1hermit
Coaster Brake
Posts:12
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| 09/24/2008 10:02 AM |
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Does Iroquois Park really contain the loop cited in the link below?
http://sorbachattanooga.org/trails/trail_guide.php?state=KY&trail=131
The link specifies this as a singletrack trail, but I was under the impression that trails in the park were off limits to mtb--a shame since the park is large and could easily contain a number of mtb trails. Have we any hope that the contsruction of mtb specific trails may be allowed in the future? Dulin . . . Dulin? |
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TheWaverlyGhost
Little Ring
Posts:69
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| 09/24/2008 11:16 AM |
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I think that info is bogus. There are plenty of horse trails and some crappy hiking trails.
I would like to know if there is any progress being made to open this to mountian bikes? I would be open to helping advocate for this if I knew how to get started, I believe the councilwoman lives across the street from me.... |
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Gojira
Little Ring
Posts:77
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| 09/24/2008 11:34 AM |
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There is a loop and a monster downhill course. Both are illegal and maintained by goblins. The downhill run has stunts and easy outs all the way down. Or at least it did the last time I hit it about two months ago.
There are so many road crossings there, because the spiraling road cuts into the entire hill, that it makes the riding there kinda crappy. I think it was designed to be a "scenic drive" more than anything.
It could be re-designed with switchbacks and has huge potential.
If you go to check it out be careful riding there, it's crazy fast, rutted, rocky and littered with branches.
Funny thing my first "mt. biking experience" was on a steel peugeot touring bike on the horse loop in the early 80's. Back then they had volcanic ash on the horse trails and big burms. It was sweet but I stuck to my bmx instead. |
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tmtrebor
Little Ring
Posts:60
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| 09/24/2008 11:40 AM |
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| where is the downhill??? I will check it out tonight or tomorrow |
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chuck_clark
Big Ring
Posts:277
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Louisville
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| 09/24/2008 11:43 AM |
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Trails are hike or horse-hike only.
Have been for all the years I have been riding. |
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the weak link
Big Ring
Posts:242
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| 09/24/2008 3:31 PM |
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KyMBA does not endorse the riding of rouge trails.
Verdant ones, perhaps. |
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chuck_clark
Big Ring
Posts:277
Registered Users
Louisville
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| 09/24/2008 5:15 PM |
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Weak Link is so witty with his color synonyms:
rouge: a cosmetic typically used by women to redden the cheeks so as to provide a more youthful appearance, and to emphasise the cheekbones.
verdant: green in tint or color. |
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TheWaverlyGhost
Little Ring
Posts:69
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| 09/24/2008 8:50 PM |
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Iroquois Park. Any move to get access? |
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fasterdulin
Posts:100
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| 09/26/2008 10:04 AM |
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I can shed a little light on Iroquois. Currently, it is very illegal to ride mountain bikes on the trails in Iroquois. They have closed the public stables, so there is less horse traffic, but technically, horses are still allowed on the purpose-built bridle trail - not on any others. All the hillside trails are hike-only. The restrictions at Iroquois are based largely on a very damning soil survey that was published by the USGS in the late 80s. Essentially, the soil profile in Iroquois - specifically on the hill - is very unique and very unstable. The report basically says that a trail system of any kind is not compatable with the soil. Current science has since proven that soil displacement is minimal if trails are built properly, and we are working to get that research adopted by the powers-that-be. There is a trail restoration project currently underway in Iroquois and it will certainly help buttress the case for more inclusive trails in the future.
In terms of long-range planning, we have been working with both Olmsted Conservancy and Metro Parks on developing what is essentially a comprehensive trail masterplan that would open up lots of new parks and trails to mountain bikes all over Jefferson County - which includes Iroquois. We've been able to dovetail our push with the development of the Metro Loop trail and some of the other bike/ ped projects around town. The end goal is to have a series of trail systems around the county that are linked by either bike paths like the loop trail or on-road bike lanes. This does two things: first, it makes it easier to just leave from the house and get on any number of trails without loading the bike on the car and second, by including mountain biking in the masterplan documents, it gives us the kind of permanent access we have lacked up to this point.
Unfortunately, it's not a fast or easy process, so I can't say when any new trail will open. Obviously, it would be best if people didn't ride illegal or closed trails as getting caught doing so could potentially set us back in the planning process. We are at a point now where mountain bikers are seen as allies in park planning and stewardship and it's critical that we keep it that way.
I hope to have updates on projects like Jefferson Memorial Forest and some of the Floyds Fork property later this fall, but for now, please repect the rules. As the old saying goes, "if in doubt, please keep out". Feel free to drop me a line if you have any additional questions. Thanks for your patience and support.
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s0ckeyeus
Big Ring
Posts:165
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| 09/26/2008 10:21 AM |
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Cool. I was wondering if the Floyds Fork plan had any mtb trails included. There appears to be some potential there, once you get away from the swampy areas.
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1hermit
Coaster Brake
Posts:12
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| 09/28/2008 2:24 PM |
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Thanks all for the informative responses to my post.
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