Mystery Bridge

[MikeE]

Looking for opinions...
During the rainy months, the Mystery Bridge becomes quite slippery. I am aware of a number of abrupt and painful “dismounts”. My question is, should the surface of the bridge be covered with some kind of traction surface? If so, what (composite, chicken wire)?

Or maybe the bridge should be left as is, a let only the most skilled of riders attempt to cross.

[Erik A]

It does get slick in the winter, there had been talking about putting down some chicken wire. Even that solution will eventually get filled with mud\dirt then you are left with a slick bridge again. It is better than nothing I suppose.

[Chris King]

When we rode Newberry a few weeks ago I noticed they used what looked to be some type of fish netting. It worked really well.

Hopefully one of the gnomes will speak up on the exact type of material that was used.

[jimba]

I think that bridge is fine and adds a bit of skill. whenever we hit it, it's always just let the bike roll and make no sudden moves. Or roll it with no turns or brakes.

I say leave it.

[Chelsea McMahon]

I've seen many a skilled rider fly off that bridge. Someone just in front of me did it a couple of weeks ago, flying through the air and managing to make serious contact with either the bridge or bike before flying into a foot of water. I got off my bike at that point to walk across, and it was so slick I could barely manage that. I vote that we figure out something that can make it fun for the majority and not just for the few who happen to get lucky and make it across.

Chelsea

[Brian Crowley]

Take a chainsaw and cross-hatch the surface. The grooves don't have to be deep, just need plenty of them to rough up the surface and keep bike wheels from sliding.

Another alternative is to use rough split cedar like we used at Paradise. We found downed logs and cut/split them. Again takes more time/effort than just tacking some chicken wire on, but it's a superior solution that will last for years.

Chicken wire, roofing shingles, etc. will break down after a season or two and end up as trash in the woods. Best to do the job right the first time even if it takes more effort.


JMHO.