whiting ranch opened yeah but...

yeah I am over it now I can make it through all the sandy parts with out to much trouble.:beer:

 

Ahh come on!

I really wanted to see people dumping their CamelBacks™ on the sandy spots!

 

Stick to Aliso :bang:

 

Cactus is open and was rerouted. The old Cactus is a thing of the past. The last two "ups" have been fenced off; no longer a trail.

 

its gotten a lot better since the day it reoponed. My group and I were like the 5-8 spots and it was hard picking a way. now you can clearly see which way to go.

 

Bumping this back up.

This week I pick up my new bike and was going to hit up Whiting first since it's in my backyard.

Are the trail conditions the same as opening week, or are they starting to get better and more packed?

I was also wondering about animals, snakes, etc....since there is no brush anymore are you guys seeing more snakes, etc???

 

I haven't seen any snakes there and I usually ride Whiting once or twice a week. It is a lot better since the reopening no doubt, and I think most people won't need to dismount at all on Borrego now. Even though I like the trails there a lot the park is too small. I have been going there less often lately. I hope the trails behind Whiting reopen soon.

 

It's better. There's still sand. But it's totally cleanable. I saw some deer this week but no other critters. Just watch where you put your foot down and you'll be fine regarding snakes.

I'm hoping the Luge opens too. I am not excited for another season riding Blackstar at night.

 

What's the latest on trail conditions at Whiting? I am hoping to get over there soon and don't want to do much walking.

 

IT is sandy......but definatley rideable. I was there last weekend and rode through all the sand.

 

I rode there last week and most of the sand was rideable. I think I had to only get off once. But I bet it is better with the rain!!

 

I just got out of there, and the rain helped a lot. The surface is fast and the sandy stream crossings are a bit more consolidated. What I don't get is that its been over a week since the storm cleared, and that place could have been totally buffed out. The dirt on the 'new and improved' Cactus is finally wet enough to shape and pack, but not a sign of shovel or hoe. Ruts down the middle of singletrack that need to be filled while the soil is still damp, berms that could be built up...Sorry, I'm ranting, but I live next to this park, and it seems like the ranger is AWOL.

 

Jim - I did a TAV patrol in Whiting today and noted the same things you did on Cactus. SHARE has adopted that trail and I will be reporting to them so we can set up a work event. Today would have been good since the soil is still damp.

I did place some rocks and branches on the two lower switchbacks on Cactus to direct traffic as to not cut the switchbacks. Also, did a little water bar work with my cleats on one of them. But yes, they do need more work.

I also noted the section of Sage closest to Portola Hills is pretty rutted and needs it downhill edge removed so the water can flow off more easily.

Again, I'll notify our SHARE rep and cc ranger Vickie.

Other than that the park, especially Borrego/sand is in awesome shape after the rains. Was really a blast to ride in there today.

 

That is the story of road and trail maintenance in most of OC Parks. If someone was out on the trail during the rain to divert the water off the roads and trails we would not get those dangerous ruts. Or as what happened in Aliso years ago the whole road washed away.

Dean

 

It was fun, sort of like old times: in real time. I was glad to see your branches on the switchbacks. A little direction goes a long way. I wonder if the ranger would be open to allowing experienced trailworkers to get in there before and after storms to clean things up? If the trails are fine-tuned over the winter, they'll hold up a lot better next summer. Not to mention during heavy rains this winter. (There's a possibility of more rain in a week or two, maybe a work session could be arranged for the following day or two, while the park is still closed?)

 

Whiting Ranch Before Sunrise?

just wondering if it was legal to start riding Whiting Ranch at 6am, before sunrise? I know some parks/trails are open only from sunrise to sunset, and I couldn't find out if Whiting had any such restrictions. does anyone know? thanks.

 

http://www.ocparks.com/whitingranch/default.asp?Show=LocationHours

Looks like 7am is the park opening time.

 

Google is your friend http://www.ocparks.com/whitingranch/default.asp?Show=LocationHours

Open Daily: 7 a.m. to Sunset
Park is closed for three days after rain.
Please call for trail conditions.
:steppie:

 

drats!

 

Seems that County parks open at 7AM.
El Moro opens at 6AM.