The blue trail at Whiting has some serious water and mud issues. I had mentioned these problems to the Tryon crew, and Frank offered to walk through the trail with me and analyze the situation. He's a trail manager who leads many of the work days at Tryon and Bay Park West.
Tonight we walked the trail and looked at the sections with issues.
We came to the conclusion that Whiting is a different animal than Tryon or Bay Park West. In those parks, there is so much elevation change that any standing water can typically be convinced to move. Digging a trench, de-berming, and pitching the trail can be used to shed the water. But at Whiting, there aren't as many opportunities for those techniques.
Looking back at my notes, Frank and I decided that at least part of the solution to the majority of problem areas was to add material. These sections are simply lower than their surroundings, so raising them is the only solution, aside from rerouting the trail. Building the trails up has already been done in much of Whiting. I've heard some of the long-time trail crew talk about it, and it's obvious in places. Sometimes there's four inches of standing water on both sides of the crushed rock trail. It's impressive how much material was brought in.
There were a few locations that could have been improved by de-berming and adding a pitch to the trail.
There were also a few hills that the water flows down. Although there isn't enough water flow to cause severe erosion, those section do seem to be wet. They also feed the water problems at the hill bottoms. To prevent this, having several pitch changes periodically down the hill would encourage water to the side, instead of continuing to the bottom.
Much of the trail was too muddy to actually work on. But I saw a few places that I had worked on at a previous Friends of Webster Trails work day. Some of the fixes helped keep water off the trail, but others were not doing as much good as I had hoped. Those were in very muddy sections that are still holding the water like a sponge. Once those areas dry up, the dirt can be raked and grading can be done to fix the problems for the next rains.
There were many places that had standing water at the side of the trail. Peering through the surrounding vegetation, I could see the water goes on for a ways. It makes we wonder if there is opportunity further within the overgrowth to drain the water to another area. Some exploration may be in order.
Frank and I took some pictures along the way. I also took notes, and recorded our hike with GPS. I hope to find the time to put all this information together so I can keep track of the trail conditions over time.
For now, here are the photos:
Showing posts with label wet trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wet trail. Show all posts
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Ridiculous Mud
It's was rainy all last week, but this weekend started out perfect. Saturday was picture perfect, but I had household obligations and decided it was good to let the trails dry up some anyway.
So I saved my riding for this morning and went to Whiting and Webster Park.
I quickly discovered the trails are in the worse state I've ever seen them.
Places that tended to be greasy were now muddy. Places that tended to be muddy are now lakes.
It's clear that bad sections get worse if the rain keeps coming. But the problem is not the rain alone. The muddy areas have gotten so abused over the past month from people using the trails. Wet areas have become pits from boots and bikes. Those pits now hold water better than ever. They grow in size, becoming harder to avoid, get more traffic, and then get pitted even more. It's a vicious circle.
Temporary fixes may be possible to drain the standing water from these areas, but that still leaves a lot of water trapped in the mud. Unless these areas are left alone and are allowed to dry out, they will always be a problem. Once mostly dry, these areas can be graded to avoid the problems in the future. Though I noticed some previously "fixed" areas were having problems because the areas to the side of the trail could not hold enough water.
Many areas at Whiting and Webster Park have no grade, leaving them susceptible to water problems.
I rode my usual 6 mile loop.
So I saved my riding for this morning and went to Whiting and Webster Park.
I quickly discovered the trails are in the worse state I've ever seen them.
Places that tended to be greasy were now muddy. Places that tended to be muddy are now lakes.
It's clear that bad sections get worse if the rain keeps coming. But the problem is not the rain alone. The muddy areas have gotten so abused over the past month from people using the trails. Wet areas have become pits from boots and bikes. Those pits now hold water better than ever. They grow in size, becoming harder to avoid, get more traffic, and then get pitted even more. It's a vicious circle.
Temporary fixes may be possible to drain the standing water from these areas, but that still leaves a lot of water trapped in the mud. Unless these areas are left alone and are allowed to dry out, they will always be a problem. Once mostly dry, these areas can be graded to avoid the problems in the future. Though I noticed some previously "fixed" areas were having problems because the areas to the side of the trail could not hold enough water.
Many areas at Whiting and Webster Park have no grade, leaving them susceptible to water problems.
I rode my usual 6 mile loop.
Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2011-05-22
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Whiting Trail Work
This morning I worked for three hours at the Whiting Road trails with the Friends of Webster Trails. The group worked on a variety of tasks throughout Whiting and in the Webster Park corridor to the Midnight Trail.
Most of the work had something to do with addressing water issues. That's very understandable considering how much rain we've gotten so far this spring.
I worked on the blue trail and some of the yellow trying to allow areas of standing water to drain off. Some of the sustainable trail methods I've learned from the Tryon and Bay Park West work days helped me. But some muddy places on the trail didn't seem to have a quick fix. If both sides of the trail are at the same level as the trail itself, where do you direct any water? In cases like that, it seems the trail was simply built in the wrong place. Maybe a bridge or a dry well could be used in the future, but for now, the sun will have to dry it up.
One of the other projects was starting to develop a new trail off the red trail. That sounds cool.
I didn't get a chance to see much of the work that was done, other than my own. I look forward to seeing it all next time I ride there.
After this weekend of no rain (fingers crossed), I hope the trails will all be dry enough to ride.
Most of the work had something to do with addressing water issues. That's very understandable considering how much rain we've gotten so far this spring.
I worked on the blue trail and some of the yellow trying to allow areas of standing water to drain off. Some of the sustainable trail methods I've learned from the Tryon and Bay Park West work days helped me. But some muddy places on the trail didn't seem to have a quick fix. If both sides of the trail are at the same level as the trail itself, where do you direct any water? In cases like that, it seems the trail was simply built in the wrong place. Maybe a bridge or a dry well could be used in the future, but for now, the sun will have to dry it up.
One of the other projects was starting to develop a new trail off the red trail. That sounds cool.
I didn't get a chance to see much of the work that was done, other than my own. I look forward to seeing it all next time I ride there.
After this weekend of no rain (fingers crossed), I hope the trails will all be dry enough to ride.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tryon Trail Work
Tonight I attended the Tryon Park Wednesday night trail work meeting.
We spend about an hour and a half walking the trails and breaking down berms on the low side of trails, where water tends to collect. The water creates mud, and when hikers and bikers walk through it, berms are inevitably created on the low side of the trail. More water can then collect and the problem grows.
We broke down the berms and creating a channel or knick for the water to flow out.
It was good to get out after being sick for a while. Now if it will just stop raining!
We spend about an hour and a half walking the trails and breaking down berms on the low side of trails, where water tends to collect. The water creates mud, and when hikers and bikers walk through it, berms are inevitably created on the low side of the trail. More water can then collect and the problem grows.
We broke down the berms and creating a channel or knick for the water to flow out.
It was good to get out after being sick for a while. Now if it will just stop raining!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sick and Rainy
Two weeks ago I became sick with bronchitis. After a week or so, it mostly went away, but the tight irritated feeling in my upper chest still lingers. And I still have an annoying dry cough.
Aside from a bit of hopping in the driveway on Saturday, I haven't been out riding.
But even if I wanted to ride the trails, we've had so much rain it would undoubtedly be a muddy mess.
I guess it's good that my bronchitis overlaps the crappy weather. But the whole situation is frustrating. I wanted to get stronger early in the season. Instead I feel like I'm getting weaker.
It sounds like the persistent lung irritation left from bronchitis is common, and it can last many weeks. Hopefully I will be done with it soon. And hopefully by then the trails will be dry and ready to ride.
Aside from a bit of hopping in the driveway on Saturday, I haven't been out riding.
But even if I wanted to ride the trails, we've had so much rain it would undoubtedly be a muddy mess.
I guess it's good that my bronchitis overlaps the crappy weather. But the whole situation is frustrating. I wanted to get stronger early in the season. Instead I feel like I'm getting weaker.
It sounds like the persistent lung irritation left from bronchitis is common, and it can last many weeks. Hopefully I will be done with it soon. And hopefully by then the trails will be dry and ready to ride.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Springtime at Whiting
Today I rode at Whiting and Webster Park. It was still wet and muddy in places, but most of it was ok.
This is my first real trail ride this spring. The Hojack doesn't really count because it's so flat.
I definitely felt a bit out of shape. I got winded faster than I used to at Whiting and didn't make it up all the hills I know I can. Because of that and the muddy conditions, I only rode one lap through Whiting and Webster.
I did make it up the hills in Webster Park.
I was able to use my high gear in a few places. But in many places where it's flat, I was too spent to consider using it. I preferred to take it easy, knowing I'd need the energy for whatever was up ahead.
It was just shy of 50°F according to the weather report. I wore shorts, a poly t-shirt, and a poly long sleeve shirt. Less than a mile in I had to remove the long sleeve shirt and felt perfect the rest of the time.
I forgot my GPS this time, but my cycle computer said 6 miles.
This is my first real trail ride this spring. The Hojack doesn't really count because it's so flat.
I definitely felt a bit out of shape. I got winded faster than I used to at Whiting and didn't make it up all the hills I know I can. Because of that and the muddy conditions, I only rode one lap through Whiting and Webster.
I did make it up the hills in Webster Park.
I was able to use my high gear in a few places. But in many places where it's flat, I was too spent to consider using it. I preferred to take it easy, knowing I'd need the energy for whatever was up ahead.
It was just shy of 50°F according to the weather report. I wore shorts, a poly t-shirt, and a poly long sleeve shirt. Less than a mile in I had to remove the long sleeve shirt and felt perfect the rest of the time.
I forgot my GPS this time, but my cycle computer said 6 miles.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Checked the Hojack Again
The ground is still too wet to be riding the trails with messing them up, but I rode the Hojack again anyway.
I don't really think it's a big deal, because the spots that are muddy should really be fixed anyway. And I see other people actively using the trail, even a casual biker.
I didn't see any of my past tracks from my last ride, so I'm not sure what effect it had. No snow at all this time! Yay!
Last time my lower back was killing me. I later realized I had left my tire pressure very high because I has been riding the streets more. The hard tire didn't absorb all the bumps left from the freezing and boot prints. This time I lowered my tire pressure and things were much better.
I made a lot of good shifts, but I'm definitely finding down-shifting more difficult. It might be because I have less coordination with my left foot. A bunch of times I failed to down-shift about 5 consecutive pedal rotations as I was heading into a muddy area, causing me to dismount.
Again, not the most exciting of rides for me, but it's good to get out, work the muscles, and practice shifting.
My cycle computer says 12.8 miles, average speed 7.1 mph.
I don't really think it's a big deal, because the spots that are muddy should really be fixed anyway. And I see other people actively using the trail, even a casual biker.
I didn't see any of my past tracks from my last ride, so I'm not sure what effect it had. No snow at all this time! Yay!
Last time my lower back was killing me. I later realized I had left my tire pressure very high because I has been riding the streets more. The hard tire didn't absorb all the bumps left from the freezing and boot prints. This time I lowered my tire pressure and things were much better.
I made a lot of good shifts, but I'm definitely finding down-shifting more difficult. It might be because I have less coordination with my left foot. A bunch of times I failed to down-shift about 5 consecutive pedal rotations as I was heading into a muddy area, causing me to dismount.
Again, not the most exciting of rides for me, but it's good to get out, work the muscles, and practice shifting.
My cycle computer says 12.8 miles, average speed 7.1 mph.
Hojack, Etc - 2011-04-03
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Wet Trails and Twilight Zone
With the snow melted and the sun shining (though 35°F), how could I not go out for a ride? I rode to the Hojack Trail again, but this time I expected to actually be able to ride it.
Instead of taking the road all the way there, I rode to the relatively new Webster Parks and Rec, through a trail that was just made last year. It was very muddy, with lots of standing water, and not much rideable trail.
That trail leads to the Bird Sanctuary trail which has been there for much longer. That still had some muddy spots, was most of it could be ridden.
I then rode some more street to get to the Hojack. The first section of trail into the Hojack was total mud and standing water, as it most always is. The Hojack itself was mostly rideable.
But some parts of the trail were in very bad condition. Some parts were dry, but had bumps, ridges, and holes from heaving, and from bikers and hikers leaving impressions when it was softer. Some parts were very soft, others had lots of mud, and others had standing water. Some still had packed snow. My riding definitely left marks in the mud, but it didn't seem to matter considering the hundreds of boot prints and the trenches from bikers.
It was much harder to ride than when it's dry. It took a lot more energy and my lower back was getting fatigued soon after reaching the farthest point on the Hojack.
On my way back I rode around North Ponds park on the paved path as long as it was right there. Nothing too exciting there. I skipped the Webster Parks and Rec trail since it was so muddy, and took the road instead.
On the Hojack I had planned to use my high gear. It's generally flat so I envisioned some fast riding. But on the way to the far end I convinced myself it was actually a gradual incline. I had never really noticed that in the past. And with the soft ground slowing me down, it didn't seem like a good time to go to high gear. When I was on some of the drier, seemingly inclined areas, I was excited to think of the way back, riding on a slight decline in high gear.
But then on the way back, it looked like a slight incline again! Uphill both ways? Huh? I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. After riding a few minutes, I looked back, and it looked like a slight incline too. Maybe my eyes need adjusting. Despite thinking it was a slight incline I ended up switching into high gear whenever the ground wasn't too wet, and I did get some good chances to ride faster.
For some unknown reason my GPS didn't record my way back on the Hojack properly. It shows me way off the trail. Huh. Maybe I WAS in the Twilight Zone!
My cycle computer says I rode 12.76 miles. Average speed was 6 mph, max was 11 mph.
Instead of taking the road all the way there, I rode to the relatively new Webster Parks and Rec, through a trail that was just made last year. It was very muddy, with lots of standing water, and not much rideable trail.
That trail leads to the Bird Sanctuary trail which has been there for much longer. That still had some muddy spots, was most of it could be ridden.
I then rode some more street to get to the Hojack. The first section of trail into the Hojack was total mud and standing water, as it most always is. The Hojack itself was mostly rideable.
But some parts of the trail were in very bad condition. Some parts were dry, but had bumps, ridges, and holes from heaving, and from bikers and hikers leaving impressions when it was softer. Some parts were very soft, others had lots of mud, and others had standing water. Some still had packed snow. My riding definitely left marks in the mud, but it didn't seem to matter considering the hundreds of boot prints and the trenches from bikers.
It was much harder to ride than when it's dry. It took a lot more energy and my lower back was getting fatigued soon after reaching the farthest point on the Hojack.
On my way back I rode around North Ponds park on the paved path as long as it was right there. Nothing too exciting there. I skipped the Webster Parks and Rec trail since it was so muddy, and took the road instead.
On the Hojack I had planned to use my high gear. It's generally flat so I envisioned some fast riding. But on the way to the far end I convinced myself it was actually a gradual incline. I had never really noticed that in the past. And with the soft ground slowing me down, it didn't seem like a good time to go to high gear. When I was on some of the drier, seemingly inclined areas, I was excited to think of the way back, riding on a slight decline in high gear.
But then on the way back, it looked like a slight incline again! Uphill both ways? Huh? I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. After riding a few minutes, I looked back, and it looked like a slight incline too. Maybe my eyes need adjusting. Despite thinking it was a slight incline I ended up switching into high gear whenever the ground wasn't too wet, and I did get some good chances to ride faster.
For some unknown reason my GPS didn't record my way back on the Hojack properly. It shows me way off the trail. Huh. Maybe I WAS in the Twilight Zone!
My cycle computer says I rode 12.76 miles. Average speed was 6 mph, max was 11 mph.
Hojack, Etc - 2011-03-19
Saturday, July 10, 2010
First Guni Ride at Whiting
I rode this morning at Whiting Road Nature Preserve and across the street at the Midnight Trail on my geared uni (guni). There were only a few puddles even after yesterday's torrential downpours; a testament to the hard work the Friends of Webster Trails has done.
I tried shifting into high gear when I knew there was a fairly flat trail. But it was easier said than done. And when I succeeded, it usually made me UPD. It's like I'm riding along and then something just grabs the wheel, because riding suddenly gets 50% harder. I probably need to be riding much faster. It doesn't help that it takes me a dozen attempts, and I never know which one is going to be successful. Once I do get going, I feel like I'm learning to ride all over again. My arms flail and I keep falling out of balance. When I do find my balance, the speed can get scary, especially as I'm falling out of balance. I look forward when I can just shift and ride in high gear without so much effort.
Downshifting is much easier. Pedaling just gets easier and I keep riding.
I've been trying to build up my stamina/endurance by using my elliptical machine. I think it's working because today's ride went very well. I went about 9 miles on trails and I felt like I could have done more. Even after hill climbs (successful or not) I wasn't too out of breathe to keep riding.
I tried shifting into high gear when I knew there was a fairly flat trail. But it was easier said than done. And when I succeeded, it usually made me UPD. It's like I'm riding along and then something just grabs the wheel, because riding suddenly gets 50% harder. I probably need to be riding much faster. It doesn't help that it takes me a dozen attempts, and I never know which one is going to be successful. Once I do get going, I feel like I'm learning to ride all over again. My arms flail and I keep falling out of balance. When I do find my balance, the speed can get scary, especially as I'm falling out of balance. I look forward when I can just shift and ride in high gear without so much effort.
Downshifting is much easier. Pedaling just gets easier and I keep riding.
I've been trying to build up my stamina/endurance by using my elliptical machine. I think it's working because today's ride went very well. I went about 9 miles on trails and I felt like I could have done more. Even after hill climbs (successful or not) I wasn't too out of breathe to keep riding.
Muni at Whiting Road Nature Preserve and Midnight Trail - 2010-07-10
Monday, December 14, 2009
Winter Blues
It's been wet and cold for the past few weekends. I plan on riding even when it's cold, but if the trails are wet I'll just slide around and mess them up.
About two weeks ago I was practicing hops in the garage for a few evenings. But things are busier lately and I haven't ridden in any way for a while.
Hopefully the trail conditions will improve and I'll hit the trails again soon.
About two weeks ago I was practicing hops in the garage for a few evenings. But things are busier lately and I haven't ridden in any way for a while.
Hopefully the trail conditions will improve and I'll hit the trails again soon.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Crappy Weather
If it isn't hot and humid it's raining!
Despite the call for rain and the dark sky, this morning I prepared for another long trail ride.
I got all ready to go and as soon as I walked out the door it started down pouring.
Damn.
Despite the call for rain and the dark sky, this morning I prepared for another long trail ride.
I got all ready to go and as soon as I walked out the door it started down pouring.
Damn.
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