[skunkty14]

Crew of us Mass-holes are in the midst of some pretty bad cabin fever since trails are snowed in pretty well up here. Thinking of driving south MLK weekend & were looking at French Creek; how's it look down there? Mostly bare trail? Snow cover? How much?

We'd be looking to do 25mi + to make the drive worth it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[readingracing]

Should be good,just got back from riding Antietam Lake/Mt Penn area,compacted heavy traffic trails are fast but with some spotty ice,unused trails have some resistance but very rideable.French Creek get much more foot and bike traffic and should just as good if not better.

 

[skunkty14]

Thanks for the report, some scattered snow isn't that bad, as long as it's not akin to riding non-stop sand. Studded tires recommended if you have them or unnecessary?

 

[readingracing]

I have a set of studded tires ready to go,but didn't deem necessary,traction was pretty good overall.

 

[[email protected]]

All trails in the Philly area are hard and fast as long as the temps are cold. No studs needed becuse snow melted during the last rain, dress warm and this weekend will be perfect. BTW Wissahickon trails are pretty nice too. :thumbsup:

 

[mtnbiker64]

French creek

Just got about a good 2" of the white stuff this morning. I rode outside of Valley Forge and it wasn't too bad. I imagine it shouldn't be too bad since a lot of it is covered by trees. But the temp is supposed to be very cold the whole weekend.

 

[m-wilhelm]

Conditions are great right now but its going above freezing mid week. I might be riding there Sat let me know what day your group is coming. Studded tires aren't needed the rare ice that's there is not slick and in small patches.

 

[92gli]

Conditions are great right now but its going above freezing mid week. I might be riding there Sat let me know what day your group is coming. Studded tires aren't needed the rare ice that's there is not slick and in small patches.

Drive down now ! Temps headed up later this week and some areas will be getting messy.

Conditions here yesterday were fantastic. Cold enough to keep things frozen but little wind. I went to brandywine and had a blast despite dinging the downtube of my frame in a small incident with an icy root.

 

[skunkty14]

Drive down now ! Temps headed up later this week and some areas will be getting messy.

Conditions here yesterday were fantastic. Cold enough to keep things frozen but little wind. I went to brandywine and had a blast despite dinging the downtube of my frame in a small incident with an icy root.

Nice, thanks for the update. We're planning on riding Sunday AM I believe so fingers crossed temps. will dip down enough Sat. night to harden everything up. We're still under snow up here ("rode" on Saturday i.e. took the bike for a walk) so any improvement will have us stoked.

 

[adoble]

I'd like to ride FC on Sun, if anyone can chime in on conditions would appreciate it.

 

[mtnbkerkonadawgdeluxepaul]

I'm sure that by Sunday it will be awesome conditions with all this warm weather, although its supposed to be great weather till Sat. then a chance of rain Sunday.

 

[Lugi]

I will be riding there tomorrow morning and will give the low-down when I get back. Should definitely be a nice ride Sunday, but maybe still a little sloppy in places.

 

[mtnbkerkonadawgdeluxepaul]

Mt Penn/ Antietam trails were beautiful this morning!!!! I rode for only a little over an hour because I'm riding there tonight too. The only trail I was on that needs some work is the T and T trail. A couple of trees are down there. It seems that there is always some trees down on this trail. Of course towards the bottom it gets muddy.

 

[adoble]

Put some good miles in at FC today, conditions were perfect!

 

[A-Ray]

Also there yesterday for 12-14 mi. then Camp Mack today for another 10.
Conditions the last couple of days have been perfect!

 

[goforbroke]

Whats trails are you guys riding? I was up there last summer and the trail I picked was extremely difficult to ride. Of course I can't remember the name of the trail, but it was ALL rocks everywhere. It leveled off up top and soon went right back into low level rocks. Their wasn't any other MTBers on the trail either only like two hikers. I believe it was the red trail? I plan on going back this year before winter hits.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/frenchcreek/frenchcreek_mini.pdf

 

[adoble]

That's what French Creek is all about, rocks, rocks and more rocks. Its the best place to hone your technical skills and get one hell of a workout.

The trails on the east side of Rte 345 are the bomb!!!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/47851061

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/46753806

 

[92gli]

Was up there sunday. Trails desperately needed some water. Baby powder dust on the surface made parts a little slippery. Rained hard in west chester overnight, hopefully some of it made it up there.

Got poison ivy on my johnson somehow ! argh. Last time I was up there I had a nasty crash that mangled my hip for a week. The time before that was when I got a tick bite and lyme. Not a good season for me and french but I'll be back !

 

[A-Ray]

Was up there Sunday as well. I thought the trails were fantastic. Climbed the longest rockiest hill of my lifetime to the top near the firetower.

 

[92gli]

Was up there Sunday as well. I thought the trails were fantastic. Climbed the longest rockiest hill of my lifetime to the top near the firetower.

I hate that climb. But the trail on the other side with all the step-downs is worth it. :thumbsup: