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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 10, 2013 7:45:18 GMT -5
"Poaching"? Really? On OUR own land? Don't use the parking areas. Just park on the side of the road somewhere like the hunters do. The land is not closed just the "Facilities". I think SC Department of Natural Resources handles the law enforcement. At least I've never seen a USFS law officer around here. I might use the trails to do some "wildlife viewing" there tomorrow. ;-) Uninformed and bad advice. YMMV.
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 10, 2013 8:02:39 GMT -5
"Poaching"? Really? On OUR own land? Don't use the parking areas. Just park on the side of the road somewhere like the hunters do. The land is not closed just the "Facilities". I think SC Department of Natural Resources handles the law enforcement. At least I've never seen a USFS law officer around here. I might use the trails to do some "wildlife viewing" there tomorrow. ;-) Is hunting still allowed at FATS??? Good question. I don't know the answer, but would be hesitant to equate hunting with trail riding. I can tell you that not all USFS personnel are on furlough, USFS law enforcement is not on furlough, and enough cars were parked at FATS last weekend that it is no secret people are not respecting the official closure. If you can't afford the possibility of a ticket or don't have the time to fight one in court, I'd ride somewhere else.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Oct 10, 2013 8:15:39 GMT -5
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Post by nitro on Oct 10, 2013 8:45:34 GMT -5
Is hunting still allowed at FATS??? Good question. I don't know the answer, but would be hesitant to equate hunting with trail riding. I am just wondering if a a group of hunters could show up at FATS, walk the trails, and that's cool. But, if a trail runner shows up, they get a ticket. If everyone is banned, that is at least (kind of) fair.
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 10, 2013 10:08:21 GMT -5
Good question. I don't know the answer, but would be hesitant to equate hunting with trail riding. I am just wondering if a a group of hunters could show up at FATS, walk the trails, and that's cool. But, if a trail runner shows up, they get a ticket. If everyone is banned, that is at least (kind of) fair. I understand, but fair or not, it is the USFS that makes the rules and their rangers and law enforcement officers that make the call. SORBAcsra is just the messenger trying to maintain a good working relationship with the Federal Agency that manages the land we use (and, as pointed out several times, collectively own).
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Post by brando on Oct 10, 2013 16:17:01 GMT -5
I think only one person cares if you go ride FATS or Horne creek and its not anybody that works for the USFS or has any other type of authority.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Oct 10, 2013 16:51:40 GMT -5
I think only one person cares if you go ride FATS or Horne creek and its not anybody that works for the USFS or has any other type of authority. Santa Clause?
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Post by brando on Oct 10, 2013 21:03:55 GMT -5
Yep! You guessed it!
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Post by dparrott on Oct 10, 2013 21:35:47 GMT -5
Up this way in Western NC, tickets have been handed out at Jack Rabbit Mtn and Tsali, both federal facilities.
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 14, 2013 11:21:48 GMT -5
FYI: Check out this recent post and comment on the FATS Trail Runner FB page - goo.gl/GQ4Y6zEdit: Saw that the south parking lot entrance has been taped off with yellow caution tape. As far as I know, SORBAcsra did not tape off the south parking lot. May have been USFS ranger or law enforcement.
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Post by brando on Oct 15, 2013 14:40:34 GMT -5
The caution tape at the south parking lot is down. Musta been the wind...
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 18, 2013 8:39:09 GMT -5
FATS is officially open.
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 24, 2013 8:09:16 GMT -5
We received a cryptic email this morning from the USFS saying that the north trails (Big Rock and Tower) and north parking lot will be closed today.
The south parking lot and south loops (Deep Step, Great Wall, Skinny and Brown Wave) will remain open.
The ranger promised more information about this closure of the north end and we will post when we know more details.
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 24, 2013 8:24:00 GMT -5
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 24, 2013 8:38:13 GMT -5
The north end of FATS is closed because of the 80 acre brush fire along FS661 yesterday. Update from the USFS ranger: "FS Road 661 will be temporarily closed. The fire crew is going along burned portions of the trail to identify hazard trees..." Please stay off of FS661, Big Rock, and Tower until we receive more information from the USFS and their fire crews. The south parking lot and south trails remain open. Thank you for your support.
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Oct 28, 2013 14:19:31 GMT -5
We just received word from the USFS that the northern trails and parking lot are open.
Be aware that there is some damage to the east side of Big Rock - near the cedar bridge (ccw).
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Post by brianW on Oct 30, 2013 18:18:07 GMT -5
Going from the north lot ccw (BR), bottom of the first hill (before you start climbing) there is tape blocking off a fire break that was created. Also just before the cedar bridge the bulldozer ran about 50-75 ft along the trail making a fire break. That section was the only part of BR that had damage and believe with time/wheels this section will be fine. It does have some loose sand and a few small roots/bumps in that small stretch. looked like some fresh tire marks on it. I was trail running. There were some hot spots still present with a few stumps still with flames. (10/30)
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Post by Angela on Nov 1, 2013 22:42:39 GMT -5
The front that rolled through probably dropped about an inch of rain on these trails. Please wait about 24 hours before riding at FATS.
Come out to check the demo bikes at the Bikefest tomorrow morning (Specialized, Niner. and Giant) and save FATS for Sunday (no hunting on the land around FATS on Sundays).
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Post by dgaddis1 on Nov 4, 2013 8:43:25 GMT -5
Did a Tour de FATS yesterday, had a good ride. It was beautiful out there with the leaves changing color. Only one moist spot in all 37 miles. I need to get out there more. The top 3 loops seem to have gotten a good bit rougher since the spring.
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Post by dsquaredmsquared on Nov 26, 2013 14:52:19 GMT -5
FYI: The USFS told us that they are watching this weather system closely and, if it stalls over the area, will consider an official closure for FATS. We'll keep you updated as the USFS shares information with us. Regardless, FATS will be wet, so think about other places to ride (i.e., Keg, Mistletoe, Modoc, etc.) and plan accordingly.
Thank you and have a safe Turkey Day.
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