Trail Conditions

@Fort Pierce @Halpatiokee
January 16, 2006
Great job on the trail. Very well maintained. Trail is better now then before the storms......Keep up the great work....!!!
Pkrit66@aol.com		 January 14, 2006
Got those big fallen trees off the River Trail and Island Loop today. Need bikes on the trail. Next - we need to clean up and re-cut the perimeter trail through the grassy areas. 

Trail work will continue every Saturday at 8 am until noon until all of the Halpatiokee trail is ready to ride.  Be sure to come out March 18th, 2006 11:30 am to our annual picnic at Pavillion #7... Bring bikes, and come out and enjoy.
Airborne MTB Club has offered the parties involved in the Ft. Pierce Trail:
A. Liability Insurance to land managers through our association with IMBA
B. Free legal assistance to write the amended conservation agreement
C. Free Engineering Assistance to ensure both the storm water management plan and the trail are mutually existing
We continue to meet with both parties. And we continue to work on your behalf to explore other trail opportunities in our area, such as Halpatiokee in Martin County, where we have been granted access to ride for the time being.
Thanks for your continued support, both in memberships, donations and professional services.
Trail Report Archives:
Fort Pierce Halpatiokee
January 8, 2006
Fantastic. You will not be disappointed in the quality and quantity of work done to help restore your favorite and most fun local, 'out of bounds' trail. Purchase efforts continue.
November 21, 2005
Melibe and I went to ride yesterday. There is more water on the trail than I have ever seen before. The water level in the creek is so high that it comes over many spots on the new road that was cleared, and from there is flowing (actually moving water) into the course. The first big drop puts you into water that is chest deep! I know- I rode into it, and went over my handle bars, once they were under water!
There are a few other spots where we rode that were almost as flooded. We made it back to the first I-95 bridge. The creek was flowing under the bridge. It was deep and moving quickly (into the course again), so we didn't even try to swim through it.
It was a little disheartening when we knew how much of the trail was rideable just a day before, but hopefully it will dry out and with a couple hours of work be rideable once again.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I thought you'd like the update.
Have a good week and a great holiday,
Mike
November 18, 2005
Wilma set us back a month.  We hope to have the trail cleared after the Saturday. Then the process of packing down needs to begin.
October 16, 2005
The entire length of trail is cut in, ~6 miles.  Still some trees needing to be cut.  You'll have to portage your bike where the trees are down.  Still a little muddy, and some areas with minor standing water.  Another week of dry weather and it'll be just fine.
 September 24, 2005
Ft Pierce Trail is open and rideable. Did a lap with Carl after trail work today. Trail is in good shape and needs riders to pack it down. Watch for changes on the trail (re-routes and switchbacks). If anyone is interested in riding it this week, E-mail me at Jschuddekopf1@aol.com and i'll join you. Happy Trails!
September 20, 2005
Well I got out and rode for about an hour yesterday. I tried a couple different areas just to test the waters and see what still needs to be done. I rode down the newly plowed road and hopped on the path a little after that original first drop. There is a place where the trucks plowed what I'm guessing is a turnaround for the plows, so I went in there and turned right. Besides a tree being over the path at the very beginning, that part of the trail was decent and doesn't need a lot of work (I think we started clearing shortly after that tree). There is still a big tree down right before the teeter-totter, that will be a challenge to clear. I rode/walked around between the highways, and that whole area will require some serious attention. 
I took the ATV path around from the highway to the billboard and got back on the path there.  The back part was a little overgrown and has a couple trees that need to be pushed off the path, but nothing too bad. I rode Tornado Alley, which is in decent condition. And the rest of the trail back from there was great. 
I didn't get a chance to ride on everything that we cleared, but I saw a lot of what is left to clear. One or two more days like last Saturday and it will be ready again. I think there is a lot of potential for making the beginning of the trail the newly plowed "road" and just tie in to that ridge at some point, preferably before that first big drop, and then the rest of the trail can stay as it was.
Mike

September 10, 2005
Today's meeting at the trailhead and subsequent walkthrough provided us with an opportunity to evaluate the trail and vote on our options with respect to Ft. Pierce. Thank you to all who came out.  The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of becoming pro-active at the trail and restoring it as we can until the property changes hands again. We will be meeting at the trail every Saturday at 9 am until the work is done.  This needs to be a coordinated effort, please go here for more information.
 		 January 8, 2006
 Needs some Care, and some riders. Work day will be announced soon. It can be fixed in one day. A great, natural place to ride and get fit.
November 18, 2005
 The rutting was a result of FPL equipment accessing the ROW for repairs. We (Martin County Parks & Rec.) are working on restoring them ASAP when it dries up just a bit more. (From Chuck Barrowclough)
 October 16, 2005
I didn't even try the single track - two track is still torn up by equipment rutting, and is mostly either under water or so soggy that it is not at all fun to ride ( unless you love mudding)
 September 18, 2005
Just got some bad news about Halpatiokee:

Paul was giving a bike riding tour of the park today to a Paddling Club from North Miami. As expected there was minor flooding and blow down as well as in growth on the singletrack.

This can easily be taken care of in a trail day, however, there appears to have been major damage by heavy equipment or trucks driving on the roads and trying to do some sort of work during the wet season resulting in a deeply rutted, mucky two track road - very difficult to walk or ride on. The hard pack roads made for a fun fast ride, but now they are ruined.

Paul thinks now is a good time to start spec'ing trail, because what loop we had marked out can no longer be ridden. We have contacted the Martin Co. ESL Rep. and hope to have word on what to do shortly.
 Paul & Bill
 May 14, 2005
Well, summer is here!  We rode two laps.  The trail was in really great shape.  But it was so hot and humid it tired us out.

People interested in helping layout some trail extensions and cut and tag new trail there please email Paul .

MAP
On Saturday, September 10th, 2005 at 9 am we would like anyone who is interested in present conditions and future planning for the Ft. Pierce bike trail to meet there at the old trail head. Together, and as a group we will inspect the property (you probably won't need a bike - just boots, maybe long pants and clippers of any type). Then as a group, we will discuss and vote upon our position and actions for the upcoming season.

We would like for you to consider these two concepts so that once you view what is left of the property you can be ready to decide how you want to proceed:

1. Continue as a group to be goodwill ambassadors, respecting trespassing rules, and sitting on the sideline until a deal is done, and all engineering improvements are complete. Continue work with local officials and land managers through meetings, phone calls and emails, but do not tend to the trail.  Then, when permission is granted, inspect the property, and see what is left of the trail going ahead then and only then with trail rebuilding first and riding second.

2. Step up our visibility at the trail. Attempt to maintain what trail is there, and continue to work to try to tie back in old sections still closed after September 2004 Hurricanes. Be on the lookout for ATV's and heavy equipment operators and have a presence on-site (in spite of trespassing) to protect the trail from damage that might not be repairable. Our position in this instance is that we have received assurances this conservation area can not be developed, and that it is relatively certain (now that the church is out of the picture) the county will be able to purchase the land and bring it into their parks system.

Airborne MTB club welcomes all MTB riders - members or not, to participate in this event and any voting that will take place. For those of you unable to attend that day, try to get out to the trail and do a walk through and reply to this e-mail about how you would like for us to proceed. Lastly, please pass this note along to anyone who you think should be receiving this notice.

We believe that the Ft. Pierce trail is either nearing a full-blown resurrection or breathing it's final breaths, so your input and involvement make a difference.

Thank You
Airborne MTB
July 25, 2005
Rode (should say hiked) the trail on Sunday. Not a pretty site to behold. Way overgrown and lots of downed trees. There is still water collecting in some areas. The ATV's have made their way onto parts of the trail. It's pretty muddy as one would expect this time of year. I will continue to ride at JD until there is a trail day (trespass day) and conditions can be improved.
Jamie
May 22, 2005
First, congrats on clearing/opening what you have at this point.  I got 3.5 miles on my bike computer.  The "Dance" and "Tornado" are great, but "Runway" is where its at!  You need more of that!  I understand the situation with the trail is delicate, but if everything works out, then I'll be there to help with the next bridge!  Most of trail is sandy, and my favorite old sections weren't there, but overall I can't complain.  The trail is great, and the work you've done is much appreciated.  Just like at the JD trail, we need rain badly.  Keep up the great work.
Knobby
May 14, 2005
The Dance section is cleaned up meaning that over 4 miles of trail are now restored. There's no trail work yet east of I-95. The real estate transaction between the County and St. Andrew's is not completed. No Trespassing is the rule of the day. Let's continue to hold hope for both parties doing something that would be really great for the community and to get the deal done soon.
April 30, 2005
 On walkthrough today there are about 3 miles of nicely cleared trail. The Dance section appears to be about 2/3 done, with the middle 1/3 still barricaded by downed trees. So, stay out of Dance. Everything east of I-95 is closed - don't bother there either. Follow the short cut instead of the Hike-A-Bike, and any other directional signs. ATV's have been riding the trail - they just simply don't care that their vehicles tear it up forever and widen the trail.  If you see them out there ask them to stay off the bike trail, but don't trust them: Unfortunately they lie.
April 5, 2005
The trail looks pretty good. Most of the ground to shoulder high foliage is green and growing so it doesn't look as desolate as it did. There is a new tree down about halfway in between the trail head and I 95. The tree needs to be cut. It's not down to the ground, rather it's about chest high with branches going all over. I only walked out to 95 and back, so no report on the back half. There is a new, official police department "no trespassing" sign at the beginning of the road. But, I never saw it.
Mr. X.
Feb. 12, 2005
A few Airborne club officers went out and walked the trail on Saturday. The work done to begin the cleanup is really obvious and quite well done. As a group we were both encouraged by the fixes, but also overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to get the trail rideable. There is absolutely no enforcement of trespassing happening out there. We spotted a tent on the access road in, complete with redneck camper and beer bottles. The ATV's have been in there too, especially under I-95. We decided that it would be a good thing for local cyclists who care about the trail to come out on foot every weekend and help clear the trail.
 Feb 3 2005
 There was a huge trail cleanup at Ft. Pierce on Sunday 1/31/2005. Although not completely ready to ride great progress was made. Airborne didn't sponsor or create the event, it just happened. Local cyclists banded together, tired of the status quo, and took matters into their own hands.
November 2004:
The trail is closed to riders. Reports from people on foot are that the trail remains muddy and somewhat flooded.
There remains vast damage from the twin Hurricanes. It is unimaginable the level of the destruction.
We have reassurance from St. Lucie County officials that a purchase is being worked out, and we will, eventually, in our lifetimes, be riding there again, legally.		 May 6, 2005
4 of us went on a night ride at Halpatiokee.  I know MTB'ers complain about the lack of the technical trail at HalPat but it's a different world at night. Keep an eye on the forum for the hardy Friday night rides.  PS The trail is in great shape. 
March 19, 2005
The day was clear, cool and bright for our inaugural event. Thanks to everyone who came out. As luck would have it, we had up to 6 inches of rain the 2 weeks before the trail day, which left alot of deep puddles on the inter-lake trails. Surprisingly, the river trail singletrack was fine.
Feb 11, 2005
It was a beautiful chilly morning ride. The trails are in great shape: no sand anywhere. There is one wet spot requiring a portage of about 2 steps but that's it. Keep an eye for the orange / silver tags and flags.  These mark a 5 mile perimeter trail.
Keep an Eye on the Events page - we are having our 1st Annual Airborne Picnic March 19th at Pavillion 5.  For those interested we also have the campsite reserved for that night. It's totally primitive, no facilities back there - still it's about the riding, the camaraderie, and a chance to have some good clean fun.
 Feb 4 2005
Although rainy and dismal, I met with and rode the perimeter loop with several friends this morning. As usual, the trail was in great shape and beckons riders.
There is a little standing water near the fallen tree and you have to hike a bike over the big root ball.
The gate that separates the end of the loop and the beginning of the singletrack is locked again.  You just have to lift your bike over and slip through.
Other than that the trail remains fast and firm. Trail markers are still in place through out. Look for orange / silver tape and flags.
November 2004:
Trail is in nice shape. We have GPS'd the area and plan to be at the park Saturday December 4th to ride the 'best' continuous loop, and perhaps apply some trail tape for riders to see where to turn...See you then.
Trail Report Archives (Ft. Pierce):
 August 2004:
The trail is in muddy and somewhat flooded consistent with our usual rainy season. It is also still closed while St. Lucie County and St. Andrews Episcopal work out  the purchase agreement. Both St. Andrews and the County are in favor of the trail being kept open to riders. These are good reasons to ride elsewhere, like JD or Halpatiokee.

Airborne has offered the parties involved:
A. Liability Insurance to land managers through our association with IMBA
B. Free legal assistance to write the amended conservation agreement
C. Free Engineering Assistance to ensure both the storm water management plan and the trail are mutually existing
We continue to meet with both parties. And we continue to work on your behalf to explore other trail opportunities in our area, such as Halpatiokee in Martin County, where we have been granted access to ride for the time being.
July 2004:
The trail is in great shape. It is also still closed while St. Lucie County and St. Andrews Episcopal work out interim land lease agreements and purchase agreements. Both St. Andrews and the County are in favor of the trail being kept open to riders. Airborne has offered the parties involved:
A. Liability Insurance to land managers through our association with IMBA
B. Free legal assistance to write the amended conservation agreement
C. Free Engineering Assistance to ensure both the storm water management plan and the trail are mutually existing
We continue to meet with both parties. And we continue to work on your behalf to explore other trail opportunities in our area, such as Halpatiokee in Martin County, where we have been granted access to ride for the time being.
Thanks for your continued support, both in memberships, donations and professional services.
April 2004:
The trail is in great shape and the weather is fine with the past few days cold front coming through.  The trail is also closed as the land owner, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church School has serious legitimate concerns about liability issues from ATV users who have greatly increased their activities in the area, and issues with SFWMD enforcing the conservation easement agreement which effects the bike trail. Please ride elsewhere until the matter is resolved.  A meeting is scheduled for Monday April 19th with Land Management officials to get and to give updated information and then we will repot back.  Thanks.
January 2004:
SUPER SCHWEET!
Get out and ride today!  You WON'T Regret it.
DECEMBER 2003:
 SCHWEET!
Come on out and have a ride!
Sunday Nov 16: The trail was probably the best I have seen it for a very long time. Very few squishy parts. The big dipper was a little rough at the bottom in the trough but everything else was beautiful. We are very lucky to have such a great trail!!!
Chris Kiesel
 November 6, 2003
Are you kidding?  It's still raining like monsoon season. The trail will be flooded for days. Better ride JD instead.
October 30, 2003:
Your Thursday Trail Report:
 PRIMO
 Come Ride
Bill
October 23, 2003:  
I rode two laps of the complete trail today. The exception is Tornado Alley (which is about two weeks of dry weather away from being open).

Given all the rain in the past week since the Trail Day, I was amazed at how well our efforts paid off. The fixes we employed seem to be working. The only areas that are mucky are at the east end Hi/Low area, which will I rode anyway, and the low area between Tornado Alley and the 3 Bridges. Even that is rideable.

I was very pleased with how well it all is turning out.

A few more days of dry breezy weather and the trail will be in top form.
Bill
October 12, 2003:
 Alot of work was accomplished on Saturday, but it rained at night. Riding Sunday was ok, but oak roots were like ice. There was no standing water, but alot of mud in the section after the dance. Please walk your bike though this section to prevent more ruts that have to be repaired. The dance is in great shape thanks to Todd. The front section is also in great shape. Another month and the trail should be perfect. Long live long rides.
Paul
October 1, 2003
Rode the trail on wed. very wet. standing water shoulder height in some places. knee - hip height in a lot of places. very muddy. I will wait until it dries out to ride again
Chris Wiyda

July 25, 2003:
After this past week's deluge, I thought it would be a good idea to head out to the trail and try to apply some of what I learned in the trail building school related to improving drainage in mud bogs. I was able in 2.5 hours to get to about a dozen or so mud holes and they should drain better in the future.

HOWEVER, , I believe that riders should ride somewhere else right now, because there is alot of really deep standing water, and I can see where the trail is being made much worse by riders doing the best they can in a bad situation.

If we get about 10 dry hot days in a row, things will be better.

In the meantime I plan to get out there on foot as often as I can and keep working on the trail drainage process.

The technique is simple. All you need is a shovel. Where low spots turn into mud puddles, they develop a clay rim, which effectively holds in the water. All that is needed is to dig out the down slope side of the wall and watch the water drain out. Then remove any big tire ruts, so that when the trail dries, it won't have big hard deep ruts.

Hope to see you out there ON FOOT!
 July 5, 2003:
I attempted to ride the trail Saturday a.m. at the time of the club ride. Unfortunately the trail is flooded near the entrance (Big and Little Dipper) and overgrown with face whippers (weeds).  I quit after a few minutes. It's a mud hole.  We need riders to come out and hike the trail beginning at the front with pruners and machetes to clean back the weeds.

Bill K.
 May 31, 2003:
 I rode on Saturday and east of 95 was under water along with a few other low areas.  The mud wasn't too bad otherwise.  Basically the trail was either under water or just fine.  I think it absorbed the rain ok, but the rise of the creek had an impact.  Not like the end of the summer when the creek is fine and the trail is a mud hole.  Don, nice work on the under/over ramp.  I like the traction.

Orange Blossom Maul bridge is repaired too.
Bob R.
 April 25, 2003:
The trail is in perfect shape.  Come out and ride before we are closed!  Want to help keep the trail open? Click here. Also, IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:  The Orange Blossom Maul is closed! (That's the 60 foot long ramp over the gulley along the fallen tree - it's broken) 
February 25, 2003: 
Rode the Main Trail Tues @5pm same as Sun rode good few small wet spots didn't do the Tornado though. No sign of ATV incursion.  Ride Hard!  Vic
February 22, 2003:
The trail rode good Sunday afternoon. There were only a few small muddy spots. Go for a ride! Vic
Jan 19, 2003:  The trail is in excellent shape and was really a pleasure to ride.  I noticed Don incorporated some berms which made the turns fast and easy to maneuver.  Virtually no mud and just a little sand under the I-95 overpass.  Definitely worth the ride from anywhere in South Florida. Deborah Davidson
Jan 16, 2003:  I rode the trail today  for the first time. Kind of freaky riding' so close to the creek, and some nice surprises for us novices.  I did take LOTS of mud home with me.  Sorry. I'll return it to u next time I ride. I live in PSL and am new to Mt Biking. I am a Professional Firefighter in Palm Beach Co and am training for the World Firefighter Games.  The trail sure beats the old tread mill or stationary bike. Are there any other trails in our area besides JD?  I loved the trail and must salute you all for the hard work that has been put in.  I noticed a memorial in the parking lot.  Who is that for?  I plan to try JD in Hobe Sound on Sunday.  Jeff Harkcom
 January 9, 2003:
What could be better than a day riding the trail? Not much I suppose especially this time of year when a person can wear long sleeves and not sweat out a gallon per lap. Turned 2 laps today - the second with our guest Bill Hagen of St. Louis, Mo.  He enjoyed the twisty turny trail. Ran into a couple familiar faces out there as well who were enjoying the day until attempting to launch off the creek bank, resulting in a scraped nose and bent rim (names withheld to protect the pride). A few muddy spots which can be easily gone around, and Tornado alley is closed until it dries out a bit more. Trail is in great shape otherwise.
December 19, 2002:
I rode the trail the other day and it's in fine shape with just a few exceptions.  There was water at the bottom of the big dipper and the slough between the "high trail" and the "low trail". The latter can be circumvented by using the old route up the small hill.  All in all, great shape given last weeks rains with only a few muddy spots - R. Ridle
December 8, 2002:
Awesome!  And the swap meet was great, too...
 November 3, 2002:
 ENTIRE TRAIL OPEN, FAST, GREEN CONDITIONS, COME OUT AND RIDE!!!
Don't forget to come out for the swap meet on Sunday November 17th beginning at 8:30 am at the trail. 
October 18, 2002:
 Good news everyone the trail is back to its regular fun.  There are only three wet spots, but they are small. Many soft spots have been mulched in and are looking good.  New challenges on the trail (created by blow down) will be "under-over": a big oak tree fell that you'll go under a back scraper and over a log so you had better "line it up baby"! when you get to this new addition. Plus "tornado alley" is open again too, with a little twist (excuse the pun): It's exit is now the entrance, and the entrance is where the exit was (you'll see it's all labeled) but that doesn't mean it's easy.  In fact there's nothing nice about a tornado.  You'll see when you ride the new addition in it.
See You at the trail, Don.
October 9, 2002:
Strap on your chutes, airborne riders. The trails are looking a lot better. The broken bridge is fixed with good lumber and ! more sections are open! But nasty overgrowth still prevails (cocklebur will eat you up!) If this on coming tropical wave, depression or whatever, leaves us alone we will be in good shape.. Trail managers note.... This nasty weed that grows along the trail can be  removed two ways easily. No, three.#1 pull it out by grabbing the entire plant... this is easy because they have very short  roots.# 2 any cutting device ,(E.G.). machete or any power tool powered by gas, Or #3 run over these pesky plants with your rear wheel of your bike...(#3 will take about 20 laps to get results)  .I suggest you try #2 first, and # 1 if ya don't have a chopping device and you like to pull weeds on the fly. It is possible if you have the skills). but this can result in a nasty crash.. (Courtesy Don Ludwig) 
October 4, 2002:
Today Mike and I rode 2 laps of the trail. We hiked through a number of the detours and bypasses and restored what was ready to be reopened on the eastern end. The trail is in great shape, but the area around Dance Exit, the Rooty Hairpin and Tornado Alley are still one week away from being dry, so we left the detours in place as they should be.  Interestingly, some spots are a little sandy.

Anthony's bridge is broken again. It needs some significant repair if it's worth keeping.  I always liked the original trail through there better anyway, because the bridge was flat. The trail dips there and it's actually dry underneath right now. You have to hike around it.

Anyone who would like to help could do so by bringing a machete and cutting back the cocklebur plants which have grown in really close... The burs stick to you everywhere.

Overall I am impressed with the trail today. In a week or two and if we don't get any freak storms then the trail will be rocking and rolling all winter - The good weather is coming!
 Sept. 30, 2002
Things r clearing up!
The mud holes are clearing up!!!(thank goodness for dry weather!! Filled in some mud holes with mesh, from Rick Miller and It looks good. and chopped back over growth. Plus Bill did a lot of clearing alone in the dance section. Every one stay tuned to a trail work day near NOV. I'll post you on the web. Materials need will be wheelbarrows and mulch... (From Don Ludwig)
 Ed Note:
Riders - if you ride the trail in the intended direction and follow the barricades your experience will be like Justin's at this time.  If you ride it backwards your experience will be like Ian's.
 September 22, 2002:
I made it out to the trail today for the first time (from Miami).  Some parts of the first lap were confusing as to which way to follow, but by the second lap we seemed to flow nicely!  Even though some parts were muddy, it was very readable - we got some great pics!  It is nice to see how much work has been put into these trails.  Until next time...
Justin
September 21, 2002:
Subject: Trail status; it sucks
Forget it. I was up there at 7am yesterday and doing a backward lap did less than a mile before giving up, mud hole after mud hole. A lot of it is over grown. What's up with all the lumber? It’s ruining the flow of the trail it is a hammock not a stunt park.
Ian
 Ed Note:
I'd say 75% of the wood in there was put there to deal with specific problems: fallen trees, deep sand, or persistent standing water.  The 'New Exit Trail' however was designed to have as many stunts as we could pack in to a small area.  It's the exception to the rule.  The wood will all be moved aside as soon as it dries out.
 September 7 2002: The trail is very muddy and wood is wet. Trail work on sat 9/7 was soggy but productive. Repaired some of the soft spots. A week of dry weather should improve conditions.                 Paul Johnson
August 29, 2002,
We did 3 laps Weds evening, still some muddy spots but nothing you can't go around. The first section is fast and dry lots of fun!!! As long as we do not have any more MONSOON DAYS Its worth the trip to ride. The more its ridden the faster the trail will get its rhythm back!!!
Monty and TOM THE BOMB
August 27, 2002,
My wife, Elizabeth, and I ventured into the trail and found it to be much improved compared to last week. We enjoyed our ride and had few problems. We were careful to stay out of the taped off areas and proceeded carefully. We did come across one damaged bridge and just walked across it. Most of the previously flooded sections are for the most part rideable now, with the exception of "tornado alley" which was still under water. We did get a little "mucked up" (thick ,gooey and slippery) but that was part of the fun. We believe the new vegetation just adds to the experience. All in all we enjoyed our ride and encourage others to come back and do the same but tread lightly until the dry season arrives.
Submitted by,
William & Elizabeth Aguillon
August 20, 2002
I rode the trail today. Don is hard at work fixing persistent mud spots, and we are looking at some ways to improve your access to the eastern extent of the trail for all seasons.  Be certain that at this time and until further notice the trail is taped closed in a few sections because of extensive mud.  Please be courteous and use the bypasses. If you art too lame to do that then go somewhere else. (B. Klausmeyer)
August 13, 2002
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the trail has been pounded with rain for the last three days. The N.W. section of St. Lucie County has had much more rain than the South end or PSL. There is now a large lake at the beginning of the dirt road and the bottom of the Big Dipper is under a couple feet of water. %#$*!.....just when things were starting to look better for us.  (R. Ridle)
August 5th, 2002  
Fellow riders I've spent a couple of days fixing the trails so at least there is something to ride without mud and floods over axles, bottom brackets and even shock boots! I have completed a short loop that connects the main trail with a shortcut trail that I cut.  PLEASE do not go past the trail block that I installed!!!  Wait for the rest of the trail to dry up!!!!!  Sorry no teeter-totter or Orange Blossom Maul bridge...Don ,trail mgr.
June 30th, 2002
Well trail riders the mud is worse than expected!  After two days of trail repair it is worse more than before... It's muddy in places that  I have not seen in the past 2 years...Continued riding will only make things lousy...I hate to say this, but look for other trails to ride at least for a week!! (like J.D>park) till the trails settle down ...these mud ruts are hard to repair due to water retention...and terrain.. !!!! 
Don Ludwig Reporting! 
June 25th, 2002
Believe it or not the trails are not flooded!! But boy ,there is mud! Take clean clothes with Ya to change.!! A palm tree fell on the trail but  I'll clean that up tomorrow. Did I mention it's muddy? It` sloppy but fun, but in all the trails are intact. p.s.  bring extra towels,  IT'S MUDDY!!!!!!!  - Don Ludwig Reporting!  
 June 6, 2002:
ALL TRAIL SECTIONS ARE OPEN, DRY, HARD AND FAST... ENJOY!
 May 25, 2002:
The rains have passed leaving cooler (!) breezy weather. Expect a fast ride, with flooding noted in the eastern end of the trail (east of I-95) Use bypasses where they exist.  Try Tornado Alley if you can find it. I guarantee it'll be technical enough to suit your needs.
 May 7, 2002:
Okay, so I snuck out of work early and went and rode a few laps on the trail.  You know what? It was worth it: I had a great time.  The trail is not in top shape: The sudden onset of summer along with the lack of precipitation has made the trail looser and sandier than normal. On the positive side, that means the areas that are often muddy or slick are now hard packed and fast!  You decide what's best for you.  For me it's going to take another day of field study...
BK
 Apr. 19, 2002:
We had quite a monsoon last weekend.  Surprisingly the trail has mended quickly.  Expect a fast ride, with occasional short mucky spots about 2 - 6 feet in length.  Use bypasses where they exist.  Sandy spots exist only where sand washed along the trail.  For the most part the trail is in great shape, and getting better.
BK
Apr. 12, 2002:
The trail is in pretty good shape.  The first section on the other side of 95 is mostly flooded and unrideable. "Log On" is now "Log Off" as the water floated the logs all over the place. 95% of the rest of the trail is in great shape with only a very few wet spots.  This trail Report Courtesy of Bob Ridle.
 Apr. 2, 2002:
The fire is out, the trail is fine.  I think Don's about done constructing stuff out of wood.  We want the trail to stay natural, but also wanted to add both some highlights and some protection against flooding.  That's been done. Come out and ride
Bill
Mar. 24, 2002:
There has been a fire.  A large portion of the acreage near our trail caught fire over the weekend.  The cause is not known to me at this time, but I will post it when I find out.  The good news is that the access road served us very well as a natural fire break.  Only a very small portion of the trail was burned; maybe a total of 50 yards or so, and the trail is NOT AFFECTED.

My hat is off to Don.  He has spent innumerable hours at the trail fixing spots, building new stunts and bypasses, and making signs.  Some of his latest work includes using the code of the ski areas in the US for grading trail difficulty:  Black Diamond = EXPERT, Blue Square = Intermediate, and Green Circle = Easiest.  The newest marked trails are "Cross Over" (something we have been talking about for a long time), 'Log On' (you have to see this! It's built mainly because it traverses an area that floods often, but it's gnarly), and 'Drop Out' - also a flood bypass with a twist.  At the end of the trail he has installed 'Left Turn', and two others that you better riders may want to try.  Don't worry, though, all of us more timid riders can use the bypasses.

I enjoyed meeting new PSL resident Bill, and his beautiful wife (eek I forgot her name ... Sorry ...don't forget to get her a good helmet!)

Feb. 23, 2002:
The trail is in great shape; I rode it twice today. Clip into your pedals, strap on your helmet and come out and ride. Forget about all the rumors and enjoy this awesome trail, but look out for the 600 pound gorilla.

Feb. 14, 2002:
I rode the trail today almost in it's entirety, but the area east of I-95 remains under water, about three feet or so, following last weeks storm. Those interested come on out Saturday 2/16/2002 beginning at 7:30 am and we will try to make trail improvements as a group. If you come out we can get more done in less time and the trail will be better.
HERE'S WHAT WE NEED:
1. PRESSURE TREATED 2X4'S AND 2X6'S IN VARYING LENGTHS
2. BATTERY POWERED TOOLS
3. MULCH OR CHEAP KITTY LITTER (CLEAN PLEASE)
4. ANY TOOLS YOU CAN BRING

Feb. 2, 2002: Judging by the smiles this trail is riding perfectly. Yesterday we finished cutting a new entrance trail to by pass the tall 'stunt' at the trail head. We also cut a new exit trail. You may ride this trail but at present there are two spots where you will have to either ride on a fallen tree or hop your bike over. We plan to 'bridge these trees just as soon as we can.

Jan 31, 2002: The trail is in top riding condition and the weather has been nice, although unseasonably warm. Come out and ride, however please heed our warnings: READ THE SIGNS AND OBEY THEM.

Rumor has it that the family of an injured 12 year old girl has been attorney shopping. No matter whether a suit would succeed or fail, the trail would be forever lost in the event of a suit. Therefore - ride responsibly.

Parents - this means that you are putting your children at risk when you ride here. YOU are responsible. Not the land owners. You.

And you people who ride off without helmets or smoke pot and ride -- What is your PROBLEM? How STUPID can you be???

Lastly, the trail day will be posted here and at the trailhead when a day is chosen.

Jan 11, 2002: A trail day is being planned. We need all the help we can get: People shovels rakes, machetes power tools... We are looking at GROUND HOG DAY -- 2/2/2002. Please post your comments on the forum or email me (drklaus@gate.net) with your input for this.

Jan 10, 2002: Work has begun to extend the trail eastward into what we are tentatively calling the 'Bay of Pigs' and which could add another 2.8 miles. This area will be kept free on man mades for now but will be kept intentionally difficult. There are a lot of hills and dips there, which is great. The area floods, which is not so great, but we expect that up here. And last, there's the wild pigs. Be AWARE.

Jan 1, 2002: The trail continues to be in tip top shape. We have completed the 60 foot long and 9 foot high tree traverse now referred to 'Orange Blossom Maul' and it's counterpart bypass "The Citrus Bowl". Currently we are working at restoring some of the jumps that were built out of skids and which rotted away this past summer. A few sandy areas need to be fixed too, but mostly everything is a green light.

Dec 15,2001: The trail is in tip top shape after weeks of work by Don and I. We have rebuilt most of the old stunts using p.t. lumber in 2x__ construction. We have completed some stunts that had been left unfinished. We cleared all the debris, and worked around some of the muddiest nastiest areas that were not drying up and that riders had widened the trail to miss. Don also added several new 'expert areas' involving some steeper drops.

Oct. 23, 2001: After 3 consecutive days of steady rain there are about a dozen spots with a foot or more of water on them. We have finished clearing the brush, logs and overgrowth. After a week of dry weather the trail should be ready to ride.

Oct. 18, 2001:   Today Don and I cleaned up and re-opened the Dance section at Fort Pierce. There is still a bit of a mess, with some areas of mud and standing water, but repairs to the area are 90% done. I must say Don has done one hell of a lot of work there. Most of the stunts and bridges are shot, but there are plans now to re-build them in some form, but stronger. The trail needs riders now to help pack down all the leaf debris. Bring a machete or pruning shears to help out as you ride but most of all... ENJOY.

Bill Klausmeyer

The Fort Pierce Trail is on a conservation easement of the South Florida Water Management District. At the current time St. Lucie County Officials and S.F.W.M.D. Officials are working at making this a permanent part of the St. Lucie County Parks System.  Our Thanks to everyone who is making this a reality, including but not limited to Karen Butcher, Dan McIntyre, Cliff Barnes, Randy Stephenson, David Kelly, Fred Davis, Randy Medellin, Diane Waite and all the AIRBORNE supporters.
Trail work is done by cooperating volunteer riders. 

Halpatiokee Trail is at the Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart. Our Thanks to everyone who is making this a reality, including but not limited to Chuck Barrowclough, Mike Yustin, and all the AIRBORNE supporters.
Trail work is done by cooperating volunteer riders.