April 18, 2004
We would like to thank the 30 or more people who showed up to move another bridge in Middle Run. Ken Robinson has once again proven that with enough people you can move the world. You may remember the "No Name" storm from last year that caused extensive damage in MiddleRun. Because of that storm, two very large bridges were taken out.
Well, last fall the Trailspinners with the help of many moved the first bridge back in record time. Well, it has happened again, Ken had a plan and it worked! Just so you get the picture, the bridge was the "Hiker" bridge at the bottom of the hill by the day use parking lot. This bridge was constructed by the County and was very well constructed (read very HEAVY). The flood broke the bridge from it's original location and floated it down stream some 150 yards.
Well, after much searching, Ken Robinson and Bill Bowen found the bridge and were determined to save it. The idea was to lift this 30 foot long on to rollers and pull it up stream about 50 yards, lift it on to the bank, than lift it on to the support posts. It all sounded so easy (RIGHT). Did I mention the bridge was 30 ft. long with ten 2x12 inch supports!
The volunteers jumped right to work, rigging the bridge for transport. Some 20 souls pulled the bridge right up the creek and onto the bank in about 20 minutes and 20 minutes later it was on the supports. The plan worked so well that many people still do not believe it. You can see how well the plan worked by checking out the pictures below or the picture in the "Local" section of the News Journal on Monday, April 19 (that's right we got press).
The bridge is in place, it sits some 5 feet off the creek, has nice new approach trails and new ramps on each end. This bridge should stand the test of time. Many thanks need to go to Ken Robinson for his planning and organizing this event. Because of Ken, all those who came out and worked can feel a sense ofpride and accomplishment in a job well done. This winter as you are riding over this bridge and the other bridges in Middlerun, take a second and thank Ken and all the volunteers who gave up a Sunday ride day so we all can have NO MORE WET FEET. The Delaware Trail Spinners thank you all for your continued support.
P.S. There is a plan in the works for a bridge over MiddleRun creek, at the bottom of "Church Hill". Stay tuned!!!!
Commentary by Todd Forest. Pictures below are courtesy of Lisa Myerberg. These shots are in chronological order. The last photo shows Bill Bowen and Ken Robinson standing on the finished bridge.