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Trail Crew News
By Ralph Protano, TrailsDevelopment Manager
Cleveland's early winter weather is in full swing: cool and sunny, slight breeze...that turns into high winds and snow within the hour. Ohio is one for making you take full advantage of the weather when it is here, and the trails crew is doing as much work as they can before the big freeze.
In Bedford, the Trails Crew cut the majority of tread with help from our volunteers allowing the technicians to identify and focus on boggier areas. An impressive 60-foot turnpike is currently being built on part of the trail recently cut along the Shawnee Golf Course to lift the tread out of the golf course's drainage. What is currently a mess of mud and half-buried timber will soon be dry, level trail that leads further down to a large bridge that is in progress and spans over 20 feet in length.
Bedford's trails are not the only focus of our efforts this fall. The crew is repairing a particularly muddy stretch of Hinkley's bridle path and redirecting the drainage of the water; horses and humans alike hate to lose shoes in the mud! An entrance to the bridle path is also being rerouted to a more sustainable area to avoid further damage.
As winter approaches, the crew is working to get al necessary structures in the ground so that finishing work can begin, bringing us that much closer to the completion of the project. Until then, we weather the weather and continue to build.
Understanding Trail Etiquette with Horses
By Penny Passalaqua, Ohio Horsemen's Council
Q. Why do riders want me to call out before passing them?
A. Horses can startle easily. Call out and alert the rider long before attempting to jog past a horse. Horses can't see directly behind them and may be frightened by the sudden appearance of something coming from behind. Letting the horse and rider know you are there increases safety. In fact, it helps to warn people on foot that you are going to run by them so that you don't frighten them either.
Q. I've seen riders hold up their hand and ask a car to stop. Don't cars have the right of way on the road?
A. It's actually a State of Ohio law to stop when signaled by a rider or carriage driver. This is only asked when necessary. Groups of horses crossing a road need to stay together because horses are herd animals and feel safer when kept in a group. Blowing a car horn, yelling or pulling too close may cause a serious accident.
Q. What should I do if a horse is acting up when I approach?
A. Pause and talk to the rider because the sound of a human voice helps the horse understand that you mean no harm. Hikers with tall backpacks or umbrellas look strange to a horse and may frighten him. Don't hide or step behind a tree. The horse senses your presence and becomes more nervous because you are hiding like a predator.
Q. What is the safest way to pass a horse coming toward me on trail?
A. Stay to the right on the trail just as in traffic, especially on blind corners. Common sense and courtesy go a long way on trail. If there is a drop off on one side of the trail it is best for the hiker to stand on that side. If for some reason the horse is fearful and backs up he will not back off the side of the trail.
Q. My children want to pet a horse. Is this safe to do?
A. Children love to see horses and many riders welcome them to touch the horse and ask questions. Most horses are friendly, curious and love attention. But as with all animals, some do not. Ask before approaching a horse and instruct children to use a quiet voice and move slowly. Approach calmly near the horses shoulder and follow the rider's instructions.
Q. Are horses afraid of dogs?
A. Loose dogs can injure a horse, wildlife and people. Keep the leash short enough so that the dog does not get tangled in the horses legs and never let a dog run up behind or jump at horse. Most horses are used to dogs and their presence is not an issue. Most horse owners also own dogs and enjoy both.
When hiking or jogging if you have a question, most riders are very willing to take time to answer you if the situation is safe to do so. Many horseback riders are very familiar with the trails so don't hesitate to ask for directions if you are unsure of where you are. Usually a rider carries a cell phone and even first aid equipment and would go for help if needed.
So let's enjoy our beautiful trails together - lace up those hiking shoes - leash up your dog - saddle up your horse - and hit the trail!
IMBA visits Northeast Ohio
The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) sent two trainers to Akron for a three-day trail building workshop. Metro Parks Serving Summit County (MPSSC) host the workshop sponsored by Subaru.
Trainers met with local chapter members of the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association to coach them on building the club. Friday, local land managers attended a classroom session on sustainable trails. Along with MPSSC, staff from Cleveland Metroparks, Ohio State Parks also attended.
The visit was capped off with a work day doing a re-route on a MPSSC trail. Fifty people showed up to work in the rain and learn from the IMBA instructors.
For mountain biking or other types of sustainable trails, IMBA has been a national advocate for trails built for minimal environmental impact, minimal user conflict and minimal maintenance; the definition of sustainable trails.
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