Anderson Park Trail Work

[centralRH]

I didn't see a map at the first parking spot on the left as you come in. I wasn't necessarily looking for one either though, so if I missed it, my bad. I didn't see the green and red like you mentioned, I just saw one where there were two red pointing left and right, which I thought was weird. Thanks for the hard work. I really like some parts of the red trail, but my wife and I love the green one.

Out of curiosity, has anyone been able to ride all the way up the steep left hand part of the green trail right against the river? I cannot make it more than about a quarter of the way.

I believe you are not starting in the right part of the green loop. I know exactly where you are. You are starting directly off the corner of the road, correct? There used to be a sign there stating NO BIKES, but it was stolen. This trail will take you to the steep uphill you speak of. Unfortunately this area is off limits to bikes. The actually green loop will take you near the river, but not that close. You should be starting the green loop directly across from the parking near the kiosk. There is a sign with a green arrow and it says "Mountain bike trail." Please do not continue to ride the trail off the corner (I promise to get a new sign up), as this area is off limit to bikes.

Sorry about the confusion, we will work on the signs.

Tough to see, but the little yellow lines are two-way trails to access the red loop and the road. The green loop trail starts east of the corner. You can also see the "outer red loop" that Jon was talking about.

[TenSpeed]

Close. If you start from the first parking lot, and ride the beginning part of the red trail, there is a green arrow. If you follow that, you cross the road, and head down the road a little, and it sort of is just there. That isn't the right part to ride?

I don't want to ride the wrong parts. Sorry about that.

[centralRH]

Is there is a small log across where you believe you are entering the green loop from the road? There used to be a large tree blocking this trail, but someone removed it. Anyway, keep going about 100 feet and you will see the sign that says "Mountain Bike Trail" with the green arrow. It will start with a tricky little off camber move right next to cement posts.

Again I apoligize for the confusion. The section you were riding is fun. The downhill is great and that climb is doable but very difficult. I used to ride that before I knew the area was off limits. A new NO BIKES sign will go up within the week.

[TenSpeed]

I think I know exactly where you talking about off the road. I remember seeing the cement post. I am sorry for all of the confusion. Thanks for the clarification on where we are supposed to ride.

[centralRH]

Weekly trail work will start up again next week on Thursday, May 6th. Meet at the first pull off (you will see my black Silverado) to work on the blue loop. I will be there around 4:30, but I understand many can not make it this early. If you can't make it until later, walk down the two-track and you should find me/us working nearby. A good turnout and we could have this section complete in an evening.

After that is complete, we will be bridging the pinch point in the wetland on the north end and getting onto the high point. Think steep, tight, technical switchbacks (albeit sustainable) up to the top with a rewarding downhill.

See you tomorrow!

[centralRH]

Thanks for the good work last night.

Please start riding the first section of the blue loop to start breaking it in. It starts about 75 yards down the emergency two-track by the red loop trailhead. We tweaked some of the corners and completed some benching (a little more needs to be done) to make it ride better. The downhill by the river now has two options that will take you to the same spot at the bottom of the hill. The right option is flowier with big sweeping curves and the left is straighter but likely faster. Soon after the downhill you will tie into the red loop. For now just complete your ride on the red loop. The last section of the blue loop is all cut in (thanks Bill), but it needs some work with the line trimmer and some clearing to be rideable.

Other notes, please report to me or the Eaton County Sheriff if you see any suspicious activity. Signs and flagging have gone missing lately and there has been some ORV use of the old two-tracks. DO NOT report just anyone though...there are a lot of mushroom hunters out right now.

[TenSpeed]

Spotted mushroom hunters when we were out there. They should pay attention to where they are in relation to the trails. I know they have the right of way, but still, be aware of your surroundings, and who is coming down the trail.

[centralRH]

NO TRAIL WORK TONIGHT.

[jonw9]

Why not?

[centralRH]

I few face slappers were beginning to move into the trail last time I was out. Following these rains I assuming that some trimming will be needed.

For next Thursday, I will plan to have the line trimmer at the park and we will work on trimming up the last section of the blue loop, plus clear any face slappers on the red loop.

There is some minor ground work (nics and drainage dips) to be done on the green loop to improve drainage and some technical features that need to be built, plus one that needs to be restored. We will hold off on these projects for another day. What do you all think about a weekend Technical Trail Feature day? A day just to scope out new technical lines and add features.

[reidabel]

I noticed something above about reporting suspicious activity. Does this count? I saw a condom on the ground at the second (green trailhead) parking lot on Thursday. If not suspicious activity, it certainly is unsavory ... in retrospect, I should have used a stick to pick it up and put it in the garbage can, but I couldn't bring myself to go near it! Ick ...

[jacked]

Take a look at both parking lots, there are plenty to go around.

[jonw9]

Take a look at both parking lots, there are plenty to go around.

You do know that bicycle safety requires protection on the head with ears, right?

[centralRH]

I few face slappers were beginning to move into the trail last time I was out. Following these rains I assuming that some trimming will be needed.

For next Thursday, I will plan to have the line trimmer at the park and we will work on trimming up the last section of the blue loop, plus clear any face slappers on the red loop.

There is some minor ground work (nics and drainage dips) to be done on the green loop to improve drainage and some technical features that need to be built, plus one that needs to be restored. We will hold off on these projects for another day. What do you all think about a weekend Technical Trail Feature day? A day just to scope out new technical lines and add features.

NO TRAIL WORK AGAIN THIS WEEK.

Sorry everyone, but I am short a vehicle right now and work is getting in the way. Looking ahead, I will not be able to do the above work for about a month. Please PM me if you would like to help get this completed and I will find a way to get you the tools.

[benl]

Brad,

I rode the green and red loops for the first time this summer last week, and they're riding nicely - not too muddy, at least before all the rain this weekend. The red loop is wearing in well too.

There were a few downed 6"+ trees though - high enough that it was difficult to even get over them on foot. After this weekend there is the possibility that more have been knocked down as well. It would be prudent to cut them ASAP - I would be willing to do it if no one else can make it out the the trail soon. I can borrow a chainsaw from my dad or use a hand saw, it doesn't really matter - I'll use whatever is deemed appropriate.

I'd love to help out as soon as you're able to work again - I've been busy this summer up until now. Until then I guess I'll give a hand at the Burchfield trail days.

-Ben Lindstrom