N2Dirt

What do you think of when you come across an old abandoned mineshaft? A lot of people think of adventure, the old west, prospecting 49ers, gold and riches and the exciting treasure hunting of “Indiana Jones”. But the lucky ones that encounter abandoned mineshafts are actually the ones that walk away, or can walk away.

This past weekend we were doing a trail work party on our adopted trail in the Kennedy Meadows area. The weekend was perfect, except to for thought provoking questions that came up.

The California Desert Advisory Committee met for the first time in 2004 on October 23, 2004 in Needles, California. As I listened to all these council members from so many diverse groups, it became very apparent that my main article this month deals with threats to our sport.

...So what do we have to do? We have such an influx of riders on our public lands that it is becoming very evident, that everyone reading this needs to get the word out that we have to use common sense when we go riding.

What do I mean by this?

The OHV area of Spangler Hills is set in the beautiful remote Mojave Desert, yet only miles from the community of Ridgecrest. A historic mining area, the landscape is dotted with mine shafts and historic structures throughout the region. A beautiful desert landscape, but pay close attention and do not under estimate the dangers posed by the mineshafts.

What a fantastic day we had. In three hours our volunteers hardened a creek crossing that needed some help after the winter snow melt. By placing concrete grid blocks across the creek, it gives a stable surface for motorcycles, mountain bikes and hikers to cross without disturbing the creek bottom or sides to the creek bed.