Washington 62.5 miles of killer trail...

[NW_E-rider]

Possibly because it is a Friday afternoon and I am slightly bored at work, or possibly because I just like to stir the pot sometimes...

While I understand you don't want the secret of Trask to get out and your semi-private trails to be overrun by spodes, there is some benefit in having a semi-developed system with maps and signs that list critical information. Things like quad or single track only, one-way, difficulty level, etc. While that won't prevent the spodes from running a trail the wrong way and f'n it up for everyone, it will give some direction to the majority of us trail riders that adhere to the Tread Lightly principle.

I see that some trail signs with difficulty ratings have been added to the section of Trask we ran yesterday, although with no apparent Google reference to TSF or any specific clubs. Whoever put these up, I appreciate the effort. While I am comfortable tackling black diamond trails, and confident that my riding skills will prevent the trail from getting torn up, I will steer clear of these trails when I take less experienced riders out. In general more information, if in the hands of a responsible recreating community, will benefit everyone and the environment.

On a related subject, I noticed that the trail directly out of the staging area at GC (names abbreviated to protect the innocent) was a bit rutted and could use some maintenance...are there any clubs that coordinate this type of trail work? Where can I put in some trail time to earn the right to ride in Trask? Who makes the call if a steep, rutted trail simply gets filled in, gravelled, rerouted, bricked (like Chute trail near Browns Camp), or left alone in Trask? I am willing to pitch in some labor and possibly money to cover materials, just not sure the rules and what group to join to make it happen.

[FlEYEingDubyah]

Wade_uh_men_it....I'm 28! Someone hacked my profile...prolly rides a hooskee. I'd be keeping a close EYE on that "Later, Meteer" dood, he's like 28 and as fast with his lens as he iz on a Cowee.

[FinchFan194]

Nevermind....

[FlEYEingDubyah]

...While that won't prevent the spodes from running a trail the wrong way and f'n it up for everyone...

That's just it though isn't it? Once it's messed up for everyone, it's too late. Therefore, working your way into an inner circle, so to speak, keeps the area in better condition for a longer period of time, for the more responsible people (determined through personal contact most of the time).

It's the only way that truly works for our society. Respect and reputation seems to be what makes things happen and opens doors.

I'll bite. I do at least one man's share of taking care of the riding area with the unmentionable name. I have also groomed some guys to be that way too. I plan to be out, riding with a chain saw on my back, in the next few weeks. Shoot me your contact info and I'll get ahold of you when I am going out to work...I know a couple specific trails that were covered by loggers in July that need to be re-born.

My name is Kent.

[firffighter]

I am not sure I agree Kent.

Sounds a little elitist for my taste. Kinda reminds me of the local surfers at the point who threaten you if your not an everyday surfer because it is "their surf", or the fly fishing club who frowns when you chuck bait in their "secret spot".

Now, I totally agree that areas can become over run and that once places are known, they can easily get destroyed by those who dont think like most of us do when it comes to riding areas. I know this full well in my neck of the woods in the Estacada/Colton region.

But, at the same time, we dont want to become a group of snobs who look down on someone who can only ride occasionally but wants to enjoy good trails.

Unfortunately the nature of the sport we enjoy tends to bring out folks who only think of themselves, destroy trails and leave trash.

What I have found for the most part though, is that if you are willing to put in a little extra work to get to a tougher spot be it a surf spot, hiking trail, fishing hole or dirt bike trail, you will get rewarded with little to no people.

I can go riding any busy weekend up out of Estacada and ride alone on some very nice trails. I am just willing to drive further than most and do the work exploring to find good stuff to ride.

[forestgrump]

Kent, I'm sure you know by now how many people want to come out and help. They all talk a good story. Their are damm few who actually do anything, as you well know. All they want is a free ride. Most of them wouldn't know what a honest days work is. Much less, do ANY trail maintenance on a regular basis. The few people who do, are few and far between. Gramps

PS excuse me for proper spelling

That's just it though isn't it? Once it's messed up for everyone, it's too late. Therefore, working your way into an inner circle, so to speak, keeps the area in better condition for a longer period of time, for the more responsible people (determined through personal contact most of the time).

It's the only way that truly works for our society. Respect and reputation seems to be what makes things happen and opens doors.

I'll bite. I do at least one man's share of taking care of the riding area with the unmentionable name. I have also groomed some guys to be that way too. I plan to be out, riding with a chain saw on my back, in the next few weeks. Shoot me your contact info and I'll get ahold of you when I am going out to work...I know a couple specific trails that were covered by loggers in July that need to be re-born.

My name is Kent.

[Ride]

Kent, I'm sure you know by now how many people want to come out and help. They all talk a good story. Their are damm few who actually do anything, as you well know. All they want is a free ride. Most of them wouldn't know what a honest days work is. Much less, do ANY trail maintenance on a regular basis. The few people who do, are few and far between. Gramps

PS excuse me for proper spelling

Wondered when you would chime on on this.

As for trail work I would love to go help everywhere, it's not possible. I ride almost everywhere but do i help on all trail systems? No. i have to choose when and where i spend time working. Buddy Rick in HR would love me to come out there and i do ride those trails but my volunteer time is about 100% at Gifford. Thats where i ride most and love the area. i put several day a year up there and ride around with a chain saw which IMHO sucks. But i do it cuz i love the area. I don't feel that it is a "right of passage" at all. Those that want to help will, those that don't might be working else where, don;t even know there are work parties or don't want to help. Regardless, they are public trails. I'm cool with someone who makes Gifford a 1-2 time a year destination and never helps clear trail. Glad they enjoy it. Buddy Rick kinda gave ma a hard time for not helping at HR, well i have to slice my time where it works for me. Bottom line is if you do some trail maintenance, be cool to others on the trail, clean up you mess, leave camp gounds as nice as you found them or nicer, march on the capitol, pay your tabs, join a club, etc, you are paying into the system. Not all of us want to do trail work, i understand. Us hard caor riders who live for it and ride a large amount feel more intitled, we are not. We just need to keep marching forward, help where we can, educate others to be better ORVers and thats about all we can do IMHO. Other than clearing trail of down crap so i can get around or picking up some trash i have never done real trail work in the Trask. Do i feel bad about that or not in the :in: group because it is. not at all. Come ride the clear trails at Gifford and we are square.

Oh, any mess making, trail messing, asshat on a ORV please stay home, we don't want you.

Edited January 11, 2010 by Ride

[tree dodger]

Hey NW_E rider, the trails in the Trask are part of the TSF trail system. The trail signs you saw were put up by the same people that put up all the other signs, the Oregon Department of Forestry. As far as clubs go, contact MT. Scott MC or Trailsmen. They both put on events in the TSF, and I am sure they would let you help with trail work. Another person to call is Dave Hiatt. He is the OHV specialist with ODF. (503) 815-7024. I have never met the man, but I hear he is much more proactive than the last guy in that position. Unless things have changed, ODF does several work parties a year and I know they would like the help. Ride is my riding partner ( I am the guy leading in the videos) partly because I know where to go and partly so Ride can film something besides open trail. I, like Ride, have been riding in the TSF for over 30 years. If I meet somebody cool and they are a good rider, I'll take them to the Trask. If not, I will suggest they ride at Diamond Mill or Jordan Creek. As far as trail maintance, I carry a hand saw with me on every ride. When there's to much snow to ride, I have loaded up the chainsaw in the truck and cleared many a trail. One more thing, the guys that are bitching about Ride posting a few videos and inviting long time friends to come out for a rip in the Trask are way out of line. It's public land for every one to use. I know it's cool to try and keep it all to ourselves, but it is OK to invite a friend out on a ride every once and a while.

[NW_E-rider]

Thanks for the advise. I too carry a handsaw at all times, cleared a few blow downs on my last trip to Gifford. Working on a triple clamp mount for a chainsaw. Picked up a cool mini shovel at Harbor Freight over break (for like $6!) to do some trail maintenance. Usually pick up trash on the trail (I noticed a ton in Trask yesterday...will need a backpack to pack more out next time).

More important than all of that, I am a leader and am confident with the right planning and coordination I can get some riding buddies out to pitch in and fix/maintain trails. Manpower multiplication.

Gifford is my true love, especially since it takes about the same time to get to Council Lake from my garage as it does Trask. I feel I can split time between the two however. I'll contact those guys and let you know how things go.

Ryan

[jmetteer]

. As far as trail maintance, I carry a hand saw with me on every ride. When there's to much snow to ride, I have loaded up the chainsaw in the truck and cleared many a trail.

Yeah but you aren't on the internet all the time boasting about how much trail maintenance you do so you don't count.

Later,

[FlEYEingDubyah]

I am not sure I agree Kent.

Hi Russ:cheers:

Depending on what you were referring to, I might not agree either

I do think respect and reputation matter.

I do think exposure increases risk.

I do agree that the TSF is public land.

I don't threaten harm to anyone who wishes to ride there.

I can only ride occasionally too.

I wouldn't expect you to consider me a snob since you personally know at least one guy on a 200EXC that I toured around that over-rated, tore-up, gravel pit of a meth-lab graveyard on the first occasion that we met.

[Malanut]

Love the ferns. I wanna ride there. Thanks for posting the nice videos.

[8675309]

Yeah but you aren't on the internet all the time boasting about how much trail maintenance you do so you don't count.

Later,

i try to do trail work but jake rides so fast that he already logs out the trail before i catch up to him:ride:?

[Ride]

i try to do trail work but jake rides so fast that he already logs out the trail before i catch up to him:ride:?

I know and he acts like it is all fun packing the saw Now if we could just get him to move all the rocks...

- We will do the boasting for you mule boy...

[Woods_Rider]

Where's the pic of Weber with the pack on his pack loaded with a chainsaw, and ANOTHER pack on his chest loaded with crap like a polanski?

[trackmaster]

i did watch your vids kelly, awesome! weekdays get ahold of me sometime, a little unprepared, but i can play the banjo! is that bigfoot, or gramps?

[Burnrider]

[JoeMcLaughlin]

I know and he acts like it is all fun packing the saw Now if we could just get him to move all the rocks...

Dang, I don't want to hear any complaints about the Jones Creek rocks! When is the GP tree clearing going to start? June??

Joe.........

[8675309]

Dang, I don't want to hear any complaints about the Jones Creek rocks! When is the GP tree clearing going to start? June??

Joe.........

lower valley trail starts in april, sprained my foot on that one last year:foul:

BOASTING about my trail maintenance and how "great" i am

Edited January 10, 2010 by rolliew