When the mud season arrives!

[konastab]

After this very long winter, alot of us cannot wait to get out on our bikes. Here in southern NH the mud season is upon us. Some towns actually forbid any trucks, atv's and bikes on the class 6 roads. I think this is a prime reason we should be able to build wooden bridges and link trails by using elevated bridges where the wear and tear is the worst. What do you think about this low impact type of riding. Note: None of these trails or roads could be on private property unless okayed. Also these sections of wooden links and bridges could be used by all that access these types of areas. Lets's all work on good solutions and spread the good vibes.

[wooglin-at-home]

Doesn't seem to me that a bridge that Bubba in his Ford F150 can use would be all that challenging for the rest of us. It'd be kind of expensive to build, too.

Or maybe I'm misunderstanding the question.

[konastab]

Here in NH the majority of these trail sections are mantained by the users ie; mountain bikes, atv's and dirtbikes. Not to many 4 x4 trucks would use these bridges because of their pur weight. So,I should restructure the comment by saying. It would be nice to have these types of smaller structures off to the side for those lighter weight toys especially during the upcoming mud season. That way we can still ride! Some of these places that link snowmobile trails allready have bridges strategically placed over streams or water bars for that purpose. They sure are fun to ride. Let's Build! Peace.

[konastab]

Yesterday was so so muddy that none of us wanted to track up the trails. Instead we rode at the skate park. What a blast. The concrete jungle really has alot of potential. I jumped all night long. Great workout as well and the bike was still clean!

[wooglin-at-home]

I still don't get it. I guess I'm having a hard time with the closing of class iv highways. Also, I'm not big on a built environment in the woods. Finally, perhaps I'm just dating myself. I'm from NH. I ride there every year. And unless I brought them there I have never seen another rider on the trails I ride. Ever. And I've been riding those trails for 20 years.

Or maybe I just like listening to your accent.....;)

[konastab]

The interesting thing about mountain biking is that you get to explore the surrounding land and enviroment. Just about all of the areas our group rides at, consists of all types of riding from sweet single track to dowhill sections riddled with stunts built from fallen trees and wood that mother nature has provided. I don't feel that there is any one in the woods that would have a problem using what has been provided for us to keep the local trails clean and rideable. I don't know where you ride but the majority of our riders prefer to have fun on the trails with our freinds and family. On your next trip back to your homeland look me up and I'll show you what we've done to clean up an area that has always seen traffic and always been a great mountain bike mecca. You would not know where it was unless you have been envited there. By the way everyone in our group only works on land that is theirs. If it is not, we do not build on it. These roads provide access to these lg private lots of land. So, bring some beer and your full face helmet and I'll show you some trails that will make you change you Depends. Oh buy the way I've lived in New England the majority of my 40 years and I've never met another biker who did not like to keep there riding area well manadged. By chance do you ride only in NH during the dry months. Because we are here year round and ride all season. Wet and dry. ;) Yes, I was born here as well! I think I like your accent!

[minkhiller]

In response to the class 6 roads issue. Many towns, with advice of local conservation commisions post their class 6 roads to keep vehicles off them during the mud season. If posted, these roads are closed in the time frame determined by the town. I agree with these policies that help protect from damage by vehicles. In my town they don't have the resources to enforce the postings and I'm sure there are not many towns that do. I live at the end of a class 5 road that turns into a class 6 after my house so if I see someone about to travel the class six I advise them of the posting and ask that the abide by it. I hope in the futrue that these class 6 roads offer access to new single track to be built in the area and will offer a good variety of riding for all abilities. As far as me riding my mtb on class 6 roads, not when it's real muddy i'll ride class 5 until it dries out. Our road agent who posts the roads has no problem with mtb's on posted roads. Oh by the way, i'm in NH auyh!

[konastab]

On our last ride we noticed a substantial amount of mud that had dried up. Each day, the trails are getting less and less muddy. The lack of snow here in southern NH has given us a somewhat dry spring melt off. We like the wet trails here normally but it sure is sweet when you can hook up on some grippy single track. Just think everyday is getting better and better. Have fun and enjoy the extra hour of daylight !

[wooglin-at-home]

Hmm. I'll have to look into Class VI mud closures in my town (Hanover). I expect that given its liberal bent they've been in place for a while and I've just never heard about it. Otherwise I'll recommend it. There's only one Class VI that I know of that gets real chewed up, and it actually starts in Lyme.

[konastab]

Bear Brook State Park ask's us to stay off of the trails unitl May. This is possibly some of the best single track in New Hampshire !!! Check out the FOMBA web site. The log roll rules !!! Soon the mud will dry up !!!

[minkhiller]

Originally posted by konastab
Bear Brook State Park ask's us to stay off of the trails unitl May. This is possibly some of the best single track in New Hampshire !!! Check out the FOMBA web site. The log roll rules !!! Soon the mud will dry up !!! The Bear Brook trails are now threated by the potential arrival of ATV's in the park. Please write you local State Rep and Senator to voice your opposition. Check out the NEMBA forums for more information.