New England Mountain Bike Association, CT Chapter

Monday, February 8, 2010

TA Report: Middletown Madness @ Wadsworth State Park

Date of Activity: January 31, 2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Steve Eldredge
Trail Ambassador Email: steveeldr@yahoo.com

Town: Middlefield
Location: Wadsworth State Park
Trail(s) a bunch; Orange, yellow

How did you use the trail: biking
What was the time of day: 1p.m to 3:p.m.
Duration (Hours): 2 hours
Distance (Miles): no idea

Condition of Trail(s): packed snow, some ice, slippery in sections,especially going over logs and some of the uphill singletrack

Observations: It was cold!!! I had a problem with my cleats icing up and not being able to click in which made some of the down hills interesting. We had a great time with the NEMBA bunch, Glen did a great job leading the pack on his single speed 29'er. A lot of hikers and dog walkers, everyine was friendly though I did hear a couple of comments about those crazy guys and gals bike riding in these conditions.

TA Report: Wadsworth Falls, SP

Date of Activity: February 8, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Barry Burke
Trail Ambassador Email: barry@bburkedotcom
Town: Middletown
Location: Wadsworth Falls SP.
Trail(s) Ridden: Yellow, Orange, Blue, Red, White,
unmarked
How did you use the trail? Mountain Bike
What was the time of day? Late Afternoon
Duration (Hours): ~ 2
Distance (Miles): Around 6-7, I think... I lost my second cycle-computer head this winter during this ride.
Condition of Trail(s): Good, with snow pack and dry hardpack. A crystal clear day ~ 32F. Some crunchy leafy areas and solid ice.

An after-work rip around the frozen park. No other users were noted on the trails, but there were two other cars in the main lot. A large tree is down, 8-10' off the ground, across the red trail. This will take some doing to safely get it on the ground.

Race Across the Sky ... 2/26/2010

The Connecticut Challenge, a non profit group that supports cancer survivors in Connecticut, will be hosting this Special Movie Event.

One night only!

Friday, February 26th 7:30pm

Community Theatre, Fairfield

Tickets: $18

(click here for more information and purchase tickets)

The Leadville Trail 100: At 10,000+ feet, against the misty backdrop of a former mining town, Leadville, Colorado, 1228 cyclists line the starting line. For many, it will be the most difficult race of their lives. For some, a bragging right to say they raced alongside the best in the world. Some imagine victory. Most hope only to finish. But everyone will count.

TM Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity: 02/07/10
Condition of Trails(s): Cold

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location: Wilton Woods
Trail(s) walked: Blue, Orange, Black Diamond
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 9:00AM
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): 4

Observations: Ran into a couple of lost bikers, gave then directions back to the lot. Cleared a lot of branches from the trails, gathered some stone for a spring rock armoring project on the yellow trail by the long tree ride.

TM Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity: 02/06/10
Condition of Trails(s): Cold

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort, Ryan Tucker, Kyaiera Tucker, Rich Coffey
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus River Park Trail(s)
What was the time of day?: 9:00AM
Duration (Hours): 3

Observations: Cold morning with impending snow that never came. Met at Merribrook Red Barn bridge and discussed what tools would be required for the scheduled February's trail maintenance. Hiked out to Oak Trail to chain saw out a huge tree across the trail, Hiked back to Indian Rock Trail to remove another tree and also review a fall line issue up a steep hill that has serious erosion. Ryan and I reviewed the alternatives, Ryan took pictures and will prepare a case for a trail re-route.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

TA Report: Pequonnock River Valley (aka Trumbull)

Date of Activity: 2/7/10

Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten

Trail Ambassador Email: edperten@sbcglobal.net

Town: Trumbull

Location: Trumbull

Trail(s) Ridden: Several

How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding

What was the time of day?: Late morning to early afternoon

Duration (Hours): 3-4

Distance (Miles): Several

Condition of Trail(s): Frozen, crunchy, snow, ice, leaf covered, good

Observations: When you have trouble getting out of that nice warm bed in the early am; When you know it is in the high teens or low twenties with the forecast for a light wind to further cool things down; Push yourself to ride as I sure felt better afterwards.