May 31 2020
article comin soon
How about some pics
and commentary on the section of ERTS hking biking trail from
Nottingham Store South. The Mel Gibson look alike rode 7 miles
of that section Saturday morning May 30th. At least 20 other
bikers, a couple hikers, and some runners used ERTS while we
were there.
Some months back we
commented on this chalet on the right. Back then the owner
replied to our comments about being on the RR rights of way.
The feller said he was NOT on the future trail path. Guess he
was correct but notice the new four foot tall divider
which separates that family from parking space.
Saturday morning
there were many trail blockages during the first two miles of
the treck. Happily we report, at every road block, bikers
worked hard to clear out the fallen debris. One guy (from
Winfield) had a folding saw and put it to good use.
In addition to grounds keepers and a Ranger in charge, some kind of marketing plan is needed for this County to realize the full benefit of ERTS. We do have a promoter of the facility in Doug Wayne. Two of the riders mentioned it was CMS Band teacher Doug Wayne that had told em about the opening of the upper, 10 mile section of ERTS.
Along the way on May 30th, many wet weather falls were looking beautiful.
When the Gov was
here last May announcing the ERTS trail, he noted, the place
would be for hikers, bikers, and horse back riders. This
family hauled their small daughter along the trail in the
above rig. There was just enough room to get their baby cart
between the barriers. If you plan to have your horse and a
buggy on ERTS, there is a big problem. Ain't no way that
buggy, cart, will fit thru the locked barriers.
The upper section
of ERTS has pretty good packed down regrind asphalt the entire
route. However, where ATV's have been spinning around and
popping wheelies, the base coat of large rocks is starting to
show thru in several patches. Those rocks are tough on those
thin road bike tires. The fat tires, shown above, do A-OK.
Groves Creek
comes down to the trail and Elk River. The above pic shows the
barriers in place to keep heavy vehicles off the trail. Ditto
for those railroad tie fences along the way. In this example,
Vehicles can cross the trail and get to their river front
camps and homes by using the along side public road.
See that guy in the
orange shirt... he's 84 years old and doing fine on a bike!
Don't say you can't do likewise
We've got something
readers. The currently open for use 10+ mile trail is free
from litter, trash, and other examples of dumb bunny left
overs. As a matter of fact, this upper section is the cleanest
length of roadway in the whole darn county. Those that we have
met along the way, those guys have been friendly and enjoyable
to be around. Those wallets are what's needed in Clayberry and
there coming already.
Without benefit of advertising, so far, almost on a daily basis, people have found this oasis of family fun. Hope it stays that way During the last two weekends, on each Saturday, over 25 bikers have been on the path. It was especially nice to see small kids trying out their peddling skills.
Two special notes: the owners of Nottingham Store say they are seeing a foot traffic and sales increase. Problem is, all the healthy people, the ones we thought that would be eating pine cones and soft rocks, they're wanting hot dogs which is something Nottingham's does not offer.
Number 2 The next section of ERTS, between Nottingham's and North to Gilmer Station, construction begins June 1st. That new section will include two tunnel passages.
AW
Without benefit of advertising, so far, almost on a daily basis, people have found this oasis of family fun. Hope it stays that way During the last two weekends, on each Saturday, over 25 bikers have been on the path. It was especially nice to see small kids trying out their peddling skills.
Two special notes: the owners of Nottingham Store say they are seeing a foot traffic and sales increase. Problem is, all the healthy people, the ones we thought that would be eating pine cones and soft rocks, they're wanting hot dogs which is something Nottingham's does not offer.
Number 2 The next section of ERTS, between Nottingham's and North to Gilmer Station, construction begins June 1st. That new section will include two tunnel passages.
AW