Sylvan, Monday 2/13/12 9:00

[jimithng23]

Ok I won't be posting an update. I'll assume it will be sloppy until a FORC veteran tells me otherwise.

?

Why would you not post an update? The steward has the trails marked "open" so if they're good, ride 'em. If they're sloppy, don't.

Everyone here is grateful, and jealous, that your schedule allows you to be the "trail scout" of sorts and hopefully, everyone here can trust that if the trail isn't ready to ride, you'll choose to stay off the trail and report back.

So, relax a bit. Stop taking things so personal.

What you're seeing from the "FORC Veterans" is the result of year after year watching people - hikers, equestrians, and yes, bikers - damage the trails through the winter and early spring only to have to spend our own time to repair the damage. And, in 99% of these cases, the people that caused the damage aren't at the trail day(s) to help fix the trails they damaged.

Want some good reading on this topic? Check out the Respect Your Trails thread in the SBP forum.

You're new(er) to the group. I don't think you've done much trail work, and certainly you don't have to. There's no obligation as a FORC member to contribute time to trail work. However, it is heavily encouraged, especially from the more "visible" members to help set an example.

Don't take offense, but I don't think you quite understand how emotionally and physically invested many of us are in these trails. It wasn't like one day, miles of trail popped up at Sylvan. Or the City of Davenport said "here FORC, have 7 miles of excellent singletrack!" Or the Park Board of Scott County said "oh gee, sure FORC! We'll build nearly 12 miles of fast and flowy trails for hikers and bikers only! Come on out!" NO. We did it. We built the trails. FORC built the trails. You are a FORC member.

Your comment can, and probably will, be taken offensively for most of those that have spent a large amount of their free time by pouring sweat equity into the trails you've been riding for the better part of a year.

There's a huge reason why you're constantly hearing "only YOU can prevent trail rut" because it's true. All the "FORC Veterans" are trying to do is promote and educate people on responsible trail usage. After multiple conversations at meetings and on this forum you'd think the point would've hit home by now.

Come to a trail day, bust your a$$ for a few hours, days, weeks, MONTHS even and then come back and look at that quote again. You'll fully understand the meaning.

No one here is taking a shot at you personally so just relax. Go check the trails out. If they're too muddy, stay off 'em and let everyone know. We all appreciate the updates.

Keep riding and having fun cuz that's what this is all about...oh, and there's a trail day Sunday at Sunderbruch which would be a perfect opportunity for you to see what the OTHER side of this thing is all about. You gonna be there??

HFDB.