I doubt they would have had people on their single-track.

I am NOT trying to start any bullsheet in the Brotha/Sista-Hood of TTB, I am just wondering how those trails stood up to tons of rain and riders. 

I hope the answer is "real well" as that place is a JEWEL, IMHO.

I also rode both days and I'll say the rushing water on Sunday did FAR more damage than the few that rode..... Several sections rushing 6-12 inches deep.

I thought the same thing.

I think the WWC has done a great job providing an outdoor experience to a community that has a great need for one....I teased my wife a bit about going out there to "ruin" the trails(she ran in a trail race).... When she came home covered in mud I couldn't help but smile...I guess you could argue that it's kind of selfish of a mountain biker to get riled up when a broader user group harms trails that are  run,operated, added to and maintained by the business that owns them.... And you know what?  I bet the WWC will fix the damage... Would you argue that they should cancel all events for weather?  Seems like it would end up as a nice piece of land with great trails and a big empty concrete ditch running through the center.... But I guess "selfishly" that might be a good thing


I get that there is a history tied to Catawba but you have to admit the place is pretty rad and getting better by the day... Maybe we can just admit that and move on?

Cbyron wrote on 04/21/15 at 11:15am:


I wouldn't worry about it. Some people here have very strong feeling about what you should and shouldn't do. There is also a lot of bias against some trails in the area. The more time you spend here the more you will notice it.

As far as riding a trail while the trail is designated open? Enjoy it. If some one else has there panties in a bunch because you were on a trail that was open, it's their problem not yours.

My only problem with the whole thing is that they open for these events rain or shine, but then they will keep the trails closed for an extended period of time after the event.

Another reason I frequent a trail that is on the TTB hate list, Poston.

If a trail is open to ride then have at it.  I agree to publically call someone out as selfish for riding on a trail that he is not responsible for maintaining is a b1tch move 

That brings up an interesting ethical/moral dilemma whereby a rider pays to race in an event, the trail is wet & sloppy, and the event staff do not postpone it due to weather, does the rider still race with a clear conscience? Does the racer not race and forfeit her/his $???   

The Maxxis Series will be at the WWC in a month or so and those events are held Rain or Shine.

The only thing that matters (to me) here are the results.  If the trail remains closed for an extended period of time in order to repair damage done then that sucks for everyone, even the few who got their jolly's on it this past weekend.  Don't quote me on it, but as was stated, races held at the WWC in muddy conditions over the last several years have led to extended closures.  If that doesn't happen, then I don't care.  Move on.

My point about it being selfish is just a fact.  Those involved were thinking about themselves and their enjoyment in that moment, not anyone else's.  That is a selfish act.  They must have felt some guilt over it or else they would not have made a point of how it was the water's fault and to explain how their bikes did absolutely no damage to the trail.  If they didn't they wouldn't care and we wouldn't be talking about this.  Point over. 

This might not be a popular opinion but I agree with the USNWC's approach here.  If a venue wants to host big races and events that attract out of towners and tourist dollars I don't see that they have much choice but to commit to the dates, rain or shine, and deal with trail issues after the fact.  I know that when I sign up for something that involves expense or travel I want to know for sure its a go.  A race that is subject to postponement/cancellation due to wet conditions will attract a significantly lower level of participation.  Which is fine for something like our local MTB series but probably not workable for what USNWC is trying to accomplish.