Friends of Shutes Branch MTB Trail

Trail Maps Now on Kiosks

2011-08-16T22:13:00.001-05:00

We now have 2 Kiosks on the trail with Trail Maps and other info. A recent Girl Scout project by Carrie C. included the construction of 2 kiosks. These are located near mile 2.4 (the beginning of the advanced trails) and at the Gravel Pile Connector - start of the Hillside section, around mile 5. The Girl Scouts also did some litter removal and painted over the graffiti at the first bathhouse (a redo of a previous paint job).

A Boy Scout Eagle Project will soon be underway with more trail improvements.

A big thanks from the FOSB!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the latest map that is posted on the kiosks:

It's That Time Again - Public Lands Day - Sept 24 (Sat)

2011-08-16T21:47:00.000-05:00

Every fall, the Corps of Engineers and the Friends of Shutes Branch hold a trail workday for Public Lands Day. This year we'll be finishing about 500 ft of trail that was rough cut this spring. If we get enough volunteers, we'll continue cutting new trail and hopefully will be exiting the woods at the bottom of the hill. Right now, it's 7.2 miles car to car, with about 1/2 mile on the campground road. Other work will include maintenance and tweaking the existing trails.

Schedule: Saturday September 24th --->>> Start at 8:30 am – End ??? Sometime in the afternoon???

Meeting Place: The parking lot at the trail-head (we’ll walk over to the end of the trail)

What to Bring/Wear: Long pants, work boots, gloves, and safety glasses. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes for afterwards. Also, bring your favorite trail tool (make sure to put your name on it). We'll have some tools, including the world famous Weed Wrenches to pull privet and honeysuckle roots up. Also bring water and snacks to keep your energy level up.

Cookout: We’ll be cooking burgers and hot-dogs on the grill near the weather service radar tower. Food and drinks provided by the COE.

Play Time: After lunch, we’ll hit the trail and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Latest Map and More Works Days

2011-02-16T22:31:00.005-06:00

We're now over 7 miles of trail! Had a great ride tonight. The trail is in great shape. The new sections are already fun to ride. The latest map shows what we have built this fall/winter. The red was finished in 2010 and the green in 2011. Great job to all involved - I am very proud of this place. Good things happening there plus more in the future.

February 5th, 2011 Trail Crew

More Trail Work Days

We'll have a trail work day hosted by Eric Fisher on Saturday Feb 26th - 8:30 am. He'll have some tools, as usual. Make sure to bring gloves, safety glasses, and you favorite trail tool.

Eric will likely also lead one or two dates in March - with a couple of weekdays thrown in for those that work weekends. I'll get this posted as soon as I get info from him.

And we'll also have a "final" spring new trail clearing work day on April 23rd. We'll hopefully have great weather and a superdooper cookout at the trail. This might be the end for new trail other than reroutes and a couple of short extensions.

See ya on the trail!

Steve

Trail Work Saturday Feb 5th

2011-02-02T22:14:00.000-06:00

It's that time again. This Saturday (Feb 5th) at 8 am, we're going to start clearing some more trail. We have about 1/2 mile to cut or complete. And if we get enough people, I'll send some out to do a little maintenance on the existing trail.

We'll meet around 8 am and try to start cutting trail by 8:30. There will be signs directing you to the parking spot, the last bathhouse if you do the loop clockwise.

I'll have the brush-cutter, weedeater, weed wrenches, pruners, pick-axes, and back-pack blower. If you have a good rake, pick-axe, favorite pair of pruners or other tools, bring them too. Make sure to label them with your name.

We'll end around 12:30 or so and might send someone out for pizza or head over to Shagor and eat some Indian food.

I'm looking for volunteers to lead some trail work days in Feb - April. Let me know if you can do this.

UPDATES and TRAILWORK SCHEDULE

2010-11-08T22:11:00.007-06:00

UPDATES
Trail is in great shape - get out and ride before it gets muddy.

Check out NMB for the latest:
http://nationalmountainbike.com/board/showthread.php?p=99856#post99856

Latest maps update - I'd do a labeled map at the end of the season - but for now, here it is! The newest section is in red. 6.4 miles (plus about 0.3 back to the trail head on the road).

TRAILWORK
We're going to do some trail work soon to finish the last section that was opened up.

The first day is this Sunday (Nov. 14) after lunch (around 1 pm) - we'll meet at the parking spot to organize. This will be a little lower effort day since the Lock 4 6-hr race is the day before. I'm not getting the trailer, but will have weed wrenches, pruners, and pick-axes. Bring your favorite tool, some gloves, and SAFETY GLASSES - these are very important! If we have enough folks, we'll split into 2 or 3 small groups. I'd like to concentrate on finishing the last trail work. BTW - watching the Titans loose is not an excuse to not love your favorite trail - LOL - but if you must, DVR or tape it (Like Eric Fisher said he would do).

The next day planned is December 11 - it's a Saturday - and we'll meet around 8:30 at the bath house near the end of the trail (same place as the last work day). I should have the SORBA trailer for this day (if it's available). And if the forecast is good - we'll work out a cookout - I'll provide burgers and dogs - you provide the rest. I'd really like to know who can come out so we can plan the everything else part. If the weather is bad, we'll send out for some pizza like last winter. This day will be dedicated to more new trail cutting. Tommy should have the last of the perimeter section flagged.

I'll have a few more dates to post up in the near future.

Steve

Public Lands Day Success!

2010-09-29T07:00:00.006-05:00

The work day went just as planned. We had a good turnout of 20 people, many first-timers. Firstly, the breakfast provided by chef Tim with the Bicyclette http://www.bicyclettecafe.com/ was awesome. Sausage biscuits and fruit w/ juice and coffee. The gravel piles section (Tommy's Folly) was completed, the trail extension was cut and partially finished, and some maintenance completed. Afterwards, we had burgers and a tour of the NWS office. Pretty cool place to visit. If your out riding the trail at 6 pm, you can see a weather balloon launch. It's done from the white building at the top of the hill.

The trail extension is about 1/2 mile long with a little bit left to flag and cut. The rideable part is 1/4 of a mile long. The remainder has been cut and cleared, but needs to be de-stobbed, weedeated, and blown. Part of this will be a challenge because of the size of the rocks. Some places will likely need 3 optional routes!

Here's a link to a slideshow from the weekend:

http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/TNcaveman/Shutes%20Branch%202010%20Public%20Lands%20Day/?albumview=slideshow&direction=reverse

Parking and Work Area Map

2010-09-20T22:25:00.001-05:00

I talked with the Swankmotee to day and decided to make a parking / work area map. If you have a nice vehicle, you might want to park at the entrance (labeled Parking Area #1) to the park and walk, due to possible branches hanging into the old campground roads. This is the general area to park when riding the trail.

The back side bathhouse is very near the trail extension and is where I'll have the SORBA Trailer and breakfast - plus registration and orientation for the morning trail work (labeled Parking Area #2). This will be our central "command post" and is close to the picnic area.

Two rules on parking -don't block the road and don't park on the NWS road.

We'll have some signs posted that morning to help folks find us. We'll probably draw the gift certificates just before lunch.

Steve

Meeting time is 8 am

2010-09-20T07:27:00.001-05:00

We'll be meeting at 8 am and eat, socalize, fill out COE and SORBA paperwork, and prepare for the trail work.

September 25th Public Lands Day

2010-09-17T21:26:00.002-05:00

It's time to start building some more new trail! Hoping for a big turnout so we can finish the perimeter section. We have the tool trailer lined up, some door prizes, lunch provided by the COE (grilling burgers and dogs at our secret spot under the weather ball), a tour of the National Weather Service office after lunch, and bike rides after resting up.

The work day will start around 8 - 8:30 Saturday morning. Don't forget your safety glasses and gloves.

Here's a link to a PDF of my flier (thanks Darryl!)

http://sorbamidtn.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Shutes-Sept-2010-Trail-Work-Day.pdf

We'll be doing a little more trail buffing next week before the work day. If you can do some trimming, the middle section of the beginner trail could use a little work.

See you next weekend!

Steve

Hello

2010-07-12T21:31:00.002-05:00

Hello - still here. Trail is a blast - check it out - Homer (Gary) loves it. I personally recommend a there and back ride - 12 miles total - about 1 hour and 30 minutes or so. Great workout! Thanks to all that are helping to keep the trails in shape.

This September 25 (Sat.), we're going to have a fun day will some trail work beforehand. It's Public Lands Day and the COE is going to sponsor a lunch for us. Afterwards, the National Weather Service is going to give us a tour of the weather station. And this will be followed by fun rides - we might even race each other (LOL). More details to come!

Steve

PS - I set the comments section to be for followers only - hopefully no more spam

Another new map and the trail needs love

2010-04-30T07:16:00.004-05:00

Here is a new map with labels on areas. Click on the photo for full sized and ready to print. The trail needs some TLC - a great time to trim bushes is in the rain. I'll post up if I can head out there this Sunday afternoon.

SIX MILES

2010-04-18T17:43:00.005-05:00

We have 5.9 miles of trail with a car to car loop of 6 miles! We're trying to get a little more built before it gets hot. Here's the latest map. I also have it at the link on the side of the page so you can download a fullsize image for printing. I think the current record is 39 minutes car - to - car. I did a 42 minute lap - great workout on the hillside trail.

Click on the map for a full size version that you can print (or just look at).

Two More Trail Work Days

2010-03-18T21:00:00.004-05:00

Next Saturday (March 27) and April 10 will be our last "advanced scheduled" trail work days for a while. The trail is 5.4 miles long now and in really awesome shape. The hillside trail section at the end is a great addition to the variety that the trail has to offer.

This is the latest trail map. The green section is the newest and stays muddy for a while after wet weather, so be kind - don't ride when wet. It will improve after it gets packed down by the bike tires.

Hope to see you next weekend!

Steve

3 more work days

2010-03-05T22:23:00.000-06:00

Spring is around the corner. I know it is because I found my first tick of the season last weekend.

We have 3 more workdays set-up for this winter / early spring. Next Saturday (March 13), March 27, and April 10. These might be the last trail building sessions for a while. And we need to finish what's been started.

Next weekend, let's try for pizza again. The next weekend, I'll try and get my wife to come over and do a little cooking (???). The April 10th date will have a COE sponsored cook out with Rangers Crystal and Amy.

If you haven't ridden the trail lately, you should. It's a real workout. I did the 4.7 mile end to start in 40 minutes today. It will be a little faster this summer when the ground is a little harder, and the new sections broken in and tweaked. The latest is going to be fast. The up-hill will be a cardio workout, and the return trip downhill will be pretty fast.

Some more good news I have a friend that is a State Attorney and he has contacted the Sherriff's Department and we're going to get Saundersville Road cleaned up. They are going to do a road side cleanup - this will really be good along the section where we can see the two blue kiddy pools and other junk. And the blue trap near the start of the rocky section.

Our recent cleanup has really improved the area. The dog walkers and older folks really like what we have done to the place. I'm hoping that they will get involved with us. I'm going to post up some work day signs and hopefully we'll ad to the friends list.

Summer Maintenance

We need to adopt sections of the trail for the Summer maintenance. I know Jeff W., Eric F, Scott S., and myself are willing to tackle a section - but to make it easier, it would be great to have a couple more people to commit to a section. Or to assist with a section.

Independent Trail Work

If you do trail work on your own, we need to record it for work hrs and helping SORBA with matching grants. Here is a link to make it easy. Make sure to do this or send an e-mail to me or Tommy.

http://sorbamidtn.org/volunteer-resources/enter-your-volunteer-hours/

Steve

PS - watch out for the dead possum in the Vietnam section :o)

Trail Work Schedule for Feb - April

2010-02-09T07:03:00.002-06:00

Tommy and I looked through our schedules and found several good dates for trail building. We don't have much time before the weeds start sprouting and growing super fast - i.e. trail maintenance season! So mark your calendars and come out to cut some brush. These are basically every two weeks. We'll meet around 8:30 and break for lunch around 12:30 to 1 pm. We'll do pizza like last time. When the weather improves, we'll grill some burgers. For the vegetarians, we'll cook them some hot dogs ;)

Feb 13 (this Sat) - it will be chilly - dress in layers - and have some extra gloves in case your hands get wet.

Feb 23 (YES - a Tuesday work day - Led by Eric Fisher)

Feb 27

March 13

March 27

April 10

That will give us 6 days, plus we can add a Sunday afternoon or 2 extra. With our past trail days, we usually got 500 to 1000 ft max. So, 5 good days will give us 1 mile (if we get good turnouts).

These work days will get us to the top of the hill and get us started heading back down the hill! The next section is more open due to larger trees. So we have a little less to remove.

More good stuff to come - This is a potential Eagle Scout Project site.

Steve

New Trail Map (again)

2010-01-31T19:19:00.004-06:00

We went over the new sections today - here's the latest map. The yellow sections that we recently finishe were about 0.4 miles long. One more trail work day and we'll be over 5 miles!

New Shutes Branch Video

2010-01-27T22:46:00.003-06:00

Charlie and I did some videoing just before Christmas. The video was shot in HD and converted to SD (420p). It's a first attempt with the camera. The main footage is in the first section of the trail. We ran out of time for the rocky areas. This video will be lengthened with footage from the rest of the trail. The last shot was by E Fish and was from last summer.

Steve

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD6Ze2nPQQo

Trail Day Success!

2010-01-26T22:13:00.005-06:00

We had a great turnout with a total of 16 people cutting new trail and cleaning up some slightly older sections. We cleared about 1000 ft for a little under 1/2 mile for the year. There is more to cut - just follow the flags. Thanks to Boy Scouts from Troop 150 and the regulars - plus 4 new volunteers!

Plus more pics at:

http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/TNcaveman/Shutes%20Jan%202010/?action=view&current=76c8a975.pbw/

Thanks Guys!!!

Steve & Tommy (Plus COE Rangers Cline and Tingle)

Trail Work Day - Jan 23 (Sat)

2010-01-12T21:56:00.001-06:00

We're planning a trail work day for Saturday January 23, 2010 - we'll meet up and get started around 9 am at the bathhouse in the back area of the old campground. The gate will be open, so drive on back. We'll be cutting new trail that has been marked by Tommy. A couple of guys (mostly Jeff Witte!) have started cutting in one section. We need to get the sections completed so we can ride the new stuff when done. I'd like to get enough people out to connect with the section Jeff did with the current trail. I'm hoping for SORBA tools plus some COE Weed Wrenches. I'm also hoping for some new faces! I hope we can do several trail days before it becomes maintenance time this spring.

Also, Tommy will be hitting the trail this weekend for some initial cutting. Contact him if you can help - I'm not sure when - here is his E-mail Edwinhatcher1@bellsouth.net

Since we're close to Little Cesars (and they are cheap!), we'll send someone out for some pizza around lunch time. We'll cut trail until worn out (probably around lunch time).

Shutes Update

2009-11-08T22:14:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since any action happened out at the trail. The trails is currently in about the best shape yet. The first and second sections are clear of face slappers. We have one tree chunk to remove around mile 1 in the area beside the sand filled sinkhole.

Good news - we're being recognized as a real trail!!! We're in a new trail book called "Off Road Trails". It's part of the Mini Adventures Series. Shutes is one of 31 trails that they described and mapped this summer. It even has a tiny photo of our own Jeff Witte riding the trail. Here is a link to the book: www.miniadventureseries.com this is a high quality publication with well made maps, trails descriptions, and photos. I bought a copy at Bikers Choice in Hendersonville (tell them Caveman sent ya).

The trail expansion has begun, although slowly. The trail corridor has been flagged and people have been trimming the new line. We need to schedule a trail day, but everyone is so busy. But, we don't need a trail day to make trail - everyday is trail day if you want new trail. Just go out and trim, rake, whack, and drag to clear the path.

Have fun, ride hard, be safe, and clear some trail!

Steve

National Public Lands Day

2009-08-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

I recieved this earlier this week. I hope we can have a good turn out and build some new trail. We have almost 5 miles built and will have at least 10 when were done. I may not make it due to Scouts, but I will work on getting the new stuff started / marked with Tommy.
Post up if you can come so they can plan for the food / drink quantities. They'll have several weed wrenches. Darryl said that SORBA will be there! (plaese add this to the SORBA Blog and calender).

==================================================
Dear Friends of Shutes Branch:
It is time once again for the annual National Public Lands Day on Old Hickory Lake. The staff at Old Hickory invites you to join us on Saturday, September 26, 2009 to help improve, restore and clean-up public lands. National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity to become involved in your community. This year National Public Lands Day will highlight the connection public lands have with water.
We are looking for volunteers to help with butterfly habitat and bird house construction, tree replacement, invasive plant species removal, shoreline clean-up and [B]especially bicycle trail work on the Shutes Branch Bike Trail[/B]. All activities will begin at 9:00 A.M. We will provide refreshments for participants to show our appreciation for their volunteer work at Shutes Branch Shelter at 12noon.
If you are interested in working on any of these projects or would like additional information, please give us a call at (615) 822-4846 or (615)847-2395. I (Park Ranger Amy Cline) am the point of contact. Pre-registration is appreciated.
Amy Cline Park Ranger USACE, Old Hickory Lake W: 615.822.4846 or 615.847.2395 C: 615.202.1488

Trail Conditions Update

2009-08-08T23:24:00.001-05:00

I am happy to report that the entire trail has been cleared and trimmed and is in great shape.

I am also happy to report that we have another new Fan of Shutes in the 'hood. His name is Scott Simpson. Scott lives near Steve Vines (aka Fuel) and like me, he rides with his sons. Scott recently became "the mystery weedeater" - together, he and I cleared the back section of the trail.

Also in the news - the power line section is fully open, rerouted, and cleared. I used a backpack blower to re-establish the lines by simply removing the seed and straw laid down for the restoration of the utility work.

So if you haven't ridden the trail in a while, head out - it's faster and better than ever. Plus, get ready for some new trail in a month or so.

Steve

Trail Reroute Done and Woods Cleared

2009-06-04T06:04:00.002-05:00

Tommy set up a easy reroute and we are nearly finished with the weed eating in the woods. One more day with the weed eaters should finish the wooded sections. The first 2 miles has been expertly mowed 2x by Jeff and is a good ride. Signs of the stick tights are starting to pop - we'll need to hit it hard in the next couple of weeks. Go out and ride!!!!

Trail Hazard and rerout needed

2009-05-30T06:57:00.002-05:00

It's been a while - it the busy time of year. And we have a new hazard. The ditch digging has finally begun on the power-line cut area near Needmore Rd. I think they are going to trench the whole thing before they lay pipe, which will close this section for a few weeks. And then we'll need to redo the trail through here. I'm hoping that either me or Tommy can reroute this section so it won't confuse the newer Shutes riders.

Be careful out there.

Steve

Spring Has Sprung

2009-04-24T07:19:00.002-05:00

Spring has sprung and so has the vegetation. We have nearly finished weed-eating and mowing the face slappers and ground veg. We also got rid of the cedar tree that split along Needmore Rd. The trail will need periodic trimmings all summer, especially earlier in spring. Thanks to Syd Phillips and Jeff Witte for their help.

So, in the mean time, get out there and ride, ride, ride. the trail is faster than ever. I average 10 mph in the first section now, which is comparable to Lock 4. The second section drops the average speed considerably.

A couple of guys from Murfreesboro came out yesterday and they were amazed at how much the trail changed over it's course. The were really surprised by the difficulty of the second section. Hopefully, they will become new friends of the trail.

Steve

PS - We're hoping for some help by the local Boy Scout troops. If you know of any similar groups looking to do service projects, let us know.

It's that time again

2009-04-16T21:23:00.003-05:00

Time for trimming. weedeater, mower, etc... The trail is in good overall shape - get out there and RIDE!!!!!

Meet a new follower today - another "from the 'hood" - Sid - welcome.

I'll be making some phone calls and sending some e-mails to get her trimmed up.

Also - thanks for the last trail day - we're in a secret area making secret trails with no connectors - yet. Lots of elevation and nice open woods.

April 11 trail crew - thanks guys

Steve

Trail Work Day - Saturday April 11 at 8:30 am

2009-04-07T07:05:00.002-05:00

This one has a good forecast, I don't have to work, and it's on a Saturday. We'll be splitting into two crews - one will do maintenance, while the other completes a small section and then blazes some new trail.

We rode the trail this weekend and it's in great shape for riding. The lines are getting better, and the dirt is packed down tight. The only thing different is the growth of the greenery. Totally different than this winter.

I talked with Jeff Witte and Tommy Hatcher the other day and we need a couple more maintainers. The COE is supposed to be getting some herbicide down on the first section of trail to keep the mowing down. And we're working on getting some boulders to barricade off the rednecks that like to dump and do doughnuts. Jeff is going to do some mowing, I'll be weed-eating - we need another person with a commercial grade weed-eater. (a cheapy will die out here) Hope we have a good turnout.

Steve

Trail Vandals have struck

2009-03-20T20:41:00.002-05:00

Some bonehead drove into the first part of the trail and dumped a bunch of bush clippings on a section of trail near the beginning. Looks like 4 pick-up truck loads. And then they went and did donuts in another area, wiping out some of the single track.

We're checking with Crystal about getting the area along the road better blocked from rednecks and other boneheads.

Steve

Trail Update and Work Day March 28th (Saturday)

2009-03-09T20:44:00.002-05:00

Update - this past work day got the final 1/4 of a mile opened up and rideable. But it still needs more work. We had a whopper of a turnout with Tommy, Eric Fisher, and Steve Vines whacking the jungle. They got the trail open - some areas are pretty clear - some tight. This is through a pretty cool section that meanders up a drainage area, so some elevation is available for a fun trail. Charlie and I hit the trail in the afternoon with the MEGA BLOWER. Charlie walked after me and picked up old trash from the 70's and 80's. Lots of pull tab cans, insulated Pepsi bottles, and a few oddities - like a tube sock (with colorful stripes at the top), a disposable flashlight, and a boot. He filled a 5 gallon bag 4X. The blower really opened up the new trail - it removed all the stems, twigs and other debris along the path. We also blew debris off the first 1/2 mile of the rocky trail near the pump station. I can't wait to hit the trail again to see the new improvements.

Trail work needed - The last section opened up needs to be buffed. A commercial weed-eater or grubbing hoe and a set of pruners is needed. There are a lot of small things sticking up along the corridor. The weed-wrenches will be needed to pull up some stobs along the area.

The next trail day is March 28th - This time it's on a Saturday. We hope to have lunch this time - TBD I can bring a grill and charcoal - we'll see if we can round up some grub from with in the group - but we'll need to know who will be there. Because spring is just around the corner, this may be the last time for a hard effort to open up the trail and hopefully hit 5 miles. The next trail day in April will likely for maintenance of what has been built so far. We have some good ideas to minimize the work needed, but it takes a lot of effort to keep 5 miles of trail open.

Keep the dream alive - invite a friend to ride Shutes. Hopefully, they will be another trail building commando.

Steve

Another Successful Work Day!!!

2009-02-22T17:09:00.003-06:00

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!!!!!

Work Days Set for February through April

2009-02-15T21:31:00.002-06:00

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

Updated Work Wish List

2009-02-03T20:56:00.005-06:00

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

4 Miles - yeah

2009-02-01T22:57:00.002-06:00

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.

Work Day - January 31, 2009 - Saturday at 8:30 am

2009-01-22T21:23:00.002-06:00

It's time for another workday - 8:30 am to 12:30 pm - Food provided by the COE

We'll be finishing off the last section and blazing new trail.

Hopefully, the turnout will be good enough to do the wish list stuff that never got done.

We should have plenty of tools, but if you have a favorite pruner - bring it.

Steve and Tommy

Saturday January 17th

2009-01-15T21:41:00.000-06:00

Several of us are heading over to Shutes Branch on Saturday to ride before the ground thaws. I hope to hit the trail around 11 am - or when it hits the upper 20's. Some more folks are coming over around 1 to 1:30 to do a little trail work. trail work includes bushwhacking a quick cut and flagging the extension of the trail. We're at 3.9 miles and hope to have somewhere between 10 and 12 miles when done. Come have some fun in the sun. Hope to see you there.

Steve

Trail Work Needed

2009-01-03T15:02:00.003-06:00

By popular demand - several people have asked about the next work day. Until then - do some on your own - preferably with a friend. Post up on here and maybe someone will join you. We have recently trimmed the first mile of the rocky section with a chain saw - awesome flow now. A few more to remove though - this is a "work in progress". I think it's cool to see it improving!!!

We'll have a schedule up soon.

Work needed: (most of this is easy)

Trash removal and flag removal. The flags in the first section (except at the sewerline crossing near the road intersection) need to be removed. Some scattered trash is also laying around. Take a 5 gallon bucket to carry the flags. There is a lot of old trash lying just off the paved road near the two gates to the old campground. This is the area beside the first part of the rocky section. If you could bag it and just put the bag by the road, the COE can haul it at the next trail day. There are a lot of large pieces - like 5 gallon buckets - in this area. The larger pieces, just pile on the side of the road. (Or haul them to the dumpster at you place of employment :) )

Face Slapper Trimming. The first section of the trail (the beginning 2.5 miles) has apparently had the hedge grow some this winter. Some loppers or hand shears are all you need. Trim what's hanging over the trail.

Trail Buffing - Newest Section. The last quarter of a mile has been cut - not buffed. The area needs raking, stubs pulled, etc... This will require some tools - be careful and bring a friend.

Steve

Happy New Year - and to all ---a nice ride !!!!!!

2009-01-01T22:27:00.005-06:00

Hope the past year was good to you - and this one -2009 - will be better.

We just mapped the trail to date and were holding at 3.9 miles. The last bit is still un ridable, but we walked our bikes through it. We need to set up a work day soon. Hopefully, we'll get to 5 or 6 miles before spring. This section is rough - like the rest. But, it's paying off.

The trail is getting better each ride. Some tweaking has been done recently in the rock sections. Some small trees have been taken out, and this has really improved the lines.

Charlie, Sean, and myself had another fun night ride. The trail was in great shape. The White Rock section is still hard as can be - well, almost. After it gets beat down, it will be even more fun.

Here is a link to a short slide show from the ride. http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/TNcaveman/Shutes%20at%20Night/?albumview=slideshow

And here is the new trail map. the loop at the end isn't finished, but is walkable.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/TNcaveman/Shutes%20Branch/ShutesBranchat39miles12_30_08.jpg

And an elevation profile (milage is a little off)

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/TNcaveman/Shutes%20Branch/ShutesBranchprofileat3.jpg

Steve

Another Trail Day - December 13 (Saturday)

2008-11-24T19:49:00.000-06:00

It's time for another trail date at Shutes - We can likely surpass 4 miles if we have another good turnout. We're at 3.61 miles now. We'll meet on the camp road around 8 and work until lunch. The Corps will provide food again.

The trail is heading into some cool areas - we have a flat rock bottmed (bedrock) creek bed with several potential jumps to play with. As usual, the vegitation is dense so lots to do.

I'm going to post the date on NMB also - hopefully we can get at least 10 to 15 people out. Spread the word!!!!!

Steve

Latest Map at 3.6 miles

2008-11-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

We just finished a night ride. It was Encyclopedia Brown (Sean), Little Caveman, and myself. The place is really different at night. Oddly, we saw no animals.

The new section made this past weekend was fun. The moss really needs to be raked out. I almost endoed several places between rocks. I did wipe-out on the steep dirt mound on the return trip. I wasn't going fast enough and stopped at the top. Due to the wet clay (not mud), I slid back down the mound. The rocks on the side slid out from under my feet and down I went. It's been a while.

Here is the new map. It kind of messed up at the end and made a straight line. I'll redo it next time we're out there.

This trail is definately getting interesting. Thanks for all the hard work this weekend. Tommy, make sure to get the list of names and hrs.

Steve

We Have a Web Site!!!!!!!

2008-11-13T22:00:00.000-06:00

This Saturday, more trail will be built. Tommy and crew will hopefully get near the 4 mile mark. More rocks are apparently in the works. Trail is breaking in nicely - single track with bare dirt.

I hope this Blog will generate interest in the Trail - especially helping it expand, and most importantly, keep it a fun place to ride.

The big challenge will be next spring and summer - It will take a minimum of 3 major trimming episodes. Hopefully, some of the trimming can be handled by Corp work crews. A commercial walk-behind would be nice to keep the sides of the trail back. The privet and honey-suckle will require "the blade".

I'll keep the map posted up and current.

Steve