Tarheel Trailblazers Message Board - Erosion

07/07/25 at 3:08pm

Tarheel Trailblazers Message Board › Riding › Trail Talk › Erosion

‹ Previous Topic | Next Topic ›

Page Index Toggle

Pages: 1 [2] 3

Print

Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies)

Erosion (Read 5202 times)

DK Small Cog Offline Work Ride Tarheel Trailblazers Posts: 348 Joined: 11/21/14	Re: Erosion Reply #20 - 06/26/18 at 2:12pm	Print Post
	Advocat wrote on 06/25/18 at 3:55pm: My belief is, to best prevent cheater lines and go-arounds, we need to aggressively, and in advance, take out roots that "cause" cheaters to look for an easier route. If there is no easy way around due to trees and other obstacles, then the roots can/ should stay. But as soon as a new root gets 1/2 " or more above the tread, then cheaters look for, and find, ways around. It's not always fun (or popular) to take out roots aggressively but it DOES WORK to keep the tread narrow and avoids go-arounds. I'd guess Enoch and others of long experience would also agree that there will always be plenty of roots available for those that love 'em and there are gonna be more popping up all the time, so no need to grieve for lost rrots; plenty more where they came from. Someone has done alot of this de-rooting work at Sherman lately (along with nice drain and berm work) and much of that tread looks and rides a lot better! Care has to be taken when deciding which roots to take out though. There's a tree attached to each of them and if you're taking out a large root that the tree is heavily dependent on then eventually the tree will die which could cause further problems. Most of the roots we take out at Sherman are the type that have come loose from the soil. Still, Sherman is bless to not have too much of a root issue where the trail winds through.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) David 2016 Santa Cruz Tallboy C
	IP Logged

msedly Small Cog Offline Work Ride Tarheel Trailblazers Posts: 414 Location: Dallas, NC Joined: 09/19/09	Re: Erosion Reply #21 - 06/27/18 at 3:36am	Print Post
	Removing roots to prevent short cuts seems completely ridiculous to me. I prefer technical features and I'm sure a lot of other folks do as well. Keeps things interesting and gives you something to work towards if there is a section that's kicking your ass. If you can't ride it, walk it until you can. If you can't walk it, go to a different trail. Seems harsh, but sometimes the truth hurts.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

Harry Balsagna Small Cog Offline Keep on rocking in the free world. Posts: 344 Location: PRP/South Park Joined: 12/30/14	Re: Erosion Reply #22 - 06/27/18 at 12:20pm	Print Post
	Quote: ... I get that opinions on this might vary but, I am tired of having to squeeze through two sorry little trees that have grown closely together like chopsticks ready to grab my handlebars and tick me off. Several of these "features" come to mind on local trails. For me, these are not fun features and they could be more of a hazard than a feature depending on how wide your bars are. AND they usually occur on a fast or flowing section of trail, which would be awesome, but its not, because now you have to scrub speed and tip toe past these diabolical sht traps and then speed up again. BOOOOO!!!!! This statement may be held in lower regard than saying you ride an Ebike. There are plenty of trails with no narrow tree gaps, they are called roads.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) I'm in no condition to ride...wait! I shouldn't listen to myself, I'm drunk!
	IP Logged

JasonK Ex Member	Re: Erosion Reply #23 - 06/27/18 at 1:26pm	Print Post
	Harry Balsagna wrote on 06/27/18 at 12:20pm: This statement may be held in lower regard than saying you ride an Ebike. There are plenty of trails with no narrow tree gaps, they are called roads. Yeah I disagree. Plenty of people who have been on this board for a long time know me and can vouch that I can handle a bike just fine (probably better than a lot of the most vocal people on here). The features I mentioned aren't too difficult to handle, they are just pointless in my view and break up otherwise fun sections of trail. Like I said it's my opinion but I'll stick to the trails if you don't mind.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

OoHoO Little Ring Offline Gnar...Gnar...Gnar.. Posts: 696 Location: Charlotte Joined: 08/21/13	Re: Erosion Reply #24 - 06/27/18 at 2:15pm	Print Post
	msedly wrote on 06/27/18 at 3:36am: Removing roots to prevent short cuts seems completely ridiculous to me. I prefer technical features and I'm sure a lot of other folks do as well. Keeps things interesting and gives you something to work towards if there is a section that's kicking your ass. If you can't ride it, walk it until you can. If you can't walk it, go to a different trail. Seems harsh, but sometimes the truth hurts. The purpose/population using the trail makes a big difference here. Although you may like roots and techy section, the hundreds of new riders and little kids that ride Beatty may see them as unsafe especially on the higher travelled green loops. The sheer number of walkers and inexperienced riders tend to make some root removal eaiser than fixing 1000 walk arounds on the easier higher volume trails.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) 2016 Santa Cruz Hightower CC 29 - Ridin' It 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29 - Gone 2012 Cannondale Trail 6 - Gone
	IP Logged

msedly Small Cog Offline Work Ride Tarheel Trailblazers Posts: 414 Location: Dallas, NC Joined: 09/19/09	Re: Erosion Reply #25 - 06/27/18 at 6:28pm	Print Post
	OoHoO wrote on 06/27/18 at 2:15pm: The purpose/population using the trail makes a big difference here. Although you may like roots and techy section, the hundreds of new riders and little kids that ride Beatty may see them as unsafe especially on the higher travelled green loops. The sheer number of walkers and inexperienced riders tend to make some root removal eaiser than fixing 1000 walk arounds on the easier higher volume trails. I'd agree that excessive roots on green trails can be a bit much for the intended audience. However, on any trail labeled blue or black, rocks and roots are to be expected. I don't see the point of removing or covering them up unless there is a massive amount of erosion that is detrimental to the trail. Ride within your limits. If you're on a trail that is over your ability, walk what you need to and move on. This forum is more of a form of release than anything. Most of the folks on here are not the problem.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

808golden Little Ring Offline More beer, please! Posts: 583 Location: LKNM Joined: 08/20/08	Re: Erosion Reply #26 - 06/27/18 at 9:57pm	Print Post
	Harry Balsagna wrote on 06/27/18 at 12:20pm: This statement may be held in lower regard than saying you ride an Ebike. There are plenty of trails with no narrow tree gaps, they are called roads. Unless you ride a newer geometry bike. Stems are shorter and bars are wider on new bikes and tight spaces on existing trails will definately clip your bars. Small tree/saplings that catch your bars could go. Established/mature trees of course should stay. Short handle bars and 26" wheels are great, but don't go Roadie and E-bike on folks who are riding newer bikes.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

IntheBush Big Ring Offline Posts: 2031 Location: South of the border Joined: 10/30/09	Re: Erosion Reply #27 - 06/27/18 at 10:24pm	Print Post
	The best trails are properly maintained. Any trail would become a rutted, eroded, overgrown and almost unridable mess in a few seasons without maintenance. As for roots, I deal with them like everybody else. I prefer flow. Has nothing to do with ability.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)
	IP Logged

Tom F In The Loop Offline I'm ready. Get the bike. Posts: 2028 Location: Can-of-pooless, NC Joined: 08/06/10	Re: Erosion Reply #28 - 06/28/18 at 2:32am	Print Post
	808golden wrote on 06/27/18 at 9:57pm: Unless you ride a newer geometry bike. Stems are shorter and bars are wider on new bikes and tight spaces on existing trails will definately clip your bars. Small tree/saplings that catch your bars could go. Established/mature trees of course should stay. Short handle bars and 26" wheels are great, but don't go Roadie and E-bike on folks who are riding newer bikes. Going from 26 to 29 and much wider bars initiated a short learning curve about knuckles and trees. However, I'm NOT going back to 26 or a narrower bar. Will not create a go around either.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) 2011 (frame) Santa Cruz Superlight & Stumpy Comp (1999), 2017 Tallboy C RX2 22Levo
	IP Logged

JasonK Ex Member	Re: Erosion Reply #29 - 06/28/18 at 12:52pm	Print Post
	808golden wrote on 06/27/18 at 9:57pm: Small tree/saplings that catch your bars could go. Established/mature trees of course should stay. Exactly. It should go without saying that I wasn't referring to 100 year old oaks. But there are a couple spots where there are those small trees, maybe 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and the gap between them can't be threaded by keeping the line you are riding. You literally have to put one end of your bar through first and then the other end of your bar through next. It's like trying to move a sofa up a tight set of stairs. Not saying you can't ride through something like this at low speeds but IN MY OPINION that sucks.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

BudLeach Small Cog Offline Posts: 394 Location: Gastonia Joined: 09/09/14	Re: Erosion Reply #30 - 06/28/18 at 1:36pm	Print Post
	Quote: It's like trying to move a sofa up a tight set of stairs. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

Harry Balsagna Small Cog Offline Keep on rocking in the free world. Posts: 344 Location: PRP/South Park Joined: 12/30/14	Re: Erosion Reply #31 - 06/28/18 at 2:24pm	Print Post
	Quote: Exactly. It should go without saying that I wasn't referring to 100 year old oaks. But there are a couple spots where there are those small trees, maybe 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and the gap between them can't be threaded by keeping the line you are riding. You literally have to put one end of your bar through first and then the other end of your bar through next. It's like trying to move a sofa up a tight set of stairs. Not saying you can't ride through something like this at low speeds but IN MY OPINION that sucks. Fine, i'll relent, given that maybe, on one occasion, back in aught6, i may have removed a tree with a diameter of less than 3" to facilitate the line/flow of my trail. I'm only saying maybe though.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) I'm in no condition to ride...wait! I shouldn't listen to myself, I'm drunk!
	IP Logged

JasonK Ex Member	Re: Erosion Reply #32 - 06/28/18 at 2:52pm	Print Post
	In that case, I appreciate your service

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

Cherokee Little Ring Offline Posts: 748 Location: Concord Joined: 08/07/06	Re: Erosion Reply #33 - 06/28/18 at 4:39pm	Print Post
	Quote: ... But there are a couple spots where there are those small trees, maybe 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and the gap between them can't be threaded by keeping the line you are riding. You literally have to put one end of your bar through first and then the other end of your bar through next. It's like trying to move a sofa up a tight set of stairs... I'm not arguing your point at all. I'm just wondering which trails have trees this tight? I don't get to the north and west trails all that much, but I've ridden every trail in the immediate region except Ballentine and SW District Park, and I really don't know of places like that except in spots that are already tight, twisty sections of trail. I ride a 29er with fairly wide bars that required an adjustment period when I got it. (Had to buy new grips ) I'm just wondering if we have a lot of those places or it's more a matter of perspective.
	« Last Edit: 06/28/18 at 4:41pm by Cherokee »
	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) "The state is the great fiction by which each of us seeks to live at the expense of all of us." --19th century French economist Frederic Bastiat
	IP Logged

Tom F In The Loop Offline I'm ready. Get the bike. Posts: 2028 Location: Can-of-pooless, NC Joined: 08/06/10	Re: Erosion Reply #34 - 06/28/18 at 5:01pm	Print Post
	Cherokee wrote on 06/28/18 at 4:39pm: I'm not arguing your point at all. I'm just wondering which trails have trees this tight? I don't get to the north and west trails all that much, but I've ridden every trail in the immediate region except Ballentine and SW District Park, and I really don't know of places like that except in spots that are already tight, twisty sections of trail. I ride a 29er with fairly wide bars that required an adjustment period when I got it. (Had to buy new grips ) I'm just wondering if we have a lot of those places or it's more a matter of perspective. There are a couple of these spots at Fisher/Allison.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) 2011 (frame) Santa Cruz Superlight & Stumpy Comp (1999), 2017 Tallboy C RX2 22Levo
	IP Logged

Doc00t IB Room In The Loop Project Board Offline When in DOUBT, PEDAL it OUT Posts: 1785 Location: University Joined: 05/09/12	Re: Erosion Reply #35 - 06/28/18 at 6:11pm	Print Post
	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) Cut them all!!! They will all just come back. The trails we build are just borrowed space! Everyday we go to war trying to fight Mother Nature back but its a futile battle for one day she will win. Mother Nature is no sweet old lady. She's one tough mother, red in tooth and claw and with a thousand ways of disposing of mortals. I have cut roots at Sherman,WWC, Renni, Fisher, Uwharrie, Beatty, Purser, Ballyntine, Backyard, Dixie River, the mountains ... You name it. They always come back. They will always come back. In the off chance a tree dies it will be replaced by 4 more. It's like trying to hold back the Borg except more difficult. Their will always be roots and trees regardless of what we do. I have been fighting them for years now. All Hail Mother Nature!

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) Scars are like Tattoos only with better Stories
	IP Logged

BudLeach Small Cog Offline Posts: 394 Location: Gastonia Joined: 09/09/14	Re: Erosion Reply #36 - 06/28/18 at 7:27pm	Print Post
	Cherokee wrote on 06/28/18 at 4:39pm: I'm just wondering which trails have trees this tight? ... I'm just wondering if we have a lot of those places or it's more a matter of perspective. I can think of a few. One spot on the Beatty Black loop, not long after the ski jump IIRC. I haven't ridden Beatty in about a year though. I used to scrape both bar ends (785 mm bar) at the same time when passing through. Another one is at Poston towards the beginning of the Lake Loop. Its on a section of benchcut, where the trail slopes off to the left down to the water. There is a left and a right option. The right option is definitely less than 785 mm wide. There is one on WWC Figure 8 that makes me wince every time I ride through it, but it does clear my current 800 mm bars, just barely. There is the two trees atop the big wooden roll-in at Sherman, which also clear a 800 mm bar pretty easily given you have to slow down for that one anyways unless you plan on doing a huck to flat.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

JasonK Ex Member	Re: Erosion Reply #37 - 06/28/18 at 8:08pm	Print Post
	Tom F wrote on 06/28/18 at 5:01pm: There are a couple of these spots at Fisher/Allison. Yes there were a couple spots like that at Fisher and Allison like Tom said. I believe Mark cut one down because right after the split between Old Blue and the section that leads to Rock Rumble. Riding LNSP this weekend I noticed some spots like this too. But then there is one at LNSP on Laurel that is actually fun. It' s a slight up and over mound built between two larger trees and the width is just wide enough for ANY handlebar width. I was just saying there are a few places locally where the features are ready to move on to greener pastures. Not a slam on any trail though. The ones mentioned here and many others locally are all great. I always brag on our local trails.
	« Last Edit: 06/28/18 at 8:08pm by »
	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

JasonK Ex Member	Re: Erosion Reply #38 - 06/28/18 at 8:14pm	Print Post
	Cherokee wrote on 06/28/18 at 4:39pm: I'm not arguing your point at all. I'm just wondering which trails have trees this tight? I don't get to the north and west trails all that much, but I've ridden every trail in the immediate region except Ballentine and SW District Park, and I really don't know of places like that except in spots that are already tight, twisty sections of trail. I ride a 29er with fairly wide bars that required an adjustment period when I got it. (Had to buy new grips ) I'm just wondering if we have a lot of those places or it's more a matter of perspective. I wouldn't say we have a lot of sections like this. It's not an issue per se, just a pet peeve of mine. I'm not even petitioning that we cut a lot of these down. I can just go on hating them like I always have. But... I have a wolf tooth saw and some free time so if a trail coordinator wants to give me permission to remove something that the majority deems stupid I will gladly do it. You don't have to worry about me altering trails though. I get how hard these guys work just from the handful of times I have volunteered.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

Specialist Little Ring Offline The rider formerly known as "Trekker1" Posts: 694 Location: Charlotte Joined: 05/11/12	Re: Erosion Reply #39 - 06/28/18 at 9:27pm	Print Post
	Honestly, the only one I have a hard time with is on Beatty, but there's already a ride around. Only other really tight spot for me is at the top of the very beginning climb (like 30 feet in) to RRT. It's all covered in roots so you're bouncing and turning and squeezing between two little trees. That being said - totally doable with practice and I wouldn't want to see it changed.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted)
	IP Logged

Page Index Toggle

Pages: 1 [2] 3

Print

‹ Previous Topic | Next Topic ›

« Board Index ‹ Board Top

Top

Tarheel Trailblazers Message Board » Powered by YaBB 2.6.12!
YaBB Forum Software © 2000-2025. All Rights Reserved.