MCMBA: Commerce - Hickory Glen

[galaxydean]

Trail is talcum powder dry. The other effect the heat is having is the weeds on the side of the trail are wilting FAST. The trail is opening up like magic. I think by the weekend if we don't get any rain they will be all but gone.

[Gfish29]

Big one down right at the end. It is a 3 trunk-er and it fell about 50 feet or so in from the trail exit. The rest of the trail is clear of trees and in it's usual madness! I had a fun time out there.

[Apps]

Got out tonight and took care of the downed tree at the end of the trail. Thanks to the guys who helped me get my saw in stuck. Enjoy the trail!

Justin

[galaxydean]

Thanks Apps, that was a lot of lumber. I rode last night for the first time. Lots of small debris from the storm and some nasty thorns hanging across the trail. Going out late afternoon to do some trimming and cleaning.

[amadkins]

The trail was pretty firm this morning @ 0630 which surprised me. There was a metric butt-ton of poison ivy out there though - is it okay if people head out there with garden sprayers and roundup? Also, I cleared all the spider webs for everyone this morning too - must have had about 100 wrap around my face.

[galaxydean]

Rode the first lap with loppers. Trimming mostly thorny vines that were hanging in the trail. Also cleaned debris left from the storm. Trimmed back some fallen trees that were encroaching the trail. Forgot to get the one 200 ft from the end of the trail on a sharp right hand turn. Trail is as dry as I've seen it. Never noticed much sand at the Hick before but it's there and it's is loose. Found two groups at different spots going the wrong way. They all had no idea. The good thing is they were all brand new riders, and were very receptive to my directions. They all said they went to the kiosk to start, didn't know which trail to take so they took the trail on the right.

[galaxydean]

I would like to help fixing an area that I believe is becoming dangerous. It aprox. mile 4. Just after the 2nd hairpin left hand climb. it is a fall away slight right hand with a root running across the trail and a rotten log in front of you. Don't have a problem with the root but the erosion is really pushing you into or below the log. Not good either way. Seems to be getting bad just recently. Not sure of the fix but would def help or do it myself on any approved repair.

[galaxydean]

Took care of 2 more low trees last night. 1 was in the first section that had a broken branch pointing at your head just a few inches off the trail. The 2nd one was a low hanger just past the 2nd to the last pavement crossing. I hit it the night before hard. There is one more that needs a chain saw in the 2nd section near Oakley Pk. rd. (I think) You can get past it but it fine but it's pushing you out of the trail.

[Spinwheel]

Low hanger in section by Oakley Park rd and some clean up work needed toward end of the trail. Lots of big sticks too - one made its way into my rear drivetrain / detrailure.. not good.

I'll be doing some maintenance out there in the coming weeks, though my chainsaw is not working again...

If anyone is cleaning up the trail / throwing stick and such off the trail please leave the smaller stuff on the trail as it slows water flow during heavy rain and helps slow the formation of sand / silt / mud. I tend to leave anything smaller than a 2 - 4 inch long x pencil size diameter. Leaves should always be left on the trail. This philosophy may not apply to all trails, but I've found it to be true at Hickory Glen.

Thanks,

[galaxydean]

Sounds good. That's exactly what I've been doing. Only the larger stuff. I don't want it to look the carpet. Never thought about the erosion side. I somehow managed to kick up a larger branch this am with my front wheel and it made a direct hit on my shin. Better than the derailleur. Let me know when you're going out and I'll see if I can make it. Evenings are good.

[galaxydean]

Time for serious face slapper trimming. I will try to devote an evening to trimming this week. other wise the trail is in good shape. I like the sand that has appeared out of nowhere. It has made some of the tight turns a little tougher. Trimmed face slappers tonight. Made it to the first and 2nd pavement crossing.

[galaxydean]

Trimming lap today starting after the bridge to the end. Lots of downed trees and branches from the storm. Cleaned a lot of dead fall and several downed trees. Removed the butt end on the large branch pushing you left of the trail aprox. mile 4. Also trimmed and moved a down tree just enough so you can squeeze past on the right near the end of the trail. Going to need help or chainsaw to finish it. The rain Friday really helped settle the trail, it's in great shape!

[Spinwheel]

Dean, thanks for all your work out there, much appreciated

Trail was busy tonite, saw at least a dozen riders near the kiosk . .

[ibisman]

My first ride out here in 7 or 8 weeks (don't tell my wife) and I got in 1 1/2 good laps before the severe pain kicked in. The trail was really nice. Now the ice packs.

[jwhitey]

Maybe you should stick to the road until the pain stays away. You don't want to set yourself back overdoing it.