Yarra Trails regulars

[mtb101]

best to get to know the trails first, you'll soon know what is normal and what's not. 99% of the time mtbers are like ants they find ways around things, and that's not a bad thing as the ever changing nature keeps the fun in. of course an obvious fallen tree is always worth tackling, a few kung fu strikes is good training for hardening up the shins for rock strikes. moving a large branch is excellent core work.

what you don't want to do is change the terrain thinking its unsafe when really you don't have the skills to negotiate it.

 

[Big JD]

I dont buy that train of thought

The whole anti draining thing- let it be- keep it original man!!

Take Hans Loop as an example. Built many moons ago and until 7 years ago- received minimal traffic and it handled it ok. When it was wet - the trails would get a bit trashed and recover. That perspective was fine then but aint fine now.

Four years ago there was a really wet period and the Loop turned into a complete bog. The whole dam section and the climb out was completely trashed. I was riding out there and ran into one of the original builders. When I suggested we close off the stuffed trails and certain other measures to reduce the damage he said no. His theory was- its mountain biking, the trails get trashed and recover dont sweat it.

Well Parks walked the area and returned several times and were absolutely disgusted in MTBers. That we would turn a natural community resource into such a mess was beyond the person I spoke to. "if you have such little respect for the enviroment and are happy to treat this place with such contempt - well stuff you lot". They also noticed people riding it at night and feared for the wildlife- but thats a different story.

Fact is that the volume of traffic around Hans and Yarra in general has increased to a point that you can no long simply have an attitude of - sh'ell be right. The trails were never built to handle the traffic or very well in some areas to handle the weather. Its great that you ride through puddles rather than around them but your faith in the antidrain \ leave it be as it was originally built doesnt fly- IMO.

We are on show- to parks and other stakeholders along the Yarra Trails and if we cant look after the trails ourselves and treat the area like an amusement park for our own pleasure - then we dont deserve to have access. There is no way that Parks or council will take responsability for mantaining MTB trails- they dont have the funds, time or resources. They tolerate it and the legistration is currently not on our side. So that leaves it up to us. Now we can sit around and bitch and moan about who/ when / what/ how/ and why or we can be proactive and accountable.

I dont suggest any new trails- but the ones we have need to be looked after and perhaps closed if they warrant it. Who will step up and do their bit cause it aint going to happen on its own.

 

[Big JD]

best to get to know the trails first, you'll soon know what is normal and what's not. 99% of the time mtbers are like ants they find ways around things, and that's not a bad thing as the ever changing nature keeps the fun in. of course an obvious fallen tree is always worth tackling, a few kung fu strikes is good training for hardening up the shins for rock strikes. moving a large branch is excellent core work.

what you don't want to do is change the terrain thinking its unsafe when really you don't have the skills to negotiate it.

yes.......................

 

[jathanas]

All you desk jockeys suffering in the office today? I might wear my coolest Rapha kit, mount my Epic, and go shoot some nice pics of ST just to cheer you all up.

 

[Big JD]

Hmm so it sounds like I should make an effort to meet up with Big JD on sunday and learn.
What tools are you bringing, and I'll see if I have anything in the helpful in the garage.

mate you are welcome to hook up with me and help out. Once again I am no trail guru and wouldnt attempt anything structural or new trail without experienced support. I am fat and old and have the hands of a bartender but I will give it a go.

I have a hoe/rack tool that is perferct- I dont suggest you cycle with a sharp pointy puning shears in your back pocket mate. I will have a few tools

 

[mtb101]

All you desk jockeys suffering in the office today? I might wear my coolest Rapha kit, mount my Epic, and go shoot some nice pics of ST just to cheer you all up.

yes I've just found out I have saturday off so thinking of a ninja drive to forrest to ride the chase the dog event. hopefully weather holds out.

 

[Beej1]

The whole anti draining thing- let it be- keep it original man!!

Not trying to take sides dude. Nor do I want to debate technique. Just saying what I was told as the reason I don't do that particular form of maintenance.

Truth be told I rarely see puddles: if it's wet enough for puddles to form, I'm either behind the wheel, on the footpath or - most likely - on the couch. Best way to preserve unsustainable trails: don't ride 'em wet.

 

[cinnyis]

mate you are welcome to hook up with me and help out. Once again I am no trail guru and wouldnt attempt anything structural or new trail without experienced support. I am fat and old and have the hands of a bartender but I will give it a go.

I have a hoe/rack tool that is perferct- I dont suggest you cycle with a sharp pointy puning shears in your back pocket mate. I will have a few tools

Happy to put my money where my mouth is and help out. If you reckon you're right for tools, I'll ride there, if not I'm happy to drive and bring an extra shovel. I don't live far away from the section I think you're talking about. I've actually only ridden it once. I'm assuming this is the section?

 

[Marx]

With my limited experience of riding trails, if you shut a trail, in 3 months it will disappear. I’m not sure what Parks are saying about damage MTBers do? I can’t think of a form of movement through bushland that will have less impact than a rolling MTB. If anything the trail is a bare earth groove usually less than 30cms across, try & get that with hikers on foot with similar volumes.
In very many cases, the singletrack is invisible from users of the main riverside path, even though it is within 10feet of it. The only obvious signs being actual MTBers shooting between the trees.
Down along the Yarra trails there are walkers forever along the singletrack, it can’t be justified that they are exclusively MTB trails.
Parks have to realise that their resource is being patronised by certain members of the community who fund the existence of these parklands, who are utilising facilities which are not directly contributed by Parks. Its as if Parks are getting something (increased park patronage) for nothing (no work in maintaining single-track).

Bikes riding at night with lights are a risk to wildlife?
:frusty:

(Lemme know if you want me to delete this post).

 

[Big JD]

With my limited experience of riding trails, if you shut a trail, in 3 months it will disappear. I’m not sure what Parks are saying about damage MTBers do? I can’t think of a form of movement through bushland that will have less impact than a rolling MTB. If anything the trail is a bare earth groove usually less than 30cms across, try & get that with hikers on foot with similar volumes.
In very many cases, the singletrack is invisible from users of the main riverside path, even though it is within 10feet of it. The only obvious signs being actual MTBers shooting between the trees.
Down along the Yarra trails there are walkers forever along the singletrack, it can’t be justified that they are exclusively MTB trails.
Parks have to realise that their resource is being patronised by certain members of the community who fund the existence of these parklands, who are utilising facilities which are not directly contributed by Parks. Its as if Parks are getting something (increased park patronage) for nothing (no work in maintaining single-track).

Bikes riding at night with lights are a risk to wildlife?
:frusty:

(Lemme know if you want me to delete this post).

why would it need to be deleted mate. Nothing wrong with what youve said. Perhaps the zoologists could comment on the wildlife issue and why it could be an issue.

 

[redbruce]

The whole anti draining thing- let it be- keep it original man!!

Take Hans Loop as an example. Built many moons ago and until 7 years ago- received minimal traffic and it handled it ok. When it was wet - the trails would get a bit trashed and recover. That perspective was fine then but aint fine now.

Four years ago there was a really wet period and the Loop turned into a complete bog. The whole dam section and the climb out was completely trashed. I was riding out there and ran into one of the original builders. When I suggested we close off the stuffed trails and certain other measures to reduce the damage he said no. His theory was- its mountain biking, the trails get trashed and recover dont sweat it.

Well Parks walked the area and returned several times and were absolutely disgusted in MTBers. That we would turn a natural community resource into such a mess was beyond the person I spoke to. "if you have such little respect for the enviroment and are happy to treat this place with such contempt - well stuff you lot". They also noticed people riding it at night and feared for the wildlife- but thats a different story.

Fact is that the volume of traffic around Hans and Yarra in general has increased to a point that you can no long simply have an attitude of - sh'ell be right. The trails were never built to handle the traffic or very well in some areas to handle the weather. Its great that you ride through puddles rather than around them but your faith in the antidrain \ leave it be as it was originally built doesnt fly- IMO.

We are on show- to parks and other stakeholders along the Yarra Trails and if we cant look after the trails ourselves and treat the area like an amusement park for our own pleasure - then we dont deserve to have access. There is no way that Parks or council will take responsability for mantaining MTB trails- they dont have the funds, time or resources. They tolerate it and the legistration is currently not on our side. So that leaves it up to us. Now we can sit around and bitch and moan about who/ when / what/ how/ and why or we can be proactive and accountable.

I dont suggest any new trails- but the ones we have need to be looked after and perhaps closed if they warrant it. Who will step up and do their bit cause it aint going to happen on its own.

Well put JD.

On the topic of trail maintenance - I'll admit I'm no puddle drainer. Folk I consider more knowledgeable than me in the area are anti-draining, so I just ride through em (not around em).

On management of puddle prone ground you are both right. Depends on soil type, topography, rain volume/frequency and traffic.

However, in the scheme of things, I tend to be with you:

Truth be told I rarely see puddles: if it's wet enough for puddles to form, I'm either behind the wheel, on the footpath or - most likely - on the couch. Best way to preserve unsustainable trails: don't ride 'em wet.

 

[OCD'R]

Hi JD, well said. Hope you are well. Will ride (with) you soon...

 

[jathanas]

With my limited experience of riding trails, if you shut a trail, in 3 months it will disappear. I’m not sure what Parks are saying about damage MTBers do? I can’t think of a form of movement through bushland that will have less impact than a rolling MTB. If anything the trail is a bare earth groove usually less than 30cms across, try & get that with hikers on foot with similar volumes.
In very many cases, the singletrack is invisible from users of the main riverside path, even though it is within 10feet of it. The only obvious signs being actual MTBers shooting between the trees.
Down along the Yarra trails there are walkers forever along the singletrack, it can’t be justified that they are exclusively MTB trails.
Parks have to realise that their resource is being patronised by certain members of the community who fund the existence of these parklands, who are utilising facilities which are not directly contributed by Parks. Its as if Parks are getting something (increased park patronage) for nothing (no work in maintaining single-track).

Bikes riding at night with lights are a risk to wildlife?
:frusty:

(Lemme know if you want me to delete this post).

+1000000

Look I do my bit by picking up the odd spear or fallen branch that would maim a newbie. More importantly I keep off the trails when I know they need time to recover. I've never done any work at Smiths, but I ride Hans regularly so I do keep an eye on things there and move things if needed. Luckily, it doesn't need much. This winter was pretty OK, all sections were ride-able 99% of the time.

 

[pistonbroke]

Good luck with your run Jim.

 

[jathanas]

Good luck with your run Jim.

Cheers my man! The doc gave me a sobering lecture about my knee. The phrases "reconstructive surgery", collapsed cartilage, and 12 month recovery put the fear of god in me. First sign of pain and I'll just walk the f***er. Can't afford time off the bike.

 

[Coaster]

..... And then you told him you rode a SS!

I had a dodgy knee, went to Doc and answered one of his questions with "yes I play hockey and ride. Most of the time I ride a SS". He just looked at me and shook his head.........

 

[pistonbroke]

Sometimes I think the quacks would be happier if we all just sat at home popping pills.

 

[Big JD]

Ride from Bruce's to Richmond and back this afternoon. Run over a tiger on Bruce's. Had a good chat to the guy contracted by parks to cut the grass. He loves he MTB trails and brings his kids along. He sees heaps of snakes and even a dear behind the venito club.
Cleaned up the tracks around the billabong- filled in a huge rut and sorted out the log rolls. They still need some work but all can be rolled but built to be jumped. Probably ditch the first one.

I can't wrangle the kids for trail work tomorrow and to be honest the ground is really hard. It is due to rain all week so look at getting out there next weekend. Let you know if I can find a child whisperer between now and then.

Saw a bevy of beauty's riding in Top Gear kit with two lucky gents on Specialised SS. Seriously how do you get that job

 

[pistonbroke]

Got my mug in the local paper competing in the Lakes Epic marathon race.

 

[CharlieDontSurf]

Stylin PB. Color coordinating hydration packs with your kit
How many raced it?