Should the Powerline Gulley be Closed?

[SteveJ]

We're working on a reroute at Chicopee that will bypass the washed out gulley that crosses the powerline on the White Tail trail past the pump station. I've heard several people ask if we could leave the gulley section open as an option so I decided to see what others think about it. The reroute is not finished but feel free to expore it - just be careful.

[Tweety]

Not sure what section of trail this references. I can think of several "washed out gullies" at Chicopee. Can you be more descriptive? I like the idea of options for those who prefer smoother trail, and those of us that don't.....

[Carebear]

I believe he's referring to the section near the beginning in the normal direction after you come out of the Red Loop. You barrel down the service road with the pump station on the left, through a clump of trees, and then cross the power line. I saw some flagging the last time I rode there. I'd like to see it an option.

[balbertson]

Can I ask why you wouldn't leave it open as an option? I'm guessing maybe something to do with erosion control, which would be ok. I don't see a reason to close just to close it. More trail is always better, and I enjot the challenge of that wonderful rut.

[SteveJ]

I believe he's referring to the section near the beginning in the normal direction after you come out of the Red Loop. You barrel down the service road with the pump station on the left, through a clump of trees, and then cross the power line. I saw some flagging the last time I rode there. I'd like to see it an option.

That's the spot Mark.

Can I ask why you wouldn't leave it open as an option? I'm guessing maybe something to do with erosion control, which would be ok. I don't see a reason to close just to close it. More trail is always better, and I enjot the challenge of that wonderful rut.

The original thought was to close it since that section on the powerline is so eroded. Not to "dumb down" the trail but since it's on the power company's easment. If we keep it open we need to do some work on it to help prevent further erosion and create signage to let riders know that the gulley climb is not the main trail but an option that leads back into the White Tail. Essentially more work is involved to keep the old section open.

[Tweety]

I believe he's referring to the section near the beginning in the normal direction after you come out of the Red Loop. You barrel down the service road with the pump station on the left, through a clump of trees, and then cross the power line. I saw some flagging the last time I rode there. I'd like to see it an option.

That's the spot Mark.

Can I ask why you wouldn't leave it open as an option? I'm guessing maybe something to do with erosion control, which would be ok. I don't see a reason to close just to close it. More trail is always better, and I enjot the challenge of that wonderful rut.

The original thought was to close it since that section on the powerline is so eroded. Not to "dumb down" the trail but since it's on the power company's easment. If we keep it open we need to do some work on it to help prevent further erosion and create signage to let riders know that the gulley climb is not the main trail but an option that leads back into the White Tail. Essentially more work is involved to keep the old section open.

Ah, gotcha.

Personally, I've got no love for that section. Are you planning on crossing the power line there, and going into the woods, or diverting elsewhere?

[cRASh]

Never been a favorite section for me. No trees, hotter 'n snot in August, lots of prickers, zero glory in it. If the reroute goes through the woods and has a little topography to it I'm all for it.

[SteveJ]

The reroute will start as you pop out of the woods before you start riding on the powerline. Essentially you'll ride straight across the powerline rather than veering left and going up the short hill.

After you cross the powerline you stay in the woods and it'll bring you out where the gulley climb connects to the old road bed. The reroute will be alot more fun to ride than the gulley section due to several whoops and more gradual climbing.

[Kokopelli]

If its gonna be extra work to keep it open, then I vote for just closing it. There is nothing particularly appealing or challenging about that section. You can get your heart pumping climbing out of there, but it won't really be missed.

[FujNoob]

Never have liked riding the ditch in that section. If it's extra work then shut it down. When will the reroute be ready?

[orange_spokes]

Reroute all the way...can't stand that part of the trail...

[Southern Drawl]

I vote for the re-route.

[bikephan]

keep it open. The complaint is I hate it, not because of the erosion. more trails, more fun. I don't find it partically hard, but if you slip a sec on a rock, interesting. It also a section that someone newer to mtb would find it more of a challenge. Progression, even for noobs, is a good thing.

there are alot of sections I hate at Pisgah(mostly up), but I still ride em

Whoops with gradual climbing is really not fun, it is whoops with gradual descent.

[chromohero]

bikephan +1


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It could be worse. Just think, somewhere out there is a Mr. Pelosi.

[BrianAtl01]

I have to agree with closing it. While I like the challenge it is also one of my least favorite sections. As Crash said, it is too stinkin hot out there in the Kudzu jungle.