Alex
Tricycle
Posts:4
Registered Users
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| 05/08/2008 6:33 PM |
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It's been almost a year since our last workday at O'Bannon. We've had the green light to do major rerouting and new trail additions but haven't had the time to coordinate this huge project with all the other projects currently underway. The total project involves the rerouting, reclaiming and new construction of well over 200 miles of trail. This includes horse, hike and hike/bike trails. We'll be partnering with the DNR for the long term to make this trailsystem one of the best in the Midwest. It may take 10 years to complete but I'd expect to see at least 60 to 80 miles available to MTB's someday.
Our first task is to finish the reroutes on the Rocky Ridge trail that were started last year. We're keeping about 2 miles of the existing trail and building another 1.5-2 miles of new trail. The new segments will take advantage of nice rock outcroppings and scenic views while maximizing the elevation change. The main task for this weekend involves establishing new rolling bench cut trail across 20% - 35% slope. There's about 2000' of this to build but the soil along this north facing slope is relatively light and easy to work. Along with the basic benching we have one insloped turn, a crib wall and plenty of rock features to build.
[img]http://alexmtb.smugmug.com/photos/123575030_qRpV4-L.jpg[/img]
Plenty of nice rock features along the south facing slopes.
[img]http://alexmtb.smugmug.com/photos/123567384_bJBzU-L.jpg[/img]
The white lines are gps tracks of existing trails - the main loop in the center is the existing Rocky Ridge. The blue loop is the proposed Rocky Ridge trail. The green shows a proposed reroute of a portion of the Adventure Hiking Trail. It would share a portion (blue/green) of the Rocky Ridge trail. The reroutes can be seen where the blue and green significantly vary off of the main white loop.
SATURDAY MAY 10th - Rocky Ridge Trailhead (in the campground) 10AM
Bring:
Workboots
Eye protection
Gloves
Food/Water
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
Bike
We have campsites reserved for Friday and Saturday night. Just mention to the person at the front gate that you are with the MTB trailbuilding group and they'll point you in the right direction.
I'll be heading down tomorrow (Friday 5/9) to begin scouting areas for another trail. I'm camping in the campground and would like to do a night ride. If anyone would like to head down early for a night ride let me know.
Please check www.hmba.org for updates.
http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?topic=4384.msg32031#new
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Chris Ward
Granny Gear
Posts:28
Registered Users
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| 05/08/2008 10:34 PM |
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Is this a horse trail we are working on? I have been told O'bannon Woods is a major destination for horses.
I would love to help and get involved in this project but fear it could be alot of work for nothing if horses are allowed on the trails that we are working on.
If this is Hike/bike only trail this would be really great news for the Louisville area.
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Alex
Tricycle
Posts:4
Registered Users
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| 05/08/2008 11:14 PM |
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The trails we'll be working on will be hike/bike only. We could have 20+ miles in the first 2 years with the possibility of much more as the project progresses. Again, this is a huge property with many bad trails that need to be reclaimed, realigned and rebuilt. The DNR will take care of the horse trails but we'll need to carry the bulk of the load for the hike/bike trails.
This is a long term project. It will take a lot of labor and many years to complete but it will be worth every bit of effort you're willing to give.
With 24,000 acres and 450' of elevation change I'm sure we can build a few good trails.
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Chris Ward
Granny Gear
Posts:28
Registered Users
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| 05/09/2008 7:14 AM |
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Awesome! Hope to see everyone there.
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xcgene
Training Wheels
Posts:7
Registered Users
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| 05/09/2008 9:20 AM |
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Can't begin to reiterate the size of this project, this will be a cycling destination with trails that will challenge the hardcore as well as beginner riders, easiest trails are proposed and located closer to the campground and the farther away, well the more challenging and scenic they become.
I will be looking forward to the next work day at this area, even the fire roads have a certain pisgah appeal. Trip with mom will curve my participation this w/e however will be scheduling other weekends to be there to dig.
Calling out to all hardcore and technical riders, this is it! |
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ABens
Training Wheels
Posts:6
Registered Users
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| 05/09/2008 9:43 AM |
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| make it easy on us, directions from Louisville are? |
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Steve Bland
Granny Gear
Posts:22
Registered Users
Shepherdsville,KY
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| 05/09/2008 10:18 AM |
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It is west of Louisville off I-64. It is between Corydon and Leavenworth.
LInk to multiple maps.
http://www.state.in.us/dnr/parklake/6703.htm |
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"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." - Benjamin Mays |
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Alex
Tricycle
Posts:4
Registered Users
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| 05/09/2008 10:23 AM |
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Here you go:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=Corydon&state=IN&address=7240+Old+Forest+Road+SW&zip=47112&zoom=5
64 West to 135 South to 62 West - look for park sign on left, follow sign to park. The park gate attendant will know where to send you.
Bring your bike!
more park info here:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/6703.htm
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Chris Ward
Granny Gear
Posts:28
Registered Users
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| 05/09/2008 11:32 AM |
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I plan to be there for the trail day tomorrow. Is there a ride after the trail work?
With the rain we had will the trails be rideable? |
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fasterdulin
Granny Gear
Posts:36
Registered Users
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| 05/09/2008 6:19 PM |
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I'd say everyone that's coming should bring a bike - I've seen pics of this place and it's pretty amazing. As for the work session, we will have about 10 mc cleods, 6 pulaskis, 6 shovels, a bunch of rakes, folding saws and pruners. If you have any additional tools you like to use, please feel free to bring them and if you have a camleback, bring it also. I suspect at 20,000 acres, we'll be doing some hiking to get to work sites. Also, if you plan to stay for the entire day, pack a lunch. Corydon has a mexican restaurant and a bunch of little shops, but you're pretty far from the park.
Hope to see you tomorrow.
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fasterdulin
Granny Gear
Posts:36
Registered Users
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| 05/09/2008 6:33 PM |
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To O Bannon Woods from Louisville
Take the ramp onto I-64 W
Entering Indiana 22.4 mi
Take exit 105 toward Corydon 0.3 mi
Turn right at IN-135 S 1.8 mi
Turn right at IN-62 7.0 mi
Turn left at IN-462 2.3 mi
Turn left at Old Forest Rd SW
7234 Old Forest Rd SW, Corydon, IN 47112
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chuck_clark
Little Ring
Posts:68
Registered Users
Louisville
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| 05/09/2008 11:27 PM |
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| I would like to be involved in the next trail crew. Can't make this one. Please post well in advance if possible. |
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fasterdulin
Granny Gear
Posts:36
Registered Users
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| 05/10/2008 6:45 AM |
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| I think what we will try to do with O Bannon is very similar to how Chris set up Waverly work - a regularly scheduled trail day - either monthly or every other month. We'll see what the HMBA guys have in mind and report back. |
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Alex
Tricycle
Posts:4
Registered Users
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| 05/12/2008 2:59 PM |
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Great weekend at OBWSP!
I posted a pictoral review of the weekend here:
http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?topic=4384.msg32156#msg32156
Sorry to link but I can't figure out how to incorporate photos into a post on this site.
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Tonybob
Big Ring
Posts:117
Registered Users
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| 05/12/2008 3:17 PM |
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| Holy cats that looks awesome. I hope I can make the next workday. |
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Chris Ward
Granny Gear
Posts:28
Registered Users
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| 05/12/2008 7:22 PM |
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I was very impressed with O'bannon woods and very excited
about the project and future projects there. This has potential to be one
of the best trail systems in this region. It offers the most varied terrain (by far)
that I have seen with in a 6 hour drive and has the potential provide epic
mileage like we have not seen in this area. It is only 40 minutes from
down town Louisville,
45 minutes from my front door. There is enormous amount of work to be done I
plan to spend a lot of time out there.
It was nice to meet you Alex and Mr. Hoffman, look forward to working with you
on this project.
Thanks to everyone that came out.
Chris Ward
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fasterdulin
Granny Gear
Posts:36
Registered Users
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| 05/12/2008 9:31 PM |
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| I'd have to agree with Ward on this one - some of the most incredible terrain I've seen. There is a lot of work, but think about it this way, the folks in Chattanooga built almost all of the Racoon mountain trails in a little under two years - no sweat. |
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russell g
Big Ring
Posts:127
Registered Users
Louisville, KY
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| 05/12/2008 10:36 PM |
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Holy Schnikee! that place looks friggin bad ace. I will be out there diggin every chance I get. How long of a drive is it from Louisville?
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InsomniacEric
Tricycle
Posts:3
Registered Users
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| 05/13/2008 1:08 PM |
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I was hoping to get involved last Saturday, but the final plans were made a bit late. Mike and Chris, please let me know the next time there is work being done out there. Im in the SouthEnd, so its not that bad of a drive.
There is a bridge in Brandenburg, just down the road from Otter Creek that will take you across the river to OBannon, so you could theoretically ride both places in the same day if you dont get your fix at one or the other.
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ricdix
Granny Gear
Posts:24
Registered Users
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| 05/13/2008 4:54 PM |
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I remember this project being discussed last year. It thrills me to see that it appears to be gaining momentum.
For anyone that thinks this is no big deal they couldn't be more wrong. This will be huge for the city of Louisville, the closest Metro area and adds yet another high quality trail system to the state of Indiana.
For anyone that would like to see the the quality of trail that the HMBA guys produce just visit Brown County State Park and ride to Hesitation Point and beyond. With some assistance from KyMBA, the potential for an Epic trail system is not out of the question.
I look forward attending a trail day. |
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