Santiago Oaks is CLOSED

[maxwell]

Hey guy's,

I know Oaks is a big favorite to a lot of us around here, so I need some help spreading the word.....

Oaks is CLOSED for at least the next 2 weeks.

While at The Path this morning they got a call from a former ranger, that is a mountain biker, asking to spread the word. It is still considered a hot spot to the fire fighters, and the park rangers need time to get a look at the damage done.

He says that even though it is already closed, and has not yet been opened, there are people riding there. They have also had hikers, and just plain looky loo's.

It's gonna take some time, but it will open back up. But for the time being, let everybody you know to PLEASE stay out. It will benifit us all in the future.

Thanks!!

[roadkillross]

NOOOOOoooooooooooooooo!

i wanted to ride there. hopefully itll be ok by the first wek of april( when i have spring break)

[mtnbikej]

Will pass it along to those that come into the shop.

[uzziboy]

I cant believe some body would actually ride it right after the fire!!!!!!!!!! I thought for sure it would be closed for months

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by uzziboy

I cant believe some body would actually ride it right after the fire!!!!!!!!!! I thought for sure it would be closed for months

We had people calling the shop on Tuesday asking if the park was open yet. Hello......there were still firefighters putting out hotspots.

[Winston]

I just orderd fresh tires for the powder fest once Oaks reopens.

[tkblazer]

haha wat tires did you get? i'm looking for something to replace the big betty i'm running up front

[Winston]

I'm still rolling the Michelin DH32 2.8 and Maxxis Minion R 2.5 UST on the 7Point. It has served me well.

(Once you go 2.8, you never go back...lol.)

Originally Posted by tkblazer

haha wat tires did you get? i'm looking for something to replace the big betty i'm running up front

[uzziboy]

I still run a maxxis mobster 2.7 and it is the best tire I have had, to bad they dont make it anymore.

Hey maxwell or mtnbikej, is there is time frame when it will reopen? I know it is still early, but a really good ballpark estimate?

[tkblazer]

thanks guys, i wanna try a 2.7 minion dhf and mobster

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by uzziboy

I still run a maxxis mobster 2.7 and it is the best tire I have had, to bad they dont make it anymore.

Hey maxwell or mtnbikej, is there is time frame when it will reopen? I know it is still early, but a really good ballpark estimate?

I heard they would re-evaluate it again in 2 weeks. I would not plan on it opening any sooner.

[denmother]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Here's an update from Share Mountain Bike Club:[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Comic Sans MS][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]March 20, 2007[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Santiago Oaks Regional Park Senior Ranger, Don Zeigler, regarding the effects of the Windy Ridge Fire on Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Don was kind enough to take me on a vehicle tour of the park in order to survey the damage of the fire. About 85-90% of the park was burned. Due to the severity of the damage, the park will be completely closed until April 2, 2007. On that date the lower section of the park will be opened to trail users. This section of the park to be opened starts at the ranger station and ends at the bottom of the first “bitch”. Basically, the only opened trails will be the fire roads that are located on the lower section of the park, for now. [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]The next sections to be opened will be the ridgelines leading to Irvine Park. None of the single tracks will be opened until trail repairs have been completed. Realistically, it will take a tremendous amount of volunteer work in order to get these trails re-opened. The fire burned all of the brush making the legal and illegal trails very visible, “scaring” of the hillsides included. We will be asked to put together crews to repair the trails. At this time, we don’t have any dates on when the second phase of trail openings will occur, but my best guess would be another 1-2 months for the ridgeline and up to a year for the balance of the trail system. I will notify everyone as we move along through the process. In my opinion, we can accelerate the process once the initial shock wears off.[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]In order to effectively open the first sections, SHARE will donate 8-10 signs. This will go a long way with the County in regards to showing our dedication to the parks. [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]As you know the park is officially closed to all users, but many people have chosen to ignore that fact. Last weekend alone, there were 90 cars counted over near the Weir Canyon entrance, plus additional users coming in through Irvine Park. The will begin ticketing this week. Because of this they have requested that SHARE set up a Trail Patrol program for the park. I will need volunteers to sign up through me for weekends and evenings until dark. Each volunteer will be required to sign in at the park office in order to avoid any confusion. If you are already a Trail Patrol member through SHARE you will be able to use your Trail Patrol jersey, if not, the rangers office has yellow vests for you to wear why patrolling. Those vests will need to be returned at the end of your patrol. It is important to wear either of those so the patrolling rangers can identify you as an approved volunteer. When you get out there you will understand the need, you can see every person on every trail. There is no place to hide. [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]Our job as patrollers will be to persuade people to stay out of the park so we can work to get everything re-opened. If you have a problem with someone you should alert the ranger so he/she can take it from there. In my opinion, very few people will object. [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]If you are interested in volunteering for the Trail Patrol, please e-mail me at mark@hossmtb.com with your information. I will be providing the park with a list by tomorrow. Of course, you can be added later if necessary. Trail Patrols will start immediately. [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]If you have any questions, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]Thanks,[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]Mark Malatesta[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Ken Rands[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Volunteer Coordinator[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS]SHARE[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS] Mountain[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS] Bike Club[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

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[bobzrag]

according to http://www.ocparks.com/santiagooaks/:
SANTIAGO OAKS TEMPORARY PARK CLOSURE
Windy Ridge Fire

Effective April 2, 2007, Santiago Oaks will re-open to limited trail use. The lower trails: Santiago Creek Trail to Irvine Regional Park, Wilderness Loop, Sage Ridge, Rinker Grove, Historic Dam Trail and Bobcat Meadow will be open. The upper trails will remain closed until further notice. We hope to open up additional trails in the very near future. However, some trails will remain closed for quite some time for revegetation. We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation during this sensitive time.

[Sprockethead]

Thanks for the info Mark. When you guys are ready to do trailwork, please post the date/event. I would like to pitch in.

[xhuskr]

trail work? I'm in! gotta help where you ride, eh?

[bananaseat]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

Thanks for the info Mark. When you guys are ready to do trailwork, please post the date/event. I would like to pitch in.

ditto

[1x1clyde]

Originally Posted by bananaseat

ditto

ditto ditto? I'm in!

[tkblazer]

trail work.... fo sho

[Waldo]

I'll sixth that.
Haven't done trail work before, but I can't think of a better time & place to start.