Sunday, February 22, 2009

Another Successful Work Day!!!

We had a good turnout with 8 hard workers. We blazed quite a bit of trail - the weird thing is that it doesn't connect to the trail yet. We started up hill of the end of the finished trail and did not quite connect. The next trail day will finish this section.

I recently got a back-pack blower and blew sticks, twigs, dirt, and small rocks off the established trail between the white rocks and the first creek crossing.

Another thing done today is a successful removal of the trash near the gates and the first part of the rocky section. This included a TV set and a bench seat from a truck.

The trail is looking great - we put up a small welcome sign at the start of the trail and also mile markers. Should be rideable in a few days - unless it freezes badly.

Thanks to Steve and Josh Hix, Kenny Mays, Eric Fisher, Jeff Witte, Tommy, Charlie, and myself - we rock!!!!!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Work Days Set for February through April

For starters, I personally want to thank everyone for their support and hard work on our neighborhood trail. It's so cool to meet new people and see them enjoying our hard work. And it's great to come home, load up the bike and be at a trail in less than 10 minutes.

We have also been slowly growing. The e-mail list is now at 27 which is so cool.

We now have 4 miles of trail and it's getting better every time I ride it. I hope you guys have noticed the improvements. Charlie and I went out today for about an hour and we have almost removed all the flags and trash along the trail. Some of the trash is old, some is fairly recent. The recent storms and high winds have done a number on the place - several new trees down. The trail is clear and in great shape right now thanks to several different people. Also, some rough spots have been repaired - the powerline bump and the tree crossing near the bath house.

One reoccurring problem, however, is rock stacking. Please don't. The other day I wrecked when a newly placed rock kicked out when I was going up a little step. This section is easily ridden without any new rocks. Also, loose rocks were recently placed on one of the dirt humps. Please don't stack rocks.

The "white rocks" section will be getting some needed upgrades soon to make it easier to traverse.

Now for the work schedule: Ranger Tingle, Tommy, and I have made a list of work days for the next 3 months. Some of these dates conflict with other SORBA work days and other scheduled events. But, we have to get some more trail opened up before summer gets here. All work days start at 8:30 and end at 12:30 We'll have lunch on some days. Also - some Sundays I will arrive around 12:30 and hope to have a few late comers join us for a little extra work (don't want to steal you from church). Also, some dates, we won't have the SORBA tools due to conflicts - so bring some pruners and rakes.

Week day work days to be announced via E-mail

Sunday, February 22nd (No Sorba tools and no lunch)
Sunday, March 8th
Saturday, March 28th
Saturday, April 11th –Sunday is Easter!
Sunday, April 26th
Sunday, May 10th

Steve Capps and Tommy Hatcher
__________________________________________
Crystal D. Tingle / Park Ranger
USCE - Old Hickory Lake
(615)822-4846
(615)847-2395

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Updated Work Wish List




Numbered list (see notes below)
1. Remove flags and survey tape from mile 1 to 2.5
2. Continue rough clearing along MARKED corridor.
3. Buff new section of trail at end. Rake, pull roots, etc...
4. Trim hedge bushes (privet) along the older section of trail near mile 1 to 1.5.
5. Pick-up old trash that is located between the trail and road near the two old campground gates.

Notes
1. We have removed all flags and flagging tape between the entrance (at the sidewalk) to around mile 1 to 1.5. And from the start of the rocky section (mile 2.5) to the end (Mile 4.0) The section between 1 and 2.5 still needs to be "de-flagged". We used 5-gallon buckets and picked up trash as we went. If you completely fill a bucket, dump it on the camp road (not the entrance road, the road inside the gates) and we'll pick it up later. Try to only make one or two piles and keep it together so it won't spread.

2. Do not blaze away unless it's marked and you know what you are following.

4. Cut branches back to where they fork so you don't leave sharp points along the trail.

5. Most of this trash is old. Either haul off or make a neat pile beside the road so the COE can haul it off. It's now visible while riding due to the winter and no leaves to hid it. This section of trail is along the first part of the rocky section, before the pump station.

Thanks for all the hard work - it's starting to really show!!!

Steve

Sunday, February 1, 2009

4 Miles - yeah

Slide Show Link: http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/TNcaveman/Shutes%20Jan%2009/?albumview=slideshow

in the group shot (left to right) - Eric, Robbie, Steve, Charlie, Steve, Mike, Tim, John, Ranger Crystal, and Chandler (and Jeff Witte missed being in the picture) - great job guys

We hit 4 miles this weekend. It's up hill from here. Next section should go faster.

Should have another date soon.