joelitaker wrote on 06/07/17 at 2:48pm:


One of the problems with internet, email, and similar communications is that there are no non-verbal cues to give the reader insight into what we mean by what we say. It allows people to read into the words all kind of attitudes and insinuations that weren't intended. An additional problem is that the anonymity encourages people to get all in your face in a way that they would never do in person. 

FWIW, RRT has been built and maintained about 95% by one person, and between building and maintaining, it's a massive job. Particularly when that person already has a job! We forget that not everybody knows that. Steve is a great guy and those who know him tend to get a little overboard in standing in between him and criticism. For those of us in the area and who ride there a lot, if he were to get frustrated and shut it down (I'm thinking Poplar Tent here), it would leave a huge hole in our biking lives. Neighborhood trails are nice and we're glad to have them, but there are few like this one. So we understand you better now; I hope you understand us a little better too. Hope you enjoy your ride tomorrow! 

joelitaker wrote on 06/07/17 at 2:48pm:


  Kudos for MANing up and owning the post.

"Constructive" critisim is better taken when you become part of the solution.

Quote:


Our terms only last for one year here.

Preface:  None of the following is directed towards the OP or anyone else in particular.  It is a general statement.


All good points to consider.     "Constructive" criticism can be a bitter pill to swallow sometimes. 


A:   With all the variety of trail we have in the area if you don't like a trail the way it's designed, don't ride it and don't complain about it.  Ride what you like to ride and let others do the same.  If you are going to offer criticism, then judge it by it's ability to drain water and stay sustainable. 

B:    If you don't like a certain trail, don't strive to change it to better suit your riding style.  That would ruin it for other riders.

Trails are creative expressions of the trail builders/coordinators.  Every trail doesn't have to be old school rooty, tight and twisty; new school flow trail or wide open beginner trail.  We're so fortunate to have all of that being built and maintained by some pretty dang passionate and creative volunteers!

You know how you know if a trail builder has done a good job designing a trail?  Equal amounts of riders both hate it and love it.

BTW many of the trails are opening up.  Great weather!  I hope to see most of you on your bikes.

Joe Litaker, I hope that you were able to get out to RRT today and give it another try. Hope even more that you found it enjoyable. 

Cherokee is dead on that texts and forum comments lack in expressing tone etc. I remember a time last year that the field part at the bottom of Heartbreak had gotten completely out of control. One of my favorite riders out here sent me PM saying how much she loved the trail but that part needed some TLC. She was spot on I had just simply not been through that area in a while for some reason and forgot it. The blackberry briers grow as fast as bamboo and we call them meathooks.

I did get out there to ride yesterday. It was nothing like I remember, again it must have just been a bad time last year. It isn't overgrown in any way, like someone stated before its traditional single track. It reminds me of Green River Game lands just not as steep obviously. It was defiantly a good ride. 

Death Valley was some truly awesome, inspiring trail building. A creative way to use that valley. I did almost die because the plunge creek jump didn't have much of a lip/take off compared to the landing but that's strictly my opinion not to be taken to heavily by any reader. 

Thanks for an awesome trail to all those involved