(I changed the title above to better reflect my question)

We were doing laps on the access roads at Beatty because the trails were wet and would be damaged by us.  We noticed a guy, maybe two, riding the trail through totally wet mud.  He apparently had no regard for destroying the trail, just sloping through the mud.  We yelled at him a couple times as we saw him, he just waved at us and kept going.  We yelled again a bit later and it didn't change anything.  (for anyone who hasn't been there, the trails often run next to the access roads)

I noticed that the siganage asking people to stay off when wet is rather few and the writing is pretty small.  These guys probably knew exactly what they were doing, but I was wondering if more clear and frequent signage might help prevent the destruction.  What do you think?

santana wrote on 01/01/19 at 12:19pm:


Was that you on the trail?     

santana wrote on 01/01/19 at 12:19pm:



Very well said.

MTB4U wrote on 01/01/19 at 3:25am:



how many miles is the pavement loop??

MTB4U wrote on 01/01/19 at 6:17pm:



good to know thanks for the info.  Happy new years

Well there are plenty of signs that remind people to wait at least 24h. Obviously few ones do not care, do not use good judgement also because a nice muddy bike is cool... 
The let be it attitude is understandable as we are not the park rangers but since the THTB is part of IN A, I presume there is nothing to be ashamed to ask that some simple rules are followed. Sharing the rules  knowedge should be normal then it is up to the individual to listen or not.

The pump track is very well posted to keep off when wet.  Probably easier to do since there is only the one point of access.  What I'm asking is this: If all the main access points on the main loop were that well marked, do you think that would cut back on the mud riding?  

I applaud what dogrunner is doing and have been thinking about how I can help with that kind of thing too.  I'm not complaining, getting worked up, or criticizing anyone. 

contrary to what people think when I post a comment, I do not ride on wet trails. But let's face it, there are folks who enjoy riding in mud. I've also noticed that over the years ,trail maintenance has become another form of recreation. I myself, don't enjoy trail maintenance. It's hard work, and you just don't see any rewards soon enough. But if you enjoy doing it, and don't mind not being able to ride for weeks. Then good for you.

Robert C. wrote on 01/02/19 at 1:33pm:

 
I'm thinking razor wire around the entire trail system.  Numerous guard posts.  Mandatory prison terms for repeat offenders.  Maybe a Tarheel TB gang to mess up their cars while they ride.  LOL.    Nothing anyone can do, but it was interesting to hear the responses. 

The Cycle Path wrote on 01/02/19 at 7:20pm:



Agree.  I'm certainy not worked up about it. 

We rode Beatty Black and Blue today, which was open, but there were several questionable mud boggs.  I walked around most of them rather ride through and tear up the trail even more.  

I applaud what dogrunner is doing and have been thinking about how I can help with that kind of thing too....


Dont get me wrong its not fun and games by any means 
Its actual work carrying 2 - 5 gal buckets full of gravel/ sand into the woods a 1/2 mile ( no wheel barrow🤔)
You will definitely find out where your cardio fitness stands- 3trips of that and you will know who you are as a man !! And several days in a row are even better 😬
And dont expect any if any  appreciation from the other riders as they will most likely not show you any  As they ride by you working  ... Some will ...  but most of these young guys could care less   

But these rewards are all in its self  accomplishment as I know I can go ride in adverse weather situations 

But I say go for it -  it's supposed to rain in the next few days and you can believe I'll be out there doing new repairs to continue what I've been working on rather than sitting behind the computer   
As well as riding my doings 🤓

IMO Beatty will never be controlled. It is a community park opened/closed by Parks and Rec who have nothing to do with the trail maintenance or closure.
With all the rain this fall, It has everyone restless to ride if the sun peaks out, my self included.
As one of the New TC's at Beatty we will be using the 24 Hr method to open and close since i live around the corner and know when and how much it rains for people that check. I just ask for people to help when they can. Stop and clear a drain or move limbs if needed. It helps a lot.Please don't throw sticks parallel to trail for whoever keeps doing that.This year's extensive rain has created many problems area's out there that will need to be addressed in the future. I blew the leaves a couple of weeks ago to help it dry out faster and redefined the trial but it is still a mess. There are two long sections of mud that will take weeks to dry out but there is no way to keep me/people off of it if it's nice outside and the rest is dry.  I walked it with my wife Sunday and watched riders try and go around the holes instead of thru them which is really making it worse by making it wider. Ride thru it. It's kind of fun actually.
If you don't want a muddy bike then don't ride in the mud.
With that said we are having a work day out there Saturday( To be Posted) to replace the Bridge in the Swap that is getting washed out. If we could just get help carrying the wood down, the day would be very productive. Ride your bike to the Dam help us carry and ride away if you like. If we get a lot of help we can clear some drains as well. I ride it a lot and decided to do my part to help and if wasn't for all the people that have contributed to the trails,we would not have them.
Brain has some good things coming. 
Like they say RAFMB

Banjopickin wrote on 01/03/19 at 5:55pm:


Excellent point. but who can be the sacrificial lamb? Also riders from one side of the city will complain if that particular trail is too far. I know it sounds extreme, but i have friends in Italy that created a network of trails in the langhe. Since inclement weather is a real concern there (rain or snow) they told me that they have used a special cement in the most vulnerable areas. This cement is a composite material that allows the hearth and root system underneath to breath or the water to drain through. I bet it is not cheap but maybe something similar could be used in those trail areas that are subject to become dump wetlands.