Current Trail Conditions
Are horrible.
Kings and I spent a lot of time and energy in removing/flattening/stomping ruts, removing water from the tread, de-berming, and overall a lot of playing in the muck. Lots of fun, it was. And MUCH more work needs to be done.
Sunderbruch is growing old and tired - much like Sugar Bottom in Iowa City of a few years ago. What I mean by that, roots are becoming more exposed (some like this, some don't) which greatly accelerates the rate of erosion in these areas. Also, many trails are taking on the characteristics of a bobsled track - the water runs directly *down* the trail instead of sheeting off the *side* of the trail. This creates the bobsled track trail and results in one of two things - close the trail or bust our collective a$$es to repair and rework the trail. There are so many sections where this type of work needs to be done that I can't even begin to start describing them. Proof in the pudding: take a walk down Jubilee right now. Because the trail is so young, this trail is darn near ready to ride immediately following a rain. We had to clear a few drains yesterday, but other than that, nearly the entire trail is good to go. But over time, that will change. Just know, a LOT of work needs to be done to this trail system to remain sustainable long-term.
The SBP TCC will be bringing a proposal to the board/club on what we believe will be permanent repairs for the biggest problem areas - Kickapoo Up & Down.
Speaking of Kick Up/Down, depending on the outcome of the aforementioned proposal, we will most likely decide to keep these trails closed during winter/spring. The location of these trails on the side of the north facing bluff is where all the ground water from the field at the top of the hill drains. There isn't any dirt, it's all clay. These trails will *constantly* be an issue each and every year because of this.
It is so imperative to keep users off the trails when they're too wet to sustain traffic.
More info to come...
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