The problem with NC trails...

BonsaiNut

BonsaiNut

iMTB Rockstah
Being that I am a long-term NC resident (6 months) here's what I'm going to say about NC trails:

They have a real problem with rain here.

Not that I don't mind riding in the rain, or that the trails can't handle the wet, but rather that they are so used to beautiful sculpted trails here that any time it rains they close the trails for 72 hours (or longer). Given that it rains 2 out of every 3 days here, guess how often the trails are open? Now I'm not suggesting people should go out and ride wet trails, but we're not talking B* mud... we're talking 1 mile of dry riding, and then a dip into 12" of mud, followed by 1 mile of dry riding.

Just venting.
 
BonsaiNut said:
Being that I am a long-term NC resident (6 months) here's what I'm going to say about NC trails:

They have a real problem with rain here.

Not that I don't mind riding in the rain, or that the trails can't handle the wet, but rather that they are so used to beautiful sculpted trails here that any time it rains they close the trails for 72 hours (or longer). Given that it rains 2 out of every 3 days here, guess how often the trails are open? Now I'm not suggesting people should go out and ride wet trails, but we're not talking B* mud... we're talking 1 mile of dry riding, and then a dip into 12" of mud, followed by 1 mile of dry riding.

Just venting.
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Are Pisgah and the other notable Western NC trails managed that way as well? I feel like that wouldn't go over well in the mountains, and like you said, it does rain pretty much every afternoon.
 
Bummer....not comparing Texas trails to NC quality trails but they have the same issue in Texas, except being much flatter overall so they get flooded with the torrential downpours and the trails sometimes close for weeks at a time in some areas. My biddies in the DFW area are always complaining.
 
da big hills said:
Northeastern Bama trails are closed 1 hour for every 1 hour of rain. You did not mention wet roots, something out here does not understand. I am sure you do
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It rained last Thursday (nothing crazy, just a decent rain). Trails were closed Thursday, Friday, Sat, Sun. It rained yesterday (a couple of times for perhaps 30 minutes each time). Trails were closed yesterday and today. Trails have now been closed six days straight. Guess they will freak out if there is snow(?) I live 1.8 miles from the park, so I have a pretty good handle on how wet it is. If it is dry enough for me to mow my lawn, it is dry enough to ride a bike :) Lake is at normal level for this time of year.

It should be noted that I am talking about State Park trails here.

buggravy said:
Are Pisgah and the other notable Western NC trails managed that way as well?
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Pisgah is National Forest, and is managed just like Cleveland National Forest - i.e. no e-bikes on non-motorized trails, rare trail closures - usually due to structural damage to the trail or flooding - etc. You can ride in the snow. Maybe they close for hurricanes... I don't know :)

The only problem is that Pisgah is a 2.5 hour drive for me. Definitely within range for a ride on weekends, but not something I can hit for a two-hour workout mid-week.

The trails closer in (around Blowing Rock, etc) are only 1.5 hours. Also on my bucket list: Dupont State Forest.
 
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The plus about So Cal riding and much of the SW is the DG substrate. It does not retain water/moisture.

@BonsaiNut, your new home lands are beautiful and lush compared to the desert SW. Discover new ways to enjoy everything about them.

Other things I'd do regularly if I lived there:
*fishing
*hiking
*fishing
*exploring
*fishing
*boating
*fishing
*oh, and...fishing :D
 
Riding with Cathy in the Santa Monica hills on Backbone Trail during the summer she said to me it is really really really hot today.
I said suck it up buttercup, it comes with the territory.
I'm sure I will be complaining about the cold and snow in the Black Hills sometime in the future. In doing my research I did NOT want to be where heat and moisture were in the same zip code. I HATE humidity (and mosquitoes that carry away children), so I strayed away from your part of town. :-)
 
Mikie said:
Riding with Cathy in the Santa Monica hills on Backbone Trail during the summer she said to me it is really really really hot today.
I said suck it up buttercup, it comes with the territory.
I'm sure I will be complaining about the cold and snow in the Black Hills sometime in the future. In doing my research I did NOT want to be where heat and moisture were in the same zip code. I HATE humidity (and mosquitoes that carry away children), so I strayed away from your part of town. :)
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@Mikie, many of the residents up in that part of the country are "Snowbirds". Perhaps you should invest in a Winter home. I hear that AZ is really nice during the Winter. :whistling:
 
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