Western: Ionia

[EASYSTEEZ]

It might be a blessing in disguise. The bridge needed some work anyway, and this might light a fire under the DNR's butt...as soon as the water recedes. In the meantime, I accessed the East loop via the rail trail and shoots that George cut last year. Ride the East loop then catch the rail trail to the boat launch road and catch the West loop there...no problem!

[gtrowbridge]

It might be a blessing in disguise. The bridge needed some work anyway, and this might light a fire under the DNR's butt...as soon as the water recedes. In the meantime, I accessed the East loop via the rail trail and shoots that George cut last year. Ride the East loop then catch the rail trail to the boat launch road and catch the West loop there...no problem!

Oh no argument there. It was just a matter of time.
Unfortunately the DNR has so much red tape to get through to get a new bridge (case in point their 5 year now missing hiking bridge) that they aren't looking forward to moving forward themselves on this bridge.
The good thing is that they are willing to let the MMBA help out. So we can be more involved with what works (and what will last) for our trail users. Plus the nice thing is the DNR is always willing to give money away to folks that can help them out on the parks and rec areas.

[gtrowbridge]

Good news. Water holes off the backside of the parking lot are gone. Replaced with mud but not too deep. Rode through it easily.
There are 3 mud holes that are quit wet on the west loop after the switchback and before the shortcut. Worse than last year I think. Very greasy so keep yor speed up to plow through. No good way around. I'll get some log bridges made up for those.

On the east loop all the water is gone and almost all the mud. The trail rides really nice. Some of the bridges that were covering a low are got washed out so just go through the grass there. Little water or mud so you won't loose much time. We'll get those back into place with some repairs as well.

The big bridge over sessions creek is of course still out so continue to use the railtrail to connect the two loops. We'll be making some improvements there too so to help carry more speed when entering and exiting.

The DNR has checked out the bridge and we are all working on ideas for a permanent fix. In the meantime we are looking at clearing some brush on either end of where it currently sits and adding some ramps. Actually it might end up being a pretty cool obstacle.

Other than this stuff Ionia is riding like always...roots, rocks, and raggedy.


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