Granite Gorge Keene NH GREENLIGHT

[Titan Bariloni]

well it is official keene is now on it's way to meccaville status

and MA now has a ski slope course semi close

more blah blah soon..

basically awesomeness

[Derek DeCoste]

Great meeting today! The best part is they employ 5 strong backs to do most of the work so it won't interupt the work going on at Otter Brook! They sounds pretty fired up about it.

[Rob Breckenridge]

NICE! I can buy more plastic with all the $ I will be saving on Gas.

[Titan Bariloni]

http://granitegorge.com/trailmap.html

map of the MNT..

The course will start at/near the bunny trail...and somehow loop to main street for that big down hill end shot...

The course will start with 9 holes..2 tees/hole..the course will be "tempish" of sorts until the current finacial future of GG is tweaked.

So DG will be used for stimulus of sorts and a way to draw/start a summer activities program at the mountain

As the future becomes more stable..the evolution of the course will be pushed to a perma 18..and host some more unique shots and perma tee pads/signs

So for now take it for what it is...a great spot to chill check out DG on a MNT...chill at the bar..listen to tunes..etc etc

We hope to have the course all set by mid may..as derek mentioned they have an eager hard working crew to bust this out..

events are planned and some fun stuff later in the summer is planned if a few permits are granted

so lets all support GG and DG in Keene in general..show them DG is awesome and watch this place BOOM!!

Thanks to Derek D for being the DG guy in Keene and getting these places educated on the benefits of DG

More details/pictures as they come in...

Derek lets get a date for an event lined up..give us some time say mid/late summer..and some kinda fall event as well GG&OB combined events

[Titan_Bariloni]

course should be playable by June 1st!!!!!!

be ready to come get ya some MNT golf in SNH..the finishing hole can rival any big downhill shot anywhere in the world!!!..it is cool and you will not have to search for your disc for an hour

[Titan_Bariloni]

next phase begins friday...prepare for a new course soon..they mean business

[Titan_Bariloni]

things are getting real interesting

stay tuned...keene may be the new spot wooooosta who?

[Titan_Bariloni]

http://forums.nefa.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=9476&p=320094#p320094

pics from the soft grand opening

place is gonna be sweet as it matures into an 18 hole course...

downhill bombs are sweeet

[Derek DeCoste]

I got a chance to play GG this morning, and talked to the Ski mountain owner, the work crew, and a mountain biker working on the mtn bike trails. From the conversations I have they are committed to making the course really nice. They are already talking about designing another 9 holes. While I was there they were finishing up some work on the green area on hole 2. They are planning on putting in some "next tee" signs, and working on some of the paths to the holes.

I gotta admit hole 9 is intimidating. Lost one disc to the right, but found 3 others.

The P2P box goes in this week, and they really want to hear suggestions. Also they have discs for sale. I picked up a couple of soft black putters w/ the GG logo on them. Long live Disc golf in Keene.

[Titan_Bariloni]

hole 9 is a beast put it with 45 feet both rounds...kaboooom

Keene DG lives...because of guys like you D

[Titan_Bariloni]

so I spoke with owner in person..and asked afew questions

yeah slow year..are they discouraged naaaaw...they plan to hit em hard next year as he says...

they are happy to be in an adenture with DG..felt out the client base and need a lil redesign to cater to them

9 more baskets will be made this off season..to allow for 18 9 titansgateways/9 homemades

then the layout can be better suited for the average customer

I was discouraged a bit..but after the cono I have new hope that this place may make it through the first tough years

We will get events planned oer Dec..and maybe some cool ideas for formats will spawn up...

anyone is welcome to lend a hand in anyway...

oerall I am satisfied with the first years progress and as Otterbrook and DG in general evolve up there this place willl serve its intended purpose and compliment awesomeness

I urge the surrounding DG'ers to not shrug this under rug...and find some balance to make DG een more awesome over the years in SNH

Thanks

[Derek DeCoste]

Titan let's chat about the redesign. We have been chatting and we'd like to incorporate GG into the birdie bash we are having May 17th. We want to make sure people won't have to pay the extra $5 to get in for the event, but if they have the resturant open they might be more apt to help. Give me a ring!

[Titan_Bariloni]

pm me your number again..funny cuz I was just thinking the other day been awhile since I spoke with D

will try to call ya later once pm received

[Titan_Bariloni]

KDGC,

what do we do about what is going on at this property

let them just fail or try to reconnect to see if they are just ignorant


They didn't listen or follow the advice of seasoned DG'ers
It is seasonable so windows of time are short to change anything as well
The communication from them to the DG world is zero
It is impossible w/o a lift in 9 holes to not have the course play semi uphill.
They have a unique land that the slope is vertical right behind the slopebar,and river in front

The email addy's I have are all failures to send? same as on their website it seems
It is hard to give volunteer work to a place even in finaicial situations that could give something for work done.

ESP when you guys are busting arse down at OB and still have a back nine to install after a long summer of making that front look sweeeet...oh man you guys are gonna shart when you have a complete course..seriously..any of you seen the layout yet? rob should treat you all someday for your hardwork on a trip to see the beaver tail!!!


the property could be a great ALT to OB on many levels
and is actually great land for DG with a full 18 you could mix in more downhill shots/side to side shots making the walk a lil less stressful..

lets face it people who don't like the walk..they are in NH on a ski slope.that is located on a high point already..so that is just where the course is located in the universe

I don't think a smaller venue to fit that players needs can even be filled in that general region..as small parks are jam packed already..thus why the shorts at OB are semi crucial in the overall scheme of things


anyways think about..and maybe this off season they could be approached to see what is the real dealy

[Rob Breckenridge]

played GG a few weeks ago, it was a ghost town and the course was in heinous condition. 2 baskets pulled from original layout now on lower level, which is fine but there is no signage and if I hadn't been familiar with the layout I would have been completely disorientated.

If you can connect with people and make progress I am all for it, I've got my hands full @ Otter Brook but am willing to give support-work to GG if they can get it together.

[Titan_Bariloni]

my head says they are just doomed to fail...of course my heart would always love to see another DG course

[Rob Breckenridge]

agreed.

[Bob Johnson]

I agree also, an Otter Brook / decent GG would make for an awesome 1-2 punch in this area. But the fact is they are not putting in the effort and are ignoring offers to help. With all the work at OB, I am not going to put in any effort at a course that has not put in any effort itself. Its too bad, but I do not have high hopes going forward.

[Titan_Bariloni]

email sent to GG
will let ya know what is going on soon as I do

I urged them to accept input

[Rob Breckenridge]

Agreed, the place has potential, just needs the motivation and consistent effort, would love to see it work for them, (and us)

[Titan_Bariloni]

Spoke with John via email

They still have a positive energy for dg succeeding

A few ideas have been brought forward

I should probably meet with some kdgc members and discuss

[Titan_Bariloni]

spoke with Fred as well

Rob question,

do people have to roll through gated area of OB during season?

an interesting idea has been brought forward

using the cross X ski trail that links to OB kinda right near entrance of OB at bottom of hill on left side of bridge

this would in affect link the courses together

they are kinda ready to add 9 more holes and a possible 19th heading towards the true 19th hole the bar

I exchanged many ideas,thoughts with them
I trust both these courses will thrive in future and have that mecca destination effect once at full potential

edit, I believe OB and GG already have some arrangement in regards to trails
the lift may also be up and running for weekends if design takes us that way

[Titan_Bariloni]

had a great walk through with GG owners

will update later

the future actually looks awesome

you dudes are gonna be lucky serious

[Rob Breckenridge]

I always like how you dream big, hope these thoughts become things.

[Titan_Bariloni]

the mountain is finding its niche
its not ziplines,lift rides or other rec ideas others have modeled success from

at GG its hillclimbs, motorcycle racing and other crazy extreme things

I think this spawns from them having such a vertical grade directly behind lodge and doesn't offer the huge view as others mountains north have

they don't have the big lake or the vast infinite mountains upon mnts view

but they have a sweet river

John says the mnt is a burden they make almost nothing from it, all the $$$ is in those tubes
he also said if he offered ice cream he would be packed, as everywhere he goes icecream joints are filled heck over filled..

he said if he just had an icecream stand with the tube slope he would have millions
I agree ice cream is awesome

ok so the mnt sucks unless you want a near heart attack adventure
mowing grass on a 90 degree angle sucks
with nine holes and huge terrain changes basically up up not much can lessen that walk
running a lift for 4 people a day is not worth it, I agree

so 2 really really old GM's are wise

who will be playing this course? "karl"
what can this course offer that others can't "sully"

the first question was difficult to answer as this project started
cuz keene was starting from scratch and had a unique situation of building OB and all that comes with starting DG in a region mucho task from picking up a stick to running a league

of course the avid DG is always a go to, but 15 avid DG'ers can't sustain a course esp one creating a business from it
and who are also busting arse on another volunteer front

dg'ers from afar will eventually come but now to play nine holes would be lol as options are everywhere and closer

so you try to envision keene,I think athletic young wanting a challenge
the mountain fits that but

the reality is rt9 traffic,children,older people are the demographic
the mnt crushed their souls, heck avid DG'ers griped this hill sucks...I heard it all and some made me lol its like dude its a mnt expect a walk...go to Sunapee and walk to hole 1 that is a real hike

I know what GG can offer that OB can't its obv a bar,shelter,ability to not have rules,

all that said

The MOUNTAIN IS OUT!!!!

that design is being scrapped...and we were at least smart enough to go with what they had and temp baskets till we figured out what will work. the mnt provided a semi easy way to get things started but its not what will succeed

synergywe were missing the mark on that, the concept was there always play off from OB's off course voids as mentioned above
but until fred mentioned the agreement with OB and that Xcountry trail, seeing trail at work day,and then walking trail
it all clicked it was super drrrrrr gear

why be McD's and BK why not give that option to have a bigmac and a whopper with a catwalk of sorts ala the Xcountry trail

the land is flat actually flatter then most DG course but has the feel of a mountain as it has various levels that step up naturally

the plan is now design along trail, drop a tier down to rivers edge where it widens drastically ending nine-12 holes off at this junction of trail crossings that leaves about 2-3 football fields walk to hole 5 OB a nice rivers edge scenic cool walk...

there is already tables at this junction and will be evolved to this super chill area..

then 6-9 holes back to lodge down this newly blazed upper trail about 100-200 feet buffer from lower 9-12 holes ending with that downhill shot you had suggested to them rob...

this will allow for people to play 9 GG...walk play 9-18(in future) and walk trail back finish 9 back towards GG to lodge

IMO this mega loop once done will draw players from abroad as bang for buck is huge and cool scenic adventure to SNH

GG will be having there welder craft baskets....as I explained to John I used to complain this course needs baskets stupid dumb spit outs...now I miss those Flatrock baskets. I told him go semi artsy not uniform people will like..he said grassroots kinda thing exactly

once this model is proven then upgrade and use those to expand a small bunny loop or use for winter night loop

for now they have nine and the first nine should go smooth as they have machines and laborers
the loop back needs some work though

so I suggested just gamble commit as entire project is gamble anyways
dead end there 9 holes at OB for now screw it...I told them most play with friend one could park at OB drive to GG play GG to OB grab car at OB and bring friend back to his car

sounds like pain but anyone who has been there will know it is so close in all reality

then work on back nine leading back to GG

I told them the place needs a DG here sign as first look its like WTF ok where do I go and now what even spray painted cardboard would be better then nothing lol

I was blunt to the point and real with wwhat they need to do

I suggested a sign explaining to people this is what we have feel free to donate 3-5 bucks to cause or not...and on sign this is what we will have soon

then you don't have any BS it is all out there
I said even if the sign says we suck bad right now but we won't in time check it out and next time you come you will see improvements

the KDGC will be free to play at will and bring guest!!!
its not about that 5 bucks really...if they buy a draft and snack hey win
heck someone playing is a win

so summary

MNT sucks
River and Xcountry awesome and flatter
GG and OB connected ummmmm unprecedented
OB + GG = DG win

that is where things are at
I will be reaching out to KDGC crew for anyone who would like to help with design
It will be basic with ability to expand leaving some buffers for that expansion

It will cost me at least a $100 a trip with having to pay her off to go shopping in keene while I get this puzzle together
If I had extra eyes/hands during marking/flagging stage it would save time out there

GG is ready to wheel and deal with anyone who helps this project
a few work days will be formulated for anyone who wants to help....they have machines one hand could scratch the other back here IMO in future

when the evil plan of a major DG course expansion occurred I knew help would be needed
some projects taking longer then others, but what I have learned is no matter how long things take if nobody is chipping away then nothing gets done

Now boom Keene stepped up huge you guys have been awesome example of a club in a new region
Gardner is falling into place and people are stepping up
RFG guy has made his home away from home there
Holtshire is stalemated
other areas along our corridor thriving now, devens wow those peeps off charts and that ugly cousin coggs is now seeing some locals taking things to next level

and soon I suspect next spring I can finally push where my heart truly wants to be west...onto 2 more projects so this neurotic mind of mine can rest

Wendell and then onto the last battle of the war Greenfield
,maybe by then the project 5 mins from house will bet imber harvested lol,

although my old pre kid brain wanted this done 2 years ago lol
my new wise patient post kid brain can still see the light chugga chugga down the track clicky clack

still on pace to relax and play competitive golf as a master accompanied hopefully with a junior

I thank all who have helped with this vision even if they didn't realize they were
esp Rob and Guy those two push me to stay the course!!!!
DG is fortunate to have beast crushing courses

edit..yes long blah blah had to clear brain of a few items into text for future reference

maintaining will be much easier no mowing Guy just stated loves the woods at OB no undergrowth, well same woods at GG except instead of brooks the river!!!

rivers and brooks oh my jelllly

[Rob Breckenridge]

I actually read all of this and it sound pretty good, I'd love to help out on the design and do a walk through. My labor efforts are still going to be primarily focused on getting the back 9 @ OB up and running but I want to support GG in their efforts. New design just sounds smarter and makes sense, although I will miss the Green Monster shot. I have the summer off starting June 22nd-August 20th. Lots of time to work on courses, play tournaments, spend time with family and generally enjoy life, looking forward to all of it. Big thanks for continuing to fan the flames of Granite Gorge, I hope a sustainable decent course and a merging relationship with Otter Brook can happen.

[Titan_Bariloni]

First nine of rivers edge is flagged and ready for a cut this week

They have a Crew ready I just have to find a day this week to go be supervisor

Things are looking great for NH dg

[Rob Breckenridge]

Dippin' the piggies in a river, I know how you roll

[Titan_Bariloni]

That shack at ob may have a new resident soon
Would love to hippy out move the youngin to live on the land

Fight the manby staking land on their so called property
You can't own trees and rivers man nature has no owner

I better stop watching Woodstock documentaries late at night

Plan b would be live in the granite gorge vw bus

Far out

[Titan_Bariloni]

huge workday wed 5/13
plan on crushing first 9 to its knees
there will be GG crew members running saws,chippers and other equipment

anyone curious stop by 8am-till its crushed into submission