enjoyed this trail, definitely has its own character! I look forward to possibly helping to clear the trees off this trail and riding again
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 10, 2011 20:33:49 GMT -5
Wow Impressive amount of work done. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. +1!
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 9, 2011 21:19:47 GMT -5
Going to ride Mistletoe on Monday with a buddy of mine (trying to get him to join SORBA ) and was just wondering if anybody knows how Mistletoe held up in the storm? Also, any recommendations on whether to ride CW or CCW?
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 7, 2011 13:43:17 GMT -5
I'm working Saturday, but if anybody is going to cut trees another time, let me know. I don't have a USFS cert, but I can help move cut material By the way, I have access to a chainsaw, what do I have to do to get a certification? And is a cert needed for COE land?
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 7, 2011 13:39:52 GMT -5
Hoping for several ridable trees. Please. We need them. +1. I have 2 large trees down in my yard, thinking about getting the tree removers to leave me a 4' log to make myself a my own tapered log ;D
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Apr 7, 2011 13:37:37 GMT -5
Awesome pictures! I especially like the "action" shots, the two low angle with the front wheel and the "handless" shot
|
|
|
Post by kconner on Mar 24, 2011 22:06:08 GMT -5
Please ride the correct direction on the canal trail, based on the day. Even Days = Counter Clockwise Odd Days = Clockwise I know sometimes people make a mistake and go the wrong way on accident. No worries there. We've all done it. On the other hand, if you bomb down the stairs, then turn onto the trail going the wrong way, and I yell out "hey you're going the wrong way" as you approach me, and then you get 5ft away and look me square in the eye and I tell you again "YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY" and you just ride by without a word, you're an a**. Then, if you continue riding the wrong way past another 10 people, who all tell you AGAIN that you're going the wrong way, and you nearly hit both Becca and John head on at speed, yet you continue riding the wrong way, well, that makes you a dumba**. I don't mind people being stupid, you can't fix it. But it pisses me off when people do stupid stuff that puts others in danger. No excuse for that. Especially when you're told you're going the wrong way 5ft into the loop, when it's super easy to stop and turn around. Don't be that guy. Wow. +1
|
|