Sourlands Mountain Preserve Conditions

Yesterday's conditions.....

Everything was nicely frozen. As the temps came up, the less ridden/hiked trails were still covered with leaves and such, and were a bit "slow" and crunchy - somewhat rutted, but only the organic layer on-top (specifically the connecting trail from the 4-way to the fence, and the old trail from the pipeline to 1st turn of 3 amigos (the trail to the rock pile)

the stream crossings were frozen over, as in "ice flows" - in some cases there were enough rocks visible to pick a safe path. There were some other icy spots, but not too bad - they didn't surprise ya.

the off camber spots of the boardwalks got slick above freezing - expected.

outer loop clockwise was fantastic.

the go-around heading up roaring brook is getting worn in - not much to do about that now. try to stay in the rocks - you can do it!
 
I did a hike here today to check things out. There has been quite a bit of hiker and xc ski traffic, so things are starting to get packed down. The exception was 3 Amigos which hasn't seen many visitors. The cold temps tonight should make the snow crunchy & grippy, so I'll probably give it a go on my non-fatbike tomorrow.
 
All the lower trails are nicely packed down. Snow starts to get a little deep near where you pass through the chain link fence. That switchbacky climb is about 50/50 ride/walk. We skipped 3 Amigos since there hasn't been much foot traffic yet. So we picked up white trail by Roaring Rocks and worked our way back to the pipeline and over to Boulderama. The "C" trail that goes straight down the hill was in great shape. But we opted to take Boulderama, which had a bit more snow than I was expecting. You have to stay on the narrow worn path or you are toast. Most of it was rideable but you had to work for it. Then when we hit the downhill stuff, it was all smiles.

Riding in this stuff is all about having the right attitude and expectations. I'd say it was about 70% rideable, 30% hike-a-bike, 100% fun. We did notice the snow was softening up around 11:30 when we finished giving less traction. Colder is better with these conditions.
 
What J-dro said. all good to ride up to the giant rock pile, then ride/hike. Fitman did well with the 5" tires - they hooked up, and he went where there were no bike tracks - i slimed off this breaking trail on the 29r.

we hung a right, just before the lookout over roaring brook (the "middle" trail) then up top....

pipeline is packed down - might consider climbing it, and coming down through the woods!
 
Today's report... The lower trails are getting a bit icy but you can still get decent traction if you stick to the side of the worn in path. There is a sweet spot towards the edge that is nicely packed down but is not iced over yet. 3 Amigos is primo right now. Absolute bliss. Boulderama is a mixed bag. Totally rideable but some icy patches where you need to be cautious not to lean the bike too much. Get out there today before the next snow storm hits tonight.
 
I can't believe you guys were out riding today. Pearl and I walked up Boulderama and hiked for about 2 hours on that side, coming down the pipeline. It's pretty much a sheet of ice everywhere, so you need to stick to the edges where there's snow (like J-Dro said). I can't imagine riding there, but I guess people are doing it. Kudos to you!
 
Mixed bag today before the snow. Some trails had very little traffic and you had to stay in the like 3" groove otherwise dead stop. That was more the 3 Amigos side. Bouderama got more traffic so that had a nice 1 foot wide hardpack to ride for most of it. It's all gonna change tomorrow though.
 
If you catch it while the ground is frozen solid (like it was this morning), I imagine it would be pretty good with occasional ice patches. Once it thaws though, it's mud of epic proportions.
 
I'm gonna do a recon run soon. I heard/saw big trees going down in the area on wed so I'm assuming there will be trees down there as well. Hopefully not too bad
 
planning a trip over here for the first time as my kids will be golfing for a few hours at Neshanic for the next few months
any tips for a beginner rider? reading the reviews and wiki makes me a bit nervous
looking for where to go, avoid, and direction of flow, etc
 
qclabrat said:
planning a trip over here for the first time as my kids will be golfing for a few hours at Neshanic for the next few months
any tips for a beginner rider? reading the reviews and wiki makes me a bit nervous
looking for where to go, avoid, and direction of flow, etc
Click to expand...

First off don't plan on going anytime soon. It will take a while to dry out. Last year it took forever with all the snow, the mountain pissed snowmelt water until May.

Once it does dry out, here is a good beginner "loop" to try - this avoids the most challenging rocky sections but gives you a little taste of the place. Try this a time or two and if you feel more of a challenge, head up to the top of the ridge. PS coming down the pipeline is a blast - lower your seat and hang on

https://www.strava.com/activities/251683337
 
let me know, and i'll head over with you - i can see the clubhouse from my front porch - and no, it isn't one of "those" houses.
 
Summary:

Go ride - you will walk a few soft sections, (insert comment about walking the hard sections)
but it is good to go - assuming it doesn't rain anymore. we had just enough to wet the driveway
today.

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some soft spots on maple flats from the pipeline to the 4 way. some deep ruts from previous riders .
not bad, just had to get off the bike a couple times.

from the 4 way (dam intersection) up to the fence using the connector, again had a couple soft spots,
and a tree down near the top - it is an old/rotting one, so could be cut by hand, or even moved with a little leverage.
from the fence line up roaring brook was in good shape out to the pipeline. the north side of the pipeline was in great shape
- was able to clear 3 decent size branches off the trail - two near the stream->pipeline segment.

heading over to the old trail, it was soft exactly where expected - so walked a bit off the trail - also wet near the top of the east segment of 3 amigos. after that it was nice.

outside section of maple flats had a couple soft areas, again, just a quick dismount if it wasn't an armored ....

everything "high and north" of the pipeline was in good shape.
 
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