IMBA suggest cutting small trees inside of a new trail waist high then digging the entire root and stump out. Most commonly trail builders cut the tree level and as the ground compacts around the small tree base it becomes a hazard.
Yesterday I went out to the Local State Park (Moraine) to ride. It is an extremely technical trail but recently newer trails have been built that are less technical but are hidden within the center of the technical trails. I don't ride here very often mostly because I feel the trail system lacks flow. Its mostly rocks (which are a blast to play on or ride) and very twisty singletrack. Usually I get bored quickly by the trials style riding and the constant handlebar turning or extreme braking required when trying to ride faster into all the sharp turns. I know i know some people love this type of trail but with the lack of any straight trail or flowing turns to maintain speed I always end up feeling bored. Actually some of the best trails here still remain to be sections originally built by Chuck Greenlee. Its a place I rarely take newer riders because they get frustrated quickly even in the easier areas due to the sharp switchbacks and sometimes quick turns into difficult rocks sections or log piles without an alternate route around them. Sometimes I think people fail to realize that fast can be technical and with a trail dedicated to mountain bikers (not a shared trail) it would be more inviting to have a few straighter trail loops to encourage newer riders. I've ridden & raced many trails in many States and some were just as tight & twisty but also had flowing sections.
Anyway its a fun place to try riding with a long history but beware of the pungee sticks that seem to be everywhere on the newer trails. They can easily take down a rider especially when they are trying to manuver the tight turns. Have fun and be safe.
stork
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