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SHNF "SAVE THE BRIDGES" WORK DAY

Reading over this it seems odd to me.

So, those in the know, know the trails are closed, but those not in the know have to search high and low and will likely find no info about trails being closed so that when they ride, those in the know are upset that those not in the know don't know the trails are closed and that they rode.

Seems to me like a broken process. Most of the places I ride mountain bikes and dirt bikes have websites or facebook pages where it's pretty big and clear and in your face that the trails are closed. Also most usually will have obvious signage stating the fact.

I personally haven't ridden SHNF myself so I can't speak about how things work, but I've certainly considered coming down with my son. Reading all of this I can say that now I'd be tempted to not care about it and go ride elsewhere if I have to worry about riding in areas that I'm not supposed to be in but it isn't clear and I'm due for fines or bashing if I do.
 
BornAgain

IF its any consolation i got pulled over with a friend in tow going up to SHNF through Montgomery,Tx (the back way) that very same day. Bud
not a very good situation.
only reason that day rode up to KELLY POND on our plated license bikes was to help out and this was what i got for my intent
2.0 hrs dissertation - threats along with the must have been very boring to him to be there and being caught red handed doing the very same THING we did LOL. finally got to where we were going only to see more campers doing the very same thing after the gates were closed THERE @ KELLYS!!!
must have been 4-5pm fyi.

you tried seeking out any info and came up with none..(needs to be address next meeting wouldnt you say?

riding to and from on your bike to a new area is confusing GRANTED.
 
Reading over this it seems odd to me.

So, those in the know, know the trails are closed, but those not in the know have to search high and low and will likely find no info about trails being closed so that when they ride, those in the know are upset that those not in the know don't know the trails are closed and that they rode.

Seems to me like a broken process. Most of the places I ride mountain bikes and dirt bikes have websites or facebook pages where it's pretty big and clear and in your face that the trails are closed. Also most usually will have obvious signage stating the fact.

I personally haven't ridden SHNF myself so I can't speak about how things work, but I've certainly considered coming down with my son. Reading all of this I can say that now I'd be tempted to not care about it and go ride elsewhere if I have to worry about riding in areas that I'm not supposed to be in but it isn't clear and I'm due for fines or bashing if I do.

Ok, said I was out but must answer this first, one thing trailheads are locked and have signage trails are closed. and the forest service has a number to call. The trails were ribboned off till illegal riders, hunters, or animals tore them down. I'll get photos soon if possible with this weather.

And really not trying to bash anyone but his comment:"Which trail did ya'll work on? My son and I were on the North Balloon trail this past Saturday and there's lots of fallen trees blocking the trail."
Just struck a wrong cord as in I'm riding this trail, why haven't you fixed it?

Sorry for wrong impression, hope everyone enjoys the forest, but as Fly stated he(Ranger) plays way rougher than us keyboard warriors.
 
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And really not trying to bash anyone but his comment:"Which trail did ya'll work on? My son and I were on the North Balloon trail this past Saturday and there's lots of fallen trees blocking the trail."
Just struck a wrong cord as in I'm riding this trail, why haven't you fixed it?

This is the fun of the internet and text. I read through this entire thread and didn't see it written that way till you pointed it out.

FYI, I've done volunteer work on mountain bike trails and it's harder work than it looks like. Props to you guys for volunteering to keep the number of miles of trails out there in shape.
 
And it needs to be communicated better but it's hard when there is so many trail crossings that a street legal bike can jump on and ride, probably 40 or more road crossings where you can jump on a trail. They are not going to go around and post on every trail every time. But you're right needs to be communicated better. But there is the phone # and if you start at a trailhead it will be either locked or open. Plus a sign.
 
The bottom line to the whole story is that our dear old government is broke. Actually way beyond broke to the tune of many trillions of dollars in debt. The forest service no longer receives any where near the funds it takes to properly opperate. So there aren't signs where there need to be signs, no workers are retained to repair trails or infrastructures, etc etc etc. At present, we the public (via joining or volunteering with the Trails Coalition) are being allowed this unique opportunity to TRY keeping the multi use trail system in compliance with the Forest Service regulations, and thereby open for usage. Should our Coalition fall apart due to petty attitudes and differences, or our VOLUNTEERS otherwise fail to complete the constantly needed work...this multi use trail system will be forever more closed to the public. So you see it is far from a perfect world, but it very much is all that exists for inexpensive motorized trail recreation in the greater Houston region. If we all get our nose out of joint because it isn't just how we want it...we will have absolutely nothing to use instead.
Don' t take offense, take action! The rest of the Country is in the very same predicament with regards to mainaining present recreation opportunities in our national forests without any budgets for such. They are all watching our little test tube experiment that is ongoing with members of the public at large stepping up to form an action coalition, and officially taking responsibility for trail maintenance. If we succeed we have pioneered the way forward through these times of no government financial support. Should we fail we will have demonstrated that there is truly only one option for the Forest Service to take when the funds dry up...Close it all down, nationwide! Don't think the stakes could get much higher.
So please do consider volunteering. It sure aint perfect. But it's all we got, and all we're gonna get moving into the foresee able future.
 
Woodsguy I'm sorry you got your nose blown out of joint. My intention was not to criticize. I was,only seeking information about the trails. I did not say fix it now you read that into it. With that said yes I would like to help out with the maintenance on the next work day.
 
have the utmost respect for ALL officers that protect all parts of this country's wilderness and certainly hope things can be turned around and quickly.
in protecting what little wilderness is left for people to enjoy.
Admittedly am not the sociological butterfly when it comes to the keyboard either.
 
Here's your sign
 

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X2
 

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X3 and thanks the nose is fine.
 

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X3 and thanks the nose is fine.

But the trails aren't. So you all please come out and help if you possibly can. By the looks of all that water in these freshly posted new pics, I'm guessing it could be another week or two before things dry back out. Like the man said earlier, better call before you haul!
 
Rumor is we're being taught a lesson??

I'm not sure why they're still closed, Sterling is open in same area. Went to Cycleland yesterday, it was summer dry, we're wishing for rain with the dust and deep sand.
 
I was up there last week and the trail head on the east side of the lake (can't remeber the name) was closed and locked! I was riding the roads on my DR650 and there were a lot of trees down and laying across the roads! This was last monday 1/23/17 and we had that high wind on previous sunday 1/22/17.
This could be a reason...my 2 cents!
 
Eastside is open again. Still call: 936-344-6205 x2
 
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