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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 21, 2010 9:33:05 GMT -5
Just wanted to say thank you to all the people who built the new extension. The bridges, rock gardens, obstacles, and everything else about the trail are just great.
It wore me out but was still a lot of fun.
Good job guys!
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Post by azdrawdy on Jun 21, 2010 16:24:50 GMT -5
Agree! It adds a new dimension to Bartram. Love the pavilion, knowing that the stout bridges are right after. Absolutely cannot believe that a ride-around is being made around the cracked rock. WTH?  MD |
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Post by brianW on Jun 21, 2010 17:38:57 GMT -5
I believe the "ride around" was done by the trail builder. I recall seeing a pic from Dale of that spot with a comment of two possible lines.
edit: looked for the pic. was no longer available but here is the quote: "Here you will have a choice of going over or around this small boulder."
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Post by seenvic on Jun 21, 2010 18:47:36 GMT -5
This trail is a great example of good things come to those who wait.
ACOE staff(Pepper) had alot to do with getting this done. And the advocacy work Dale Parrott has done is what got the local ACOE staff interested in trails back around the turn of the century. The first big push was the original Bartram Trail built in 2003, I think. This new section of trail was supposed to be funded and built right after the first section, but the DOD $$$ was pulled from stuff like trails, or that is what I was told. It sat on the back burner for years.
It was funded by the stimulus $$$ in 2009 and built by Benchmark Trails.
Best part is the elevated rock line that is about 20 feet long or so. Just great work. I'd agree that it is a great addition to our trail network and makes a key connection between Keg Creek and the Old Bartram Trail.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Jun 21, 2010 19:54:40 GMT -5
If I can ride that boulder on a rigid bike, at speed, everyone should be able to ride it.
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Post by dparrott on Jun 21, 2010 20:33:05 GMT -5
Brian is correct - the rock ride-over in the Big Branch area has an alternative line that was intentionally put in by Benchmark Trails, the builder.
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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 22, 2010 6:45:42 GMT -5
The boulder ride was my favorite!!!!!!! Those and the rock creek crossings. The technical things the trail throws at you just flows nicely with everything. I did not have to stop and walk anything and I am just getting into riding again. It took me a lot longer to ride it than I wanted, but that will come with strength building.
That one log obstacle is really nice too, nice addition. The trail was just put together very well and I am thoroughly impressed.
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Post by neal1975 on Jun 27, 2010 15:21:14 GMT -5
I realize this wont be popular , but . . .
I dont like the new section AT ALL. I rode about half of it today, and its just flat out terrible with a few exceptions here and there (the bridges are cool, and the long rock section is really cool)
The surface of the trail is terrible - its like riding over miles and miles of small potholes. It is so bumpy that i just gave up on trying to enjoy the ride. The hard pack surface is really uneven and makes for a slow, laborious ride. I realize that the trail is still brand new and may need lots and lots of riding before it smooths out. Im jsut telling you how it is NOW. Its bumpy as hell.
Alot of the jumps and rollers are really unnatural. They are way too close together in many spots, sometimes there are 3 within 10-20 feet of each other, WTF? There is one section where you go down into a huge ditch and there is a small roller down at the very bottom !? LOL Who in the hell though that would be a good idea- ?
It just doesnt flow well. The shape and contours and lines, the jump placements, the descents and climbs all just seem really unnatural and too man-made. It doesnt "feel right" , it feels artificial.
Whatever, just my opinion-
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Post by nitro on Jun 27, 2010 16:19:23 GMT -5
While there could be legitimate debate about some of the jump placements and flow, but to call the trail too bumpy is flat out ridiculous.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Jun 27, 2010 19:41:47 GMT -5
You have much to learn you Jedi.
Trail surface - that's the way a new trail is. Big rock and tower were exactly te same way when first built. With age and use, it'll get smoother and faster. In it's current state, the faster you go, the better it is. Besides, this is mtn biking. If you want smmooooooth surfaces to ride, go to the greenway.
Several people have said they don't like the flow of the trail...I guess that's all personal opinion, but I like it. It keeps you on your toes, and if ridden correctly it doesn't slow you down at all.
Bill V. has said it before, FATS has skewed peoples idea of what mountain biking is. FATS is but one of many flavors.
And all the flavors are good.
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Post by ehscott on Jun 27, 2010 20:00:07 GMT -5
I agree with Dustin. New Bartram is a different flavor from FATS, and I think a different flavor than Bartram from Petersburg to West Dam. I can't get up the speed on the new part that I can on the old part, although some of that is that I know the old part like the back of my hand from riding it so much and I am not as familiar with the new Bartram (yet). New Bartram is much more of a cardio workout than Old Bartram.
All the flavors are good, even if some of them are an acquired taste.
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Post by brianW on Jun 28, 2010 6:24:58 GMT -5
and I thought the extension was forming a nice line getting smoother....... I still don't have it memorized like the trails at FATS, the old section and Keg but over time those features won't come up and bite me. Many flavors and I enjoy them all, really depends what I am in the mood for.
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Post by seenvic on Jun 28, 2010 7:58:08 GMT -5
I like the new Bartram but think the flow could be better. My comment was the flow wasn't great or terrible. I've only been on it twice and think from WW to P'burg is better than P'burg to WW.
I like Neil coming on here and telling us what he thinks even though he realizes it may not be agreed to by many. Beats lurkers all day long.
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Post by ted on Jun 28, 2010 10:09:14 GMT -5
I realize this wont be popular , but . . . I gave you your Karma back. I think it was a bit harsh to smite you for expressing your opinion even if it did sound a bit whiney.  ;D. |
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Post by ted on Jun 28, 2010 14:12:37 GMT -5
And whoever smited me within the past two hours of of negating Neil's smite that was given to him....suck it.  |
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Post by azdrawdy on Jun 28, 2010 16:11:30 GMT -5
New Bartram is its own unique trail. When I ride it, it reminds me of my old motocross days. There are sooooo many whoops. Stay centered on the bike, and crouch low to let the bike flow beneath you.
You will not see the flow and constant 12-14mph of the old Bartram. You won't see the 25mph sections of FATS (or the 4mph areas I see on Tower).
It is unique, and we all benefit from the unique trails we have here in the CSRA. Pick your flavor, then go ride. Within an hour's drive, pick your poison.
We are so fortunate.
MD
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Post by Angela on Jun 28, 2010 20:24:39 GMT -5
I can understand why a few folks might not enjoy the new section of the Bartram Lake Trail so much because to be honest the first time I rode it I thought many of the humps seemed a bit unnatural but I still enjoyed the diversity of having a new trail to ride so persisted and went back. I have found that each time I go back I notice the humps less and less as I adjust to riding them. There are a few challenges that you have to work a bit - whoops spaced quickly together, etc but each time just gets better and better. In addition not sure if it was by design or just having to be more careful with the money left to build the trail but I think most will agree that the somewhat random humps really do seem to diminish greatly about halfway through the ride. That second half of the trail to wildwood with the creek crossings, big dips, etc gives a little extra fun. Then the downhill back from Wildwood is a total blast! I like the fact that there are some cool features along this trail that we don't have in other places. I also like the fact that although there is minimal climbing you are getting a great workout because you are peddling the entire time. The lake views are amazing along this side as well. Face it folks - with about 150 miles of singletrack trail in the area there is something for about everyone here. It is fine that some folks like one kind of trail and others like other kinds of trail. We don't all have to love all 150 miles of trail! It's all good!  |
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Post by bikerpanda on Jun 29, 2010 7:25:16 GMT -5
my only question is, what is considered too bumpy? I have a hardtail and I thought New Bartrams was pretty smooth, especially compared to Keg. I guess Im just confused on 'too bumpy' but I appreciate his input like everyone else. He knew it wasnt going to be popular and he posted anyway. +1 bro.
My only gripe with bartrams was that one or two of the whoop dee dos seemed to be so narrow going down and then back up that it was almost a 'V', if that makes sense. Those seemed a little harsh.
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Post by ted on Jun 29, 2010 9:46:34 GMT -5
My only gripe with bartrams was that one or two of the whoop dee dos seemed to be so narrow going down and then back up that it was almost a 'V', if that makes sense. You need to get up some speed and manual them whoops. I found the below on the net. Looks like the short bus group ride. Step 1 Prep. Make sure the bike fits you well before trying this. too big, good luck getting the wheel off the ground. too small, you go over backwards. Step 2 starting  OK, have your feet in a neutral position, have your strong foot in front. Stand in the way you would coast, standing partly over the handle bars. Step 3 Doing it!  so after you are in neutral position, lean forward violently, then pull back on your handle bars. use your brakes to slow or speed yourself up. Remember: Manuals are NOT wheelies. wheelies use pedaling to move, manuals use momentum. you can also cheat by pedaling yourself up to manual position, but leaning is easier. Step 4 the manual  after you have fallen a few times you should have it down. Yee-Hah! Plenty of other links available. Neil, What tire pressure do you run? Anything above 40psi is way overkill and will rattle your fillings loose. |
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Post by neal1975 on Jun 29, 2010 9:57:59 GMT -5
why did i have to be smited because of my post? I realize it was more of a criticism, but i posted my criticism because i was confused why everyone loves it so much. I guess i wondered if i was just on crack that day, or was being too whiney, or what-
Also, alot of people have been telling me that im spoiled by fats. Lets face it FATS is a flat out awesome trail, it is smooth, and flowly and just huge fun - so when you go on another trail it just doesnt hold up next to fats i guess. We are all very lucky to have such an awesome trail system so close by to our city.
I still do commend the new bartram builders for building the new trail, i do realize that takes a tremendous amount of work so i acknowledge that. Maybe the trail just needs a few years to mature and smooth out a bit. Maybe all trails need a "break in" period so the tread will settle in and get nice and rideable.
The old bartram section is like riding on carpet compared to the new section, but it is years old.
amirite?
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