OEF Trails Access

OEF Workday/Ride @ Roman Nose State Park
09/06/2003

"And the day came when the risk it took to stay tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom", Anias Nin.

I am forever amazed by the dedication, generosity, and willingness of individuals to selflessly continue to give of themselves, even after a long, hard journey. The essence of team work is a lesson that, once learned, serves to humble and gently remind us as individuals not only are we not alone, but there is little we cannot do, when we simply do it together. A huge thank you to the latest trail crew enthusiast, without you, thousands of recreational trails users in Oklahoma would not have the opportunities you provide them. Beginning at 9 am through noon, 14 dedicated people worked to mow, lop, and restructure trail at Roman Nose State Park. We split into 3 groups, with one group mowing and cleaning the dam and lower north end of the trail, another group weed eating and cleaning the upper south east section, and a third group who intended to add a few dirt work projects to the new bench cut on the southeast end and do some preliminary race course marking.

The third group was very disappointed, however, to find the new bench cut, where 10 of us spent 7 hours of heavy dirt moving just two weeks ago, had been seriously damaged by horses. Horses create wide trails, due to their size, of course, and that their feet are wide apart. They require limbs being cut back high and far to allow for safe passage with riders, and their weight shifts while walking, especially on uneven terrain, causing deep ruts, foot slide marks, and general foliage and dirt disturbance. The best horse riding trails are the worst mountain biking ones and the best mountain biking single tracks are quickly destroyed under the weight of horse traffic - especially when the dirt is soft after rain. Trails can be shared, there is room for everyone, but it's important that the traffic of users can be directed to the benefit of all users, and the users know when to stay off the trails to limit damage...
It was quite a blow, at first, and we were tempted to curse the fine equestrian species forever. But before laying blame, it is important to realize though horses are restricted from this area, there are no signs indicating to riders where the equestrian portion of the trail ends. Since the state park is visited by people from all over the region, it is impossible to expect them to just 'know' where they can ride. Signage issues have been at the heart of OEF discussions with Roman Nose State Park for a long time. OEF is, in fact, planning to donated approximately $1500 worth of signs to the park in the next year, portions of sponsorship from the 24 hour race will help with this effort. Fortunately, Marcel Slootheer seemed to bring an "otherworldly patience and positive outlook" to the hour, initiating repair to the bench cut and with Martin Joubert's help, the two of them managed to re-surface and rake the bench cut, removing the large holes and skids, by noon. I have also initiated efforts to place some temporary, but obvious, signs at each area where horses are not allowed.

At noon, we all met back at Cato's General Store and enjoyed a big burger and fries courtesy of OEF, followed by a group ride to finally enjoy our hard work.
The trail is in good, nay excellent, condition! So good, a bunch of us will be back there again this Saturday, the 13th to ride it again. Join Us! Thank you each and every one!

Candy Joubert
24 Hours Up The Nose race director

Pics by Candy Joubert and Marcel Slootheer © 2003 OEF

getting ready for another day @ Roman Nose... (MS)

Meet & Greet at the General Store... (MS)

Ron, Terry and Max... (CJ)

Getting to the trail is have the fun... (CJ)

trail damage by horses... (CJ)

more of the same... (CJ)

Yuck... (CJ)

Lone Trailworker thinking about a cold Amstel Light... (CJ)

Hungerbeast gone, time to ride... (CJ)

Terry... (MS)

Walt... (MS)

Paul... (MS)

THE END!