After we broke camp at JT and after the 12 mile (or so) Switchback trail we head south to Broad Mountain.
We parked at the trail head and rode in on some nice double track. Again we averaged about 12 mph or so. The ground was hard pack and rock covered with small rocks and gravel. Where the trail "T"s we stopped and talked to some locals about where some "nice single track" would be. They directed us left. "Follow the road until it turns into trail. It loops back around after a few miles and brings you back to the power lines." SWEET! This was some awesome ST. Lots of rocks to negotiate and some nice swooping ST through head high Rhodedendrins(sp?) and forest. Towards the end of this we topped out in a meadow. My friend was a few hundred yards ahead (yeah he's a 24/hr racing cardio monster/better and faster). I heard what I thought was a deer running. I stopped my bike and was about 20 yards or so from a very curious BEAR!!!! He looked at me and I looked at him. He really looked like he was wondering WHAT the hell I was and how many legs did I have? He stood up to get a look at me and I rode away about as stoked as I'd ever been.
This was actually about 3 miles or so. Back on the Broad Mountain loop and onto the double track. This loop is more traveled than the Drake Creek route so staying on the trail was easy. It dropped through two crossings that were about a foot deep or so. There were also lots of hikers so you can't just roar around. The trail dumps you out on the road about a half mile below the parking lot (why can't they just cut some ST through the woods to the lot instead of making you a roady?).
By the time we finished my odometer had over 18 miles on it. This coupled with the 12 mile Switchback was my first 30 mile day. My tank was VERY empty!
WHAT A WEEKEND!!
JT is a great place. Next time I just have to find the ST!
"Marty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Marty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
<snip nothing about broads on a mountain>
Where were the broads?
JD
Get out of my head.
See I resisted. You didn't.
Damn skippy I didn't, Gunny.
BTW, I was hanging around with a former (happy to be former) shoobie who said that JT isn't half the place it used to be. When the town didn't support the mountain bikers when the threat of closures arose, it was the end. Her words were that she "wouldn't ever spend another dime" in JTPA ever again because of that lack of support from the town, causing many of the best trails there to be closed. That's some sad [censored], coming from a recent former member of the area, who was involved in advocacy there.
"Marty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
After we broke camp at JT and after the 12 mile (or so) Switchback trail we head south to Broad Mountain.
We parked at the trail head and rode in on some nice double track. Again we averaged about 12 mph or so. The ground was hard pack and rock covered with small rocks and gravel. Where the trail "T"s we stopped and talked to some locals about where some "nice single track" would be. They directed us left. "Follow the road until it turns into trail. It loops back around after a few miles and brings you back to the power lines." SWEET! This was some awesome ST. Lots of rocks to negotiate and some nice swooping ST through head high Rhodedendrins(sp?) and forest. Towards the end of this we topped out in a meadow. My friend was a few hundred yards ahead (yeah he's a 24/hr racing cardio monster/better and faster). I heard what I thought was a deer running. I stopped my bike and was about 20 yards or so from a very curious BEAR!!!! He looked at me and I looked at him. He really looked like he was wondering WHAT the hell I was and how many legs did I have? He stood up to get a look at me and I rode away about as stoked as I'd ever been.
WHAT A WEEKEND!!
JT is a great place. Next time I just have to find the ST!
"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Marty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Marty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
<snip nothing about broads on a mountain>
Where were the broads?
JD
Get out of my head.
See I resisted. You didn't.
Damn skippy I didn't, Gunny.
BTW, I was hanging around with a former (happy to be former) shoobie who said that JT isn't half the place it used to be. When the town didn't support the mountain bikers when the threat of closures arose, it was the end. Her words were that she "wouldn't ever spend another dime" in JTPA ever again because of that lack of support from the town, causing many of the best trails there to be closed. That's some sad [censored], coming from a recent former member of the area, who was involved in advocacy there.
JD
Man. That's sad. I didn't detect any of that from the locals but then I didn't walk around with MTB shoes on or carrying my Marin. Around here there are actually signs that have a "no bike" symbol. I didn't see any of that in JT. Not disputing I just didn't spend enough time to make that kind of assessment.
I had to laugh though. This will crack you up. Four "kids" camped next to us. Two guys and their girlfriends. Saturday one of the guys noticed my USMC brand and we started to talk. He just got out after 8 years. He was a CH-46 crewman. He says, "man, I watched these idiots load this vehicle when we came out. What a cluster f-ck. I told them, when we leave, stage your gear by the truck and I'LL load it."
I was dying laughing. Typical Marine reaction. We killed some brain cells later talking about bad things and bad people.
[email hidden] (JD) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
[email hidden] (MTBSpankie) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>... <snip flailings of a dumbass>
You don't live there, she did. You live with your head up your wooden ass, Howdy Doody. As ususal, you think you have your pine finger on the pulse of something, but what you tried to read has once again failed your feeble balsa mind. Here's an idea, why don't you go play with some fire?
I was laughing so damn hard at this I almost fell out of my chair.
So, does that mean he'll get splinters if he's watching a Brittany Spears video?
Man. That's sad. I didn't detect any of that from the locals but then I didn't walk around with MTB shoes on or carrying my Marin. Around here there are actually signs that have a "no bike" symbol. I didn't see any of that in JT. Not disputing I just didn't spend enough time to make that kind of assessment.
I had to laugh though. This will crack you up. Four "kids" camped next to us. Two guys and their girlfriends. Saturday one of the guys noticed my USMC brand and we started to talk. He just got out after 8 years. He was a CH-46 crewman. He says, "man, I watched these idiots load this vehicle when we came out. What a cluster f-ck. I told them, when we leave, stage your gear by the truck and I'LL load it."
I was dying laughing. Typical Marine reaction. We killed some brain cells later talking about bad things and bad people.
Marty
I've been to JT for MTB Weekend for the past three years now and I'd have to agree with you that the town seems to cater to bikers. A friend of mine is from the area, used to guide mtb tours there, and still rides there probably once a month. From what I understand from him, the hunters had been a bit annoyed with bikers on the land that they take care of and hunt on but they dealt with it. The last straw came when someone planned a big bike race in one of the gaming lands on the opening day of turkey season (or something like that). The hunters flipped out and decided to take their ball and go home. The reality is that the trails can still be ridden without anyone giving you too much of a hard time. However, riding during hunting season would be a no-no and large scale stuff like MTB Weekend will draw too much attention to use them. Its sad that something couldn't be worked out. If the story I've heard is true, I understand both sides.
I've been to JT for MTB Weekend for the past three years now and I'd have to agree with you that the town seems to cater to bikers. A friend of mine is from the area, used to guide mtb tours there, and still rides there probably once a month. From what I understand from him, the hunters had been a bit annoyed with bikers on the land that they take care of and hunt on but they dealt with it. The last straw came when someone planned a big bike race in one of the gaming lands on the opening day of turkey season (or something like that). The hunters flipped out and decided to take their ball and go home. The reality is that the trails can still be ridden without anyone giving you too much of a hard time. However, riding during hunting season would be a no-no and large scale stuff like MTB Weekend will draw too much attention to use them. Its sad that something couldn't be worked out. If the story I've heard is true, I understand both sides.
There seemed to be several problems that led up to the decision. It's a kind of sticky situation, for one thing the land has been open for recreation for many years. It's basically private land (bought mostly by hunters) but it was open to the public which of course led to the expectation that it would remain open to the public. With the boom in mountain biking and the accompanying races and festivals more and more commercial events started taking place on gamelands. Too many users not using their heads and trying to profit and not showing courtesy by staying off during hunting season seems to be what caused it from my perspective, but I'm not an expert on the situation. The lands primary purpose is for conservation and hunting. I have no doubt that mtbing could easily coexist with those objectives but it got out of hand in some places (eg Gretna) and led to people wanting bikers and horses out.
Hopefully over time the PGC will add more designated routes and more mtbers will use their head and stay off during hunting seasons.
"ctg" <n/a@n/a.com> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
I've been to JT for MTB Weekend for the past three years now and I'd have to agree with you that the town seems to cater to bikers. A friend of mine is from the area, used to guide mtb tours there, and still rides there probably once a month. From what I understand from him, the hunters had been a bit annoyed with bikers on the land that they take care of and hunt on but they dealt with it. The last straw came when someone planned a big bike race in one of the gaming lands on the opening day of turkey season (or something like that). The hunters flipped out and decided to take their ball and go home. The reality is that the trails can still be ridden without anyone giving you too much of a hard time. However, riding during hunting season would be a no-no and large scale stuff like MTB Weekend will draw too much attention to use them. Its sad that something couldn't be worked out. If the story I've heard is true, I understand both sides.
There seemed to be several problems that led up to the decision. It's a kind of sticky situation, for one thing the land has been open for recreation for many years. It's basically private land (bought mostly by hunters) but it was open to the public which of course led to the expectation that it would remain open to the public. With the boom in mountain biking and the accompanying races and festivals more and more commercial events started taking place on gamelands. Too many users not using their heads and trying to profit and not showing courtesy by staying off during hunting season seems to be what caused it from my perspective, but I'm not an expert on the situation. The lands primary purpose is for conservation and hunting. I have no doubt that mtbing could easily coexist with those objectives but it got out of hand in some places (eg Gretna) and led to people wanting bikers and horses out.
Hopefully over time the PGC will add more designated routes and more mtbers will use their head and stay off during hunting seasons.
You two must be liars because duhski didn't say the hunters were a factor. In fact, if he didn't read it in some rag, it would never be true, according to his "logic".
The part that I already knew was the fact that commercial events on public lands are detrimental to the land and access for mountain bikers. This is a perfect example as to why I am so against the thundering herd.
The part that I already knew was the fact that commercial events on public lands are detrimental to the land and access for mountain bikers. This is a perfect example as to why I am so against the thundering herd.
JD
It's a bitter pill because both sides have a point. Excessive use can potentially go against the intent of the land (conservation, habitat and hunting) but with proper regulation and common sense use it doesn't have to. The extreme points of view seem to be "nobody should use this land for any non-PGC related activity" and the rebuttal "but we were always allowed to ride there, it's not fair." Both views are naive. With more and more people recreating outdoors something needs to give. I'd like to see the PGC allow use during the summer with prohibitions on commercial activities and perhaps limited usage (every other day or something) near metro areas. That would probably solve most of the problems.
It's all still so new. Most people still don't even really know what is and isn't allowed where it is and isn't allowed (myself included). All I know is there are nice little green (bikes and horses ok) and red (banned) signs on certain trails that used to be open. Some decisions don't even make any sense. One fire road I used to use to make a loop is now banned. It's a fire road that leads from farmed fields to a parking lot. It obviously sees regular vehicle access from farmers and PGC rangers but a bike isn't allowed?! Makes no sense.
"Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Cool RR. Seeing the bear musta been a kick.
We saw a momma bear and cub there once on a ride. They must have been scared by our rather large group and ran across the trail. We stopped and backed stepped a little to give them time to run into the woods. We also offered the fattest guy in the group as bait in case the bears came back, it would give us time to ride away...
- CA-G
Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!
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"Carla A-G" <khsgrl@NO_JUNK.yahoo.com> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Cool RR. Seeing the bear musta been a kick.
We saw a momma bear and cub there once on a ride. They must have been
scared
Quoted message said:
by our rather large group and ran across the trail. We stopped and backed stepped a little to give them time to run into the woods. We also offered the fattest guy in the group as bait in case the bears came back, it would give us time to ride away...
- CA-G
Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!
Joining the me too club. Saw a bear about two years ago just a few minutes into an early morning ride on Broad Mt.. It was pretty far down the trail and took off as soon as it saw/heard/smelled me. Of course I was alone and didn't see another rider the whole trip. Beats caffeine any day.
"ctg" <n/a@n/a.com> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
BTW, Dave Bucher (the organizer for the JT Festival since it began about
10
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years ago), is planning to run it for about another 2 years then he's quitting. Ask him why.
I don't know him, why don't you fill us in.
Chris
According to a Dirt Rag article, he reached an agreement with the powers that be to keep the festival going until 2005. Other sources have indicated that he is looking for someone else who might be interested in dealing with all the hassle of organizing the event after that. Who knows what the gamelands situation will be by then.
- CA-G
Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!
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"Carla A-G" <khsgrl@NO_JUNK.yahoo.com> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"ctg" <n/a@n/a.com> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
BTW, Dave Bucher (the organizer for the JT Festival since it began
about
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
10
Quoted message said:
years ago), is planning to run it for about another 2 years then he's quitting. Ask him why.
I don't know him, why don't you fill us in.
Chris
According to a Dirt Rag article, he reached an agreement with the powers that be to keep the festival going until 2005. Other sources have
indicated
Quoted message said:
that he is looking for someone else who might be interested in dealing
with
Quoted message said:
all the hassle of organizing the event after that. Who knows what the gamelands situation will be by then.
Hopefully more liberal.
Thanks, Chris
Quoted message said:
- CA-G
Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- newsfeeds.comnewsfeeds.comOpen ↗ - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
"ctg" <n/a@n/a.com> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
"Carla A-G" <khsgrl@NO_JUNK.yahoo.com> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Cool RR. Seeing the bear musta been a kick.
Quoted message said:
Joining the me too club. Saw a bear about two years ago just a few minutes into an early morning ride on Broad Mt.. It was pretty far down the trail and took off as soon as it saw/heard/smelled me. Of course I was alone and didn't see another rider the whole trip. Beats caffeine any day.
Chris
Lotsa deer, occasional elk, foxes, coyotes, owls, beaver, possum, but no bears yet. Some fresh bear and cougar tracks on one ride, but no sitings of Yogi or his relatives yet.
"ctg" <n/a@n/a.com> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Carla A-G" <khsgrl@NO_JUNK.yahoo.com> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Cool RR. Seeing the bear musta been a kick.
We saw a momma bear and cub there once on a ride. They must have been
scared
Quoted message said:
by our rather large group and ran across the trail. We stopped and
backed
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
stepped a little to give them time to run into the woods. We also
offered
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
the fattest guy in the group as bait in case the bears came back, it
would
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
give us time to ride away...
- CA-G
Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!
Joining the me too club. Saw a bear about two years ago just a few minutes into an early morning ride on Broad Mt.. It was pretty far down the trail and took off as soon as it saw/heard/smelled me. Of course I was alone and didn't see another rider the whole trip. Beats caffeine any day.
