Monthly Archives: August 2013

Fire Closures Affect 44 Trails

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Aerial view of Government Flats Complex fire

Aerial view of Government Flats Complex fire

Temporary road closures due to the wild fire in Mill Creek (Government Flats Fire Complex) are affecting the 44 trails area.

As per the USFS:Temporary Road and Recreation Area Closure due to Government Flats Fire

The Government Flats fire began to encroach on Forest Service lands Monday, August 19th. To facilitate fire crews and engine traffic the following roads and recreational areas will be temporarily closed as of August 20 until further notice:

Knebal Campground due to the closure on the 1720 Road
1722 (east boundary)
4430 (north of 8 Mile CG)
1720 (posted at both east and west ends)
1700.660
1711.630

stay updated at
http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices
and
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3662/ 

44 Trails Super Connector Trail Work Day

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Sept 14 Work Day PosterWe’ve got a plan for what we hope is the final trail work day on the new Super Connector Trail: Saturday, September 14, 2013. Similar plan as usual. Meet at 9am at the Little John Snopark on Highway 35 near the 44 Road turn off.

HELMETS and LONG PANTS REQUIRED! (bike helmets are fine). Be sure to bring water, gloves and weather appropriate clothing, ’cause we work rain or shine. New York City Subs is kicking in lunch for the day! And there’s going to be a great prize raffle at the end of the trail work day.

Plan on a few hours of trail work and an afternoon ride!

We’ve rescheduled our fall fundraising event for October (date tba soon). See ya on the 14th and thanks for helping grow the 44 Trail network!

44 Trails in Great Shape

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Knebal springs parking lot

Knebal Springs parking lot

With the riding around town in Hood River limited by fire closures, I figured it was a good excuse to take a day away from work and head out for a longer day of riding up in the 44 zone on the Mt Hood National Forest. Sadly, it was only my second day of riding the 44 trails this summer, but that only made the day that much sweeter.

We hit Knebal, Bottle Prairie, Eight-Mile and checked out progress on the new Super Connector trail. Overall condition of the trails is excellent right now. There are a few soft spots, but the vast majority is fast and flowy.

knebal - eight-mile map

knebal – eight-mile map

We also checked in with Ranger Thornton, who spent the day working on trails up in the Boulder Lake area. He said there are still a couple downed trees, but the high country around Boulder Lake will be in primo condition for the fall riding season. He also noted that the ground hornets are starting to get a little ornery, so watch yourself if you take a lunch break or walk out to a vista point.

Riding from town is convenient and good fun, but spending the better part of the day in the high country on the  44 trail system’s classic cross-country trails is the way to make your week.

44 Trails Super Connector

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Thanks to everyone who rallied for the work day on July 14 and thanks to Dog River Coffee, and Dirty Fingers Bike Shop for their support! Trail construction continues, rock work was laid and more tread built.

Mark your calendars, the next round of trail work is scheduled for September 14 to be followed by a fundraising event at Double Mountain Brewing. More details to follow.