Poto: Rolling Hills Park

[ChrisInYpsi]

Yep, that was me. Must have just missed each other. I was the only bike on the trail as far as I could tell. Was surprised since its such a nice day.

[michael48197]

Yes, Steve, the next section will take a hard L and hug the fence line for about 100 yards going W from the "Y" on the paved path where the new finishing section starts, then meander over some mounds and through some meadows and hit the service road near the back gate along Munger Road on the W side of RHP. This first section of the trail expansion is probably 400-500 yards long. Once we reach the service road, we can open this section as riders will be able to ride back to the paved path on the service road. The remainder of the trail expansion is another 3/4 mile with no access to or from it. So, we won't be able to open it up until the whole thing is completed later this summer.

As for marks in the crater, it's been a problem for a while now. We keep putting debris around the area, but they - likely some kids - keep moving it. RHP staff have been notified to keep an eye out for 'bandit' riders. It's likely that I'll arrange some more substantive obstacles that will - hopefully - discourage bandit riding.

It's likely that I'll organize a trail day next Saturday 4/28 to strart work on the next section. I'll post a confirmation here and in Volunteers Needed once I'm sure I will be available. Keep the date open to help out!!

[michael48197]

There will be a trail work day at Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti Township this Saturday April 28th from 9 AM to 1 PM.

We will start the next section headed W towards Munger Road as the first part of the planned trail extension of ~1.2 miles in the NW section of the park. This first section should be about 400-500 yards long and will end up on the service road next to the back gate of RHP along Munger. So, when we reach this point, the section will be open for riding. I doubt that we can accomplish that much work in one trail day, but with a big crowd it's possible.

Plan to meet at the trailhead parking lot by 9 AM. Please bring lopers, pruners, hand saws and elbow grease. Please also confirm your attendence so I can plan the work day. If enough people confirm in advance, I'll arrange for some lunch and drinks. Wear long pants, long sleeves and bring something to drink and some bug juice just in case they are out already this year.

See you Saturday. Look for my car in the parking lot with the MMBA sign. The weather forecast at this point is for cool temperatures in the 40-50's and slight chance of rain. But watch this forum or the Poto Yahoo!Group mailing list in case of a weather cancellation.

[michael48197]

The weather was cool and the rain held off for a few hours. That allow a crew of six of us - Bob, Patrick, Norm, Nathan, Dale and I - to get a good start on the next section. We cut in about 200 yards through some fairly dense under brush along the fence line heading west from the paved path at the NW corner of the current trail. So, we got about 30% of the section done in one day. We should make faster progress on the next trail day as there should be less undergrowth.

Look for an announcement for the next trail day later this week. It will probably be Saturday May 12.

[BikeHewensCreek]

Stumps pulled from the new section yesterday. That stump puller is awesome!



BikeHewensCreek@gmail.com
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[ChrisInYpsi]

Trail was in great shape today. Did 2 loops plus spun over to Hewens & back for a loop there. I should have practiced on a trainer or something over the winter - I'm whipped.....

[dnale]

What's everyone getting for mileage on a loop with the new sections? I'm somewhere around 4 miles.

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[michael48197]

Not counting the unfinished new section which is heading west to Munger Rd., I measure 3.2 miles on my bike computer. I think that's pretty accurate as I get the same numbers on road sections in my car. If you add the Bemis Road connector in and out of RHP, then you are adding another 0.5 miles for a total of 3.7 miles. Once the next section is complete, there will be another 0.5-0.7 miles out the single track and back on the service road. Hopefully, we'll get that done by late May or early June.

[dnale]

That sounds pretty close when I figure in parking at HC. Alot of car traffic on Bemis today and they were flying. Nothing like being on the bike and lost in a cloud of dust. Certainly a little unnerving.

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[Mikeyb64]

Just did a couple laps. This is the best the trail has been all year. Great job Michael and Crew. Almost hit a turkey on the new section.

[john_galt]

Did "slapper patrol" for an hour. I did a loop after and noticed I missed a few which I'll get this weekend. As Mikeyb64 stated, the trail is in great shape. It will, however, need to be cut back in some sections soon. Michael, I can do this in the next couple weeks and will get a hold of you when I get an idea of when.

Dale

[jeepskate]

trail was great last night, tight and fast. The bemis road connector is very over grown, and many parts of the trail are infested with those tall white flower things. Cant think of what they are called, but i know they are invasive junk plants. Took my brother out there for the first time, he enjoyed it alot. Thanks again to everyone that works on this trail.

[michael48197]

To "JeepSkate":
I'll aim to get out next weekend to mow the Bemis Connector. It's in full sun and grows maniacally fast. The tall white and purple flowers are wild geraniums...which smell great and look amazing on a ride.

To "john_galt":
Thanks for taking care of the face slappers.

I've been busy with work and family commitments lately so I'm behind in maintenance of the trail and haven't had time to keep working on the NW extension...probably next weekend. I appreciate any help that the MTB community can give on maintenance so I can concentrate on the trail extension. If anyone needs tools, let me know and we'll get some out to you.

I'm planning to meet with Steve Wyatt - RHP Supervisor - and some disc golf people on Sunday to discuss the finalization of NW trail expansion and how it will intermingle with the planned disc golf holes.

[michael48197]

On Sunday 5/20 from 1 to 3 PM, there will be a Grand Opening ceremony at Rolling Hills Park for the park expansion with new road, new paved paths and soccer fields. I've been asked to lead a MTB ride on our trail and put together a stand/display for the MMBA. I'm hoping to get a canopy tent from the Poto Chapter. If anyone is available tomorrow to come out and help me at RHP, I'd appreciate it.

[parttime]

Bemis connector is mowed. I've been wanting to get my mower out there for a while, and it did not disappoint. It took a couple passes but it looks pretty good now. Had to stop at the log pile, as the mower could not get over, I did not want to blaze new trail to the double track, and I had to get back to the house.

I think the flowers that jeepskate is referring to are garlic mustard overtaking a few portions along the trail.