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Ride @ Harmonie State Park

  • Nathan
  • I'M GONNA STAB YOUR HEADS OFF.....WITH MY DICK
  • WWW
« on: Jun 06 12:13 »
I guess it's about time we started a thread for this place.  I went back out there again today with SplitZX and his gf and had a nice ride.  The gnats weren't AS bad as last weekend but they're still a nuisance.  They should be gone in a few more weeks though.

The trails are in great shape and I was feeling a bit braver on some of the fast downhill sections.  I only almost died once.  tip o' the hat  Today was the first time I rode the 1.5 mile Intermediate trail and it was a blast.  Lots of downhill pump sections and banked corners.  I love the dirt out there because you get a ton of grip.  I had the bike leaned over like a MotoGP rider through some of the corners.  wooooo
*The comments above are subject to violent mood swings, irrational prejudices and the fact that I am a miserable bastard.
« Reply #1 on: Jun 06 12:30 »
So, it's been years since I've been to New Harmony.  Where is the trial located in reference to the park, and how much is it to get in?  I might head out there tomorrow if I don't play too much Louisville Chugger tonight.
  • Nathan
  • I'M GONNA STAB YOUR HEADS OFF.....WITH MY DICK
  • WWW
« Reply #2 on: Jun 06 12:35 »
Admission is $5 per car.  The best way to get there is to follow Diamond Ave (Hwy 66) till it T's at Hwy 69 then turn left and head South till you see the sign for the park.  It's maybe 5 miles.  Once you get in the park just follow the main road till you see a sign for Mountain Bike Trail.  It's about 4 miles from the park entrance.

There are 3 trailheads just before the parking area.  On one side of the road there are two (one for the 4 mile loop and one for the 1.5 mile spur.)  Right across the street is the entrance/exit of the 4 mile loop.  I like to start there because the downhills seem more fun.  You can ride it both directions in one day no problem at all.
*The comments above are subject to violent mood swings, irrational prejudices and the fact that I am a miserable bastard.
« Reply #3 on: Jun 06 13:06 »
I'm going to try and ride there Sunday. Not sure what time yet.
aka s13redtop
« Reply #4 on: Jun 06 13:24 »
Had a great time out there today.  It's definitely tops for the area.  Many props to the HMBA guys that did all the work out there.

Once the gnats go away it will be perfect.
« Reply #5 on: Jun 06 18:23 »
Nathan- so you like the trail? Awesome. It's good to hear positives from people... Validation for the time put in.

Everyone remember: advanced section will be in the works in the late fall- and I could use some help scouting, and could use some help maintaining the trails- particularly the gnarly soupy sections...

Yes I'm begging for help. but not much help. Work for an hour and ride the rest of the day....

If you don't know how to IMBA trail build I can show you some basic stuff, rhino work, clinometer, pin flagging, half rule blah blah blah....

anyway: if you find problems, have suggestions, post up. I'd like Harmonie to be a mini Brown County, and there is plenty of land to work with... so get excited about what's going on there, and come out and play everyonce in a while.

-Kyle
« Reply #6 on: Jun 07 15:04 »
These trails are really nice. Started off with the beginner loop clockwise, then out and back on the intermediate. Took a short rest but the swarm of gnats was ridiculous, so went ahead and did the beginner loop counter-clockwise. Thought about doing a 3rd loop, but my stomach disagreed.
I agree with Nathan that clockwise is more fun.

Spotted WashingMyGoat as I was loading up. I think it was his 1st time out there too, so I'm curious to find out what he thought of it.

I'm glad there's finally some good trails close to Mt. Vernon. Scales is fun, but it takes me an hour to get there. Harmonie is close enough that I could get a couple laps in after work during the week. I'm probably going to buy a season pass.
aka s13redtop
« Reply #7 on: Jun 07 15:22 »
Marc and I plan on trying the Harm on the 20th, when they're doing the triathlon at Scales. I hope it's nice, since it'll probably be my home trail in a month or two. BIG UP TO THE VERN
« Reply #8 on: Jun 07 16:10 »
The gnats are a great excuse to keep riding.  I thought it was super nice.  The Beginner trail is super fast and smooth.  I did it twice clockwise, and went back and forth on the Intermediate, which was also awesome.  I love how you can just keep pedaling pretty much the whole time.  It's perfect for a hardtail bike like mine, and the speed and technical stuff is my favorite type of riding more so than jumps.

Also, I heard that a season pass gets you into any state park, including Brown County, if anyone was on the fence about getting one.  The drive from where I live was about the same as going to Scales, but the highways are so much nicer.  I'll still go to Scales, but it's great to have alternatives, and even at this beginning stage Harmonie is pretty neat.
« Reply #9 on: Jun 07 21:45 »
State Park pass is $36 per year. Applies to all state parks.

If one were to attend build days and play more of a role in Harmonie development I can recommend you to park mgt that you get in for free.

-Kyle
« Reply #10 on: Jun 09 18:34 »
Quote from: Kyle on Jun 06 18:23
Everyone remember: advanced section will be in the works in the late fall- and I could use some help scouting, and could use some help maintaining the trails- particularly the gnarly soupy sections...

I am currently unemployed, so if there will be a time in the near future when you are going out there to do some work, let me know.  Hope I am too busy with a job to help in the fall. toot
« Reply #11 on: Jun 10 19:33 »
I hope you are employed too man that sucks.... If employment doesn't find you and if you might find the work interesting.... There's always EMS. EMT certs are relatively easy to come by....

I don't plan on doing any scouting till the leaves are gone.... Probably late november... however I'll gather topo maps and check out Alex's pre planning (avail on AlexMTBsmugmug pic page....

FYI to all... When Alex comes back and begins work.. They will pay, 12-13 an hour if one were to come out relatively often.
« Reply #12 on: Jun 17 14:31 »
Hey, if you've been out the Harmonie to ride after a rain, how quickly does the trail dry out?  I am hoping we will stay relatively dry for the next day or so and I can get out there Friday morning.  Anyone think it's a bad idea to go out there for the first time solo?
« Reply #13 on: Jun 17 14:51 »
Quote from: Germania Manwhore on Jun 17 14:31
Hey, if you've been out the Harmonie to ride after a rain, how quickly does the trail dry out?  I am hoping we will stay relatively dry for the next day or so and I can get out there Friday morning.  Anyone think it's a bad idea to go out there for the first time solo?
Don't know how fast they dry out, but the trails are easy. There aren't any jumps, drops or steep hills like Scales.
aka s13redtop
« Reply #14 on: Jun 17 17:40 »
I've heard someone out there that they should dry up in about 12 hours depending on the amount of rain and temp.  I rode last Sunday after it had rained pretty hard during the week, and there were no puddles and the dirt was just a little tacky, so it dries up really well.
« Reply #15 on: Jun 17 18:36 »
Thanks for the info.  I plan on going out there Friday morning, weather permitting.  If anyone cares to join me, let me know.
« Reply #16 on: Jun 18 08:46 »
I would love to go, I may have to work a halfday (8-12) depending on what I can finish today.

If needed would you postpone until 1 or so.
« Reply #17 on: Jun 18 10:56 »
Normally, I would.  But, with them talking about it being 97 tomorrow, I would rather get out in the morning and get a ride done.  Hot, humid air and a fat, out of shape guy with athzma, don't mix.
« Reply #18 on: Jun 18 11:33 »
Quote from: Germania Manwhore on Jun 18 10:56
Hot, humid air and a fat, out of shape guy with athzma, don't mix.

You are going to die. Or puke, one of the two.  GO BACK TO MY HOUSE WE'RE PLAYING WII ALL NI--BLARGH
« Reply #19 on: Jun 18 11:48 »
harmonie is a good trail for anyone, its fun from beginner to advanced unless you have to brag about only riding at the hardest trail around here.

I should be able to get the entire day off, and I live on N. Main which is a pretty easy drive to harmonie, so what time do you plan on getting there?
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