Snow removal on bike trail

[jing1126]

Days after the December 15 snow, the capital Crescent Trail is still covered by patches of snow and ice. I'm wondering if anyone knows who to call to complain about the lack of snow removal on bike trails. In summer time, the trail is sometimes blocked by fallen trees. They usually removed within a day or so. There must be an agency charged with the responsibility of keeping the trails open.

[Tim Kelley]

This might be a good place to start: http://www.cctrail.org/CCT_Contact_US.htm

[PrintError]

I thought they left the trails snowy for the x-country skiiers. At least, that's what I've been told about the W&OD.

[CCrew]

I thought they left the trails snowy for the x-country skiiers. At least, that's what I've been told about the W&OD.

And your info is correct. Thought is that the trails are used by more than us cyclists, and personally I think sharing is a good thing, especially considering when it comes to snow it's not all that much time out of the year.

[jwfisher3]

If you review last year's discussion on the Capital Crescent Trail Coalition's website (www.cctrail.org) you'll note that both Montgomery County Department of Parks/Rec and the National Park Service (responsible for the DC section) respond that there are insufficient resources in today's increasingly austere fiscal climate to devote personnel and equipment to clear the trail. Some of us actually resorted to clearing obdurate sections of the Trail ourselves last winter, when the remains of the Blizzards of December and February took weeks (yes, weeks) to melt to bare pavement. I'd suggest studded tires for your commuter bike, and a sense of humor. . . .

[PrintError]

I second that. Studded tires are incredible tools. During last year's triple-blizzard winter, I worked at one of those unfortunate jobs where I was REQUIRED to be at work. Since I commute full time by bike, this was no problem. Studded tires were already mounted and ready to go, and I was regularly the only one in my office who was able to get to and from work with ease.

The Friday of the first February blizzard, I didn't get to leave work until 5pm. I rode home in about 6" of snow/ice, and the studded tires were like having a cheat code turned on. I passed stuck SUVs - literally - and made it home in only a few minutes longer than it normally took. The roads I rode were not plowed, and it was one of the greatest adventure rides I've ever been on.

The next week, after blizzard #2, I made it to work on time as usual. Three hours went by until anyone else showed up, and everyone had horror stories about traffic, getting stuck, bad drivers, etc... Everyone except the guy on the bike.

Studded tires. The Konami Code of winter cycling.

[adamx]

its been along time since i've ridden on the CC trail but what i've experienced in the past was the trail was pretty well maintained to the DC/MD line...after the tunnel (direction Bethesda) there is historically no trail maintenance...difference between MD managing the trail and US Park Service...i think.