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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Renaissance (Read 1572 times)
Brad6160
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Renaissance
06/17/15 at 2:15pm
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Rode this morning for the first time. There is a tree down right before T3 over by the tennis courts. Maybe 10 inches across, nothing a little bunny hop can't do. 

On The (Softball) side is part of that trail closed??  Right after the short track connector. I've seen a few private property signs and tape across the trail on both sides.
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #1 - 06/17/15 at 2:59pm
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I saw the signs/tape as well. I assume that, once you cross the little bridge, the tape shows you were the trail is closed and that's why it's rerouted back to the short track. 

Renni was a great trail (especially when the "Fruit Loop" was briefly resurrected). It's where I learned to ride, closest to my house, and where I rode the most for the first three years or so. It's too bad that it looks like we're going to lose it. At just a shade over 4 miles (with the short track) it's not really worth the trip anymore. 

Does anyone know how much of the softball side is going to be lost when all is said and done? 

  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #2 - 06/17/15 at 3:00pm
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I belive most of the softball loop was lost do to develoent from the apartment complex.

I rode it last week and notice probably 1/2 the softball loop lost.   both loops have seen better days.
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #3 - 06/17/15 at 5:11pm
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That sucks.  A great trail with a lot of hard work put into with.  Where I started MTBing...
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #4 - 06/17/15 at 6:52pm
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There is a workday Saturday at 8:30 am. Let's all go out and fix it up again.
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #5 - 06/17/15 at 8:16pm
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Most of the short track on the softball side was lost to the apartment development.  We will recover some singletrack on that side by making a few optional loops within what is still remaining.  On the tennis court side, I hope to add a good bit more single track, but right now my main concern is taking care of some problem spots and maintenance of the current remaining trail.  This fall I hope to start expanding.  That being said, I do have a workday scheduled out there for this Saturday,
06/20 from 8:30-1:00 and would appreciate any and all help.  If you have ideas for additions or a wish list of what you would like out there, let me know.  I won't promise anything, but I will listen to all suggestions.  As for the downed tree, if I don't get it before Saturday, I will clear it then.
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #6 - 06/18/15 at 12:15am
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I'm in....see you there and where exactley are we meeting and do we need more tools, I can ask Scott ...I have a tone of ideas to walk with you....
  
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Reply #7 - 06/18/15 at 1:15am
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I haven't been out there since the destruction. So the actual "short track" was lost?  Man what are we going to do this winter?!?
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #8 - 06/18/15 at 1:51am
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There are some crazy unofficial rogue lines out there on the volleyball loop that only a psychopath would take... but you can tell someone bombs off them. I'm pretty sure it's slayemf...
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #9 - 06/18/15 at 11:05am
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The short track is still there, safe, within the park property.  We will be meeting on the parking lot on the softball field side since the work I have planned for this day is right there.
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #10 - 06/18/15 at 1:36pm
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I ride Renni once a week on my way home from Uptown.  The softball loop was shortened the first time I rode it so I don't know the trails former glory but I want to dissuade those that might now have a bad perception of Renni based on the comments in this thread.

For reference, my rotation of trails is ACSG, Riverwalk, SWDP, Renni, WWC, Baxter, Sherman and Beatty.  I stick to the intermediate level trials.  

For me, the volleyball loop is the most challenging trail I ride.  It has greatly improved my skills and confidence.  I had avoided Renni for while base on the reviews on this website, particularly those on the volleyball loop.  As I use Renni and SWDP as breaks in my commute home, the variation between the two is perfect with Renni being very technical and SWDP having good flow.  Although I do prefer other trails, I find Renni fits my weekday needs well and it will stay in my rotation.

Oh, and I hope this is alright, I moved the log yesterday.
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #11 - 06/18/15 at 4:51pm
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Nuke wrote on 06/18/15 at 1:36pm:
I ride Renni once a week on my way home from Uptown.  The softball loop was shortened the first time I rode it so I don't know the trails former glory but I want to dissuade those that might now have a bad perception of Renni based on the comments in this thread.

For reference, my rotation of trails is ACSG, Riverwalk, SWDP, Renni, WWC, Baxter, Sherman and Beatty.  I stick to the intermediate level trials.  

For me, the volleyball loop is the most challenging trail I ride.  It has greatly improved my skills and confidence.  I had avoided Renni for while base on the reviews on this website, particularly those on the volleyball loop.  As I use Renni and SWDP as breaks in my commute home, the variation between the two is perfect with Renni being very technical and SWDP having good flow.  Although I do prefer other trails, I find Renni fits my weekday needs well and it will stay in my rotation.

Oh, and I hope this is alright, I moved the log yesterday.


Looking back, I could see where some of what I said might give a bad impression of Renni. Let me clarify - Renni is one of the best (and oldest) trails in the area. And yeah - even without the full softball loop Renni will teach you to ride roots, and ledges, and downhills, and climbs, and etc. etc. etc. If you ever get caught in a thunderstorm out there you are in for an invaluable education. Kudos to the trail coordinator and the volunteers (I've also done several workdays at Renni - the nice little rain break that used to be on the softball side, along with countless drains, were mine and part of the reason I find the loss particularly disheartening) for trying to save what they can and keeping it interesting out there. It's a thankless job. 

The short track (with two small extensions actually) is the best mile of trail in West Charlotte and will put a smile on your face when you blow through it. And the rock garden is a nice challenge to master as well. 

And Pat is doing a great job with SWDP - it's where I learned to corner fast and keep out of granny gear. 

It just seems unfair to lose chunks of already limited mileage to development after putting in work at both trails. 

So - go ride Renni (and SWDP) and if you're in town this weekend think about helping out. 

Btw - It's always good to clear deadfall from a trail. 

Cheers. 
« Last Edit: 06/18/15 at 4:55pm by Specialist »  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #12 - 06/18/15 at 5:37pm
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Specialist wrote on 06/18/15 at 4:51pm:


Looking back, I could see where some of what I said might give a bad impression of Renni. Let me clarify - Renni is one of the best (and oldest) trails in the area. And yeah - even without the full softball loop Renni will teach you to ride roots, and ledges, and downhills, and climbs, and etc. etc. etc. If you ever get caught in a thunderstorm out there you are in for an invaluable education. Kudos to the trail coordinator and the volunteers (I've also done several workdays at Renni - the nice little rain break that used to be on the softball side, along with countless drains, were mine and part of the reason I find the loss particularly disheartening) for trying to save what they can and keeping it interesting out there. It's a thankless job. 

The short track (with two small extensions actually) is the best mile of trail in West Charlotte and will put a smile on your face when you blow through it. And the rock garden is a nice challenge to master as well. 

And Pat is doing a great job with SWDP - it's where I learned to corner fast and keep out of granny gear. 

It just seems unfair to lose chunks of already limited mileage to development after putting in work at both trails.

So - go ride Renni (and SWDP) and if you're in town this weekend think about helping out. 

Btw - It's always good to clear deadfall from a trail. 

Cheers. 


I totally agree with you on that.  But we kinda did that to ourselves 25 years ago. Tongue  Good thing we're not where we were 12 years ago...4 trail systems. Catawba closed down for 2 years, loosing a bit of Renni back then when they demolished the Coliseum.  

We had:

1. Catawba               about 12 miles
2. Renni                   about 6 miles
3. N. Meck                about 3.5 miles
4. Beatty                   about 6 miles

Less than 30 miles.  Add another 12 or so miles if you factor in Poplar Tent.

Look at what we have now:

1.  USNWC                 about 23 miles?
2. Renni                     about 4 miles?
3. N. Meck                  3.5 miles
4. Beatty                     6 miles
5. LNSP                      30.5 miles
6. Fisher Farm             5.4 miles with another 4-6 in the works.
7. Sherman                 12 miles ?
8.  BYT and PRP          16-17 miles
9 Signal Hill                 4.5 miles
10. Ann Springs           10 miles?
11. SWDP                    2-3 milles
Uwharrie, Rocky River Trail, River Walk...

I know I've missed many others and that's not factoring in the out lying area at Kerr Scott Reservoir.


So on a positive side we've almost quadrupled the amount of trails open to MTB's in the last 12 years.  For you math nuts that's about 7 miles of NEW TRAIL A YEAR FOR 12-13 YEARS!!!

THAT IS CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION!!!! Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley
« Last Edit: 06/18/15 at 5:41pm by The Cycle Path »  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #13 - 06/18/15 at 6:23pm
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Some nice perspective!
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #14 - 06/18/15 at 6:27pm
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The Cycle Path wrote on 06/18/15 at 5:37pm:

...So on a positive side we've almost quadrupled the amount of trails open to MTB's in the last 12 years.  For you math nuts that's about 7 miles of NEW TRAIL A YEAR FOR 12-13 YEARS!!!

THAT IS CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION!!!! Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley


As I bounce from area to area, riding well cared for singletrack, I count myself lucky to be a dues-paying (and occasional trail-working) member of the Trailblazers!

Lucky, smiling banana I am.
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #15 - 06/18/15 at 7:53pm
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Don't forget Poston!  Approx 9.5mi of Sweetness!
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #16 - 06/18/15 at 8:07pm
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I rode Renni last year before the "chop" and just rode the race loop last week.  I did notice it was shorter, but still had just as good of a time.  It's a technical trail system for sure.  I would still encourage anyone interested to try it out.  Variety is after all the spice of life... Wink
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #17 - 06/18/15 at 9:33pm
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DavidM wrote on 06/18/15 at 7:53pm:
Don't forget Poston!  Approx 9.5mi of Sweetness!

Smiley
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #18 - 06/18/15 at 9:37pm
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You can still get a 6.25 mile "loop" at Renni by 1. Riding the short track (to warm-up) 2. Riding the volleyball loop 3. Riding the short track again. 

If you just ride them both I think you are at roughly 4.25
  
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Re: Renaissance
Reply #19 - 06/20/15 at 1:53pm
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Gozo I came out around 9 , drove through the parking lot by the softball fields and did not see anycars but Disc guys and then went by the tennis court and it was packed with volleyball players. So I decided to go home. Let me know again or call me this week and we can get together and do some work..I'll get your number from Todd..
  
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