The recreational trail system linking Presque Isle and Washburn will be open for ATVs beginning this weekend.
“This is the announcement that riders have been waiting for. The past few days we have been talking with the Star City ATV Club and both clubs have decided to open the Presque Isle and Washburn trails on Saturday, May 24 — Memorial Day weekend,” noted Roger Hewitt, president of the Washburn ATV Club, on the organization’s Facebook page.
Hewitt had advice for those venturing out on the trails.
“We would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable 2014 season. We want to remind you of a few safety tips,” Hewitt said. Tips include:
• Anyone under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet;
• Drive at a reasonable speed;
• Use headlights, especially on those dusty days;
• When approaching oncoming ATVers, bicyclists and hikers, please stay safely to the right and lower your speed to make less dust, and signal if there are any ATVers behind you in your group so they can be on the lookout;
• Stay on marked trails; and
• Let someone know where you plan to ride and at approximately what time you will return.
“By following these few safety tips it will help keep everyone safe and allow all to enjoy the ride,” said the club president.
Riders are urged to reduce speed in residential zones and in other locations that may be marked.
“We also ask that you please help keep the dust down through Washburn and by the Everett Road crossing on Trail 105 when it becomes dusty. A 15-mph speed limit has been posted in town and a 5 mph on a short section by the Everett Road (due to a resident’s health issues),” he said.
“Obey the 15-mph speed zone by the Mill Pond playground. We need to watch for children playing and crossing the trail, especially in that area,” said Hewitt. “We appreciate and thank you for your cooperation.”
Hewitt also noted that the Sinclair club planned to open trails in that area on May 24 as well.
“From Phair Junction to the Egypt Road is closed because of a washout. Egypt Road to Mars Hill is open,” said Dick Howlett, president of the Star City ATV Club.
Washburn club members graded, raked and picked up railroad spikes and plates from Sled Quarters to the Route 164/Washburn Road crossing over the weekend. Members also spread new wood chips at the beginning of the Crouseville Trail last week, then hand-raked the old wood chips on the 105 trail by the Everett Road intersection.
Both clubs were out last weekend working together to make trail repairs, with the goal to have all sections open by May 30.
