Stockdale staging area

Patty says:

Riders used to be able to access the river trail across a dirt bridge across the "Cross Valley Canal" as can be seen in an aerial photo on mapquest. (sorry, I tried to attach to it but can't figure it out.) However, now that they have fixed it for us, the trail is blocked by a gate between the canal and the "Goose Lake Slough" to the north. So now we have to cross a bike/pedestrian bridge to get to the river (which we were told we aren't supposed to ride on). It's actually not a really good idea to ride over this bridge anyway since it makes a blind 90 degree turn on the other side and speeding bikes may not see you in time, so be vigilant! I took some photos that I'll publish in a day or two, there are some really good possibilities at this area, but some definite problems also.

Access, homeless cities, etc.

Damara says:
I have been riding the river from Manor to Allen road(stockdale bridge area right behind River Lakes Park) almost every weekend for the past couple of months. The issues that I have experienced at this time are:
1) The designated horse parking lot and access through the fence on the north side of the river (adjacent to River Lakes Park) has been removed by the construction workers. We have to ride down the canal bank to get in. If they put water back in that canal, we won't be able to access the river anywhere west of that area until you get to Enos lane or East until you get across the street from AAA on truxtun extension. I even tried to park on the west side of the stockdale bridge and hop over to the river, but the whole access area has "no horse" signs everywhere. There are a lot of people with kids in strollers, bikes, dogs that live in that area and they use that side of the river to exercise, they are blocked off and have to walk around the fence (down the canal bank) to get through. I have encountered quite a few school kids who use it as their route home in the afternoon.
2) East side of Coffee Road bridge is impassable without getting into the river, you can not get through when there is water in it. There is quicksand all around-it is impassable. Right now I can get through because it is dry.
3) the area between Coffee Bridge and Manor Bridge is saturated with homeless people who are unhappy to see me. Some cuss at me even though I am on the trail and not going near their "living" areas. Someday, you may read about an unfortunate equestrian in the paper. (Editor note: the sheriff's and police department vigilantly try to clear out these tent cities as they attract a lot of crime, please thank your local authorities for their help and let them know of problems)
4) I do not drink, smoke or litter while riding there. (Ed. this is a response to a comment that some people think equestrians are a bunch of beer drinkers...) I pretty much stay on the north side (opposite the bike trail) the whole way.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Well, we could just grump and complain...or, we could organize.
We have many good equestrians groups in the Kern County Area whose members use the river trail for training and conditioning their horses.

Perhaps these groups could "adopt" a specific area of the trail. Sort of like the clean the roads campaign. A group could identify potential problems and fix it if possible or report it to the appropriate authorities. Then report their results to this blog to let us know how things are going. It is very important to network and find out which authorities can and will help us.

A couple of years ago I made MANY phone calls to county, city, and water authorities to try to get help repairing the horse bridge (missing wood planks, slippery metal, eroding holes on the "white pole" end, etc.) Since the bridge was not built by any of these entities, none would get involved.

Talk to your group, adopt a section and let us know how you are doing.

Also, I would like to thank the anonymous person who has placed some signs along the trail on the south side of the river, east of Rancho Rio (Manor Street). This is a good beginning to identify specific areas. Hopefully we can make a map with these names and furnish the maps to the police and ambulance services. A friend with a broken leg had to wait for an hour while the ambulance service tried to figure out where she was and how to get there. Fortunately, the injury was not more serious or she may have died waiting for help. So if anyone knows the man (I was told he boards at Rancho Rio) who put up the signs, maybe you could get together and draw a map.

Ethel's area

First of all, only experienced riders with calm horses should ride near autos and motorcycles. That being said, there are a couple of areas of concern on the trail near Ethel's (Old Corral Cafe).

As the photos show, there were some yellow poles placed to block vehicles from entering the horse trail. Good idea, but it's time for repairs. Note that the trail has eroded around the base of the poles leaving exposed concrete. A cut in this area of the leg could cause a horse to be laid up for a couple of months, so many riders are going around the outside of the poles.

There is also some barbwire that is laying on the ground, though at this time it's clearly visible, it sure would be nice to have it tightened up.

Horse Bridge

Here are some pictures Marion took of the bridges across the canal. They illustrate some trail problems very well. As you know, the horse bridge is on the left. It's an old railroad flatcar, put in years ago with private money, after the old wooden bridge was torn down when the canal was widened. It has erosion problems at the ends and an open slot in the middle, so you can see the water flowing below.

On the right is the nice solid metal bicycle bridge, with chain link sides, no doubt to keep the bicycles from spooking and falling off. Now I don't begrudge the bicyclists their bridge, but it would be nice to have one just a little better for the horses. There is a second bicycle bridge up by the weirs. It would be helpful to have one there for the horses, too, so riders wouldn't be tempted to sneak across the bicycle bridge.

It seems that there are two attitudes toward the horse trails. One holds that equestrians should not complain about problems, because it is much easier (and cheaper) for authorities to shut down a trail than fix a problem. The other side believes that if no one ever points out problems, nothing ever gets done about them; plus, the authorities figure no one is using the trails and close them to horseback riders anyway.

It seems to me that we need to strike a balance. We don't want to be always complaining, but we do need to let the Powers that Be know that we are there, we do use the trails, and we are willing to be part of the solution, rather than the problem. You've made a good start with your new web site. Keep it up.

Roberta

Koztarr said...

The existing old railroad car bridge was funded by equestrians and public money after the old wooden bridge burned from 4th of July fireworks many, many years ago. Since the new multi use bridge was put in with the completion of the bike trail I now use it instead of the old bridge. I ride over both new bridges and there is no exclusion for horses on either bridge. Riders that are uncomfortable riding over the old bridge should feel free to use the new bridges.

March 30, 2009 10:19 AM

Why I love the river trails

Anonymous said...
My favorite part of the river is between Robertson Stables and Ethel's. On a warm day, I like to ride out on the North side and return on the cooler south side. I hope both sides will remain open forever.
March 27, 2009 3:40 PM

Memories of an open trail

pat said...
Patty, Thanks for starting this blog! We have yet to try the Stockdale Staging area, although we rode in that area for YEARS before it was developed. We are looking forward to riding there again!
March 26, 2009 11:25 AM

update on Stockdale staging area

This is a message from Tammy:

I believe the area you are referring to is at Stockdale and Jewetta. At least that is where the baseball complex is and where I have been riding from. They fixed the road siding today. March 25, 2009. Saw it with my own eyes.

Stockdale Staging Area

The staging area at Stockdale and Allen Road has been reported to have several problems:
1. Unsafe tie-up for horse on 30% grade while tied to horse trailer. (Not conducive to saddling).
2. Unsafe trail along low fence with wire. (the fence is low because they built up the staging area to dump unwanted dirt (hard pack) from the baseball fields.
3. Necessary to ride on sidewalk for a distance.
4. Locked gate by water district and only other access is over pedestrian bridge which we have been told not to use...
Please ride this trail and use this staging areas to give your opinion.
The 1.2 million dollar baseball field will have a grand opening on April 18th so you should plan another day to visit.