News imported from the Smithville Trails Blog - www.smithvilletrails.com
 

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

With all the rain we are getting as of late, I'm sure you all are just as frustrated with the lack of "trail time" as I am. But it is important that we stay off of the singletrack trails until they are dry enough to ride without leaving ruts and mudholes.

If you are new to mountain biking or trail running the lure of a "mud run" (or ride) might seem like a chance for a different trail adventure or challenge to be conquered, but the damage done to the trails by riding or running in wet conditions can lead to serious erosion problems and lots of man-hours to repair.

One way to keep abreast of trail closures due to weather is to follow KC Trail Status on twitter.com.

To get connected, go to http://twitter.com and follow KcTrailsStatus – its direct URL is http://twitter.com/KcTrailsStatus. As with any Twitter account, you can subscribe to an RSS feed, elect to receive SMS messages, etc.
Posted by Neale Shour Jun 15, 2010 Last Updated: Jun 22, 2010

New Walkway on Happy Jack


The South concrete cylinders crossing on Happy Jack has been suffering from "wash outs" for the last several years. Each time the repair last until the next big rain, but we lose a few cylinders each time. Today (5/30/2010) several of the "faithful" created a more permanent fix...an elevated walkway! What a fantastic addition to the trail system.
Also, over the last week at least a dozen different individuals have been "Earning their Dirt" by trimming and mowing various sections of the trail system. If you enjoy the Smithville Lake singletrack trails and would like to lend a hand in maintaining them, which is ALL done by volunteers, drop us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Thanks to everyone for all your recent efforts!
Posted by Neale Shour May 30, 2010 Last Updated: Jun 22, 2010

Closed for Managed Turkey Hunt May 8 & 9 2010

The entire trail system including asphalt will be closed for "Special Hunts for Persons with Disabilities" May 8 & 9

More information: http://mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey/sprturk/managed.htm
Posted by Neale Shour May 03, 2010

Bone Bender MTB Race a Success!


On April 18th, MultiSports Marketing held the 2nd Annual Bone Bender MTB race on the Smithville Lake MTB trails.
The trails were in near perfect condition thanks to the tireless efforts of the ERTA trail volunteers that make up the "core" group for the Smithville Lake trails. Several dedicated volunteers spent 1/2 Friday and all day on Saturday prepping the course for Sunday's event.
Mother Nature cooperated and Sunday started off in the upper 30s, but the sunshine and calm winds helped make for a near perfect day for MTB racing...and the Midwest racers responded in kind.
Nearly 270 racers converged on Sailboat Cove to compete in one of several classes ranging from solo or team 3-hour or 6-hour categories to singlespeed or clydesdales (racers over 200 lbs).
Here's a Youtube video taken on one of the first stretches of singletrack on lap one... a bit of a traffic jam!



Great BIG props to all of the volunteers that came together to make this race a success on race day, from course marshalls to the Midwest MTB Patrol to the fine folks from Earth Riders MTB Club who spent the day behind the grill to feed the hunger masses! Thank you one and all!
A special THANK YOU to MultiSport and Chris Locke for making this event happen! All proceeds from the race go the ERTA who helps to build and maintain nearly 100 miles of singletrack in the KC region.
(Photos courtesy of Eclectic Arts Images)
Posted by Neale Shour Apr 24, 2010

KC Trail Conditions Are Just A Tweet Away

tweetySo, you’re stuck in rush hour traffic, hoping to get out on your favorite trails before dark, and you’re wondering what the trail conditions are like?

Well, wonder no more – Earth Riders MTB Club has hooked up a Twitter feed to the trail conditions information they provide on their forums (http://forums.earthriders.com) for all the metro area trails.

Now, when the trail status is updated on the forums, KcTrailsStatus will tweet the conditions, for example:

#SMP CLOSED: Not Rideable (ptooi)

To get connected, go to http://twitter.com and follow KcTrailsStatus – its direct URL is http://twitter.com/KcTrailsStatus. As with any Twitter account, you can subscribe to an RSS feed, elect to receive SMS messages, etc.



Posted by Pete Barth Mar 24, 2010 Last Updated: Mar 25, 2010

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IMBA Rules of the Trail


The way we ride today shapes

imbasmwh

trail access tomorrow.

Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only.

Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave No Trace.

Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle!

Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail.

Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

5. Never Scare Animals.

All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead.

Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
 
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