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Post by azdrawdy on Sept 25, 2006 9:16:15 GMT -5
Well, what we pretty much all know has now made headlines. Several lost riders on FATS. Check it out on edgefielddaily.com edgefielddaily.com/merriwether092306.htmlNo need to be upset or say much of anything other than the quote in the paper: "the signage sucks." It is a rare day on the trails out there that I don't get a question from a fellow rider that starts with "Is this the way out of here?" or "Well, I am really not sure what trail I rode. I think it was the Great Wall but I really don't know." This is our first real trail "system" here in the CSRA and it has numerous junctions. What we all take for granted due to living here and riding it constantly or being part of the actual building of FATS can't be said for out-of-towners or first timers. The wife and I rode up at DuPont a couple weeks ago. Impressive signage. Very stable, and environmentally friendly posts at every junction, and there's a lot of junctions up there. We need a dozen or so 4x4 posts, some good quality 1x4s, a router and a gallon of paint. I'll volunteer to take care of this problem. We're heading back to DuPont Wednesday if ya'll would like some pictures. Up for discussion? Is something already in the works? Yep, we have those carsonite (?) posts in place, but they aren't much help... Michael |
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Post by mtbazhiker on Sept 25, 2006 9:30:48 GMT -5
To be honest, I don't see how someone can get really lost at FATS. Eventually you will come back to the parking lot. Seems like an overreaction by the person who called for help.
I have gotten lost a couple times at Lynches Woods. But isn't getting lost part of the fun of Mountain Biking???
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Post by seenvic on Sept 25, 2006 9:55:26 GMT -5
That's unfortunate. I'd agree that the signage sucks. There is little to none. We need to fix that.
We have a forest that is primarily a resourse extraction (timber) forest. The roads are not built for transportation as much as they are for getting the timber out. That's why there are so many deadends.
So, if you ever get lost in the Sumter NF, get on a gravel road. Any gravel road. One end is most likely a dead end and the other end is most likely a paved road or another gravel road that leads to a paved road. At FATS, the parking lot is at the top of the hill. Get on any gravel road and ride up the hill.
I'd agree that more signs are needed. It's been on my list for a while.
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Post by yetichick on Sept 25, 2006 9:57:06 GMT -5
While some people may have no problems reading the map at the trailhead, then remembering what the map shows, then figuring out exactly where they are while out riding, others do have difficulty knowing exactly where they are on a new trail system. Two weeks ago we had just started out on the trail when we passed a guy. He asked if he was headed the right way for the parking lot. We told him yes, and he said "Good" with quite the emphasis on that word. He was thankful to have someone reassure him he was headed the right way. We have quite a few junctions, quite a few gravel roads to cross, and a lot of power line crossings. It wouldn't be too difficult to get turned around. Add the fact that it was 8:00 at night and getting dark--I bet the fun went right out the door at that point. So now we had four wheelers and horses on the trail--they were used by the Merriwether Fire Department to locate the missing riders. The Forest Service was contacted, according to the article, so hopefully between the USFS and SORBA/CSRA we can get some signs up on the trails.
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Post by seenvic on Sept 25, 2006 10:20:11 GMT -5
Rule of the trail #6. Plan Ahead.
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
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Post by yetichick on Sept 25, 2006 10:33:52 GMT -5
True--in a perfect world. I have been on trails when I had a mechanical, had tools, but still needed assistance and was thankful when someone else was there to help me. In addition, we have loaned out many a tube, compressed air cartridges, or converted a rider's drive system to single speed due to a failed derauiller to help a rider make it back to the trailhead. The forums are full of stories where people knew what was the right and perfect thing to do, but didn't, just that one time . . .
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Post by JIMMYC on Sept 25, 2006 10:41:46 GMT -5
What did people do before cell phones???
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Post by wooglin on Sept 25, 2006 11:12:02 GMT -5
Wow, that's pretty lame. The were "lost" for all of 2 hours, and in fact found their own way out. I say charge them for the gas and time of the rescue folks (call it a stupid tax if you will) and call it a day.
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Post by seenvic on Sept 25, 2006 12:52:43 GMT -5
Well, what we pretty much all know has now made headlines. Several lost riders on FATS. Check it out on edgefielddaily.com edgefielddaily.com/merriwether092306.htmlNo need to be upset or say much of anything other than the quote in the paper: "the signage sucks." Michael How about a word of personal responsiblity. The map is available here on this site and on SCTrails.net. After giving this some more thought, this is a wake up call. We need to get the signs out there. No doubt. But I am not giving these people a free pass and dismissing their own lack of prepardness for getting lost. Finally, I would think a right wing(nut) site like Edgefielddaily.com to take the angle of personal responsibility. They probably didn't because they could make it look like it is the government's fault these people got lost. The signage isn't the only thing that sucks. These people's sense of direction and sense of personal responsibilty also sucks. Now, we gotta get some signs out there...pronto. |
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rosto67
Gear Masher
rode Bartrsm today from Petetsburg towards the dam until my frame cracked. The trail is good snd dr
Posts: 36
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Post by rosto67 on Sept 25, 2006 15:57:54 GMT -5
They need to take responsibility for their own actions. There are maps and other riders to ask.
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Post by seenvic on Sept 26, 2006 9:21:51 GMT -5
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Post by mnbiker on Sept 26, 2006 19:33:28 GMT -5
I am new to Georgia having moved to Savannah from Minnesota earlier this year. I rode FATS last week for the first time and first I'd like to thank everyone that has worked on this trail system. This is a very well built trail and I hope to make the trip there many more times.
As for the lost riders. Yes the signs could be better, I missed a few turns off the connector trail but quickly found my way. To get completely lost in the day would be tough. It's a hill side and parking is at the top. If you're looking for the parking lot and find yourself going down hill you're going the wrong way. Seems pretty simple to me.
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