To all that regularly ride the Silver Comet Trail, you probably have noticed how nice the Brushy Mt tunnel is these days. Back last spring Chris Pettit organized some volunteer work parties and we cleaned out the mud and muck with stiff brooms and squeeges (sp?). I am sure you remember how muddy the tunnel was after the big monsoon. It was near impassable. It stayed that way until we cleaned it out.

Well Chris took it to the next level and obtained more volunteer help that included someone that had a bobcat. They have improved drainege all up and down the trail in Paulding and Polk counties and made major improvments to the drainege on the east side of the tunnel preventing water and mud from running back into the tunnel.

Also he took it upon himself to purchase a 4 wheeler and with the help of Jim ( looks like Santa Clause) who rides a Velocraft low racer recumbent, attached a high power blower on the front so they can run up and down the comet blowing leaves, sticks, pine cones, etc off of the trail. All of this is volunteer work done on their own time and expense.

Anyway, Chris has obtained a donation from Ohio Gratings for new grates that will replace the grates on each end of the tunnel. These will be grates that will not sag like the ones currently in place. Donations are needed for the contract work that will be needed to install the new grates. Seems that Pauldinng county will not commit the funds to do this. I am sure times are tough for them as it is for everyone.

If you regularly ride the trail please consider donating something to help pay for this

you can go to

https://atlbike.org/

On the main page there is a donation widget that drops down and you can donate from $20-$250

The donations are tax deductible
the Atlbike Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Georgia non-profit corporation.

If you don't have or don't like paypal, PM me and I can get you an address to mail a donation.


You can also go to
https://webgeek.atlbike.org/blog/cate...r-comet-trail/

to read about the trail blower and the clean up process if you are interested

Thanks
Tom

Thank you for your work!

It has been long time since I've been on the trail, but plan to go back. It is a very special resource. It is heartening to know that folks are stepping up to keep the trail in good shape.

Planning to send donation soon.

Donation sent!

It's amazing how good the trail is these days. The drainage in the tunnel is wonderful - even the day after a heavy rain, the tunnel is almost completely dry - just a bit at the west end. But, more impressive is how clean the trail is along the "maintained" areas. There's barely a leaf or twig on the trail - it's just a delight to ride. I saw Jim heading down the trail with the blower contraption - it's a sight to see, but he's doing some wonderful work.

I haven't been on the SCT in quite a while. I guess I'll have to go check it out.

Hi PW. Haven't seen you on BF in a while. Good to know you're still around.

Hi Ron! I lurk mostly in the Long Distance forum, but check on things here too. Did I see you at REI a month or two ago? Thought I saw me some wolves...

REI? Possibly. I stop by there once or twice a month. Went there this afternoon to get more Hammer gel.

Long distance. Is that something new the Sorella ladies are doing or is it what you are doing? I see you're on the 2011 Sorella Road Team.

Ron, there's a small division of the road team that's the "endurance" team. We're the ones doing the brevets and 24-hour races. Crazy!

I have rode from Marietta to 19.4 marker few weeks ago. This trail is pretty and very very well maintain!