Hey PacMan, SMaRT?

[OldDogDan]

I haven't seen any updates -- quite a while back I think you said the fire and resultant erosion had pretty much ruined Santa Margarita River Trail. Has there been any improvement? Maybe a trail day is needed.

[quaestionis]

Originally Posted by OldDogDan

I haven't seen any updates -- quite a while back I think you said the fire and resultant erosion had pretty much ruined Santa Margarita River Trail. Has there been any improvement? Maybe a trail day is needed.

I second this question. I'd like to get out to finally ride this trail sometime soon if the conditions are OK.

Is it the kind of trail I/we could do as an after work ride, say starting at 5 or 5:30 at night and finishing by dark?

[PacMan]

I never posted pictures because I only took a few. The trail is in REALLY bad shape. The rains caused lots of erosion and the trail was hit pretty hard. It's still not back to anywhere near 100%, so I never posted an update. It's pretty sad actually. Knowing it for what it once was breaks my heart. I know it will be back to "normal" someday, I just don't know how far off that someday is.

The fire crews removed lots of trees during the fire mop up. Some of the downed trees were already there and created fun obstacles--very ridable with some effort and determination. Now they are gone. There were some bridges over sections--of course those burned. There were some rocky sections and somehow those got all smoothed out. Now the trail lacks any real tech sections.

The equestrians who rule the roost did some trail work--which to them always means lots and lots of sand bags hauled in and dumped. I haven't ridden it in a couple weeks because about 70% of the trail is in such bad shape. The Fallbrook Trails Committee runs any and all trail work sessions. They are more concerned with equestrian and hikers than bikers. It's too much to get into here. I've had negative experiences in the past. That's all I'll say.

I don't mean to sound so negative. I guess it's just a touchy (read: sad) subject for me. SMaRT was/is/has been my home trail since I started riding back in '04 and to see it like this really sucks. The trail is still fun and there are a couple of the more remote sections I have yet to explore to see how they faired. I'd be more than happy to give anyone interested a tour though. Just let me know.

[Blue Rat]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I never posted pictures because I only took a few. The trail is in REALLY bad shape. The rains caused lots of erosion and the trail was hit pretty hard. It's still not back to anywhere near 100%, so I never posted an update. It's pretty sad actually. Knowing it for what it once was breaks my heart. I know it will be back to "normal" someday, I just don't know how far off that someday is.

The fire crews removed lots of trees during the fire mop up. Some of the downed trees were already there and created fun obstacles--very ridable with some effort and determination. Now they are gone. There were some bridges over sections--of course those burned. There were some rocky sections and somehow those got all smoothed out. Now the trail lacks any real tech sections.

The equestrians who rule the roost did some trail work--which to them always means lots and lots of sand bags hauled in and dumped. I haven't ridden it in a couple weeks because about 70% of the trail is in such bad shape. The Fallbrook Trails Committee runs any and all trail work sessions. They are more concerned with equestrian and hikers than bikers. It's too much to get into here. I've had negative experiences in the past. That's all I'll say.

I don't mean to sound so negative. I guess it's just a touchy (read: sad) subject for me. SMaRT was/is/has been my home trail since I started riding back in '04 and to see it like this really sucks. The trail is still fun and there are a couple of the more remote sections I have yet to explore to see how they faired. I'd be more than happy to give anyone interested a tour though. Just let me know.

I rode there once a couple of years ago but had a mech just a little ways in. I'd be interested in checking it out again.

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Blue Rat

I rode there once a couple of years ago but had a mech just a little ways in. I'd be interested in checking it out again.

Like I said, let me know and maybe we can work something out.

[Blue Rat]

Originally Posted by PacMan

Like I said, let me know and maybe we can work something out.

Doug, I just retired from the Navy so I'm technically unemployed until I decide what I want to be when I grow up. I can make just about any day/time work.

Scott

[schleppp]

Originally Posted by Blue Rat

Doug, I just retired from Navy so I'm technically unemployed until I decide what I want to be when I grow up. I can make just about any day/time work.

Scott

You retired? I think you quit, and some how got a ceremony out of it!!

Oh by the way, I would love to hit this with you guys if possible...

[Blue Rat]

Originally Posted by schleppp

You retired? I think you quit, and some how got a ceremony out of it!!

Oh by the way, I would love to hit this with you guys if possible...

It's more like I got fired for being too old ...

[OldDogDan]

Originally Posted by quaestionis

I second this question. I'd like to get out to finally ride this trail sometime soon if the conditions are OK.

Is it the kind of trail I/we could do as an after work ride, say starting at 5 or 5:30 at night and finishing by dark?

Yes, it definitely is. It used to be really nice, still might be, although as PacMan says, not compared to what it was.

Thank you for the update PacMan. I'd be up to see what it's like now. Maybe not what it was, and a different kind of ride, but still worthwhile I hope.

[Taco Jack]

OldDogDan if we ever do this ride bring lot of tubes. Thanks again Jack.

[schleppp]

Originally Posted by Taco Jack

OldDogDan if we ever do this ride bring lot of tubes. Thanks again Jack.

Hmmm... Did Taco flat and Dan have to give him a loaner??

[Taco Jack]

Originally Posted by schleppp

Hmmm... Did Taco flat and Dan have to give him a loaner??

Yes it's true Dan saved the day sound familiar?

[OldDogDan]

Originally Posted by schleppp

Hmmm... Did Taco flat and Dan have to give him a loaner??

Yeah! Sound familiar!? But at least I didn't get a flat afterwards this time...we had a good ride at Hodges.

Witnessed a classic moment: About a half dozen young Hispanic guys on department store bikes, some without helmets. They're poised at the top of the hill connecting the upper & lower trails, waiting for us to come up. They gave us friendly encouragement as we did or didn't clear the last foot or two. Then they took a deep breath and one by one dropped over -- the last helmetless teenager on a rigid purple Magna (!) looked pretty nervous, but shot down behind his friends. We were cheering them on when he suddenly cartwheeled in a cloud of dust and flew into three foot high weeds. It was very quiet for a minute, and the weeds weren't moving. Then he jumped up and stuck a fist high in the air. A classic victory pose.

Our bikes might cost a lot more, but they were enjoying mountain biking as much or more than anyone else!

[quaestionis]

Anyone up for doing this as an after work ride in a week or so, say Tuesday June 10th? I'll take guidance from those who know the trail well, but for me it would be ideal if we could be underway as late as 5 or 5:30. Its still light until about 8:15 these days, and by the 10th, it should be closer to 8:30 before its dark, right?

I know that's planning out a little ways, but this week was booked for me and I was hoping to get something set up.

If the trail is really too beat up to ride, or this doesn't work for people, propose another time and hopefully we can make something work. If Tuesday the 10th around 5 will work, respond here and I'll post it up.

Thanks,

James

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by quaestionis

Anyone up for doing this as an after work ride in a week or so, say Tuesday June 10th? I'll take guidance from those who know the trail well, but for me it would be ideal if we could be underway as late as 5 or 5:30. Its still light until about 8:15 these days, and by the 10th, it should be closer to 8:30 before its dark, right?

I know that's planning out a little ways, but this week was booked for me and I was hoping to get something set up.

If the trail is really too beat up to ride, or this doesn't work for people, propose another time and hopefully we can make something work. If Tuesday the 10th around 5 will work, respond here and I'll post it up.

Thanks,

James

Tuesdays and Thursdays are a no go for me. Maybe Wednesday or Friday?

[quaestionis]

Originally Posted by PacMan

Tuesdays and Thursdays are a no go for me. Maybe Wednesday or Friday?

Wednesday the 11th at the same time would also work for me...

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by quaestionis

Wednesday the 11th at the same time would also work for me...

Works for me. Are Fridays no good for you?

[jhardeman]

I'd be up for this as well. It is right around the corner from my house if we meet at the gate at the end of stagecoach. Last time I rode there was about 6 weeks ago. Pretty sandy.

[quaestionis]

Originally Posted by PacMan

Works for me. Are Fridays no good for you?

Fridays are hit and miss. No standing commitments but generally they are expected to be reserved for time with the wife.

I'll wait for a few more to chime in about Wednesday the 11th, and then post it up.

[Blue Rat]

When you guys decide on the date, post a ride ... I'd like to check these trails out.