Man I miss Springs.  I used to ride it 2-3X a week.  This year, I haven't ridden there since March?  The heavy rains have left it a mess for most of the riding season from what other folks have said.  Good to hear it's in good enough shape to at least get out there now.   Springs is such a shame... so much potential.  It has it all: technical in some spots, flowy in others, decent elevation (for Charlotte anyway), one of fastest downhills in the area, two-way, great scenery, a gravity cavity, and that's only 9.1 of 30 miles of total trail out there.  It just doesn't get any love and the $5/$70 to ride leaves a lot of MTN bikers passing on it and heading to other trails.

I still dream one day she'll open all trails to MTN bikers.  30 miles of sweet two-way trail, 5 miles from my front door?  Please, take my $70/year for THAT!  I know it'll never happen but a man can dream...

Imho, springs was an absolute mess when I rode Sat, the worst I've seen any place in Charlotte area and even Pisgah. There were mud bogs galore! My bike and I were  covered in mud!   Mud is fun at  times and yes it's mountain biking but when it's due to lack of maintenance and neglect over the years by not installing needed small bridges and general upkeep for the membership fees I've paid, it's just not worth  riding there anymore (it's my closest trail). The  mud was so bad in places that I was sinking 1 ft into the mud. That's a little ridiculous...it's time for a bridge or reroute.
Outside of that, there were a couple of trees down. They don't take care of that place at all...
I won't be rejoining. Btw, the cost is $49 now and was reduced about one year ago.
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My bitching is done! 

JokerSC wrote on 08/25/13 at 6:49pm:

I think your 99:1% ratio is not correct. I would say more like 75:25%. I too will not be renewing my annual membership.

49erRider wrote on 08/27/13 at 12:15am:

Gonna havr to wash your car also. Lol

I tried to ride Baxter earlier this summer and parts of it were more akin to bushwhacking than anything else.  I inquired with the trail club about such issues and was told they only do maintenance during the school year.  WTH?

Before that I really took our trails for granted.  I don't anymore.

got this email from them:

Russell,
 
Thank you for your email.  We’re aware of the issues with the mountain bike trails and we’re making plans to address them.  Our priority for September is to work on the mountain bike areas that need it the most and offer several volunteer workdays for those that would like to help out.  We should be able to announce the dates next week so check the website for details.   
 
Buddy

I've seen trails that were built with grants for MTB use,  by MTB users,taken away and designated "Hiker" only. THey allowed Sugar Island to be built by MTB riders,  only to have the Diary Barn and everything after the Gravity Cavity taken away. There would be close 20 miles of trail we could ride if we had the old trails back. Now there is barely 9.0 Miles???

When the fee went to $5.00 and they took the Diary Barn Loop I said Bye Bye to a place I used to drive 50 minutes to ride every Saturday. It would be very hard to volunteer any of my time to the place.

Did you ride all the sections?  There were mud bogs all over the place.

FYI, I would expect ASG is going to reach out to try to discuss a partnership of some sort.  I've gotten 2 or 3 emails back from their director asking for more information.  Sounds like he's interested, although not sure to what degree.  I can tell you that their perception is that they didn't exclude the trailblazers and are wondering why they don't feel welcome.

Just so you know...I don't want it to come off that I'm a hatin' on ASG. Just statin' some history. I'm sure D Butler could add even more...

I think Josh Patterson is in charge of most of the outdoor activities. He is a really nice guy who is great to work with, as were ALL his fellow workers.  His orders are dictated down from the Queen above, so He is just doing what he is told. Unfortunetly I  feel it is a accumulation of blows that has turned some MTB's away from ASG.