Wissahickon Trail Conditions, Demo Trail
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Author Topic: Wissahickon Trail Conditions, Demo Trail  (Read 936 times)
DaveFOW
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« on: March 31, 2007, 08:11:37 AM »
Many of you have figured this out by now: the Wissahickon has dried out. The trails are nice. Even Forbidden Drive can be ridden fast and comfortable without giving the rider that lovely stripe down the middle of his or her back.

I rode the Demonstraiton trail yesterday and to me it looks great. There are a few places that will need some fine tuning--maybe a nick or two and some eventual de-burming. Some roots and rocks are showing more than last fall, but that's OK so far. There is nothing loose in the trail but for the occasional stick. The compacted track is not as wide at the trail itself in most places, but I suspect that will change with more use. Check it out an let me know what you think.

Dave
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jomissa
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« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2007, 08:22:16 AM »
agreed.  the demo trail is packed down nicely now.  after the meeting a few weeks ago and understanding the cycle a bit better of how the trail will cure ill stop freaking out.  maybe some rocks over those sections prone to the deep mud will be a good idea dave?  ill leave that to the experts but overall its doing well. 

anything new takes time to get used to and we are always more critical of those sections as opposed to the same old trails...
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dirtmerchant
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« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2007, 11:27:55 AM »
Yes, I was very impressed with the demo trail yesterday (Friday) It was the best I have ever seen it. The tread was completely packed down and I actually kept nice speed and momentum through that section. (I started at Henry Ave. and hit it going south towards Valley Green) It was nice to hit that trail fast and roll through the woods and lay it over in the turns. I got so low in one turn that I almost dragged my bars!!!! OK, that might be a little exaggeration, but it was awesome and felt great! It also helps that the dirt was PERFECT, a little moist but not wet. This trail is definitely improving and I like it a lot now....
« Last Edit: March 31, 2007, 11:30:45 AM by dirtmerchant » Logged
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DaveFOW
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« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2007, 02:56:59 PM »
I am glad you all are liking what you see (and ride)! Bodes well for the future.

I copied Jill at IMBATS on my post above. This is her response:

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the comments- glad to hear that the demo trail looks better!   I think it's a good thing that the rocks are starting to peek out from the soil- we had hoped they would as the tread compacted to give the trail more texture.  Also, it's normal for the active tread to be narrower than the constructed tread.  This helps the trail to feel narrower and allows users a little flexibility to find the right line within the wider tread.  The less used areas will grow back in a little, while not impeding passing by users and continuing to allow gator or ATV access for maintenance and emergencies.  If a berm is created from this use in a small area of the trail, however, the tread will need to be de-bermed.
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dieselkarl
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« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2007, 04:47:03 PM »
It was in pretty decent shape Thursday.  I  hadn't been on the reroute of the trail from Wise's mill towards the inn.  Nice job.  The rolling whoops are a nice touch.   Being in western Montco I haven't been hitting Wissahickon with the frequency I used to.  Nice change. 

Karl
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2007, 09:06:54 PM »
I too was able to hit the demo trail on Thur. It is fast and fun with a great flow. You really can lay it down in the turns. I seen maybe three or four grade reversals that need slight fine tuning to let water out but nothing major. Looks great.
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2007, 09:16:33 PM »
Did a little fine tuning on the demo trail the other day. One little spot was holding water. That trail is looking good.
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