Palos Muddown

[max621]

The trails were just a bit slick, barely muddy. Guys need to go race in more wild territory (Farmdale last year for example) I ran small block 8 on my rear and had nearly no issues today, only one real slide out.

[scotto370]

Yea,it was a little muddy and slick in spots but i had a great time riding with everyone in my class.I half to say all the guys i raced with today were complete gentlemen when it came to passing.Once again great time looking forward to next yr.

[.]

The trails were far from being too muddy to ride.  It was a STRONG Yellow status in the beginning, which continually got better as the day progressed.  It was not a good day to run SB8s Front and Back in a Race situation, but the Trails were very rideable, and Trail Status would have reflected just that Race or not.  This would not have been the case not too long ago, and the credit for this can go to the men and women, who donate literally thousands of hours of their free-time to make Palos what it is today.  A big thanks to all involved; CAMBr has certainly outdone itself once again, and the bar has been raised.  Today's Reflection: What a great day to be a Mountain Biker.    

[.]

The trails were far from being too muddy to ride.  It was a STRONG Yellow status in the beginning, which continually got better as the day progressed.  It was not a good day to run SB8s Front and Back in a Race situation, but the Trails were very rideable, and Trail Status would have reflected just that Race or not.  This would not have been the case not to long ago, and the credit for this can go to the men and women, who donate literally thousands of hours of their free-time to make Palos what it is today.  A big thanks to all involved; CAMBr has certainly outdone itself once again, and the bar has been raised.  Today's Reflection: What a great day to be a Mountain Biker.   

I should also thank the CCFPD for giving us the canvas as well as artistic freedom to do this sort of thing in our own back yards, so thank you very much. 

[Sean John]

Today's Reflection: What a great day to be a Mountain Biker.   

Fact, so cool to see such a stong and growing community of riders

[adhd-tv]

The trails were far from being too muddy to ride.  It was a STRONG Yellow status in the beginning, which continually got better as the day progressed.  It was not a good day to run SB8s Front and Back in a Race situation, but the Trails were very rideable, and Trail Status would have reflected just that Race or not.  This would not have been the case not too long ago, and the credit for this can go to the men and women, who donate literally thousands of hours of their free-time to make Palos what it is today.  A big thanks to all involved; CAMBr has certainly outdone itself once again, and the bar has been raised.  Today's Reflection: What a great day to be a Mountain Biker.    

Could not have said it better... my Race was shit but the day was saved being around all the Awesome... EVERYONE, I am proud to be in your company.

[undercover]

 Today's Reflection: What a great day to be a Mountain Biker.    

We so need a like button!

[Dan]

Just to clarify. I wasn't complaining, the race was great. Just saying it was a learning curve to ride hard in some slick spots.

[.]

Just to clarify. I wasn't complaining, the race was great. Just saying it was a learning curve to ride hard in some slick spots.

I agree.  I was racing w/ SB8s, front and back too, so I feel your pain.

[ridingillini]

I was glad to hear that no one got seriously hurt today.  In that regard, things were better than last year.  I wouldn't have ridden today if it wasn't a race but I don't think the trails were seriously damaged either.

[jimithng23]

I've gotta say CAMBr, you guys out did yourselves! 

From a trailbuilder's perspective, I could see where this race was going to cause some maintenance issues.  However, the trails have been built very well to allow proper drainage so I wasn't cringing too much during the race.    

In these same types of conditions, we (FORC) more than likely would have ran the race as well so I think you guys made the right call.

As far as tire setup - I ran the front/rear bontrager 29-3 combo - excellent hardpack tires but they're terrible at shedding mud.  I had a few traction issues on the section that finished on the paved path (hope I'm explaining that correctly) but other than that they hooked up very well, even in the grass and the gravel hills.

So, for what it's worth I think your trails should hold up pretty well. 

FORC has spent years trying to keep people off of the trails when they're too wet but it's all relative.  It's much worse in the spring / fall seasons when the tread is extra soft and the tires create huge ruts.  But now, with 100's of racers going through, I think you'll be surprised at how nice the trails are today and from here on out. 

Great work CAMBr, I was really impressed with the organization and turnout of your event!  I will be back next year!

[fat-tyr]

No doubt. So many years of fighting the people to stay off wet trails and then this. Total opposite of what has been preached. I guess its the old do as i say.............

You're so wrong. I made the call to race on the singletrack after having some of my best people check every inch, of every trail. We made sure there would be no permanent damage. I wouldn't have hesitated to put it on the multi-track if that wasn't the case. I encourage you and anyone else who doubts our commitment to come to a workday and see what we're about.

[Red Snail Racing]

You're so wrong. I made the call to race on the singletrack after having some of my best people check every inch, of every trail. We made sure there would be no permanent damage. I wouldn't have hesitated to put it on the multi-track if that wasn't the case. I encourage you and anyone else who doubts our commitment to come to a workday and see what we're about.

 
This is 100% straight.  Stan had the entire back up route mapped out and ready to go early last week, complete with mileage and lap count.  We also went over the back up plan with the timer that morning.  There is no way we would have had the race on the singletrack if it wasn't ready.  What Stan didn't tell you is not only was a crew out inspecting the trails, several other crews started at 6:30 in the morning making sure all the drains were open and everything was 100% ready to ride without suffering any damage. As well as performing last minute touch ups.

The results speak for themselves, so don't even think about bagging on the trail crew for having double standards. Instead come out for a workday and find out how sustainable trails are built and why different times of the year require different drying times.

Props to the Trail Crew.

[chunkymonkey]

I just gotta chime in and say I agree with everything as well   I had a small block 8 rear , half bald, and I was spinning out all over the place.  The nevegal on the front, on the other hand, was rocking.  Now I learned.  I didn't place so well but I had a great time meeting some new people, and I didn't meet even ONE asshole, which is so uncommon in sports events nowadays.  Everyone was super friendly to include the passing!  WOW!   thanks guys, loved my first race, I'll be back next year for sure.

[Benflow]

No doubt. So many years of fighting the people to stay off wet trails and then this. Total opposite of what has been preached. I guess its the old do as i say.............

I'm guessing this message was maybe posted to 'bait' the trail crew and stir the pot.  Or I'll assume whomever posted it didn't race in the last race of the day.  
By my fourth lap much of One Day was about to start getting dusty.  80% of the trail was tacky and perfect and Turf was starting to get tacky but still moist--but not wet enough to cause damage. I would venture to say zero trail damage was evident after the race.  There were no mud bogs, deep ruts or ripped up tread--which are the things the trail crew closes the trails to prevent.

Contrary to popular belief, running 500 people over damp trails in 5 hour stretch is August does way less damage than a couple dumb riders riding them when they're soupy and soft in May.

And finally I'll say (In my personal opinion) that I think, if the trail crew wants to run a race on the trails that THEY maintain, (to make 500+ racers happy) with the intention of repairing them (IF they were damaged) right away, then they should have the right to do that. Since THEY'RE the ones fixing them.  However, let me state that this was NEVER even part of the discussion on race morning.  The race was run ONLY because the trails were dry enough to take it without damage.

We arrived there Sunday morning with a plan to run the alternate course but Stan had his crew do a thorough sweep (as said) and came back that they were OK to race.    

I would venture to guess that the trails used in the race will be in some of the best shape and fastest riding of the season by tomorrow.