If a stunt has obstacles placed on top of it ...

[reidabel]

... it should NOT be ridden. That said, if you take the time to remove the obstacles, check it out properly, and feel that it is safe and you can handle it - be my guest. However, PLEASE PUT THE OBSTACLES BACK ON TOP OF IT WHEN YOU ARE DONE! There's a reason it was blocked off, and the next rider coming along won't know about it if you don't put the obstacles back on top.

I left it blocked last night, three large pieces of wood, because the entry ramp wasn't done. Regardless, the stunt could be ridden and there were no nails sticking up or loose pieces, so I don't mind that it was ridden. I rode it several times myself before putting the obstacles up. Just put the stuff back, okay? I don't want anybody getting hurt out there ...

Tonight, I put the entry ramp on and the stunt is completely done now. However, I put the obstacles back on because the fall zones have not been completely cleared. I did remove a bunch of sharp pointy sticks from beside the deck, but it's not completed yet (darkness). Go ahead and ride it if you want, but PLEASE put the obstacles back up.

Also, thanks to the guys in the pre-race group ride tonight for helping move the heavy logs into position.

[AllMountin']

Duly noted.

And also... OUCH! My neck. My back. My...

Not really though. I'm liking the start. Liking the ideas for the alternate lines even more.

Nice work on the construction. Very professional.

[TenSpeed]

What stunt, and where?

[reidabel]

I'll put an announcement in a separate thread when the entry trail has been opened, but it's at Burchfield, about 125 yards into the Remember Me trail. There is a never-before-used 150-yard trail that will be opened up to lead through the woods and to the stunt - it branches off of the beginner trail and will take you to the stunt. After going over the stunt you will join Remember Me.

For an idea of where it's at, if people don't recognize the name "Remember Me", I've been posting pictures (no commentary yet) on my web site:

http://www.reidabel.com/Mountain%20Biki ... %20Me.html

The first stunt line is closed (fall zones not cleared) but done, and this one is intended to be the easy line. I'm hoping that people who are clipped in can ride it without too much danger involved (but still some excitement). At the peak you can actually reach out and brace yourself by hand on the left, for those who are clipped in that need it. I don't ride clipped in so I don't know, but AllMountin' rode it tonight (with permission!) before I even had the entry ramp put on, and I think he found it pretty easy. But I don't think it's trivial, so I will be expecting to hear feedback from clipped-in riders.

[jonw9]

I think if you want a stunt closed, you will have to ensure it stays closed. Setting a log on top of something will most likely not work.

That is about as effective as putting up a "Trail closed" sign on Swamp Thing.

Perhaps a length of chain and a lock or something. "Lock" the stunt when you are done working, before completion. An eye-bolt lagged into a log and then attached to the stunt.

I think setting some wood on top, and posting on the forum is a lot like peeing into the wind. The majority of people that ride out there are not the ones that come to this forum.

[reidabel]

You're probably right. I don't have eye bolts, chains or locks to spare, though. Is this seriously what people do when building stunts?

I put three log chunks on it last night because the fall zones aren't cleared and the entry trail isn't even cleared. So if anybody reading this sees the logs OFF of it, please put them back on. Thanks. (Remember Me trail, 125 yards in)

[c0nsumer]

Why not put a log diagonally across the entrance to the stunt steering people to the bypass, then sprinkle leaves and twigs on the approach? This will make it look solidly closed, but it should be possible to open it once complete with just a bit of raking.

[jonw9]

Why not put a log diagonally across the entrance to the stunt steering people to the bypass, then sprinkle leaves and twigs on the approach? This will make it look solidly closed, but it should be possible to open it once complete with just a bit of raking.

People that go through that route do so specifically for the stunt. The normal (existing) trail would be the bypass, with the new section to the stunt not really even installed yet. As you ride the bypass you can see the stunt and where the two ruoutes merge.

My assumption is people see this, and backtrack to ride the feature.

[c0nsumer]

Why not put a log diagonally across the entrance to the stunt steering people to the bypass, then sprinkle leaves and twigs on the approach? This will make it look solidly closed, but it should be possible to open it once complete with just a bit of raking.

People that go through that route do so specifically for the stunt. The normal (existing) trail would be the bypass, with the new section to the stunt not really even installed yet. As you ride the bypass you can see the stunt and where the two ruoutes merge.

My assumption is people see this, and backtrack to ride the feature.

Ahh, okay. That makes sense. Yeah, that wouldn't do what's needed to keep people off of it then.

[reidabel]

I put three logs on top of it when I left Thursday evening, and was surprised to see them intact when I got there today. Thanks to anybody who rode it and then put them back as suggested.

Bill and I cleared the fall zone on the first line, and Bill built a bench on the approach to create a better approach angle. It rides pretty nicely now. The entry to the new trail section that leads to the stunt has not been cleared yet, but the rest of the trail can be ridden and the first line can be ridden and is open for business. I would appreciate feedback on the difficulty level for clipped-in riders. We met a Matt from Kalamazoo and he rode the trail, but balked at doing the stunt. He was riding clipped in, but looked like a strong experienced rider. I don't think it's that hard, but it may look scary. Which is probably the way it should be!

Work has begun on the second line, a more difficult climb, but a very simple straight up and over that will require building up some speed and maintaining it throughout. I may put a drop or jump on the end of that line because I don't think the inexperienced will consider trying that line when they see it ahead of them. I'm making it wide enough, 24", so that a foot can be put down.

[F7Cannon]

Great job guys, that new stunt and section of new trail is looking really good so far. Don't forget to log all of your trail hours, this will really help the Mid State chapter in the future.

[centralRH]

I put three logs on top of it when I left Thursday evening, and was surprised to see them intact when I got there today. Thanks to anybody who rode it and then put them back as suggested.

Bill and I cleared the fall zone on the first line, and Bill built a bench on the approach to create a better approach angle. It rides pretty nicely now. The entry to the new trail section that leads to the stunt has not been cleared yet, but the rest of the trail can be ridden and the first line can be ridden and is open for business. I would appreciate feedback on the difficulty level for clipped-in riders. We met a Matt from Kalamazoo and he rode the trail, but balked at doing the stunt. He was riding clipped in, but looked like a strong experienced rider. I don't think it's that hard, but it may look scary. Which is probably the way it should be!

Work has begun on the second line, a more difficult climb, but a very simple straight up and over that will require building up some speed and maintaining it throughout. I may put a drop or jump on the end of that line because I don't think the inexperienced will consider trying that line when they see it ahead of them. I'm making it wide enough, 24", so that a foot can be put down.

Don't worry about the riders using clipless pedals (i.e., clipped in). Either they won't ride it, or they will have enough experience to ride it with no worries. Also, most experienced clipless riders have very little trouble getting un-clipped when needed. I have found myself in some very hairy situations and I have always been able to get out of my pedals when needed.

[reidabel]

Thanks, Brad, I'm glad to hear that ...

[irishpitbull]

What trail is this at?

[pfox90]

burchfield