Sourlands Mountain Preserve Conditions

[rick81721]

Just got back. Didn't go out until 2 due to the fog this morning.

Well I tried my first mountain bike ride there - everyone who warned to start elsewhere was right - holy shit that was hard! Did about 3 miles (trailhead clockwise to marker 9 and back) and that was enough - couldn't even figure out how to get up onto those boardwalks without steps that were 6+ inches high. I don't know how you guys get through boulderama. Also whatever you call those falls when you fly over the handlebars, I did that twice! I gotta spend some time over 6M learning the basics before I try that again. Then I put the bike away and ran a lap counterclockwise - fell twice running, too. Sourlands kicked my ass today.

PS The ridge trail is almost completely clear now from marker 4 clockwise to the trailhead. Only two trees still blocking the way. I ran into a hiker and he said it's still blocked between markers 5 and 7.

 

[clarkenstein]

Sounds like you need a beginner ride or two. Hit me up next time you are out. Always happy to share some basic handling knowledge.

 

[rick81721]

Sounds like you need a beginner ride or two

understatement of the year bro. watching youtube videos isn't cutting it 😀
Yeah I'd really appreciate some on-the-trail coaching. I'll let you know when I head out there again (after a few rides at 6M)

 

[aedubber]

I been itching to get out here so badly ! Once i get some more time in the saddle again and gain some confidence again im def making the trip here.

 

[michael.su]

Just got back. Didn't go out until 2 due to the fog this morning.

Well I tried my first mountain bike ride there - everyone who warned to start elsewhere was right - holy shit that was hard! Did about 3 miles (trailhead clockwise to marker 9 and back) and that was enough - couldn't even figure out how to get up onto those boardwalks without steps that were 6+ inches high. I don't know how you guys get through boulderama. Also whatever you call those falls when you fly over the handlebars, I did that twice! I gotta spend some time over 6M learning the basics before I try that again. Then I put the bike away and ran a lap counterclockwise - fell twice running, too. Sourlands kicked my ass today.

PS The ridge trail is almost completely clear now from marker 4 clockwise to the trailhead. Only two trees still blocking the way. I ran into a hiker and he said it's still blocked between markers 5 and 7.

Lol, you thought they were playin it up? 😀
That place is a gnarly playground! 🙂

 

[rick81721]

Lol, you thought they were playin it up? 😀
That place is a gnarly playground! 🙂

Haha.... yeah I've been running there for awhile and know the trails like the back of my hand so I figured - how much harder can it be to ride it? Forgot that when I run I can dance around some of the rocks and roots - no can do on a bike. At least I can work on the pipeline trail there for an uphill workout.

 

[snashters]

I ran into a hiker and he said it's still blocked between markers 5 and 7.

That would have been me.
Taking on Sourlands as a first mtb ride = jumping in at the deep end.🙂 Give it another try once you have a few miles under you, it’s a fun and rewarding place to ride.

 

[Panhead]

I went there for the first time last week. Place is a total blast. I'm shooting to get back before the holidays. Saw on the map Devils Half Acre so thats where I headed for first only to get to the top and get turned around by a pile of trees.

 

[J-Dro]

I went there for the first time last week. Place is a total blast. I'm shooting to get back before the holidays. Saw on the map Devils Half Acre so thats where I headed for first only to get to the top and get turned around by a pile of trees.

We're still working on the clean-up after Sandy, so the last of those trees should be gone on Saturday. Give a shout out next time you're coming if you would like a tour.

HINT: The ride flows much better if you descend through 'Devil's Half Acre' aka Boulderama rather than hit it out of the parking lot.

 

[J-Dro]

The Rangers have made a lot of progress this week, and Boulderama is now open, as well as the trail that goes from the beginning of Boulderama down to the parking lot. We're almost there...

 

[rick81721]

Just got back from a trail run. Ridge trail is completely open now except for one tree between marker 6 and 7 - maybe it blew down after the TM. It's only ~ 8 inches diameter but is raised about a foot off the ground. Conditions were surprisingly good - dry on top and much of the leaves are getting ground down. Only real wet sections are between markers 10 and 9. Few small patches of mud here and there. Should be even better tomorrow.

PS that gaping hole below boulderama going clockwise down the mountain has been filled with large rocks. Doesn't look perfect but looks passable now

 

[Patrick]

nice ride out there today - once through the fence at roaring brook (and it was roaring today) the ground was firm, and uber ridable. most of the lower sections were good, with a bit of mush in the low pipeline areas. the stream crossings were all good.

didn't go to b-rama, bike gets too heavy😱

couple of tracks to follow, so someone did a loop !

 

[Turbotrix]

Went for a run there this afternoon. Conditions were great. It was a perfect way to close out the year.

 

[Bizarro]

prob going out there today.... haven't been there in a while...need to put the new TG-1 cam to use.. 🙂

 

[J-Dro]

Conditions today were pretty darn nice. Dirt showing on most trails with some compacted snow on others. No too slippery. I was out early while it was FROZEN. That is the key my friends.

 

[Kirt]

Conditions today were pretty darn nice. Dirt showing on most trails with some compacted snow on others. No too slippery. I was out early while it was FROZEN. That is the key my friends.

Should have let me know you were off today.

 

[gmb3]

I got out EARLY this morning. Wheels to frozen dirt at 7:30. Everything was frozen solid and there was still a very thin packed/icy layer of snow on the very top of 3Amigos and most of Boulderama. Studs woulda been useful in some spots. luckily the bridges were clear. I had to walk down some luge-type chutes on Boulderama but other spots had enough rocks poking through for traction. Did kind of a figure-8 double loop and was out by 10:00. The lower trails were just starting to thaw on my way out so i got muddy only from the last 5 minutes of my ride. Guess i shoulda pushed a little harder and then i wouldnt have had to bust out the hose when i got home.

 

[Patrick]

will assume you were riding alone, and we passed you on the way up?? - we were two screaming neon road wind breakers! the neon was screaming, cause we were crawling.

conditions were still frozen up top from 9:45->11:30 - no significant thaw, rode the "glaciers", rock tops were good - leaves were abundant. much fun.

I got out EARLY this morning. Wheels to frozen dirt at 7:30. Everything was frozen solid and there was still a very thin packed/icy layer of snow on the very top of 3Amigos and most of Boulderama. Studs woulda been useful in some spots. luckily the bridges were clear. I had to walk down some luge-type chutes on Boulderama but other spots had enough rocks poking through for traction. Did kind of a figure-8 double loop and was out by 10:00. The lower trails were just starting to thaw on my way out so i got muddy only from the last 5 minutes of my ride. Guess i shoulda pushed a little harder and then i wouldnt have had to bust out the hose when i got home.

 

[Bizarro]

prob headed up there again today..(sunday) for a mid morning ride....

had a blast last sunday! snow..wetness..mud..rocks..roots..oh boy.

 

[gmb3]

will assume you were riding alone, and we passed you on the way up?? - we were two screaming neon road wind breakers! the neon was screaming, cause we were crawling.

conditions were still frozen up top from 9:45->11:30 - no significant thaw, rode the "glaciers", rock tops were good - leaves were abundant. much fun.

Yup, that was me. It's supposed to be warmer today so it might get muddy.