Luge Trail Conditions

Discussion in 'Trail Conditions' started by kioti, Jul 26, 2010.

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  1. ebenke

    ebenke Member

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    Jim's the expert on Luge conditions, you can trust his input, because it's spot on.
     
  2. kioti

    kioti Active Member

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    Just did a lap and Scot's assessment is "spot on". Best condition I've seen it in a long time. :)
     
  3. robmcd

    robmcd Member

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    In October 1984, Before the Luge was the Luge, I was hiking that trail with my boy scout troop at night when my best friend slipped off the trail and fell a few hundred feet to his death. Not sure if any cyclists have ever been seriously hurt though.
     
  4. kioti

    kioti Active Member

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    I think this question originally referenced the little jumps we put in. But sorry to hear about your best friend, Rob.

    There are definitely some spots near the top of the trail where you don't want to go over the edge. Its steep, exposed cobblestone-type rock. There are some kickers that can be jumped up there, but only for those of us who feel comfortable with them. The new jumps are on a flattish area near the bottom that was just a bumpy straightaway. Not much exposure. They're also sort of flat-topped so any length of air time will work, or none at all.

    Before the fire, most of the trail was lined with bushes that would keep you from going over the edge. Some of that has grown back, and, unfortunately, some of the new growth was lost in the recent mudslides. Can't speak for others, but all my falls on the Luge have either landed me smack dab in the middle of the trail, or up against a berm. No close calls on a steep cliff. I've seen people beater off the flag hill, and I know of an actual helicopter evac of a guy who landed poorly off a jump--but it was on otherwise flat ground.

    Scariest scene I've witnessed out there was a couple of hikers who were climbing Vulture Crags from the canyon bottom. Thought for sure they'd get into some loose rock over a big cliff, but they made it to the top unscathed.
     
  5. Garrett

    Garrett Active Member

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    I've never ate it on the Luge (knock on wood) but I would imagine, like Jim said, if you were to go off you would probably be stopped by the bushes before long. The sketchy places are where the landslides covered the old trail. Especially the part right before the new uphill section 2/3 of the way down.

    San Juan Trail is another story. I've had several very close calls there.
     
  6. proraptor

    proraptor The Bikes & Brew Crew

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    Yeah the only part of the luge that scares me are the landslide areas....I always feel like Im going to go off the edge
     
  7. grendal

    grendal Member

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    Anyone been up there today? How much rain did it get last night? Don't feel like making the drive for naught.
     
  8. uzziboy

    uzziboy hi Ron...it's Ron

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    Bump, Im figuring the luge will be ridable because it has not rained all day.
     
  9. wppjeff

    wppjeff 50/50 DH Racing

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    It was ripping this morning. Not a trace of mud. Starting to feel like Tunnels up in Monterey with all the trailside flora. I dig the little jumps near the bottom.
     
  10. rodgerdodger

    rodgerdodger Member

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    You should see the ones up towards old camp, very sketchy...
     
  11. kioti

    kioti Active Member

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    Maybe we can give the Luge a little Spring cleaning.. Trim the brush a bit (esp. the thorny stuff) and shave off some brake bumps. Get it set up for summer..
     
  12. Teebird

    Teebird A band-aid isn't going to work this time

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    You know, my high school kid needs some volunteer hours. We would be up for helping. Is there someone who can sign a form?
     
  13. kioti

    kioti Active Member

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    PM me the details and I'll see what we can do.
     
  14. coolbreeze

    coolbreeze Looking for the gun show?

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    Anyone know the current condition of STT/Luge?
     
  15. Revalimage

    Revalimage Active Member

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    Knowing Jim - I would say 'spectacular and fun!'
     
  16. Hotchkiss

    Hotchkiss human being

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    Jim was doing some "gardening" out there on Monday. We might get out there this afternoon if it isn't to muddy.
     
  17. EJ_92606

    EJ_92606 New Member

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    I'm guessing Kioti was up there working recently...as of Monday night, the hedges had been trimmed and some dirt moved around. Thanks to whomever did the work.
     
  18. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej Well-Known Member

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    I was up there last night.....started at 6:40 and the trail was bone dry.

    Yes, the Luge looks like it has been brushed a little.

    By this evening, it should be bone dry again.
     
  19. kioti

    kioti Active Member

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    Good seeing you out there, Hotchkiss. Hope you get to ride it this afternoon..

    The trail was starting to close in so I rented a hedge trimmer and cleaned it up. The goal was to allow full use of the trail and improve sight lines. Should be fun and fast while letting us to see if we're coming up on anyone.

    Scot (scoth) helped on Sunday and I finished up yesterday and Monday. There was a lot of new growth and I left as much as I could, but cut back thistles, thorn bushes and poison oak, and trimmed bushes and branches at handlebar and eye level.
     
  20. Dukeneverwinter

    Dukeneverwinter New Member

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    Wow, thank for the hard work! I live in S.D. and only ride Luge about once every other month, but can I drop a sixpack somewhere for you next time I'm up there?
     
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