Bridges Downstream -- Anyone Care to Retrieve?

Several fellow-mountainbikers have spotted the bridges downstream.  The largest is about 100 yards downstream and smaller is about 1/4 mile own dnot far from Doc-Smith trail.  One of the spotters is at the BASH and he commented how there's certainly enough of manpower at the BASH, maybe a bridge-retrieval possy should be organized and go get them.  And I said, "would you like to do that??"  He didn't (that I know of).  The club and those that ride the trails would be very grateful if someone would step forward, take leadership, and organize this effort.  As mentioned before, I'd be glad to get the word out via this BLOG and maybe to those who are attending the BASH this year and I'm sure you'd get enough helping hands to retrieve.  

Rattling Creek Trail Assessment After Lee and Irene

Where a bridge used to be on Rattling Creek Trail

The RCST trails were hammered first with the winds of Irene three weeks ago and now with the rains of Lee.  We estimate this area saw somewhere between 12 and 15 inches of rain over a 4-day period and where there's rushing water, there's bound to be some damage.   The trees are removable which we've accomplished (the majority of them).  The high waters of Lee, however, took its toll on the bridges over Rattling Creek on Rattling Creek trail.  They are gone.  In 2004, Ivan did the same thing with the smaller of the two bridges and the club retrieved the bridge from downstream, dismantled it, and returned it to its home.  This time both are gone including the largest 32-foot span.  As of today, there are no plans to retrieve.  If you would like to take the lead in this effort to rebuild the bridges, let us know and we'll help you get the word out.  As for the remainder of the trails after the heavy rain washing, be prepared for more rocks.  Many of the trails acted as streams to carry the rushing water and you can visibly see the washing.  All are still rideable, but very rocky at spots.  

Before and After Lee - Rattling Creek Trail Bridges

Before

 and after

Thanks to Clayton for the second photo at high water level on Wednesday after the bridges were washed away.   More shots coming later today. 

More Update on the Trails and Weather

Thanks to those of you who e-mailed about helping with cutting trees.  We have bigger fish to fry now -- a flood and washed trails.   Both bridges are washed out on Rattling Creek trail an anonymous post reported.  Rick and I heading to the woods tomorrow to scope the situation out.   Not sure how much we'll get "repaired" before the LAST BASH.  

Weather Update and the Trails

Irene downed about 25ish trees on the trails and thanks to Em, most brush is cleared and 5 of those trees. We got two of the trees this past weekend and will get out again this weekend.  Our next concern are the bridges over Rattling Creek.  In Ivan (2004), a bridge washed away.  Lee's rains the past 48 hours were comparable, so we are thinking we may be missing a bridge or two.  Will keep you posted.   The club only has one chainsaw.  If you have a chainsaw and are available this weekend, please email us and maybe we can coordinate a quicky trailwork session.  Fawn Kill had the most downed trees at 14.  rebjsw@epix.net

Last BASH Itinerary 2011

The (2011) 12th and Last RCST Mountain Bike BASH
Happenings and Times

Thursday 5 pm – Camp gate opens

Friday 7-8:30am – Breakfast
Friday (all day) – Informal Rides(self guided)
ask us for trail maps
Friday 6 pm-? – Pizza – Bring your own ingredients - Bake in Bunk House
Friday 6 pm – Micro-Brew Swap
Friday 7:00ish-? – Live Band

Saturday 7-8:30 am – Breakfast
Saturday 10:00 am – Organized Group Rides
Meet by pavilions
Saturday 4 pm – Troegs tasting begins
Saturday 5 or 5:30 pm – Chicken Dinner
Saturday 7 pm – Prize Drawings
Saturday 8:00ish-? – Live Band

Sunday 7-8:30 am – Breakfast
Sunday – On your own Rides
Sunday 3:00 pm – Camp gate closes
Please be out by 3pm

Last BASH Itinerary Coming Shortly

We are putting the finishing touches on the itinerary for the weekend and will post to this blog and send via e-mail to all registrants when ready.  In a nutshell, same as prior years: a live band Friday AND Saturday evening, beverage exchange friday evening, beverage wagon saturday evening, Gonder's Grubhouse chicken/vegetarian dinner on Saturday evening, swag drawing Saturday evening, etc.  We will NOT be having the chili cook-off on Friday evening.  Instead, we will be inviting folks to BYOP (Bring Your Own Pizza) supplies and put together your own creation on Friday evening in the bunkhouse kitchen.  There are two really nice ovens you are welcome to use to make pizza.  The PORC folks did this last year and had a ton of fun.  There's a bunch more ride-on-your-own time this year too with nothing planned for Sunday but recovery from Saturday and ride when you feel.