Weekend MTB Rides

[Irulan]

I take it mud riding is not frowned upon in your area because your soils are stable enough to not be damaged?

[Anelia]

The bikes don't damage the soil because the trails are covered with damp leaves. But when cars and trucks tramp on the paths, things get terrible And this is where we get muddy: on the vehicle tracks

[Artista]

I take it mud riding is not frowned upon in your area because your soils are stable enough to not be damaged?

I have no idea whether our soils are stable. What I do know is that tire ruts seem to level out with no permanent damage to the trails after the soil dries out each year. Also, mud riding does not seem to be frowned upon around here.

Maybe I'm missing something. Do you have more info on muddy, unstable, trail soils that you can share?

[Irulan]

It varies hugely from locale to locale on what is acceptable for minimizing trail damage. It really depends on soil type, percentage of clay, how much precipitation you get, how fast it drains and so on. Your local trails group will have information for you. In some areas it's a really big deal, so much as to posted closures. Soils that are high in clay can be some of the worst as they hold ruts for weeks.

In some places, one of the things that happens is that the single track is widened by everyone going around puddles. You get a trail that was 16" wide turning into a much wider path, and not so "single". In other places ruts will hold there shape and deform the trail. Sandy soils drain really fast and is generally not a problem. Like I said, check with your local trails group to see what is recommended for your area.

The city of Boise has a very active trail closure program, for example.
http://www.ridgetorivers.org/etiquette/muddy-trails/

[indysteel]

Our local mtb association maintains a website with color coded current conditions for riding at each of the trail systems, which include green (go ride), yellow (ride with some caution), red (trails are closed, usually due to wet conditions) and blue (trails are closed due to freeze/thaw cycle). Even when there's a yellow, those familiar with the trails now that some drain better than others and that the poorly draining trails should be avoided. We're also instructed to ride through, not around, puddles. Clay soil predominates in Indiana and riding the trails when they're wet causes lasting damage.

[Artista]

Thanks, Irulan and Indy. We do have some of the conditions you describe in the low areas. Fortunately, the terrain pretty much forces everyone to stay on the trails and ruts don't last long after the trails dry out. Besides, riding THROUGH the mud and snow is part of the fun of winter riding. I'll see if I can find some local resources for recommendations.

[Sky King]

Irulan, yes we in Boise tend to frown on anyone who rides, runs or walks on muddy trails. Living in the high desert we have pretty fragile soil, despair greatly over those who widen trails by "hopping off to the side" to avoid mud and puddles. We stick to two track roads, gravel and pave until the trails dry out. I expect to start to see daily posting now reminding people to stay off the trails until the weather warms up.

[Catrin]

This is exactly why I loved it so much! I really like that focus...which is also why I like my GT training group. It requires the sam basic focus.

[Artista]

I totally agree with the total focus on mtb'ing not leaving room for dwelling on anything else. That's also why I don't road bike much anymore - too much time to think about stuff that I need a break from. I think of mtb'ing as a reset button for my brain.

[indysteel]

DH, some friends and I rode about 17 miles today at Versailles State Park in southeastern Indiana. I love riding there. For one, it doesn't get crowded. For another, I can ride all of it, which is nice. It's technical in a lot of spots, but it's not super hilly. Plus, there are some super twisty parts that are a blast. I really want to camp out there next time so that we can get a bit more familiar with the trails. I managed to ride nearly all of a trail that has freaked me out in the past. It's called Cliffside if that tells you anything. I handled the exposure pretty well. No major anxiety attack! The park also has a trail called Creakside that I really live. It's nothing but rocks for about a half mile with some elevation changes. My husband hates it, but I think it's fun!

[tealtreak]

I totally agree with the total focus on mtb'ing not leaving room for dwelling on anything else. That's also why I don't road bike much anymore - too much time to think about stuff that I need a break from. I think of mtb'ing as a reset button for my brain.

10x on that sentiment! Bring on the rocks and roots! Plus, it is something CONTROLLABLE! If I wreck, my bad, if I clean the skinny- yay...kept my focus...... very rejuvenating (; Though there are times that a mind drifting 50 mile road ride is just what the doc ordered...