Author: Phil Epstein

Posted on

Election Day Evening Trail Run @ Redland M.S.

Well, folks, I vote for getting muddy out in the woods Tuesday night. Just like we always do. Come join us, after you cast your vote, for a bi-partisan night on the trails. Guaranteed to be no mention of politics. The most divisive issue we will face is whether to do the Upper or Lower Trail first. There is always a debate about this but I, Coach Phil, as the supreme ruler of the Tuesday Night Run will cast the final ballot on our… direction. What? You thought Tuesday Trails was a democracy? HaHa, think again!

Here are the details:

Address: Redland Middle School 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd. Derwood, MD 20855 (Go around to the right behind the school)
Coordinates: 39.140231, -77.130656
Time: 6:30 (6:15 for warmup)
Course: Counter-Clockwise, Lower Trail first

Other Important Stuff:

*** Hey Muddy Shoes peeps. It’s time to RSVP for the Phourth Annual Phantastic Phall Phat Ass. Can you believe it’s been PHOUR years!?? Please let me know if you are running. Also let me know if you can volunteer!! https://mymuddyshoes.org/…/3rd-annual-phantastic-phall-phat…/

*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!

OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy Shoes

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Stone Mill 50 Mile Course Preview Run #3 – Saturday 27 October

Yo Stone Millers,
Gonna see who is tough this weekend. Weather folks are forecasting a bit of ducky weather…chilly, rainy and raw. Hmm…I know some ducks that might opt to stay home in the warmth of their humble homes getting weaker…and weaker. Whereas you bad-asses will be out tackling the Stone Mill Course Preview #3! Gotta tell ya, you don’t know what Mother Nature is going to throw at you on race day so it gives you a leg up if you train in crap. I always say ‘the more crap you run through the less crap will affect you.’ So, your call…be weak and timid and eff up on race day if its rainy and cold or be a bad-ass who can run through anything and everything. I know what I’m choosing…C U on the trails!
This week we will again meet at Pennyfield Lock where we met last week.. This week we will head up the canal to Riley’s Lock to the start of the Greenway by THE Stone Mill (it’ll be on your left). Then we will head up the Greenway to Rt. 28 and turn around there. Should be 20-ish miles round trip. Those wishing to go shorter can turn around where ever.
Here are some things:
1) We are accepting donations for these runs. $5 suggested but we also accept loose change from under your car seat (just pick out the old Cheetos and dog hair, please)
2) Course will not be flagged. Good exercise in self-reliance on the trails. Besides no one ever gets lost , they just do extra miles, right?
3) We’ll have water out on the course. Probably at Berryville Road
4) We provide light snackeroos at the finish. Feel free to bring something to share if you want. Trail dogs like to eat. That’s a fact!
5) You don’t have to be doing Stone Mill to participate in these course previews. All are welcome (except whiners, rabble-rousers and malcontents)
Here are the details:
Location: Pennyfield Lock, 12100-12226 Pennyfield Lock Rd Potomac, MD 20854 (When you get to the canal go all the way to your left. Carpool if you can to conserve space.
Coords: 39.054886, -77.290206
Time: 0730
The rest of preview runs can be found on the Stone Mill Race page here (if you want to read ahead) https://stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/
*** Time to SIGN UP!! The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass will be Sunday 11 November (Veterans Day!). There will be a Half Marathon and 10K option. Great after party too! This also is a great taper run for the Stone Mill 50 Miler the following weekend. Race Director Robin Sheperd puts on a great event. Here is the link https://mymuddyshoes.org/…/3rd-annual-phantastic-phall-pha…/…
*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!
OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy Shoes
Posted on

Tuesday Night Time Trail Run @ Redland M.S.

OK, Tree-Smackers,
Time is running out for getting some night trail running to prep for starting a race in the dark (i.e. Stone Mill). Running in the woods in the dark with a headlamp takes a little getting used to but it is exhilarating. No one else you know would even think of doing it (maybe rightly so) but seriously, it…is…a…blast! We have way fewer falls then when we run in daylight and there are all sorts of distractions. Don’t knock it ’til ya tried it!
OK details for Tuesday Evening:
Details:
Address: Redland Middle School 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd. Derwood, MD 20855 (Go around to the right behind the school)
Coordinates: 39.140231, -77.130656
Time: 6:30 (6:15 for warmup)
Course:Counter-clockwise, Lower Trail first
Other Important Stuff:
*** Stone Millers! In agreement with Sir Barry Hauptman (Stone Mill Race Director extroadinaire) Muddy Shoes will be hosting and sponsoring the Stone Mill Course Preview Runs in the month of October leading up to the race. Over the span of four weekends we will hold preview runs on different sections of the course eventually covering every inch of it. Great way to learn what is coming at ya. Aid will be provided and donations will be accepted 🙂 Also looking for volunteers to help pull these runs off (flagging, putting aid out, etc.) For more info and map check out the Stone Mill 50 website:
https://www.stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/
Dates for the runs
Preview Run #1 – 13 October – DONE
Preview Run #2 – 20 October – DONE
Preview Run #3 – 27 October
Preview Run #4 – 3 November
All runs on Saturday, all start at 0730.
Locations will be posted.
*** Time for a Robin special. Join us Wednesday night for more fun in the dark. This time without headlamps. Just the light of the full moon! Not your moons…puh-leez! Just the one up in the sky above! Here is the link for more info https://mymuddyshoes.org/full-moon-hike-run-10-23/?fbclid=IwAR1MtfcwNPQA2GlzdStThXEQfIKHdhRDULVzAxSYhwWsumGf4jURyeHJIfM
C U there!
*** Hey Muddy Shoes peeps. It’s time to RSVP for the Phourth Annual Phantastic Phall Phat Ass. Can you believe it’s been PHOUR years!?? Please let me know if you are running. Also let me know if you can volunteer!! https://mymuddyshoes.org/…/3rd-annual-phantastic-phall-phat…/
*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!
OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy Shoes
Posted on

Stone Mill 50 Miler Course Preview #2 – Saturday October 20th @ Pennyfield Lock

Hey Stone Millers and Other Assorted Trail Critters,

It’s time for #2! Um…not THAT number two…hopefully…although SH*% happens…TMI…but I digress. I’m talking about Stone Mill Course Preview #2! Come on out and get a look-see at what you’ll be facing on race day. Never hurts to get a gander at what is coming your way on a course. The more you know, the more you can plan your race day strategy.

This week we’ll be doing an out-n-back starting at Pennyfield Lock and hit…ting the Muddy Branch section of the course (Miles 15 – 24 of actual race). Total distance is 18-ish but do a shorter distance if you’d like. All runners are welcome.

Here are some things:

1) We are accepting donations for these runs. $5 suggested but we also accept loose change from under your car seat (just pick out the old Cheetos and dog hair, please)

2) Course will not be flagged. Good exercise in self-reliance on the trails. Besides no one ever gets lost , they just do extra miles, right?

3) We’ll have water out on the course. Probably at Turkey Foot Road.

4) We provide light snackeroos at the finish. Feel free to bring something to share if you want. Trail dogs like to eat. That’s a fact!

5) You don’t have to be doing Stone Mill to participate in these course previews. All are welcome (except whiners, rabble-rousers and malcontents)

Here are the details:

Location: Pennyfield Lock, 12100-12226 Pennyfield Lock Rd Potomac, MD 20854 (When you get to the canal go all the way to your left. Carpool if you can to conserve space.
Coords: 39.054886, -77.290206
Time: 0730

The rest of preview runs can be found on the Stone Mill Race page here (if you want to read ahead) https://stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/

*** Time to SIGN UP!! The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass will be Sunday 11 November (Veterans Day!). There will be a Half Marathon and 10K option. Great after party too! This also is a great taper run for the Stone Mill 50 Miler the following weekend. Race Director Robin Sheperd puts on a great event. Here is the link https://mymuddyshoes.org/…/3rd-annual-phantastic-phall-pha…/…

*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!

OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy Shoes XO

Posted on

Outta the Way Tuesday Evening Trails

 

Hey Trail Dogs,

The Outta the Way Cafe called. They wonder where we’ve been! So here’s the plan – first we run , then we eat and chitty-chat about…what else…RUNNING! Good night to hear stories about recent accomplishments…Trilogy-West Virginia, Needwood 10K, R2R2R, etc…

…

So, quick note – anyone who is doing a race this fall or winter that will start or end in the dark needs to learn how to run in the dark. It takes some getting used to. And what better way then to try yer luck in the dark with some other like-minded nutcakes from Muddy Shoes?

We do this every Tuesday! Here are the details:

Details:

Address: Redland Middle School 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd. Derwood, MD 20855 (Go around to the right behind the school)
Coordinates: 39.140231, -77.130656
Time: 6:30 (6:15 for warmup)
Course:Clock-wise, Upper Trail first

Other Important Stuff:

*** Stone Millers! In agreement with Sir Barry Hauptman (Stone Mill Race Director extroadinaire) Muddy Shoes will be hosting and sponsoring the Stone Mill Course Preview Runs in the month of October leading up to the race. Over the span of four weekends we will hold preview runs on different sections of the course eventually covering every inch of it. Great way to learn what is coming at ya. Aid will be provided and donations will be accepted Also looking for volunteers to help pull these runs off (flagging, putting aid out, etc.) For more info and map check out the Stone Mill 50 website:

https://www.stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/

Dates for the runs

Preview Run #1 – 13 October – DONE
Preview Run #2 – 20 October
Preview Run #3 – 27 October
Preview Run #4 – 3 November

All runs on Saturday, all start at 0730.

Locations will be posted.

*** Hey Muddy Shoes peeps. It’s time to RSVP for the Phourth Annual Phantastic Phall Phat Ass. Can you believe it’s been PHOUR years!?? Please let me know if you are running. Also let me know if you can volunteer!! https://mymuddyshoes.org/…/3rd-annual-phantastic-phall-phat…/

*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!

OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy Shoes

Posted on

Tuesday Evening Trails @ Redland – Trails Are Open!

Hey Trail Dogs,
MoCo trails are open for business and our business is pounding single-track…in the dark! Yowza! BTW, if any of you have an event coming up such as Stone Mill or Devil Dog (the race not the delectable crème-filled devils food cake snack…drool) then you will be starting and possibly finishing your event in the dark on trails. Takes a little getting used to and our Tuesday and Thursday night runs are a great way to get some night running under your belt. And, besides, its fun to see what goes on at night on the trails. If you’ve never seen glowing deer eyes staring back at ya from the side of the trail you are in for a treat. Soooooo, c’mon out, strap on a headlamp and hit the night trails with Muddy Shoes!
Details:
Address: Redland Middle School 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd. Derwood, MD 20855 (Go around to the right behind the school)
Coordinates: 39.140231, -77.130656
Time: 6:30 (6:15 for warmup)
Course:Clock-wise, Upper Trail first
Other Important Stuff:
*** NOTE THIS WEEKEND – No Scheduled Saturday Run. Two things, first this is the weekend of the MoCo Epic Off-Road bike event. They use almost every trail for this event. We need to give them room and not have a big group of runners hogging the trails. No problem being out there in groups of 2-3 folks on your own. Second, I am out of town. So there, you will be on your own to run as you please.
*** Stone Millers! In agreement with Sir Barry Hauptman (Stone Mill Race Director extroadinaire) Muddy Shoes will be hosting and sponsoring the Stone Mill Course Preview Runs in the month of October leading up to the race. Over the span of four weekends we will hold preview runs on different sections of the course eventually covering every inch of it. Great way to learn what is coming at ya. Aid will be provided and donations will be accepted 🙂 Also looking for volunteers to help pull these runs off (flagging, putting aid out, etc.) For more info and map check out the Stone Mill 50 website:
https://www.stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/
Dates for the runs
Preview Run #1 – 13 October
Preview Run #2 – 20 October
Preview Run #3 – 27 October
Preview Run #4 – 3 November
All runs on Saturday, all start at 0730.
Locations will be posted.
*** Mark your calendars! The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass will be Sunday 11 November (Veterans Day!). There will be a Half Marathon and 10K option. Great after party too! This also is a great taper run for the Stone Mill 50 Miler the following weekend. Race Director Robin Sheperd puts on a great event.
*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!
OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy Shoes
Posted on

Saturday ‘Muddy Is As Muddy Does’ Trail Run

Hey Folks,

So, the MoCo trails are supposed to open at Noon today after being closed all week (DO NOT get me started on this!). Even though rain is gone I want to stay out of that jurisdiction this weekend. Sooooooo, we will hit some state trails which have been open all week! This weeks choice…drum roll, please… Lower Greenway North to infinity! We will park at the trail head on Seneca Road (right off River across the creek from Poole’s …Store where Jill has the Wednesday Evening Group meet). The Greenway is a state trail from there up to the North end of Seneca Creek State Park where it becomes part of the MoCo trail system (raise your hand if you knew that?). It will be muddy and it will be wet – in other words, perfect conditions! However, there will be a big round bright object in the sky. Don’t look directly at it. It is called the sun. Enjoy!

Details:

Location: Seneca Road Greenway Trail Head (plenty of parking along side of road)
Coords: 39°04’45.6″N 77°20’06.5″W
39.079338, -77.335128
Time: 0730
Course: Greenway North as far as you want to go.

Other Important Stuff:

*** Stone Millers! In agreement with Sir Barry Hauptman (Stone Mill Race Director extroadinaire) Muddy Shoes will be hosting and sponsoring the Stone Mill Course Preview Runs in the month of October leading up to the race. Over the span of four weekends we will hold preview runs on different sections of the course eventually covering every inch of it. Great way to learn what is coming at ya. Aid will be provided and donations will be accepted Also looking for volunteers to help pull these runs off (flagging, putting aid out, etc.) For more info and map check out the Stone Mill 50 website:

https://www.stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/

Dates for the runs

Preview Run #1 – 13 October
Preview Run #2 – 20 October
Preview Run #3 – 27 October
Preview Run #4 – 3 November

All runs on Saturday, all start at 0730.

Locations will be posted.

*** Mark your calendars! The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass will be Sunday 11 November (Veterans Day!). There will be a Half Marathon and 10K option. Great after party too! This also is a great taper run for the Stone Mill 50 Miler the following weekend. Race Director Robin Sheperd puts on a great event.

*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!

OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy ‘Muddy’ Shoes …thats redundant!

Posted on

Tuesday Night Light Run @ Redland M.S. (New Location!)

*Bring headlamp or handheld light*

Time to move to Winter quarters, Folks! We’ll also celebrate the end of summer (and good riddance to it!) after the run at the Outta the Way Cafe for a beer/burger. Join us!

So as the law has it we can’t be at Needwood after dark and it gets dark early now. Once again ,as the birds get ready to fly south and the leaves are getting ready to jump off the trees, we trail runners move to our Fall/Winter venue. Now, be aware…, this is also the start of one of the coolest kind of run you can do – at night, in the woods, in the dark… with a headlamp. I know most folks think it is nuts but, well, a lot about trail running is nuts. Thats why we do it! Night running is actually safer. Defies logic but 1) you naturally run slower and 2) your headlamp provides you with a cone of light that is easy to focus on. No visual distractions to throw you off. It is however, extremely exhilarating. Give it a try and you’ll be hooked.

Details:

Address: Redland Middle School 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd. Derwood, MD 20855
Coordinates: 39.140231, -77.130656
Time: 6:30 (6:15 for warmup)
Course: I’ll explain it when we get there!

Other Important Stuff:

*** This weekend we are having our 2nd Annual Phat Cat Run up in the Catoctins on Sunday. Please sign up if you plan on attending. Check out the link here: https://mymuddyshoes.org/calend…/1st-annual-phat-cat-run-923/

*** Stone Millers! In agreement with Sir Barry Hauptman (Stone Mill Race Director extroadinaire) Muddy Shoes will be hosting and sponsoring the Stone Mill Course Preview Runs in the month of October leading up to the race. Over the span of four weekends we will hold preview runs on different sections of the course eventually covering every inch of it. Great way to learn what is coming at ya. Aid will be provided and donations will be accepted Also looking for volunteers to help pull these runs off (flagging, putting aid out, etc.) For more info and map check out the Stone Mill 50 website:

https://www.stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/

Dates for the runs

Preview Run #1 – 13 October
Preview Run #2 – 20 October
Preview Run #3 – 27 October
Preview Run #4 – 3 November

All runs on Saturday, all start at 0730.

Locations will be posted.

*** Mark your calendars! The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass will be Sunday 11 November (Veterans Day!). There will be a Half Marathon and 10K option. Great after party too! This also is a great taper run for the Stone Mill 50 Miler the following weekend. Race Director Robin Sheperd puts on a great event.

*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!

OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy ‘Muddy’ Shoes …thats redundant!

Posted on

No Saturday Run – Trails Closed Cuz Mud – Other Options Below

Well, Muddy Shoozers, looks like MoCo trails are still still closed this weekend so we will not have an organized run. Sadness, I know, but as good trail stewards we have to abide by the Maryland National Parks and Planning Commission directives whether we agree with them or not. Many races and events have been cancelled already this weekend not just in our hood (MCRRC Needwood XC 10k) but in Virginia (VHTRC Women’s Half Marathon) as well. So we are not alone.

There are a couple of alternatives that you might want to consider so you can get your bad-ass out to slap yer stinkin’ doggies on some single-track.

1) Rick’s Run 5.22 Mile Trail Run and Ultra Challenge – Sunday 16 September 0830 – This is where I will be heading to get my miles in. It is held up in Boonsboro, MD at Greenbrier State Park. Several folks have done this before and I have heard good reports (Hot showers available afterwards!). It does cost some bucks to register on race day but all goes to a good cause. Print off attached parking pass. Check out the link here: https://www.rickstrailrun.com/

2) XTerra Fall Backyard Burn Series Race #1 @Pohick Bay, Sunday 16 September 0900 – As of this morning they are still good to go but will announce final decision later today. This has a 5 or 10 mile option and also cost $. Here is the link – https://www.ex2adventures.com/…/fall-…/fbyb-pohick-bay-park/

If anyone has info on either of these events to share or knows of other ‘sanctioned’ options for this weekend please add to post.

Other Important Stuff:

*** Location Change a comin’ for Tuesday Evening Runs:

Time to move to Winter quarters. I know we are still sweatin our butts off but night time falls upon us earlier and we can’t be in Needwood after the sun goes down which is earlier now a days. So we will be meeting up starting this week at Redland Middle School to hit the Redland Trails until Spring brings us light again. You WILL need a headlamp! Watch for announcement on Tuesday morning.

*** Stone Millers! In agreement with Sir Barry Hauptman (Stone Mill Race Director extroadinaire) Muddy Shoes will be hosting and sponsoring the Stone Mill Course Preview Runs in the month of October leading up to the race. Over the span of four weekends we will hold preview runs on different sections of the course eventually covering every inch of it. Great way to learn what is coming at ya. Aid will be provided and donations will be accepted Also looking for volunteers to help pull these runs off (flagging, putting aid out, etc.) For more info and map check out the Stone Mill 50 website:

https://www.stone-mill-50-mile.org/course-training-runs/

Dates for the runs

Preview Run #1 – 13 October
Preview Run #2 – 20 October
Preview Run #3 – 27 October
Preview Run #4 – 3 November

All runs on Saturday, all start at 0730.

Locations will be posted.

*** Mark your calendars! The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass will be Sunday 11 November (Veterans Day!). There will be a Half Marathon and 10K option. Great after party too! This also is a great taper run for the Stone Mill 50 Miler the following weekend. Race Director Robin Sheperd puts on a great event.

*** Check out our Muddy Shoes merch! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and magnets/stickers ($1). They are going fast! Get yours from Robin (Hats), Phil (Hats, Buffs, Magnets/stickers) or Mike Chau (Buffs and magnets/stickers ($1). ). US Dollars only!

OK C U there!
Cheers,
Muddy ‘Muddy’ Shoes …thats redundant!

Posted on

My thoughts on MNPPC county-wide, comprehensive natural surface trail closures.

(From Coach Phil)
As many of you are aware the MNPPC has issued a closure of all natural surface trails in Montgomery County until further notice. The blanket county-wide trail closures we are experiencing are a policy that I have personally only seen instituted this year, specifically, this summer. I have to believe, and I have nothing but a gut instinct here, that this is due to the exponential and expanding increase in trail use by mountain bikes (I know, here comes the darts).
I have no intent disparage the MB community because many trail runners participate in this activity as well and they have every right to use county resources. In addition the MB organizations do A LOT of volunteering and do a lot to maintain the trail system. In fact, many MB groups issue voluntary notices asking riders to keep off of muddy, wet trails because of the potential damage that bikes can cause. However, pound-per-pound it is hard to dispute that a human on a bike has a greater impact on a trail than a human on foot. If the county has concerns about ‘trail integrity’ as mentioned in their announcement, they should look at graduated closures (i.e. trails closed to certain set of users based on trail conditions) or closing certain compromised sections of trail rather than a comprehensive closure thus denying access to ALL users. There are just as many, if not more, trails that drain well and are not in low-lying, flood-prone areas as there are trails that do get rendered impassable by flooding or standing water. I observed trails last night that would have supported use by all groups (mountain bikes included) with little to no adverse impact.
The county, in their announcement, cites two reasons to keep people off natural surface trails after excessive rainfall: First is safety. This is baseless unless you close ALL parks and paved bike paths as well. There are no areas that pose more danger because it is natural surface vice paved due to excessive rainfall. One only had to look at the conditions of the Parks Half Marathon Course this past weekend to see that. I have never seen the Parks Dept. close an entire trail system for heavy snowfall, ice storms or excessive wind which pose more of a threat to personal safety than water.
Second, trail use can “adversely affect the integrity of the trails.” The MoCo trail community has been using the trail system for decades, in all conditions, with minimal impact (races being an exception) to the trails or runner safety from excessive rainfall. This has never before been a concern in the 20+ years I have been running on MoCo trails. For some reason it is now an issue. Our running groups are not large and there has never been any overt ‘damage ‘ to the integrity of the trails we run on and no one has ever had their safety compromised by using the trails.
In case you haven’t picked up on it yet this issue touches a nerve for me but this is my take on it. My opinion , not that of tne Muddy Shoes group. I would be interested to know the county’s reasoning behind their decision.
OK, I’m ready for the backlash.