#16a Saddle Up - News and Updates

[TORX]

I figured I would start a thread where we can discuss ideas, work parties, and updates regarding our south end adopted trail Saddle Up at TSF.


11/07/09
I checked up on the trail today to see how it was coping with the mass amounts of rain we've been having. The first water bar at the East entrance wasn't draining, and was actually trickling into the road. I suspected this might happen during the review, and dug it out best I could today. The other water bars all seemed to be doing there job in directing the run off away from the trail. A few sediment pools were pretty full, so I went ahead and trenched them out.

The only potential problem I saw was on the moderate flat sections. There are some massive puddles/ponds in the trail. The problem is that they're the lowest point within a good 50 ft radius, so all the water just collects in the trail.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/Torx_89/Browns%20Camp%2011-09/IMG_0004.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/Torx_89/Browns%20Camp%2011-09/IMG_0003.jpg

I'm not too worried about them since they have a solid base (not bottomless). Maybe we could take a look at them during the next run and see what's changed. Jahmaal said this was to be expected from this part, and to not worry about them unless it's evident people are avoiding them.

That's the latest.

[mojojojo]

Dude you freekin rock Dustin ! Thanks for the update, and thanks for all your efforts on this !

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Dude you freekin rock Dustin ! Thanks for the update, and thanks for all your efforts on this !
Agreed!

[WaXJ_Skier]

Awesome!

[RlCHARD CRANlUM]

Do you know when we can put in on order for rocks/stumps/or trees to channel traffic through the holes before a bypass is made? Thanks for taking the helm on the TSF trail adoption Dustin.

[fubar XJ]

Do you know when we can put in on order for rocks/stumps/or trees to channel traffic through the holes before a bypass is made? Thanks for taking the helm on the TSF trail adoption Dustin.

Good call, dumping a significant pile of 6-10" rock would help prevent the bottom from being dug out, as well as keep rigs out of the water. Standing water on the trail = bad.

[TORX]

Do you know when we can put in on order for rocks/stumps/or trees to channel traffic through the holes before a bypass is made? Thanks for taking the helm on the TSF trail adoption Dustin.

If the trail needs work, we can certainly work with ODF at anytime to get it done. I'm not sure how long the paperwork process would take to get the machines/material out there. The question now is does this area need to be addressed?

In some ways I think it's fine for the moment. It really is only a problem during heavy rain. This same exact thing happened last year, so it's nothing new. Yet, like Doug said standing water can can lead to bigger problems.

Some logs laid along the sides of the first puddle could be an easy solution to keep from widening the area. However, bikes are usually first to go around a puddle. The way it sits now a bike can still pick a clean line through it and not have to go completely around it if logs were there.

The second puddle is along an old road crossing where there's hardly a ditch anymore. The best solution would be a having a culvert put in, and a new ditch dug.

We'll take another look during the Thanksgiving run and see what other options what else we can come up with.

[rookies]

Any new news on this?

[dellstopjeep]

hes a better man then I will ever be!

[TORX]

We were up there Thanksgiving weekend and ran the trail. It honestly looks like it's in good shape considering the amount of rain its seen in the past couple months. The flat sections had some puddles, but they looked just as they did when I saw them last so they're not expanding. There was snow on part of it, and I'm sure there is more on it's way. I think we should let it be until spring comes and let winter run its course. Probably some time around April we'll do a work party with ODF, and get it ready for summer.

If anyone sees an issue with the trail (fallen tree, poor drainage, etc) please post up and let us know. Even if you run the trail and see nothing wrong, post up anyways. It helps to get updates in between runs.

Hopefully we'll get our NAXJA NWC signs posted soon.

[BigDog]

I know it might sound kinda funny to some but I myself am looking forward to doing a work party on the trail. Just think it will be cool to put some time in on something that provides us with so much fun.

[GlueNTape]

We were up there Thanksgiving weekend and ran the trail. It honestly looks like it's in good shape considering the amount of rain its seen in the past couple months. The flat sections had some puddles, but they looked just as they did when I saw them last so they're not expanding. There was snow on part of it, and I'm sure there is more on it's way. I think we should let it be until spring comes and let winter run its course. Probably some time around April we'll do a work party with ODF, and get it ready for summer.

If anyone sees an issue with the trail (fallen tree, poor drainage, etc) please post up and let us know. Even if you run the trail and see nothing wrong, post up anyways. It helps to get updates in between runs.

Hopefully we'll get our NAXJA NWC signs posted soon.


When do you think we could start adding some fun to the trail. Some misc rocks, and obstacles would be nice. Especially on the boring bottom part.

[BigDog]

When do you think we could start adding some fun to the trail. Some misc rocks, and obstacles would be nice. Especially on the boring bottom part.
I have to agree always good to change things up.

[mojojojo]

When do you think we could start adding some fun to the trail. Some misc rocks, and obstacles would be nice. Especially on the boring bottom part.

I think we should brainstorm as much as possible between now and spring. Obviousley nothing is going to happen when it is socked in with snow. So lets be prepared when the snow melts and have lots of ideas on the table to present to ODF.

We did here through the vine though that there are some funding issues with ODF that could present a slight problem or delay. The materials are there, but we may need to also start thinking about fundraiser ideas to pay for a bull dozer / dump truck for example.

food for thought....

[RlCHARD CRANlUM]

One thing we need to do is map the existing trail, so we have a baseline for future improvements. It's going to be very tough to come up with enough money to fund heavy equipment up there though. We may have the cash to pay for one day of use, but not much more. But I don't have much idea as to what the rental costs would be. Unless we have a member with heavy equipment, a dump truck, and a burning desire to build trails.

[nightfoam]

I've got access to a light-medium duty tractor. Its not terribly big but then again, you can't get anything terribly big back in there. I think we'd need to rent a trailer for it though. Just a thought...

[mojojojo]

I've got access to a light-medium duty tractor. Its not terribly big but then again, you can't get anything terribly big back in there. I think we'd need to rent a trailer for it though. Just a thought...


this kind of stuff is exactly what we need. a few guys with a connection here and there, some time to coordinate everything, and maybe some funds to throw there way to make it worth there while and Voila ! we gots us a work party
:party:

but first we need some ideas and a plan. can't put the cart before the horses...

Like Ken said starting out with a solid map of the trail and maybe a lil brainstorming. hmmmm.... i smell a Meet & Greet in our future.

[RlCHARD CRANlUM]

How about a meet & greet after the holiday season is over, say mid January?

[BigDog]

How about a meet & greet after the holiday season is over, say mid January?
Yeah getting through the holidays first is a good idea. After the first of the year I'm game for a meet and great.

[nightfoam]

I'm down for one too, POSSIBLY even willing to drive to the east side.

[Bronzewyrm]

I'm down for one too, POSSIBLY even willing to drive to the east side.

im in. supose ill have to drive to p-town...:explosion

[GlueNTape]

I wish I had some offroad equipment to donate. I do have access to a huge blow up Projection screen and Projectors. I could get one donated for an auction, or we could setup an outdoor movie event, with offroad stuff... Just a thought.

Meet N greet after the holidays sound great.

[mojojojo]

Got the signs finished up today. Just gotta bolt them to the ODF sign and they are ready to roll.

For those of you that didnt know.... i messed up when i ordered the stickers. I asked for them to be white. Not knowing the ODF background was also white. So i found some cheap metal blanks and a lil flat black and Voila !

http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx71/mojojojo2010/Misc%20stuff/009.jpg

http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx71/mojojojo2010/Misc%20stuff/006.jpg

Looks like we got an excuse to make us a lil snow run soon....

[BigDog]

I like it so whens the run going to be. I think my daughter is ready I just can't let her know about snow till after we get there. Last time I took them out in the snow the CPS went out on the jeep and we were stuck at riverside park for abd 4 hours, yeah that was something. Now she don't like driving out in the snow lol. Go figure

[mojojojo]

I'd be down for running out there maybe Xmas weekend ? since its a long weekend anyway. My rig is in need of a lil TLC though so i wont be doing any major wheelin...

[BigDog]

Well that might work out for me as long as it isn't sunday. Do I smell some snow in the near future.

[TORX]

I really like how those turned out! Definitely unique, and should hold up better to the shotgun blasts too.

I vote Christmas day night run. :D

[BigDog]

I vote Christmas day night run. :D

I vote only if your the one coming home to my familly and taking the brunt end of that run for me:shocked:
I think Sat 26th would work good.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Looks great! might be in for a christmas weekend run!

[spikeypuck]

If its a mellow run i would definitely go on the 26th. Ill bring my cordless to hang them even

[mojojojo]

whats your work schedule for the weekend Dustin ?

[TORX]

whats your work schedule for the weekend Dustin ?

I'm good for a "last run of the year" on Saturday.

ODF supplied us with the hardware for the signs too. So don't worry about scrounging up some bolts for attachment.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

so.. saturday the 26th..

My wife's not gonna be happy..:guitar:

[nightfoam]

If I'm not TV shopping that day (c'mon Santa!) I might be interested in coming up. I'd kinda like to try out this truck in the snow...

[BigDog]

Well I'm in just let me know what time.

[mojojojo]

sounds like a plan guys. shall we plan the usuall ?

Rogers, 9:30 ish.

? ? ?

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

sounds like a plan guys. shall we plan the usuall ?

Rogers, 9:30 ish.

? ? ?
:guitar:

[spikeypuck]

Is that where camp was setup? If not can i follow someone up this time? i really don't want to miss out again while driving in circles.. lol :laugh2:

[BigDog]

If you need to meet up with someone I'm sure Scott and I can meet up with you. Where you located at?

[Bronzewyrm]

hmmmm...... lets see if i can dig the gas$ up. more to follow.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

If you need to meet up with someone I'm sure Scott and I can meet up with you. Where you located at?
He's on the west side.. me and you can roll out together, and call him when we reach the tunnel. he can just hop on the freeway at the same time and we can catch up via CB

[BigDog]

He's on the west side.. me and you can roll out together, and call him when we reach the tunnel. he can just hop on the freeway at the same time and we can catch up via CB
Yeah that should work.

[mojojojo]

Spike we can meet you at the gales creek gas station too if u want ? Rogers is easy though. Its the first turn off, where the ODOT gravil barns are. its a cpl miles before the turn off to get to Lyda where we camped Thanksgiving weekend.

oops. didnt see Dustin started a new thread for this run.

End thread jack...

[BigDog]

Spike we can meet you at the gales creek gas station too if u want ? Rogers is easy though. Its the first turn off, where the ODOT gravel barns are. its a cpl miles before the turn off to get to Lyda where we camped Thanksgiving weekend.

oops. didn't see Dustin started a new thread for this run.

End thread jack...

Now it's not a full thread jacking though, this run did start out for getting the signs up for the trail. Now that is something about the trail adoption lol

[TORX]

Success!

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/Torx_89/Browns%20Camp%2012-26-09/IMG_0006.jpg

We got the signs hung on Saturday, and ran the first section of trail. Nothing looked like it needed attention.

[TORX]

1/2/10 -

We've had some hard rain recently which melted off most of the snow. As a result the trail has some ruts developing. The ruts aren't really a problem, but the drainage on the exit below the hill climb is. The ruts are diverting the runoff from reaching the ditch.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/Torx_89/Browns%20Camp%201-10/IMG_0018.jpg

There is a waterbar just above the road. I think the simple solution will be to dig it out, and create a good slope into the ditch.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/Torx_89/Browns%20Camp%201-10/IMG_0019.jpg

I believe it can probably wait until spring. Lets keep an eye on it, and if we need to we can always clear a path into the ditch. I keep thinking we'll get a good snow pack on the trail, but we haven't.

[BigDog]

Yeah that looks a little nasty there. I'm sure it is going to get worse before it gets better. Might be best to wait till the wet season is over so we don't have to fix the same problem twice.

[mojojojo]

i noticed last time up there that the first 2 or 3 bars look like they are pretty much gone.

[TORX]

2010 ODF work party dates are out.

March 27: ATV/Bike/4x4 Trail Maintenance & Assessments
April 10: ATV/Bike Trail Project
April 17: SOLV Day Clean-Up
May 8: 4x4 Trail Project
June 12: ATV/Bike Trail Project
September 11: ATV/Bike/4x4 Trail Projects
October 9: 4x4 Trail Project

Dates that are in bold, are the ones I would like us to try and attend. Definitely the March 27 event to assess the trail, and the April 17 SOLV clean-up. Aside from those two events I'm flexible on any other work parties for the year.

[Bronzewyrm]

im not shure looking at your pics dustin. if a simple dig out will work on this side of the trail.it takes alot of runoff it looks like. we may want to look at making it a off camber entrance so that the flow would be redirected, twards the low side. just at thaught, i know we talked about off camber anyway in the begining.

thx
Bronze.

[TORX]

It's been awhile but we haven't forgotten about our trail. Rod, Dave, and I ran it two weeks ago, and it survived the heavy rain pretty well.

There has been some activity going on in the quarry next to the hill which concerned me as they were getting pretty close to the trail. I just got a email back form ODF, and they needed some pit run gravel for some logging activity. Supposedly they are done blasting away from the hill and will be working there way down the hill. After this run, there should be no more activity for awhile, so the the trail is safe for now.

Also, ODF will be getting some equipment up there to fix the ditches and beef up the water bars (see above pictures). I'll let you guys know when I find out a date. Maybe a few of us could head up and lend a hand.

[plymatt65]

Hello, most of you do not know me, my name is Matt. I am a Forestry student at Centralia College.

Some have mentioned a need to create a good working map of this trail/trail system. Well, I am learning to use ArcGIS right now and I have my own copy of the software (retail about 15k). Meaning, with the proper data I can build a map to suit your needs.

Most likely, I can source nearly all of the required data from free online sources. I would however need some good GPS datapoints from the actual trail. If anyone has a better quality GPS unit that they know how to use and how to export a saved track from I could help make a map for your trail.

Let me know what you think...


Thanks
Matt

[nightfoam]

I can grab a pretty decent GPX/kml/csv file next time I'm up there.

Dustin, thanks for the update.

[Bronzewyrm]

Dustin, thanks for the update.


x2

[FiveNdime]

Thanks for the update Dustin! Never knew about that trail being taken care of by Naxja. Cant wait to get out and help!

[plymatt65]

I can grab a pretty decent GPX/kml/csv file next time I'm up there.

Dustin, thanks for the update.

Let me know the specific requirements you guys want for your map as well as some Lat. Long. coordinates for the area so I will know what data I need to find. I am not familiar with this area so if there is anyone who would like to be my go to answer person that would be capable of defining the requirements and specifications of the map that would be a great first step.

Thanks
Matt

[RedJeep2.0]

When is the next work party?

[TORX]

I'm hoping to hear back from ODF when they will be going in with their equipment for some water bar and ditch work. At the very least though I would like to get up there sometime this fall before winter sets in.

Shovel and pick work can go a long ways, but an hour or two with a machine would be best. I know the waterbars at the entrance and exit of the first section need beefed up, and there's one water bar/corner on the trail that could use some work as well.

I'm sure we'll run it next weekend, and we can try and nail down some ideas to relay back to ODF.

[FiveNdime]

I would be down for a TSF scout run on Saturday, I would get to test out the mods to my XJ. Sunday I cant make it, Tuff Trucks at the Clark County Fair!! Maybe do some GPS mapping as well?

[GlueNTape]

Any word on extending it? Or is it on us to walk a trail up to firebreak5.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Any word on extending it? Or is it on us to walk a trail up to firebreak5.
This is what i would like to start looking into aswell

[TORX]

Any word on extending it? Or is it on us to walk a trail up to firebreak5.

Any modifications or extensions to the trail are totally up to us to figure out. Once we have an idea we can propose it to ODF.

Personally, I'd like to see some more rock hauled in to make the climb up to hill from both directions more interesting. It would also be nice to make the two other flat sections more fun and challenging as well.

Lets take some time next weekend, and talk about what we want to see happen.

[GlueNTape]

Any modifications or extensions to the trail are totally up to us to figure out. Once we have an idea we can propose it to ODF.

Personally, I'd like to see some more rock hauled in to make the climb up to hill from both directions more interesting. It would also be nice to make the two other flat sections more fun and challenging as well.

Lets take some time next weekend, and talk about what we want to see happen.


Totally, Those sharp turns that are off camber could be made very interesting with some rocks. It could make them nice and of camber and keep them from getting dug out more.

[TORX]

September 11th, a few of us went to the ODF work party to work on the trail. We rebuilt pretty much all the water bars on the first section, and then did some brushing on the hill climb. Nice job guys!

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/Torx_89/Browns%20Camp%209-11-10%20WP/P1050384.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/Torx_89/Browns%20Camp%209-11-10%20WP/P1050385.jpg

I think the trail is in much better shape this winter than last.


Now onto some ideas!

Saddle Up also includes two short "flat" gravel road type sections after the hill climb. I've been trying to figure out something we could do with them, since right now I believe a Kia could run them. The first section has a small incline leading up to the hill and is roughly 20yrds long, and the second flat section is roughly 100yrds long and pretty much all flat. Right now I don't consider them a trail, but more or less a blank canvas.

I think it would be cool to turn these to brutally easy sections into rock/log crawls. I'm thinking kind of a mix between the rock garden on FB5 and the rock sections on Airplane Hill. We could easily control the difficulty with the size rock used. For example mixed sizes would create climbs and holes like FB5, and similar sized rock would create a semi level obstacle to get through like Airplane Hill. The catch is I want to add a few really big logs into the mix, and maybe a huge stump too (stump crawl?).

I know Evans has/used to have log pile to play on, and it seemed to work out well. I think we could use the logs to provide support for the rocks, so they aren't always shifting around. The sections are short enough to where it would still be easy to get a broken vehicle out, and equipment in for maintenance. Depending on how sick and twisted we get, I'm thinking we could turn the those previous easy sections into a triple black extreme trail. :cool:

Thoughts? The trail is there, it's up to us to "improve" it. I'd love to add another top five obstacle to TSF.

[moto_ridah]

A version of the Top Truck Challenge frame twister would be interesting. Maybe substitute the water with rocks and use bigger boulders to anchor the log ends or dig the middle out slightly and bury the ends.

[mojojojo]

I like the ideas Dustin. I almost think on a flat section like these, maybe just dumping in some rock and a cpl fat logs, and then filling in with fill dirt and then let nature take its course. it will wash out and settle on its own and create a nice obstacle. Super easy to do. just add material and let it do its thing :)

I would also like to throw out the idea of maybe adding some larger size rocks (aka 2-4 offset boulders) to the slightly off camber rutted corner just above where we added the log for water run off. i think it would add to the "off camber-ness" and make for a knarly uphill climb when running the trail the other direction...

Muah ah ah ah ahhhhh

[RedJeep2.0]

Rocks and Logs!!! :clap:

[TORX]

I like the ideas Dustin. I almost think on a flat section like these, maybe just dumping in some rock and a cpl fat logs, and then filling in with fill dirt and then let nature take its course. it will wash out and settle on its own and create a nice obstacle. Super easy to do. just add material and let it do its thing :)

I would also like to throw out the idea of maybe adding some larger size rocks (aka 2-4 offset boulders) to the slightly off camber rutted corner just above where we added the log for water run off. i think it would add to the "off camber-ness" and make for a knarly uphill climb when running the trail the other direction...

Muah ah ah ah ahhhhh

I had the exact same idea for the corner. My only concern with adding rock is the clay based soil under it. Especially on a corner I see the rocks getting dug out into some pretty big ledges like Airplane Hill experienced last year. It would be fun, but it would also take a lot of maintenance when wet (ie: possible seasonal closure).

On the flat sections though there won't be any climbing so the chances of it getting dug out are slim to none. I think we could turn those sections into some a pretty fun obstacle without a whole ton of work to the trail like you said.

Next time we're up there we'll have to take a look at it and see if it's feasible.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

I Have also been thinking the flat section is the perfect little stretch to really do something with..

[RedJeep2.0]

I Have also been thinking the flat section is the perfect little stretch to really do something with..

Rocks Rocks Rocks!!!

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Rocksiders Rocksliders Rocksliders!!!
;)

[BigDog]

Man I haven't been here much at all sense my rig took a crap on me. Not to sure when I can afford to get it fixed but would really like to be able to make it out to the trail to see how things are looking and help out with the work. Anyone willing to let this broke joke of a guy ride shot gun with them sometime please let me know.

CJ

[BigDog]

See I'm so broke I can't even afford to get my red letters back lol

[RedJeep2.0]

Dude you can ride with me ANY time!!

[mojojojo]

Email I recieved from ODF -

Hi Everyone,

Spring has almost sprung and it’s nearly time for the first OHV Trail Work Party of 2011!

Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011

Time: 9:00 – 2:00

Location:
· 4x4s / Quads = Rogers Camp (with Jahmaal Rebb 503.359.7463)
· Motorcycles = Diamond Mill (with Dave Hiatt 503.815.7024)

Project Work:
· Trail assessment. Get out on the trails and help ODF prepare spring spruce up work plans by completing trail assessments

A big thanks to the groups co-hosting this work party – Oregon Motorcycle Riders Association, Trailsmen Motorcycle Club, Inc., and Flat Broke and Four Wheelin’ !


Stephanie A. Beall
Recreation Coordinator
Tillamook State Forest
801 Gales Creek Road
Forest Grove, OR 97116
503.359.7464
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/tillamookstateforest (http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/tillamookstateforest)





Anyone planning on going ? Not sure our trail has thawed out yet ?

You guys that go wheelin this weekend, please let us know what the snow levels look like up towards Saddle-up, if you make it up that direction anyway...

[AwesomeXJ]

WE did Cedar Tree and fire break 5. After we got out from the 3rd leg of Cedar Tree we decided to bypass the steep s shaped hill climb. as the snow/slush was getting gnarlier. we didn't wanna risk catastrophe. The road from that point down to beaver dam road was really thick with snow.and the road had many fallen trees across it. FB5 was pretty much equally mixed with mud slush and snow. We were on fb5 when the hail and heavy rain that hit the city hit us first. If it continues to rain like it is all week, I don't see why saddle-up wouldn't be accessible.