Mercer County Park Conditions

[Gearhead42]

Good evening, we're the trails rideable today?

 

[Rocks & Water]

Was getting pretty soft, bailed back to the car.

 

[TAS]

When I was walking back to my truck yesterday afternoon, I noticed that the trail bed was a lot wetter and softer than when I had started.

Freeze thaw cycle is in effect!!

We will have warmer temps until Friday, but the overnight lows will refreeze.
Until the trail surfaces dry out please be aware and consider the trail conditions before riding.
THANKS!

TAS

 

[SAM]

Trees down across Red at the locations indicated on the map. Pretty difficult to get around.

 

[TAS]

Sam, Thanks for the location info. Really helpful. I'll try to get out there this afternoon.
No easy way around in that area unless you go onto the paved path. UGH!

TAS

 

[SAM]

Sam, Thanks for the location info. Really helpful. I'll try to get out there this afternoon.
No easy way around in that area unless you go onto the paved path. UGH!

TAS

Thanks!! Yup. Had to go up and around the stump end on that first one because of all the branches. Was tricky due to brambles. Went on the paved path on the return to avoid.

 

[TAS]

Done! Both spots have been cleared. What a beautiful afternoon to work outdoors!
Both were a real mess and took a bit longer than I expected.
Forgot to get a pic of the bigger blowdown after clearing it...

 

[TAS]

Heads up folks, I received a verbal report this afternoon that a bridge on Blue North trail near the Conover road culvert and ponds has failed. Here is before and after picture to identify the bridge and location. The bridge has been compromised for quite some time and It finally broke. Please be careful.. DO not attempt to ride it. The park has put up yellow caution tape.

No ET of repair has been determined.

TAS

 

[TAS]

Latest bridge update. Park has put up tape and cones. Mick added the sign...
Mick is waiting to hear from the Park Stewardship coordinator....

TAS.

 

[TAS]

Latest bridge update. Park has put up tape and cones. Mick added the sign...
Mick is waiting to hear from the Park Stewardship coordinator....

TAS.

Today's update on the failed Blue Trail bridge from the Park Stewardship Coordinator..

"Myself and the maintenance team are working on the repair of the blue trail bridge this week. The blue trail is to remain closed to the public for the time being due to this safety hazard."

TAS

 

[Big Al]

I rode most of the park on Saturday. Overall, conditions are pretty good. A few muddy spots and a couple of trees down. Mud Bog and Grail trail need more time to dry out. Below are pics of the downed trees as well as their locations on the map ..

Tree 1 is on Orange trail very close to the West Picnic lot.
Tree 2 is on the Red trail near the brick house.
Tree 3 is on the Blue trail, 3/8 of a mile from the Boathouse.
@TAS

 

[Big Al]

Tree 1

 

[Big Al]

Tree 2

 

[Big Al]

Tree 3

 

[TAS]

Al, Thanks for the report with locations!. I'll try and get out there in a day or so.

TAS

 

[TAS]

Turns out I had some free time this afternoon and cleared the tree on Blue trail. People had already piled up branches to get over it. DIdn't get to the other two near West Picnic area.

I sure wish the park had a reporting system so that folks could report a blockage and the parks saw - maintenance crew could do this stuff. The only issue is when they would do it... as in days or even weeks.

TAS

 

[TAS]

Ride Report Tuesday April 29. West Picnic and into Van Nest. Dry trail surfaces. NICE!
Pax Twisty, Yellow, Orange and short section of red.
Previous trail margin cutback work with brush hog has worked very well.

As posted previously above there are a few trees down in the BMX pit area. Tree 1 and another on Orange.
There is also a widow maker overhanging the exit trail from the BMX pit. See Pic.

Van Nest is clear. Nothing down.
Orange and yellow near the Van Nest parking lot need a good brush hog trim as usual ( thorns! ).

Felt great to out on the bike again.. but, wow.... I am out of condition!!!
Autumn Berry is in full bloom and the fragrance is amazing.

TAS

 

[Big Al]

Yes. Trails are in good shape. Cleared some head knockers in Red bn Tennis center and East Picnic. No after photo.

 

[TAS]

There are two big "over the trail" trees on Red. The one in your post above and the second about 50 yards back. The one in your pic is a toughie because there is a lot of clearing that has to be done near the base. Mick & I looked at that one more that once... Perhaps we pass that job on to the park crew?

On another note. Pax Twisty is loaded with standing dead trees. Some push over with one hand. Others need to be cut. Might be a walk and cut someday?
PM me if you want to discuss. Have battery will travel!

TAS

 

[Big Al]

Tree down on Red between the Tennis Center and the East Picnic. Some muddy spots in low lying areas. @TAS