Stephens State Park Conditions

[chainsawer]

thanks for this!

I had vertigo two different times a few years back, one of which landed me in the ER overnight. But luckily with meds and other treatments I was able to shake it within a few weeks each time and now its been probably 4 years without an episode. Can't imagine 5+ months of that even mild version is horrible.!

stay well/safe.

Glad you were able to get past the vertigo thing. I had "an event" in my left vestibular canal (potentially Crystal related). So there's a mismatch between what I see and the signals from the vestibular nerves. My eyes work overtime now, and get fatigued in visually complex situations (like in mt biking). Older naming conventions might have labeled this "visual vertigo". The room isn't spinning as with classic vertigo. But I have balance issues and the constant feeling that something's off. Sometimes feels like I'm wearing the wrong glasses. I wish it would go away but I'm still getting on with things pretty well.

 

[mtn]

After almost 5 months away from Mt biking, my re-entry was supposed to be a few low-key non-TM rides to ease back into things. Instead, I strapped on the chainsaw pack and "threw myself to the dogs" today. Was a crisp 30 degrees and gorgeous out. With Teutonic’s help, we cleared 6 obstructions in 2.5 hours on Lower Maze, Hally To, and Golden trail before heading back to the cars at the RR Crossing. This was a struggle and a half for me due to the ongoing vertigo issues, much diminished cardio abilities (I gained a few pounds), and simply not having ridden in so long. I had to take numerous breaks, and I had to walk my bike over some rock gardens and other complicated spots. This included a stupid fall when my heavily leaning scabbard caught a tree and gently swept me right off the bike. Doh! That aside, it was good to knock the cobwebs off and get back in the game. Thanks again to Teutonic for his most excellent Intel and assistance.

Time to get that chainsaw mount attached!

 

[shrpshtr325]

found this sucker on trestle trail today, right near the end of the DBYL segment on strava (at the bottom of the little drop in that you normally hit at full speed), cleaned up the little guys crossing the trail, but didnt have the hp needed to tackle this mess.

 

[JimN]

found this sucker on trestle trail today

It's not nice to call her that (even if it's true).

 

[FrankR]

See a physical therapist who specializes in vertigo.
They will help you.
Ask me how i know. 👍🏻

 

[Teutonic]

More info for the one on Trestle (I'd say currently Top Priority for Stephens): **CLEARED**

And a smaller one on Steve's Technical: **CLEARED**

One here on Morris Canal (passable): CLEARED!

 

[Myles]

Trestle blocked with a downed tree and another big one on Talley Hoe

 

[Myles]

How are the trails looking for Friday?

 

[mattybfat]

How are the trails looking for Friday?

Most excellent snow coverage, get some

 

[chainsawer]

Today Teutonic and I cleared that massive blockage on the Trestle Trail and a minor issue on the Canal trail, adjacent to the concert field. The one on trestle took way more time than we expected, so we didn't get to much else. After the New Year, I'll be able to go out again. Next targets will be a pair on Green nearest the Station Road lot. Still waiting on better intel for anything else to chase after.

Good snow riding conditions today. As always, thanks to Teutonic for his help!

 

[jdog]

Today Teutonic and I cleared that massive blockage on the Trestle Trail and a minor issue on the Canal trail, adjacent to the concert field. The one trestle took way more time than we expected, so we didn't get to much else. After the New Year, I'll be able to go out again. Next targets will be a pair on green nearest the Station Road lot. Still waiting on better intel for anything else to chase after.

Good snow riding conditions today.

That was a monster pile

 

[chainsawer]

That was a monster pile

The crown of one tree came down on top of another extremely Viney tree. The entire mess fell along the trail, not across it. Typically when a tree breaks like that, the crown is upside down and remains attached to the top by some remaining bark and twisted wood. A bit like an upside down pitchfork, especially if other riders cut out a few non structural limbs. It can pose an extreme hazard to the TM crew. You can clear a path thru it, but it's much better to coax the crown to come down completely, so it's not a hazard to other riders later on. We had fun with that today, had to use ropes, some strategic cuts, and a bit of caution.

 

[Teutonic]

The crown of one tree came down on top of another extremely Viney tree. The entire mess fell along the trail, not across it. Typically when a tree breaks like that, the crown is upside down and remains attached to the top by some remaining bark and twisted wood. A bit like an upside down pitchfork, especially if other riders cut out a few non structural limbs. It can pose an extreme hazard to the TM crew. You can clear a path thru it, but it's much better to coax the crown to come down completely, so it's not a hazard to other riders later on. We had fun with that today, had to use ropes, some strategic cuts, and a bit of caution.

It was a real PITA.--Ed did a great job with it! After we realized we couldn't get to the others with daylight, I climbed Hally in the snow and got some more details on the Tally one mentioned above--There's actually a small one very close to the bigger one, so I'm logging both and I'll update my posts above on the ones we got today:
**CLEARED**

**CLEARED**

 

[mattybfat]

Not sure if was reported as well
Another topper

 

[TommyF]

Today Teutonic and I cleared that massive blockage on the Trestle Trail and a minor issue on the Canal trail, adjacent to the concert field. The one on trestle took way more time than we expected, so we didn't get to much else. After the New Year, I'll be able to go out again. Next targets will be a pair on Green nearest the Station Road lot. Still waiting on better intel for anything else to chase after.

Good snow riding conditions today. As always, thanks to Teutonic for his help!

Was that you by the iron gate asking about Hally Toe, we mentioned that pile on Trestle. - Thank you !!

 

[chainsawer]

Was that you by the iron gate asking about Hally Toe, we mentioned that pile on Trestle. - Thank you !!

Yes. U finally met the elusive chainsawer! LOL

 

[Skunkape]

Nice work, boys. That looked like it was no fun at all. Remember poison ivy doesn’t take the winter off.

 

[Teutonic]

I went in this afternoon to clear the (1) on Steve's Technical (updated post above to reflect this), but came across (2) more that I also took care of while going up Skeezix. I stayed higher elevation and all trails were DRY. This is one of them that I cleared today. Made it back just before dark. **CLEARED**

 

[Teutonic]

Not sure if was reported as well
Another topper
View attachment 253075

I entered via the Saxton gravel lot today and while I saw sticks and a bit of debris, it was all clear where you indicated the topper. I actually rode a lot of White today and it was all clear.

 

[chainsawer]

Teutonic and I did a bit of clearing today. He got in an 14.5mi ride, and cleared a few with handsaws. I did a combo of hiking and E-biking with the Chainsaws. First, we got that really massive one on Green near the Station Road lot. (Hiked in my biggest 25" saw for that one). Then I repositioned to the Saxton Falls trailhead where we cleared Hally Toe and Tally Ho. Tuetonic got the upper smaller ones, and I focused on the bigger ones. I repositioned one more time to the Tilcon lake crossover and cleared one quite dangerous one on the Tilcon lake Trail. This one hidden right at the bottom of the steep drop. (Thanks to another passing rider for that intel). To our knowledge, we're all caught up in Stephens. But knowing it's been windy, I'm sure there's a few more we're not tracking yet. Lots of thanks to Teutonic for the assist and most excellent intel, and for the inspiration to go out today.