Got out there this morning - as suspected, lower maple flats is a mess.
Between the hikers helping out by putting sticks down, and plenty of moisture - it is best to head up the pipeline.
Make the first left after the first gate going uphill - i think this is white now - i'd recommend riding the pipeline from the parking lot,
through the access gate to the southeast of the pond. while there is water streaming down the pipeline
below the first gate, it can be avoided. ground is solid along the edges. Even that field from the pond to the trailhead is rutted - it was somewhat frozen when i hit it.
This trail from the pipeline to the 4-way mud in the usual spots - most of our remediation is working out well - just need to do more!
At the 4-way, turn right - don't go straight! It is going to be a bog in there. (you would never go straight anyway)
everything is good through the roaring brook rock garden - then trail is mis-marked, and takes everyone through a mud hole.
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This is probably because of the tree that was blocking the trail. (mud trail is off to the right of this pic)
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Was...well sorta still is but better. I'll get back and take care of this tomorrow.
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I couldn't ride it first shot - but it it is easily ridden. the sapling is not in the way, but i hit it anyway.
mute vol - squeaky brakes.
Anyway - I didn't go up 3 amigos, since i know what i'll find up there. took a shortcut through the bouldering area,
and it sucks riding that way - but i knew that. It was ok conditions-wise.
On the old trail (riverbed), at the top of the connector from the rock pile, it is a mess - it looks like it could be nicked/moved uphill a bit.
Approaching the first boardwalk is also a mess - i went off-trail to avoid the water.
needs a reroute, it is one of the problem areas anyway. maybe extend the boardwalk?
The end of chunky monkey is going to be sloppy. 3 Amigos will be ok to ride.
I suspect montezuma will be ok too.
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Had a guy in the parking lot asked about the fatbike, then tells me he raced pro in the 90s out west and bikes haven't changed that much.
his al, 26r with a judy is still solid, but can't ride anymore because of his knees. hmm.