Hartshorne Conditions?

What time where you guys there? I couldn't get out until almost 4 and had to take the fireroad back to the parking lot as it was so dark. But the bit of trail I did ride was really good. Just some muddy sections here and there but I thought it was great for mid December. Would love to see many of the sections narrowed up some but what are you going to do 🙄 That part that Frank and the group did mid summer last year is riding in great. Good to see that it's holding up so well.
 
I was there yesterday late morning and was shocked to find the trails in pretty decent condition. after melting of 2 feet of snow and a torrential rain the day before...Hartshorne was in solid shape. that has to be the most resilent park....far more than even Allaire.

we kept to Grand Tour and Laurel Ridge. we assumed that Rocky Point was pretty messy so we stayed away.
 
I would assume with the temps. dropping tonight, and staying pretty cold for days the trails will be ok (except for all the frozen ruts left by riders who don't give a crap about making a bad trail worse).
 
Hartshorn sees a lot of traffic, and it has somehow gained a reputation for being a good place to ride/hike when it is wet. That combined with sand just under the surface of trails that were not designed for sustainability when they were put in years (some, many years) ago, and a less than huge amount of trail maintenance dates....... I could go on, but it would seem like I am bashing MCPS, and I like the folks there.😱
 
BiknBen said:
That's because all loose soil was washed away years ago...

This park is certainly not an example of resiliency. 🙁
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you may have a point about the loose soil being washed away. but the emphasis there is on "washed away". when I see erosion at Hartshorne (and Huber) its always after a hard rain. meaning that the rain is washing out the trails...not bikes. you can see that some of the trails turn into rivers during hard rain events. the fact that MCPC doesnt address this isnt the fault of mountain bikers.

when I referred to Hartshorne as "resilient" I was referring to its ability to drain well (most trails) and dry out quickly after rain/snow (sandy soils does that). it may not be "resilient" to erosion from rain. and, again, the fact that some of the trails turn into rivers during hard rain events may speak to that.

what I do know is that we were able ride the other day and encountered very few mud patches and the few mud patches we did encounter were avoidable. I dont know another park in the area where that could be done after the recent snow/rain we had in Monmouth County.

we were able to get a good ride in without getting myself and/or my bike muddy = without causing trail damage.

I've been riding Hartshorne for almost 20 years. I wouldnt ride it if I felt my activity was causing trail damage. I am quite confident that my ride the other day did none. that's the reason we avoided Rocky Point. the soils there are less sandy than the other trails, stay wet far longer and the mud patches are larger and unavoidable.
 
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Brian meant to people riding in muddy condition -
Quote :
"MTB today. ...rolled down to do the Hartshorne/Huber/Hartshorne tour. ...It was pretty dang slippery in a few sections. I was surprised I was able to clean all the climbs in the mud"
 
WT, antgold is correct. I was not talking about you. I was just making a general statement........ unless, of course, you are feeling guilty?:hmmm: ( Just kidding,..😀)
 
didnt mean to come across as defensive.

out of respect to those that work on the trails and/or advocate for trail use by MTBers, I was just trying to make it clear that I respect the importance of not f'ing up vulnerable trails.

if I feel guilty about anything its that I havent yet participated in any trail maintenance. 🙂 New Years resolution right there.
 
Outlook for 1/1

What is happening down there boyz? Waste of time schlepping down there for a ride tomorrow AM?
 
Fogerson said:
What is happening down there boyz? Waste of time schlepping down there for a ride tomorrow AM?
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Snow conditions were primo this AM, but temps have been rising and I'd suspect it will be slushy tomorrow.

I think we will get a hard freeze for Saturday and Sunday mornings.
 
I was there this morn. It's frozen & fast, not too many soft spots or ice patches. Anyone considering riding tomorrow should go.
 
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