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Robert C.
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SB - Can of leaves
11/25/13 at 4:32pm
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No arguing with the fact that Sherman is riding really fast, however noticed more erosion on parts of the trail (roller coaster in particular) than in recent memory.   

Would keeping the leaves on the trail, (so as to allow them to get mashed in to the ground) help with that situation at all?

  
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SCOTT_T
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Re: SB - Can of leaves
Reply #1 - 11/25/13 at 4:37pm
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I don't know.......but it was so much fun Sat, I'm heading back out there now.
  
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Re: SB - Can of leaves
Reply #2 - 11/25/13 at 10:09pm
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Robert C. wrote on 11/25/13 at 4:32pm:
No arguing with the fact that Sherman is riding really fast, however noticed more erosion on parts of the trail (roller coaster in particular) than in recent memory.  

Would keeping the leaves on the trail, (so as to allow them to get mashed in to the ground) help with that situation at all?


Nope. All the leaves being mashed into the dirt would do is make it dry slower and hold more moisture contrary to what certain folks believe. 

Not all dirt is created equal. Dirt that is desirable for trails is "mineral" soil that is made of small pieces of rock.  Dirt that is made up of leaves, sticks, rotted wood, etcetera is "organic" dirt. Organic dirt is great for growing plants, bugs and worms because it retains moisture.   

Mineral soil, great for trails. Organic soil, great for trees and gardens. Not trails.
  
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Re: SB - Can of leaves
Reply #3 - 11/26/13 at 11:03pm
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When we clean off new trail surfaces we are removing the "duff", or the organic stuff - and when removed, we get to the dirt/ mineral content.

Riding on and through leaves can be fun and challenging. But mostly I agree with Mark - get the leaves off. Particularly when the winter season gets wet and cold and stuff doesn't dry easily, leaves are a nuisance. Have noticed lots of spots at Uwharie and other trails where they collected on the uphill side of the bench cuts, forcing riders down lower and widening the trail. When they are wet and there is an option - just like avoidable roots - folks go around them. Of course conditions vary and there is always room for differing (albeit wrong) opinions.  Wink

Hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving - and that we get to ride some soon.
  
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Re: SB - Can of leaves
Reply #4 - 11/27/13 at 2:16am
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SCOTT_T wrote on 11/25/13 at 4:37pm:
I don't know.......but it was so much fun Sat, I'm heading back out there now.



^^^^^  Same is to be said about the blown leaves at RRT, and BYT.  Last year at Uhwarrie was amazing after it was blown.  If anyone "wants" to blow leaves, but doesn't have a trail to do so, let me know my backyard could use some help.  You can even ride some laps after wet or dry.
  
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Re: SB - Can of leaves
Reply #5 - 11/27/13 at 5:56pm
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If I wasn't working on Saturday Id bring my massive Stihl back pack blower over and help with the leaves.
  
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