Forest Service Employees Ride Munson

Forest Service employees Cathy Briggs, Sherry Gaston, Lauren Kelley, and Paul Wheelhouse are joined by John Collier for a ride to check out new surfacing on Munson. We spent the morning riding and stopping to discuss work needed to make trail better. We also talked about needs for fencing, signs, harzard tree removal, etc. Scott Shirley with TMBA met us at end of ride back at parking lot. Good chance for everyone to meet and discuss volunteer projects.

Ed Sutton says thanks to Tally

Hey Jim, Thanks so much for presenting us those great team pictures. Everyone on the crew was super stoked. In fact, I've already got mine hanging up here in my office. I really think Munson Hills was a terrific team effort between the Forest Service and Trail Dynamics. This was a very unique trail project, and one that we can point to as an excellent use of AARA funding. I admire you for having the vision and determination it took to make Munson Hills a reality. At first, I wasn't convinced that much could be done in what seemed like featureless landscape, but we definitely enjoyed taking on the challenge. Judging for the many smiles, whoops, and compliments we received out there, I think we all did a pretty good job. Also thanks for bringing us out cold drinks on some of those hot and dusty Munson days. It was always a big kick for the crew to see you come rolling up on your bike and Bob trailer. Right after you'd ride off, the guys would always ask me if you were liking the trail, and happy with there work. They really put everything they had into this project, and it meant a lot to them that people were out there riding around having a good time. Finally, thanks for your flexibility in working with us on the evolution of this project. Because their wasn't really a precedent for what we did at Munson, quite a few things had to be determined on the fly. No matter what issues we had to work through, it was always a pleasure to work with You, Shannon, and Cathy. Keep us posted on how the trail holds up to all the riders and the thunderstorms coming up this summer. Hopefully, we made everything bold enough, and used enough surfacing material, that it will be riding good for many years to come. Enjoy the trail Jim, and tell any of our new friends we miss them, and we hope to return to Tally again some time in the future. Thanks again, Ed and the crew

Finishing up Contract

Kathy O'Bryan, Forest Service Engineer out measuring the segments of trail that Trail Dynamics surfaced. Kathy is the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the Munson Hills Trail project. It's her responsibility to walk every foot of surface and certify that Trail Dynamics completed their work before they can bill. This is Kathy's first trails contract. Most of her work with the Forest Service involves overseeing road work.

Adios Amigos

Munson Monday's ride was all about saying good-bye to Ed Sutton and the Trail Dynamics crew. They had finished surfacing the Luge on Sunday and spent Monday taking their machines out of the woods. The surfacing they put down has improved the flow of Munson. Was great to get together and ride. Tod from Higher Ground was on the ride. What a great supporter of trails and Munson. Thanks Tod.

Riding with the Crew

I had the chance to take an afternoon ride with Ed and the Trail Dynamics crew. What a blast. We saw a couple of dozen riders also enjoying the new surfacing. Was great to finally take a ride that puts it all together. I've spent so much time just riding short segments to take pictures that I've never really been able to enjoy the flow. Once again what a blast. Also, thanks to Higher Ground - the guys looked great in their new jerseys.

Connecting St Marks Rail Trail Trailhead and Munson Trail

Last Friday the Forest Service closed on the 55-acre tract of land next to the St Marks Rail Trail Trailhead. This means that after years of riding across St Joe land to get to the Munson Mtn Bike Trail on a user created trail is over. We'll be able to surface the trail this week to make for a great start of your ride. Last summer I saw some riders turn around cause the sand was so deep they thought the entire trail was going to be the same.

Back to Work

After a two week vacation Trail Dynamics is back on the job. They are finishing up surfacing the Western Connector today. Next they will work on the hill at Tall Pines Shortcut. They will also redo a few of the drainage structures that are holding water on the trail. What great weather for riding. See you on the trail.