Rode through the central loop today just to see how bad it is before we try to get together for another trail day to see if we can clean it up and salvage some autumn riding.
I didn't ride the eastern loop at all, but I know that it was bad when we tried to clean it up last trail day where only a couple guys showed up. This eastern loop might be lost unless we get a serious turn out next upcoming trail day.
The central loop is exactly as reported by other posters on this site -- my arms and legs were shredded from the thorns. When I got out to the wooded section I stopped to pull the thorns that were still stuck in my skin like bee stingers. I think that I freaked out a hiker in the wooded section when I passed him with all the blood on my arms and legs. He must've thought I was nuts.
I think that if we get the sickle mower, one or two regular mowers, loppers and potentially a couple of machetes we can make that central loop safe and comfortable to ride through the leaf-changing season. It would be worth it, because it's a nice ride this time of year.
We would really like to get this cleaned up before we start to work on the phase four in the next weeks. If you are local to this trail and can give a couple hours to help clean it up, private message me, Norm, or Bill and show your support for the trail at the next upcoming trail day. I hope to see you there.