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mtbchip · 11-30-2007, 07:49 AM

Think geography and geology!

Trails in "low lying areas" are prob comprised of clay and soft "soil". These areas soak easy and dry slow. Like here in S.D., PQ is a muddy quagmire after a rain.

Trails on hillsides or on elevation are prob granite or decomposed granite (DG as some call it). Well drained and very little organic matter that would hold moisture, thus great riding after a rain unless erosive action due to large quanities of rain changes the trail making for dangerous paralell ruts and rivulets.

The mix is that most trails ( the XC routes) take riders thru different substratta, thus some areas are smooth sailing, and other parts of the trail could be a real drag.

I encourage all trail users to consider the ugly long term consequences on trail condition if ridden after a rain. Consider the rain like a slight riding injury. Like suffering an injury to you as a rider, a couple of days off is GOOD.

Be kind to the trails. When you get back on after a rain, DON'T widen the trail by going "around" puddles and trying to miss mud. Ride THRU the water, thru the mud, keeping single track as it is. I find that riding thru the puddles is no problem, the reason the water holds there is the ground is HARD (under that water). Hitting the puddles is NOT as bad as going around and destroying the adjacent terra firma!

Let it dry , then RIDE ON!!

Chip in San Diego.......... rain also affects my spelling.

kanga · 11-30-2007, 08:11 AM

Good reminder!

Evil Chocula · 11-30-2007, 08:27 AM

Caballa Loco? Is that you?

mtbchip · 11-30-2007, 08:30 AM

I am the Caballo Loco! Just eating more shark these days

Evil Chocula · 11-30-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbchip

I am the Caballo Loco! Just eating more shark these days

Hey- Its Boston Brendan.

mtbchip · 11-30-2007, 08:57 AM

Hey- Its Boston Brendan.

I knew I was taking to a bro!

Evil Chocula · 11-30-2007, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbchip

Hey- Its Boston Brendan.

I knew I was taking to a bro!

Chip- You should start posting your rides on here.

guero · 11-30-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbchip

Be kind to the trails. When you get back on after a rain, DON'T widen the trail by going "around" puddles and trying to miss mud. Ride THRU the water, thru the mud, keeping single track as it is. I find that riding thru the puddles is no problem, the reason the water holds there is the ground is HARD (under that water). Hitting the puddles is NOT as bad as going around and destroying the adjacent terra firma!

Excellent point. The Santiago Truck Trail is a prime example when it comes to bubbs riding around the puddles. I'm excited for all of us and all of the trails to receive some rain, and since I've been sick all week, this is making it a tad easier knowing that i shouldnt ride this weekend.

foofighter · 11-30-2007, 09:04 AM

it's DUMPING right now at the 55fwy and macarthur on the 11th floor, DUMPING

Evil Chocula · 11-30-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foofighter

it's DUMPING right now at the 55fwy and macarthur on the 11th floor, DUMPING

Same here in N.County SD.

xhuskr · 11-30-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbchip

Hey- Its Boston Brendan.

I knew I was taking to a bro!

do you two need a moment

?

mntbiker12 · 11-30-2007, 09:19 AM

The trails definitely need the rain, but we got stay off the trails for sure to let it do its work. Can't wait until few days from now, everything should be nice and tacky!

Pilas · 11-30-2007, 09:47 AM

I know, I know, we really need the rain, but my weekend plans are all messed up.
I had a tennis match planned for this afternoon, a mtb ride for tomorrow, and a trail run at El Morro on Sunday.
Instead, it looks like I'll be doing the after work happy hour today, and riding the road tomorrow.
Why can't it rain on Mondays and Tuesdays?

Schecky · 11-30-2007, 10:38 AM

I'll be road riding in Seal Beach early tomorrow if anybody is interested.

PLEASE stay off the trails tomorrow!

2wheel_lee · 11-30-2007, 10:42 AM

Time to break out the cyclocross bike! It's CX season!

capnsavem · 11-30-2007, 10:50 AM

i'm wet.

hey... what does this do to the Sladnas ride?

nappyt · 11-30-2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnsavem

i'm wet.

hey... what does this do to the Sladnas ride?

Nothing as long as the rain stops tonight. The trail is mostly open and has good erosion control. 24 hr break in the weather is more than enough for that trail. It's going to be alright!

capnsavem · 11-30-2007, 10:59 AM

sweet

tkblazer · 11-30-2007, 11:25 AM

looks like i'm sleeping in tomorrow

Fired Yo Momma · 11-30-2007, 11:30 AM

Will be doing a few loops at the Backbay.

11-30-2007, 07:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
mtbchip Karnivore	Rain and the trails Think geography and geology! Trails in "low lying areas" are prob comprised of clay and soft "soil". These areas soak easy and dry slow. Like here in S.D., PQ is a muddy quagmire after a rain. Trails on hillsides or on elevation are prob granite or decomposed granite (DG as some call it). Well drained and very little organic matter that would hold moisture, thus great riding after a rain unless erosive action due to large quanities of rain changes the trail making for dangerous paralell ruts and rivulets. The mix is that most trails ( the XC routes) take riders thru different substratta, thus some areas are smooth sailing, and other parts of the trail could be a real drag. I encourage all trail users to consider the ugly long term consequences on trail condition if ridden after a rain. Consider the rain like a slight riding injury. Like suffering an injury to you as a rider, a couple of days off is GOOD. Be kind to the trails. When you get back on after a rain, DON'T widen the trail by going "around" puddles and trying to miss mud. Ride THRU the water, thru the mud, keeping single track as it is. I find that riding thru the puddles is no problem, the reason the water holds there is the ground is HARD (under that water). Hitting the puddles is NOT as bad as going around and destroying the adjacent terra firma! Let it dry , then RIDE ON!! Chip in San Diego.......... rain also affects my spelling.

11-30-2007, 08:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
kanga STR Veteran	Good reminder! __________________ To expand your comfort zone, you have to leave it!

11-30-2007, 08:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
Evil Chocula I drank the 29" kool-aid.	Caballa Loco? Is that you? __________________ And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!

11-30-2007, 09:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
foofighter Duan'er - 29'er remixed	it's DUMPING right now at the 55fwy and macarthur on the 11th floor, DUMPING __________________ -Duan Dulce et Decorum Click the Button

11-30-2007, 09:19 AM	#12 (permalink)
mntbiker12 Quest: Singletrack	The trails definitely need the rain, but we got stay off the trails for sure to let it do its work. Can't wait until few days from now, everything should be nice and tacky! __________________ iLive MTB! Frame for sale: 04 Haro XLS R7

11-30-2007, 08:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
mtbchip Karnivore	I am the Caballo Loco! Just eating more shark these days

11-30-2007, 08:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
mtbchip Karnivore	Hey- Its Boston Brendan. I knew I was taking to a bro!

11-30-2007, 09:47 AM	#13 (permalink)
Pilas Senior Member	Bummer! I know, I know, we really need the rain, but my weekend plans are all messed up. I had a tennis match planned for this afternoon, a mtb ride for tomorrow, and a trail run at El Morro on Sunday. Instead, it looks like I'll be doing the after work happy hour today, and riding the road tomorrow. Why can't it rain on Mondays and Tuesdays?

11-30-2007, 10:38 AM	#14 (permalink)
Schecky SoCalMTBubbs	I'll be road riding in Seal Beach early tomorrow if anybody is interested. PLEASE stay off the trails tomorrow! __________________ tkblazer: it was Steven Jackson that led me to STR... http://www.ventanausa.com/

11-30-2007, 10:42 AM	#15 (permalink)
2wheel_lee	Time to break out the cyclocross bike! It's CX season! __________________ Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary... that's what gets you. May the air be filled with tires!

11-30-2007, 10:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
capnsavem DAN THE MAN	i'm wet. hey... what does this do to the Sladnas ride? __________________ FoShizzle: lactic acid is ghey. if you dont ride you will not have issues with it

11-30-2007, 10:59 AM	#18 (permalink)
capnsavem DAN THE MAN	sweet __________________ FoShizzle: lactic acid is ghey. if you dont ride you will not have issues with it

11-30-2007, 11:25 AM	#19 (permalink)
tkblazer Share the Love	looks like i'm sleeping in tomorrow __________________ Denmother: I had the sausage sampler, it was yummy! Guero: i'm easy

11-30-2007, 11:30 AM	#20 (permalink)
Fired Yo Momma Client 9	Will be doing a few loops at the Backbay. __________________ And the hangovers hurt more than they used to And corn bread and ice tea took the place of pills and 80 proof And it seems like none of us do the things quite like we used to do And nobody wants to get high on the town And all my rowdy friends have settled down -Hank Williams Jr.

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