Frick Park (ongoing reports)

[cburch]

Our back yard in morningside does the same thing.

[Unreal Machine]

Is the glass sharp?

Unfortunately that section of the park has glass embedded in the soil for at least a few inches. It's from the houses in Regent Square at the top of the hill. For over 50 years the residents tossed trash over the hill, and now that means that the surviving materials (glass, ceramic, concrete, and to some extent metal) slowly works its way down the hill over time. After every hard rain we find new glass. It isn't going anywhere, but sometimes a "stash" is uncovered and could be removed. Sounds like you found one.

The good news is that since the glass has been weathering the elements for so long, most of it has eroded into smooth, relatively harmless bits.

I live in one of those houses and have been trying to figure out a way to make it safe for kids to play in these woods, but I think I've come to the conclusion that it's not going to happen in my lifetime. So, they just play anyway and we make sure their tetanus shots are current.

I didn't touch any of the glass since I didn't have anything to protect my hands or anywhere to store the broken glass. I just tried to kick it off below the trail as best as I could. And yes, I noticed it was imbedded deep as the more dirt I kicked away, the more glass I saw. I guess I am just surprised that I have never noticed it until now. There were bits of glass from 0.5" to 3" for about 30 feet. Perhaps I will come back over the weekend with a shovel and bag if I can find the time. Not sure if the fact that this glass is historical is more comforting or less?

Also, rather jealous of your property location

[kmoses]

Rode frick today. Was nice and dry despite all the rain earlier this week

[Unreal Machine]

There are some trees down at Frick. One on the Nature Trail (about halfway through, need 3-4 people to move it) and another on 276 (I imagine this will turn into a new obstacle though). Other than that the trails are mostly great. Couple of small patches of mud and slight debris, but really good conditions and especially good considering the weather last week.

[Unreal Machine]

The ridge by the entrance to 276 is completely blocked off. You have to walk your bike over the rocks near the first switchback to enter it. Probably for the best as that ridge was starting to look a little deteriorated over the last week.

[jwill]

Is there a plan for the entry to 276? I saw a bunch of kids with Blue shirts on working on that part of the trail? Any idea where they came from? Did they put the tree parts on the ridge which serves as the entry to the beginning climb to get to 276? Why not have them do something useful, like clean up the garbage in the creek and on both sides? there are a couple of big trees down on 276, any plan to remove them, transform them into obstacles?

[Unreal Machine]

Is there a plan for the entry to 276? I saw a bunch of kids with Blue shirts on working on that part of the trail? Any idea where they came from? Did they put the tree parts on the ridge which serves as the entry to the beginning climb to get to 276? Why not have them do something useful, like clean up the garbage in the creek and on both sides? there are a couple of big trees down on 276, any plan to remove them, transform them into obstacles?

No idea what any plans are for that trail. I rode there again today and the trees were still there blocking the ridge entrance. I think the only tree that needs to be removed or turned into an obstacle is the huge one near the end.

[macd5018]

276 is not a ptag trail so it's up to those who built it to maintain it. The park had those people block off the entrance, the nine mile run assc. Doesn't approve of that entrance and want people to ride the rocks across the stream by the bench

[laxap]

According to a bona fide source, 276 is not closed. At the request of NMRWA, several of the creek crossings have been closed in order to preserve the bank. They're apparently putting up signs soon asking that we not cross in sensitive areas. Please follow the signs.

Ordeal? I think any ordeal that went down was imagined by some, rumored by others, and ignored by anybody who has any influence. In the meantime we love to ride 276.

[Benzo]

What's going on with 9 mile run trail? Is this open or not between duck hollow and frick?

[Unreal Machine]

Nature trail and Iron Grate are very icy. 276 is a little less icy, but also has lots of mud. The fire lanes are a mix of snow and ice. Ride with caution. Use wide tires or studs if you got 'em.

[Justin]

Rode today and conditions were great. Not icy, not muddy, generally good traction. The only trail section that I rode that I would avoid is the new lower Bradema extension. It looks to me like people have been riding it when very wet (like it probably was earlier in the week with the warm temps) and now it is a rutted up mess. It is actually still a little wet, for some reason that hillside just doesn't drain well.

[Unreal Machine]

3/10/13

Trails are quite soft for the most part. Very rideable, but the mud may stick to your tyres.

[Unreal Machine]

4/4/13

Trails are slightly soft, but in great shape for the most part. Rollercoaster, Bradema extension and Iron Grate are a little muddy. There is a big tree down at the beginning of the 2nd loop on 276. It's too big to move (for one person) and too far off the ground to ride over. The new features/loop on the Backyard trail are nice.

[Unreal Machine]

4/22/13

Trails are very good. Just a few mud spots here and there (usual suspects). That new fat-skinny bridge on the Bradema extension is totally sweet. Make sure you get some speed at the end because there is a nice little dune to catch some air on right after the end (if you like). Thankfully, I did not encounter that ax-wielding maniac people have been posting about, but perhaps that's because I didn't venture over to the slag piles? Be safe out there.

[Unreal Machine]

5/2/2013 (evening)

Frick is in great shape and should be nice to ride all weekend. Check out Crater Trail if you haven't yet and ride safe.