2011 Course Improvements

We've been busy since the 2010 race working on improvements to the course, as well as other trails in the park. Here's what you'll see that's different from last year, in order, assuming you're riding the course route counterclockwise:

- rerouted/reworked three turns as you descend the big hill going down into the valley on the backside of DeClue.
- did our best to repair the damage from someone pulling out rocks on the monkey head section.
- finished the two switchbacks on DeClue on the north side of the hill below the radio tower.
- designed and built a new section of trail after you cross the Scenic Loop road, which will eventually take you all the way to the bottom and the junction with the Eagle Valley trail. We had hoped to have this open for the race, but a low turnout at the last workday prevented us from finishing everything. We still hope to have it usable though.
- armored wet spots on the singletrack (southwestern) section of Eagle Valley. We weren't able to use this last year because of these muddy spots.
- continued maintenance of Dogwood, and DeClue to try to keep them in top shape.

The start/finish has been moved to the Visitors Center, and with all of the improvements, the course will be mostly singletrack, except for the doubletrack path from the start to the radio tower, and the 0.25 mile section of Eagle Valley as you turn left after descending Deer Run.

Remember to build your trail karma by helping out at GORC workdays.
Have fun, and good luck!

Map Up!

The 2011 Greensfelder Challenge map is up.

Greensfelder Challenge 2011

Once again this blog has shifted focus from general information to detailed information about the fundraising race for GORC.

It's coming in just over a month. Look for updates soon.

Workday Success

Thanks to the 60 or so volunteers that came out today. We built a half mile of really nice trail. We actually did way more than I expected. I really appreciate everyone that came out and volunteered their time. Now we just need some dry weather so we can ride our mountain bikes.

There are a few spots that will need armoring which we will take care of April 9th. Until then, get out and walk or ride the new trail to start packing it in.

Check out the workday gallery.

Workday this Sunday

The new reroute of Deer Run and Greenrock is flagged in and ready to be built. This is the first 1/3 of a new 1.5 - 2 mile trail that will drop from the Scenic Loop road to the Eagle Valley doubletrack below.

It will be grand.

More details on the homepage.

Time to Respect the Thaw

Our snowy winter has ensured that The Thaw will be pronounced this year. Please take a moment to read how this impacts our trail systems and how you can avoid the high-maintenance issue of repairing damaged trails.

http://gorctrails.blogspot.com/2007/12/thaw.html

It's not a long read. Greensfelder is particularly vulnerable due to the potential equestrian usage. If you are an equestrian we ask that you forward this article to your friends and organizations so we may all enjoy terrific trails this summer.

More Snow on the Trails

Did I mention that St. Louis appears to be having a snowier winter than in the past 10 years? There's still snow on the trails.

You can attempt to ride them but PLEASE respect the freeze/thaw cycle. If you see that the trail is turning to mush or is wet then head back to the trailhead.

By doing so you will ensure that this coming year will be even better for Greensfelder. GORC has so much planned for this park it's slightly mind blowing.

Over and out.

Don't forget the Greensfelder Challenge race is coming in May. Stay tuned for more detailed as this website shift into "challenge" mode.

Snow Currently on the Trails

The trails were half-covered in snow but the sunshine is working hard to thaw it out. The bottom leg of the Eagle Valley singletrack is headed towards swamptown but the rest of the race loop for the most part is doing fine.

Be respectful of the freeze/thaw cycle as the ground is showing signs of tread damage in spots. The thawing heaves the ground and is particularly damaging when horses and bikes ride muddy, thawed singletrack.

First 2011 Workday Coming late February

Greensfelder Workday - Trail Construction

Date: Sat, February 26th, 2010, 9am to 1pm (FREE LUNCH!) – Bike or Hike After!

Location: Greenfelder Park, St. Louis County

What: Our attention changes focus to developing new trail as we push North inside the park. We will be re-routing the Green Rock & Deer Run trails by combining them into a new, single trail. They will drop down from the Scenic road and ultimately connect with the Eagle Valley trail. This trail will be 1.5-2 miles of brand spanking new singletrack. Phase 1 of this project will be 0.5 mile hopefully completed before the Greensfelder Challenge MTB Race.

Where: Greensfelder Park, Allenton Rd. behind Six Flags (Park at Tower Lot)

Take Interstate 44 to the Allenton/Six Flags Exit 261. Go north on Allenton Rd, past the Six Flags entrance. Allenton Rd. bisects Greensfelder Park. Lunch will be afterwards at the Mueckerman Shelter located at the corner of Allenton and Hencken road.
(See www.gorctrails.com for directions and details of the park)

What to bring: Gloves, Sturdy shoes, eye protection, and something to drink on the trail.

GORC & St. Louis County Parks provide: Trail building tools, instructions on trail building, and safety guidelines.

Please post below if you intend on coming for lunch count. If you post here there is no need to contact St. Louis County.

November 6th Greensfelder Workday Pictorial

This workday focused on some much needed trail maintenance on DeClue in preparation for the winter months. Nearly all of the hillside climbing from the creek to the rollercoaster ridge was debermed and three climbing turns were adjusted or rebuilt to prevent future erosion problems.

Volunteers deberming and rebuilding a climbing turn on DeClue

The finished switchback (first one going clockwise on DeClue) just below the tower parking lot. Looks mighty impressive.

No, seriously, there is some major work involved when building a switchback

Glenn using the fun shredder while Matt smooths caveman style with the flat head of the pulaski.