Mid-State: Bennett Park

[jonw9]

Ummm, angry much?

My observations only reflected my experience. I have had a number of individuals talk up Bennett Park at various times, including at the MMBA expo. I didn't say it was a bad trail, nor did I say that it was poorly taken care of. If you had carefully read my post, you would have seen that I was impressed with what was out there. I wasn't looking for a three ring circus either, but the only clown that I have run into so far felt the need to make a joke out of the forum.

My observations were for the sake of others who might be debating making a trip to this park to widen their MTB experience. My observations stand, if you ride the Fort, and you like it, don't bother trekking up to Charlotte. Also to add to the body of knowledge about places to ride; if you like the Fort, or you want something a little more challenging than Bennett Park, maybe come to Marshall and ride the Stewart's landing loop.

Your response did "embiggen" the deal for me; I may not ride your precious trail again, as I may hurt your feelings.

Not angry, just trying to provide an alternative view.

For example,in your post you wrote "if you ride the Fort, and you like it, don't bother trekking up to Charlotte" which seems to indicate that a person cannot enjoy both. I do think it is entirely possible to accept both parks for what they are, and enjoy them.

I am sorry you misconstrued my attempt at humor as anger. My offer still stands for you to come out on the next trail day, although it is not my trail. If it was, I will still let you ride it.

Also, "embiggen" is a perfectly cromulent word.

[jacked]

Embiggen and Cromulant? Really the Simpsons? Now there is a circus for you.

Not everyone gets Jon's humor but then not everyone gets mine.

Speaking of Trail Days, your (everyones) opportunity to embiggen Bennett Park is close at hand. April 24 and 25 if needed. Start Time is 9:00 AM, meet at the marque (which is finally finished and in less than two years!!!). More info to come.

David
BP TC

[deuce]

Rode the trail with number2 last night. The trail was in perfect shape. That being said I will weigh in on the above discussion. I too had written off bennett park in the past. I work in battle creek every day and it is easy to throw my bike in the truck and head to the fort for a couple of laps at the end of the day. You cannot compare BP to the fort. Its apples and oranges. What bennett does offer is a nice ride with a really diverse trail system for the amount of land there is to work with there. That's it. It's beginner friendly, and since the last time I have ridden it there have been some signs added that make the trail system easier to follow. If I could make a recommendation though, I would approach the city about woodchipping the walking paths. That would make it easier to tell the two apart. I know that would be a huge task to improve a "trail system" not used by the cyclists but that would really help with navigating the trails. Just my $0.02. I will try to make the next trail day.

[jacked]

Thanks for you input deuce. We actually do a fair amount of work on the multi use trails. I have at least one log on the old river trail on my list of things to clear. Many of the foot paths have been wood chipped over the years, all depending on the volunteer of the moment. Another item on my to do list is mapping the entire park, including all the foot path /multi user paths.
Thanks again,
David

[jacked]

Just a reminder of the Trail Day this Saturday (4/24) and possibly Sunday (4/25) at Bennett Park.

For more information check out my post in the Volunteer Section http://www.mmba.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=96463

Please PM or post up if you can attend.

Thanks,

David
BP TC

[bleve]

I'll be working this weekend during the trail day but I just wanted to add that my wife did a little trail work yesterday. I didn't know she rode out there until this morning when she mentioned that she moved a dead raccoon out of the trail after she nearly ran over it's head.

[jacked]

Tomorrow is the day to EMBIGGEN Bennett Park! See you all out there.

Thanks,

David

[jonw9]

I'll be working this weekend during the trail day but I just wanted to add that my wife did a little trail work yesterday. I didn't know she rode out there until this morning when she mentioned that she moved a dead raccoon out of the trail after she nearly ran over it's head.

Well, so much for lunch tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the day to EMBIGGEN Bennett Park! See you all out there.

Thanks,

David

I don't see what the big deal is!

[jacked]

The trails are looking a little ragged in places with all the trail side growth. Bret has volunteered to run the weed wacker this coming Tuesday, June 22nd. Meet at the marquis at 6:00 pm for those of you who would like to help clean up the trails. Bring weed wackers and whips if you have them. Bring bug dope as well.

Thanks,

David
BP TC

[Brent]

I got about half of the southeastern section knocked down, however there are some spots with serious overgrowth (over my head) that need to be chopped down with a matchete. Then we can keep on and finish cleaning that section.

[jacked]

Thanks Brett!

David

[jacked]

I just got back from riding BP, first time since the poker run. All I can say is Holy Hardwood Jungle! I would guess close to a 1/4 of the hardwoods should now be called Jungle III, with plants growing above my head for most of the overgrown sections. Very interesting riding. The rest of the park as sporadic parts that need trimming, but most is easily ridden. There is a ton of dead fall on the trail through out the park, most of it little stuff that is easily negotiated, but there is just a bunch of it. Time for some clean up. There is one big tree down in the Hardwoods on the last up hill climb to the south, definite chainsaw work. There are a few other downed trees through out the park, but nothing serious. I will be out of town for a few weeks in Austin and will schedule a clean up when I get back. In the mean time, if anyone wants to do a little clean up out there that would be most appreciated. Brett has done a bit in the Jungle (THANKS!) but there is still plenty left.

David

[Brent]

I went through the hardwoods with my weed smakcer and a machette. I think I have all the over growth knocked down and the section should be passable all the way through. Some of the over growth is still laying in the trail due to a vicious wasp attack, but a couple bikes trought it should make short work of it. By the way if anyone wants to do more work I will be more than willing to lend my weedwacker, it has a blade on it that makes short work of the trail, just drop me a line.

[jacked]

Brent thanks for the work!
I rode the trail on Monday and there is still plenty of opportunity for those who love to give back to their trails!

I will be out there tonight, Thursday and probably Sunday afternoon. Tonight (Wednesday, 8/4) and Thursday (8/5) I plan on being out there around 6:30. I will be working in the hardwoods and parking on the south end, just east of the hardwoods entrance. I will have the whip, dr trimmer and chain saw. All are needed.

PM or post up if you can help out.

Thanks,

David
BPTC

[jacked]

Brent I think I found your wasp nest. 6 bites - elbow, pork belly, knee and ankles..... what fun!!!!!

I will be back on Sunday at 1:00 and could really use some help. There are two more sections in the hardwoods that should be named the jungle and need to be whacked down. PM, post up or email me if you can help.

Thanks,

David
BP TC