HERB PARSONS BRIDGE BUILDING PREPERATION

[BHopper]

I have this posted on the JMR FB site and there will be a few of us out there to help. Others will be @ Spa City this weekend but will be able to support the following weekend.

[muddymatt]

Thanks Hopper.

The more we have the faster we get done.
We will detrmine plans Sunday for the following weekends work schedules.

There will be Bridge building to do, general trail maintenance on some of the poorer drainage spots and overall sprucing up of the course over the next 4 weekends.

[Mark T]

I'll try to make it out Sunday after Church.....

[Brad C]

Thanks to everyone who turned out to help load in the bridge building supplies. We have 11 names on the sign in sheet. Everyone was amazed at how quickly we were able to get the supplies to the work sites. It all hinges on how many trail loving people show up. As the English writer John Heywood stated "Many hands make light work." And there were fresh grilled burgers and "frosty beverages" after.

Up to now MSTA has spent $533.94 on materials. A little more remains to be purchased. The lunch supplies from Kroger were another $94.18, for a total to date on this project of $628.12. Yet the only out of pocket expense any one person has borne is their modest MSTA dues. This is your MSTA $$$ at work. We need your support to continue these necessary trail projects.

For those who have commitments on Sunday mornings, the building phase will be next Saturday, March 23. Starting at the same 9:00, from the same trail entrance on Lakeview Drive. More will be posted very soon.

[SteveK]

Great work party! Thanks everyone, I hope we can finish next Saturday.

[herlsy]

I plan on setting aside some time for next weekend, is it best to be on foot or should i bike in? Also let me know i i should bring any tools or supplies such as screws/bolts etc, i can pick some up.

[Brad C]

Since this day was to bring in lumber, it was all hike in. For the building day it probably will be a mixture. We will have some supplies to haul in but it is also possible to bike to the sites. If you are bringing tools biking in could be difficult. The sites are not far from the road.

MSTA will shop for the hardware and fasteners needed. Tools are needed for sure. We have to dig some holes so a pic, Pulaski, adz hoe, or shovel will be useful. Screw guns (aka drills) are needed to put everything together. MSTA will have some of the special hand tools and a generator for charging battery powered tools. Best thing to bring is a willing spirit to help maintain and improve the trails we ride.

[SteveK]

Best thing to bring is a willing spirit to help maintain and improve the trails we ride.

Well said Brad, anyone and everyone who has ever helped with trail work has had exactly that.

Some of the best people I have ever met was while doing trail work.

[muddymatt]

Thanks to everyone who helped out yesterday.
As Brad and Steve have already said, when we have manpower, we can move a lot of stuff quickly.
Thanks for cooking Brad!! AND Thanks for the DR, Steve that thing makes life easier.
Now we just get to finish the projects.

[goochy]

Sorry could not come BUT I did join MSTA ! Maybe we should have a " Donate " button , or link so members can donate a few bucks to help out now and then .

[Brad C]

I've thought about donate buttons too. We have set up donations for specific items but not as buttons. Just send to our email at PayPal. Did not have enough time for everything while fully employed. Now that I am retired I can't figure out how I had time for a full time job.

I've been slowly revamping the web site one page at a time. I am going to set up one page for all purchases using the PayPal shopping cart. That page will have donate buttons.

Thanks for joining up.

[BHopper]

If I could happen to get me hands on a portable auger would it speed up the process any or is the traditional post hole digger the best route?

[Brad C]

The footer holes are rectangular. An auger could be helpful on those to break up the dirt. Just have to be careful not to go deeper than needed because the bottom of the hole should be undisturbed soil.

One bridge does have a support in the creek and an auger rather than a PhD would be great for that. We are using 4x6 for the support to size the auger.

[SteveK]

A portable auger would be great!

[muddymatt]

Power tools are always welcome