Yes, there was rain at the park.  I wouldn't get your hopes up, I'm sure since the ground is saturated that the rain they got wasn't kind to the trails.

Btw, the rangers just went through a pretty extensive trail building and maintenance course taught by a professional trial builder out of Georgia who actually built the 1996 Olympics XC race course, he is an OG in the trail building game.  The rangers up there are more knowledgeable about trial conditions and the effects of riding during certain conditions than they have ever been which is great for us.   

If it's not actually that wet then they will open, but during very saturated times and freeze thaw they can use their good judgment to protect the trails.  That's good for me because I don't have to try and wrangle as many people to fix the ruts caused by riding wet trails 

Also, shameless plug for our fundraiser on June 16th.  Sign up to ride or donate to our fund that is going straight to the state park trails (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I could respond to some of your points in detail, as I've got a decade and thousands of hours of trail building experience but I don't think you really want to learn anything.

The only thing I will say is that bikes don't cause erosion, water does.  Bike riding on wet trails causes the trail bed to get rutted so water can't get off the trail.  As it runs down the trail it picks up speed and erodes the trail and starts a vicious cycle unless someone goes out and restores proper drainage.  Obviously that someone doing the fixing is not going to be you...

Douglas, 

I apologize for any inconvenience the park has caused you with the closure of the Itusi Trail. I know first hand how it feels to show up to ride (Yes, I ride)  somewhere to find the trail still closed. It is the most disappointing feeling-- and can almost bring on anger. To tell you the truth-- I deal with shady people, I help people with gruesome injuries, and I clean up horrific messes left behind-- and the only thing that brings me true anxiety is closing the bike trails. Because, I know that that day I will disappoint someone. 

I selfishly chose to open the trails yesterday because I brought my bike to work everyday this week and was feeling true withdraws. I went against 1 of the 2 current volunteers (who maintain 30 miles of trails) who advised me that the trails were way too wet. When I left covered in red mud-- and seeing the substantial erosion which was quite evident from the last weeks rainfall-- I knew I was going to truly disappoint those who spend hours making the trails ridable for all of us. After last nights rainfall, which was over .04 inches-- I came in before work to get some miles in running with some employees. We agreed that after slipping and sliding for 2 miles to exit that trails and to close them. I consulted members of the THTB and they advised that I should keep them closed. 

I'm sorry it has been a wet year and a half. It effects all of us. It is a major bummer. After major drought in 2016-- it truly has not stopped raining.

Yours Truly,

A "Self-Hating" Mtn Biker / Park Employee

I live less than a mile from the State Park.  Though I spend most of my time riding my free range on gravel or pavement, I will say that the last few times I have rode Wildlife it has been in such great shape that I don't question the park staffs decisions at all.   

Oh and yes, Since late March we have been pounded with rain, particularly the last week and a half.   

One last thing, if a rider gives you a waive or nod return the greeting.  I don't know how many times I've given a greeting to riders while at the park and only get dirty looks in return.  It hurts nothing being friendly to your fellow riders.

Dang, ole DOUGLAS woke up the ranger 

I guess his posts got deleted.  Don't know if that was necessary but it happens.

We all get it, having the trails closed sucks.  You just picked the wrong place to vent, lol.  I used to be nice trying to explain why things are the way they are, but my internet patience has been used up lately.  I'm still generally nice in person...

I hope we can meet in person and you retract your statement about not coming to support our fundraiser on June 16th, especially since you are a local.

TrillWill wrote on 05/25/18 at 1:57pm:
I bought a new bike Three weeks ago. I don't have enough money right now. I knew my wife was right. But I wanted it so bad

Trail’s open, brocephus.

forums seem fun...

I always say hello or some sort of greeting to other riders. I'd say about half the time I get a response. For the half that doesn't, I'd say its pretty much a mix of everyone. Young and old, lycra and baggy, inexperienced and vets

As for what someone says when they are coming up behind you, what do you suggest they say? I'll usually hang behind a slower rider for a bit and hope they notice me, then after a few minutes if they don't I'll say something like " coming up behind you, if you find a spot to let me by, I appreciate it". Then when I get to pass I say " Thanks and have great day" or "have a good ride".......its usually when I say that that I notice I don't get a reply many times. People don't like getting passed, maybe... : ) 

I have no problem with "rider up" or "on yer left" when getting passed. It is what it is, there are faster/more skilled riders and I can easily let them by. Its not a contest, unless its a race, then it is.

I don't know what would you prefer to hear when someone comes up behind you and wants to get by?