A friend of mine who was back home riding the other weekend said that there was a sign talking about erosion on Ballard trail. Is the trail in danger of being closed or something? he couldn't remember what the sign said. Anyone know anything about this? Thanks.

Yup, it says that if people don't start staying on the trail it will be closed. Unfortunately people that can't / won't ride the bad parts won't just swallow their pride and walk. Instead they are avoiding the sections by going around them and causing them to widen and erode. It sucks, Ballard (Mystery) Trail is one of the best.

Next time I'm there I will try to remember to take a picture of the sign.

Maybe a little trail work to block off those "cheater sections" is in order. I know that there's a group that does it. They closed of a section of teaberry and built a longer section around it. Like I said, if I was out there, I would be happy to lead it even if I was the only one to show up. IF I do get to move back next year (if that job I interviewed in Charleston is offered to me) I'll talk with John about that idea.