The trail is closed for the summer.
Having finally cleared the old trail and added several new sections to replace what the firefighting bulldozer destroyed, there are only two issues which limit the use of it. The first I have already grumbled about: ticks and chiggers. They are inactive below 60° F. Given I still have my mountain bike, it was a simple matter of riding, but not walking, since even the most vigorous biting insects can’t jump on a moving bicycle.
But Oklahoma is home to a very vigorous natural breed of poison ivy. Indeed, it’s favored habitat is shaded sandy forest areas. That describes my trail. They, too, are restrained by ambient air temperatures below 60° F, but it’s been above that at night for a few days now. It takes only a small amount of residual moisture from morning dew and the like to feed this nasty stuff. Oh, and it wasn’t harmed by the fire, since the roots are just deep enough to escape the heat.
This morning I was contemplating taking two laps on my mountain bike, but after seeing the sprouts almost pedal height already, I got off the route before completing the first lap. And the stuff is thick in some areas. It’s one thing to wear protective shoes and pants, but you still have to handle those when you remove them and wash them. I’m clumsy enough to make that a risky proposition. Too risky. Barring some unforeseen interposing event, game over.
The trail is closed for the summer.
