Renni is open, and not too far from BYT.

Springs was in great shape.  No where near BYT but still it was in fine shape.

Honestly we went over and rode BYT.  Dry as a bone.  Not one single spot that had water.  I really appreciate everything that THTB does to protect the trails, but if you are going to put up signs and caution tape when it is wet, you also have to be responsible for taking it down when it isn't, or else people are going to start ignoring it and going whenever they want.

I was conflicted on whether to post about riding byt yesterday or not.  As a fellow trailworker I fully understand the importance of not riding the trails in conditions that will cause damage to them.  I think that the status page on this site is an excellent reference for trail status, and I always check it before riding.   

If I am being completely honest tho, I think that there could be a better way to handle trails than chaining them closed.  There are multiple types of riders out there:

1. Riders that put in their time to help keep trails maintained and know when a trail is rideable or not.  They are going to post when trails are closed, and check the trails when they have the time to and open them.

2. Riders that are going to check the website to see if something is opened or closed.  They are going to realize that maybe the original poster (for closed) hasn't made it out to recheck the trails yet.  They are also going to respect the 24-48 hour wait time after rainfall to ride based on amount of rainfall.  If they choose to wait the 24-48 hours and go ride a "closed" trail, they are going to leave the location if the trails aren't in rideable condition.  They help to maintain trails when they can.

3. Riders that wait the "required" time and then go to the location to ride.  The more signs they see on a day like yesterday where the trail was rideable, the less likely they are going to pay attention to signage and the website, and they will eventually just wait the 24-48 hours and ride.

4. Riders that are going to ride the trails regardless of condition, jeopardizing and damaging the trails for the rest of us with complete disregard for others.

I understand and appreciate #1.  I am rider type #2.  Rider type #3 is still salvageable but is leaning towards #4.  #4 is a lost cause, and short of getting confrontational with them, we need to concentrate on the others.   

I don't know all of the rules of the area, so I may be out of line here, and I apologize if I am.  I don't think that anyone "owns" any of the trails (except for my hero Steve at RRT).  Putting chains up implies ownership.  If this is at the directive of the City because it is their land and they don't want us doing damage, then so be it.  If they don't want us getting hurt out there, I get it.  I have cracked a rib, smashed my shins, and broken a finger at BYT, all on dry days.  It is the price you pay to play.

I think that this club needs to start relying on rider type #2 above to help decide when the trails are in rideable shape.  As stated earlier, the signs were put up before the rain Sunday.  BYT was ridden first thing Sunday morning before the rain and it was just as dry yesterday at 6pm as it was Sunday morning.   

If you want to scold me for riding there, I will take it.  People also know me in here and know that I wouldn't do anything to damage the trails, and I put my time in to maintain them.  I think that we have a group of people (who we appreciate very much) who post the trails opened or closed BUT those people have lives.  Maybe they don't have time to get out and ride these trails yesterday to see that they are fine. 

The trails are our "children" and I raised my daughter under the philosophy that "It takes a village to raise a child."  Why can't we use the same philosophy for our trails.  Rather than trying to "parent" alone why don't you let others help.  If I had gone out to BYT yesterday and it was still wet, I would have been MORE than happy to post my date and time there right from the trail (most of us have our phones with us) and that it was still too wet.  I would have posted that it was dry if it was rideable too.  From my experience riders #1-3 are part of this group, and I don't know anyone that isn't willing to help with this.   

This is just my $.02.  I am not going to make a habit of riding "closed" trails, but I do love to ride, and it is the only exercise I can do with my bad back.  When I get out of work after 24+ hours of dry weather and sunshine, I want to go ride.  I also want to be responsible and I will balance both.  If this issue is related to private land and it is closed, I get that.  If this is because the closers have busy lives and haven't had a chance to recheck the conditions, I don't fully agree with that.  I'm sorry.

Thanks for reading all of this.  I know that this isn't something that will be solved today, but I think a more "neighborly" effort will swing some #3s back, and keep the 1 & 2s involved in our trail system too.

Thank you for your input, and I hear it all.  I respectfully disagree with a couple of things:

1. Yes I did ride it while "closed" but I would NOT have continued to ride if conditions weren't safe for the trail or myself.  The highlighted reference was to riders that will show complete disregard for the trails and ride in any condition.  I have personally ridden BYT when it has been "open" where it was way to wet to ride, and have actually left there via the various service roads.   

2. I am not looking to make enemies in the group, actually I am trying to bring in more friends.  I am willing to be open minded about all of this.  When some riders experience what I did yesterday where the trail is fully rideable and it is "closed" we as a group are alienating them instead of welcoming them.   

I am not looking to "criticize or preach."  Instead this is the open forum that we have and I am offering a suggestion of how we all, as a group, can help to keep the trails in pristine shape and the trail status updated.   

As for volunteering, there is a large, wonderful, network of trails in our area.  I have spent many hours, and plan on many more at another location (Riverwalk) to do the same thing you are doing at BYT.  Just because I don't put my time in there doesn't mean I am not helping.   

I love this group, and we are lucky to have it.  I am trying to figure out the best way to not alienate people by appearing to own trails rather than share them.  I am just adding my $.02 and will continue to do so in a (hopefully) constructive manner.

Thanks,

Justin

I I just noticed the long post above stating signs were put up before the rain Sunday.  That is not true.  I was soaking wet at the time and it wasn't salty.

Bob,

I was just going off of this quote from your response, that's all:

Doug and I made the call re BYT and PRP yesterday based on our observation of trail conditions on Sunday prior to rain.

Bobadamus wrote on 03/25/14 at 3:27pm:


Again, I am not looking to start a fight.  There is a large gap between the trail workers like yourself and the riders who know to respect and judge the condition of a trail when they ride it.

Just out of curiosity. Is there going to be chains at all of the club managed trails?

I just go to Poston.........

The best thing about wet trails is that I get to ride the road bike!  I highly recommend it for anyone who is anxious or "conflicted" about whether to ride "closed" trails.  I think it is just as fun and perhaps more fun in groups.