Trail Closed Signs @ STT / The Luge

thanks again, for all you do :clap:

 

Thanks for all the trail work!

I'm aware of all the sink holes. I ride STT/Luge a few times a month. Should I avoid riding before this weekend?

 

Is STT still close?

 

is STT/Luge open?

 

Thanks for your help.
Sinkholes and ruts are nothing new on the STT. I don't think they are all that relatively dangerous compared to the usual hazards out there. I would be a lot more concerned with rockfall. You ride over numerous landslides before you reach the flagpole, with several around the saddle where the sinkholes were flagged. Sinkholes are an excellent reminder of the area's cool geologic features. The ones that have been flagged have been visible for months and may be a lot older.
Without the help of dozens of scapers and moving perhaps millions of yards of dirt, those landslides will remain. And to avoid, a significant portion of the trail would need to be re-routed. Simple trail re-routes around a sinkhole and improved drainage are the most practical solutions in my opinion.

 

^^ I've been managing sinkholes and landslides out there for 6 years and this has never come up before. Given the chance, I'll happily point out all the areas we've repaired, and their relative longevity after being worked on. I agree with you, seeing erosion and other natural phenomena out there is one of the joys of visiting the National Forest.

 

Yeah, that was one of my points. They've always been there, or at since the last ice age. Why the big deal now? The STT is well maintained and pretty safe in my opinion.
The landslide complex in the saddle where the sinkholes are present is over 2,000 feet long and encompasses probably over 45 acres. Quite a beast to tame. And that's tiny compared to the one on cadillac.

 

Road STT to luge this morning already fixed.

 

Is the closed sign gone? Supposed to ride up to Old Camp Sunday with out of towners and hoping we can still plan on it. Sounds like they are checking it out tomorrow with kioti.


Yes I have been a lurker.. First post here.

 

Thanks a million Jim! You have singlehandedly (and sometimes multihandedly) kept 100s of riders stoked - many without even knowing it. See you soon.

Hz

 

Thanks to all!^^

The repairs seem acceptable to the Trabuco Ranger District representative who met with Jeff and I this morning, but await final determination before the limited closure is lifted. Hopefully, the powers that be will refrain from using heavy equipment once they've had a chance to discuss the repairs.

Please exercise caution if you happen to find yourself in this area. Thanks!

 

Thanks^^

 

Thank you Jim (Kioti) you are responsible for countless hours of stoke for many South County riders! Thank you!!!!!

 

The repair meets my approval both ascending and descending. If they need a professional opinion put them in touch with me and I'll hook them up geologists and/or geotechnical engineers who can provide opinions to help them weigh issues dealing with liability, environmental concerns, and of course practicality.

 

Go-arounds are EXCELLENT! Beautiful ride last night! There is 1 sign that indicates trail closure 11/2 mile ahead but the trail is NOT closed when you get to that point. Obvious work has been done and is very safe.

 

^^ Thanks!

I hope to get an update from the Ranger today. If the closure's lifted, I'll get back out there and do some additional repairs like rut removal, brushwork and drainage.

 

Maybe it is time for a Bell grant award nomination.

News: Bell Built Grant to Award $100,000 to Build an Expert Trail in 2015

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/news-bell-built-grant-to-award-100000-to-build-an-expert-trail-in-2015/

 

That would be nice, you could do top of joplin all the way to the bottom of the luge. Although i don't think its an expert level trail by any means.

 

Just a quick note:

I was given permission to pull the posts and flagging and did that today. The USFS website will be updated and the trail is officially re-opened.

 

Thanks Jimmie!!!!