Muny Sokol Park, Tuscaloosa Alabama

[Slade]

This is one of my favorite trail systems. You can get a bit lost here if you are unfamiliar with the trails. Can go from very easy to somewhat challenging very quickly. Something for everyone here.

I lifted this link from Druidcity.org. Enjoy!

http://www.druidcity.org/pdf/sokolmap62507.pdf

[Richard]

Group rides are now scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays. Please try to be ready to ride by 6pm. Of course these are now pretty much night rides so good lights are a necessity.

[sxrracer]

trails are in good shape, rode yesterday, Richard and a buddy of his did some trail cleaning, Trails are in good shape other than leaves down.

[Richard]

Normally, the only time the trails at Sokol get raked is when they are made. Seems to be more leaves this year. We were trying to define the proper route so that maybe the short cutters could tell where they should go, but they came in later and raked the shortcuts. Be nice if they did some constructive trail work. Usually they seem to be looking for the shortest route down to the creek. I don't mind hikers/ walkers etc taking the shortcuts but not the mountain bikers. Many don't know the proper routes because they were initially shown the shortcuts by someone else who didn't know any better, was just lazy or was trying to bypass a difficult area. Just like the riders that don't know how to control their bikes who brake incorrectly, locking the rear wheel and sliding every opportunity. Many spots have been worn down several feet over the years because of the skidders.

[Rob]

Hmmm, Just wonder if the short cutters really like riding as much as being irresponsible. Seems if you really like the sport you would want to utilize the trail as intended and take full advantage of the entire distance of the trail. I know I'm stating the obvious but it truly does make me wonder.

[Richard]

Sokol trail condition update:
 Raked for about 4 hrs today. Nate was out there for about 3 hrs. It was actually too wet to rake as the compacted leaves tended to stick to the trail and come loose once they dried as we discovered while riding later. Except for board hill and the double track on bunny (why rake a road?) I think everything south of the creek and east of the waterline is raked. Tree/trees down on shortcut part of lower psycho that has the real steep rutted hill. I intend to leave it there and see if any one other than us moves it, since it does bypass carpet and part of the main trail. The "easy experimental laying on the creek bead" bridge across the creek between five bridges and brutality/shangri la is still there, barely. It's listing down 10-15 degrees upstream and the logs on each end are completely undercut and floating. If not for the cables it would be downstream again. Still usable but needs rework. Either have to keep repairing it about twice a year, build an arch/self supporting bridge about 25ft long or do away with it. I never really wanted a bridge across the creek at this location because too many people shortcut into five bridges to use it. Just upstream I cut back the bank at Gary's fall to widen the tread. We may have to put in a retaining wall to try and keep the creek from getting the trail. Works fine now as I made it up the steep hill without wrecking or falling into the creek. The number one bridge clockwise on five bridges needs replacing. I moved it to clean out under it as it had become a dam rather than a bridge and discovered some rot. Needs to be 8ft rather than 6ft long. Very large dead tree down on transformer where it gets close to rock hill trail but you can go around it. We'll fix all this stuff and more in the near future. If anyone wants to help let me know. Next official work day is Feb 23 i think.

[Slade]

Thanks for all your hard work on Sokol. It has been a few months since I have had a chance to ride Sokol. I can't wait till we spring forward on daylight savings so I can start hitting it in the week again. Keep up the good work Richard!

[Richard]

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=383526

[theprocon]

It seems that "dex" doesn't know about Alatrails.

[Richard]

http://www.msmtb.org/forum/index.php

I think Dex was referring to the above since he lives in Mississippi.

[Richard]

This Saturday, April 26, is the scheduled work day at Munny Sokol Park. Anyone interested meet at the south trail head and be prepared to work from 8:30 AM to 12:30 pm. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, rakes, blowers, snips and any other items you might think handy. We will divide up into guided teams. Actual items to be addressed will depend on how many show up.

[Dex]

It seems that "dex" doesn't know about Alatrails.

I'm here now.
Richard, thanks for posting the link to my MTBR ride report!!

I've uploaded a few images of our latest rides to the Alatrails Gallery.

Oh, and what I was referring too at the end of my MTBR ride report...
"It still bothers me to have to post a ride report about a local trail on another forum."
The MTBR guys had just split the Southeastern Forum and moved MS, LA & AR to a forum of their own called the Midsouth forum. And I had posted several times that I didn't like the change.

[AdamSean]

I have been running the trails at Sokol for years.  I have just started riding them. It is a whole new experience and I love it.  I will be going to purchase my new 2010 Giant Rincon tomorrow morning.  I hope it remains clear enough tomorrow to hit Sokol.  Death By Concrete and Creek, here I come.