TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:5-27-09
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@gmail.com

Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Most

How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 6PM
Duration (Hours): 1.25
Distance (Miles): 6
Condition of Trails(s): Damp, some muddy spots
Observations: Ryan and I reviewed areas for TM hours during the ride.  The cabin trail will need extensive work to repair the current erosion issue.  

 

TA Report Middlesex Trails

Date of Activity: May 26, 2009

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33atcotmaildotcom
Town: Middletown
Location: Middlesex Trails AKA Middlesex College Trails
Trail(s) Ridden: Powerline, Barking Dog, Jurassic Park, Excel
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 9

Condition of Trail(s): Wet/muddy in places. This has been a popular riding area for years and many of the trails are badly eroded, due in large part to a lot of jeep/ATV/dirt bike use.

Observations: Cleared one blowdown laying across the trail. Helped one rider with a broken derailleur hanger.

Trail Ambassador Report: Nassahegon State Forest

Date of Activity: Mid to late May  Trail Ambassador Name: Mark L Town: Burlington Location: Nassahegon State Forest Trail(s) Ridden: Most of existing, several new How did you use the trail?  Mountain Biking What was the time of day? Mornings and afternoons Hours: 8 TA, 3 TM Condition of Trails: Dry and firm except in usual muddy areas Encounters & Observations: The trails originating from the Scoville Road area are seeing a large increase in riders as the weather improves. Trail conditions are quite good. Some TM work is being done to reduce damage in the muddier areas.  Mountain bike trail pressure in other areas of the forest has been light while dirt bike pressure sky rocketed. Erosion and noise prompted the DEP to intervine and, I'm told, a number of bikes were confiscated and tickets issued. I had a chance to casually meet two DEP workers this weekend who were picking up trash along Stone Road. They thanked NEMBA and the local riders for efforts in keeping the area clean.

TA Report: Pequonnock River Valley (aka Trumbull)

Date of Activity: May 25, 2009

Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton

Trail Ambassador Email: peburton@aol.com

Town: Trumbull

Location: Pequonnock Valley State Forest

Trail(s) Ridden: Lots

How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike

What was the time of day?: Morning

Duration (Hours): 2

Distance (Miles):?

Condition of Trail(s): Good.

Observations: Not too many mountain bikers today, and the trails were dry. The storm must have missed Trumbull. I think Trumbull is a beautiful, fun place to ride, but there are just too many trails, and the place gets quite a bit of use.  It was a great day, and I am glad to out riding.

Big Ride Report: Penwood State Park

I arrived about nine as was posted and met with Art and his two friends. We started out on a uphill climb that warmed me up for some nice rolling uphill and downhill single track trails. We got about 2 miles into the run and unfortunately one of our riders had a case of derailer stickectomy it snapped his derailer in half probably should have taken a pic of this but felt the patron of this mishap might not appreciate this.

Art tried in a valiant effort to turn bike into a single speed but this did not work so the rider had to walk out of woods. We were now three and we started off again and headed to the lookout which was some gnarly hill climbing roots angling out to catch tires. We got to the top and was amazed by the view of the Simbury valley. 

Art and Myself standing at attention

We started out again and we hit some nice downhill and some more techy uphill climbs, but during all this uphill and downhill riding I went over handlebars once and caught a nice strong sapling to do a pole dance around saving me from tumbling down the hill.  I got up and started out again Art and his friend where competing along the trail I was content to just stay on my bike at my pace . It was nice workout with some challenging areas one log jump twisted my handle bars around so my brakes where facing up, very hard to ride downhill this way.  We ended up back at parking lot about 11:30 and we went on our way. 

Bill

TA Report River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: May 21, 2009

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33atcotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park AKA Cromwell Creek
Trail(s) Ridden: Green, Red, White
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 10

Condition of Trail(s): Good.

Observations: I'm starting to see more evidence of mountain biking in the park. I'm starting to see chicken lines appear around some of the obstacles on the green trail. I can't tell if they're being made by bikes or ATVs. I will keep my eye on them.

TA Report: Collis P Huntington SP

Date of Activity:5-24-09
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Trail Ambassador Email: peburton@aol.com
Town: Location: Redding
Park: Collis P. Huntington
Trail(s) Hiked: various
How did you use the trail?: Hiking, walking dog
What was the time of day?: 10 am
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): 4+
Condition of Trails(s): Fairly good considering the rain last night

Observations: CTNEMBA is seeking permission to build some new boardwalks, so I went to check out the places where the boardwalks would go. Saw another TA on his bike. It is good to know that other TA's are out on the trails. CTNEMBA has a good relationship with the land manager and other user groups in the park. I do hope it can stay that way. Also, don't forget the Happening on Sunday June 21.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Before

After

Date of Activity:5-22-09
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Most
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenence/Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 7:30AM
Duration (Hours): 6
Distance (Miles): 6
Condition of Trails(s): Dry, some muddy spots near streams
Observations: Big trail Maintenance day! Got to the park early and headed out to stream crossing on River Walk Trail to re-route trail over a couple of feet to take advantage of bolder and keep away from the mud. Original trail came down and went through stream and had berm on the other side, problem is heavy traffic and stream blockage resulted in heavy mud on one side. With limited usable rock in the area, I decided to re-route trail over and get a large rock to span stream and keep the entire crossing on rock. Worked like a charm.

When the rest of the crew came we tackled the mud problem at the end of the River Walk trail. We previously armored this section about 2 months ago but has become muddier and muddier, after some discussion it was determined that water leaching from hill was hitting armor and pooling. We put in a large channel, under the armor and had it go about 20 feet away from the area With in an hour or so the muddy areas seemed to be drying out. We continued extending the armoring at both end and when I returned the next day the muddy areas are dry and our diversion is takking all the water and keeping it away from the area. Success!

After out TM we hit the park up for a 1.5 hr ride.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:5/21/2009
Trail Ambassador Name:John Rich
Trail Ambassador Email:Jay_rich2003@yahoo.com
Town:greenwich
Location:mianus river park
Trail(s) Ridden:na
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: noon
Duration (Hours):2
Distance (Miles):na
Condition of Trails(s): dry
Observations: No one really out on the trails. Ran into one hiker only

Date of Activity: 5/22/09
Trail Ambassador Name:John Rich
Trail Ambassador Email: Jay_rich2003@yahoo.com
Town:greenwich
Location:Mianus river park
Trail(s) Ridden:n/a
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: 630p
Duration (Hours):1.5
Distance (Miles):n/a
Condition of Trails(s):dry
Observations:Rode with a new group of riders from meetup.com. Lots of hikers and bikers using the trail. picked up a few water bottles left behind.

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Trail Map

Date of Activity: May 21, 2009

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie

Trail Ambassador Email: eatsleepfish [at] gmail [dot] com

Town: Newtown

Location: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Trail(s) Ridden: Poly Brody, Upper Gussy

How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike

What was the time of day?: RAW (Ride after Work)

Duration (Hours): 1

Distance (Miles): 5

Condition of Trail(s): Nice!

Observations: The Brody is starting to dry out but riding on the trap rock is killer.  Some faint signs of past ATV or MXer on the fire road as well but it looks like they are just passing through.  The Gussy on the other hand in schweet!  The new armoring is really nice.  I did tape out a by pass for our equestrienne friends because they won't be able to trod on those stones the way they are.

TA Report Huntington State Park

Photo © Philip Keyes

Date of Activity: May 16, 2009

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33atcotmaildotcom
Town: Redding
Location: Huntington State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Various
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 7.5

Condition of Trail(s): Good.

Observations: Helped one mountain biker with a jammed chain.

TA Report Middlesex Trails

Date of Activity: May 19, 2009

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33atcotmaildotcom
Town: Middletown
Location: Middlesex Trails
Trail(s) Ridden: Various
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.75
Distance (Miles): 10

Condition of Trail(s): Good.

Observations: New trails are being built in the area, don't know if with proper approval, but well built and in good condition.

New England Trail School

Thirteen participants and four instructors had a great day at NEMBA's annual Trail School in Redding CT, on Saturday, May 16th. We talked, learned about trails, had a great sub for lunch, learned some basic trail design and maintenance techniques, and had a ride too!

Check out the link for pictures. http://www.nemba.org/digitalnemba/TrailSchool2009.htm

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Date of Activity: 5/17/2009
Trail Ambassador Name: Tren Spence
Trail Ambassador Email:Tspence[at]hotmail[dot]com
Town: Newtown
Location: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden:Poly Brody, Upper Gussy
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: 8am
Duration (Hours):1.5
Distance (Miles):5
Condition of Trails(s):damp

Observations: Rode with Mark, the Chapter VP and builder of Gussy Trail because I had not been on it since last summer. It would appear that the hunters were not too pleased with the recent logging activity in the forest and manifested their displeasure by pumping a few rounds of bird shot into this sign. The Brody Road, as Mark calls it is mostly now a gravel and dirt road that supported the recently forestry practises. Once past the sign the Brody road reverts back to dual track.

We picked up the Gussy Trail from the Brody right before a huge decsent. I recall on a previous ride coming up that part of the trail and while it's rideable you want to puke when you get to the top. The Gussy opens up to a light climb on what was once probably an old skidder path. The through an old blow down that would have been an excellent way to keep quads off the trail but according to Mark someone who he was building the trail with went saw happy on the tree and made the opening large enough for a 4x4. At the top of the climb, the trail rounds a corner and then it gets technical with a rocky climb.

There all sorts of challenges along the way including little rollers, up-and-overs, and log hops. It is truly a sweet trail that encompases all the aspects of trail building from technical decents to armored stream crossings. In fact, a third of the way in, we stopped and armored a section of the trail that was getting really soft and about to wallow.

After we finished we rode it a bit to get the feeling for the line and coming up, it's nice but decending it's off a bit. Mark said he would fix it in the coming weeks.

Since this is a shared use trail, a bypass will be needed for the equestriennes.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity: 5/16/2009
Trail Ambassador Name: John Rich
Trail Ambassador Email:Jay_rich2003@yahoo.com
Town:Greenwich
Location:Mianus River Park
Trail(s) Ridden:NA
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking

What was the time of day: 6pm-8pm
Duration (Hours):2
Distance (Miles):NA
Condition of Trails(s):Dry, walked any wet areas
Observations: Met up with group of 3 bikers and gave directions back to greenwich lot. One group of hikers as well.

Trail Report: WH Rez

Date of Activity: May 16,2009 Trail Ambassador Name: Mike Lefevre Trail Ambassador Email: lfvmi@sbcglobal.net Town: West Hartford Location: The West Hartford Reservoir Trails Ridden: North, South, East, Western portion of park How did you use the trails: Mountain Biking What was the time of day: 10:00 to 13:00 hrs. Duration: 3 Distance: 10 to 12 miles Condition of trails: Mostly dry with varied conditions. Observations: Good riding weather with many folks throughout, and on trails,along with equestrians. Questions asked and assistance was rendered to other rider's.

How many Trail Ambassadors does it take to Order Pizza?

Three!

Of course, you need two additional things in order to do this task successfully: a cell phone, which Glenn had lost earlier on the trail, and the menu, which after losing his cell phone on the trail, Glenn rode back to the parking lot to pick us up so that we could go find his cell phone. Thus, another successful Trail Ambassador mission at Wadsworth Falls State Park.

This was a unique CT NEMBA member ride and maybe the first of it's kind, half the riders were on 29ers! Al Tinti was riding is Niner Air Nine, Tom Lamourine on his Voodo Canzo (below), Glenn Vernes had his Redline with a rigid fork (above), and I (Mark Lurie) had my Qball. Also riding with us were Art Roti, John Yeich, Nathan Lundstrum, and Al's riding buddy Mike (?). Tren was supposed to meet us but got lost following Google Maps to the park. We met him later in the park.

The ride started out on a mixture of dual and single track culminating with a fall line climb up an old logging road to one of the highest points at Wadsworth Falls State Park and a major intersection of trails. At the top, a few us older guys hung back to help (or to catch a breath) with the first mechanical of the ride while Glenn, Art and Mike rode off in search of Glenn's Cell phone.

On this big climb, John snapped his chain and Al learned that his Crank Brother's chain tool (not the official CT NEMBA Trail Ambassador Issue) wasn't long enough to push the pin out. John had to jump in and use his official TA chain tool to break the chain. What John forgot but Trail Ambassador Mark had readily on hand was a quick link.

The repair was made, the Pizza was ordered, and some other riders stopped to say hello, while Glenn guided Tren in via cell phone to the park. Then we took off on some tight, twisty single track that you know was the work of a professional. While the size of Wadsworth Falls State Park is dimunitive the trails are exquisite!

The group takes a breather before going in search of Tren.

We picked up Tren after making the loop back and headed off towards The Little Falls. In the picture below, that's Tren in white nearly getting taken out by Art on the decent to Little Falls.

Here is a little map of our ride. The ride lasted 45 minutes and we covered 3.9 miles. The June meeting ride will be held again at Wadsworth Falls State Park, this time will be meeting at 5:30 PM and please be prompt. There is the potential of hitting some little known trails that connect to Wadsworth to the tune of 14 miles!

Word to the wise: If you are coming from the Capital Region, please take I-91 to Route 66 and avoid the mess of traffic that can always be found in Middletown. And, if you are going to use Google Maps, please look at the actual map so that the route makes sense and you don't wind up in Higganum again!

As for the meeting, it was great! Pizza was tasty and there were plenty of motivational beverages. Quite a few members turned out with some great ideas for upcoming events that they are going to lead and we are going to support. Huge member turn out! We have some great plans coming up for National Trails Day, a new weekend ride series, the Happening at Huntington, Fall Fiesta, a Cyclocross Race, and Take a Kid Mountain Biking.

TA Report West Rock SP

Date of Activity: 5/14/09
Trail Ambassador Name: Eric M
Trail Ambassador Email: mayhew dot eric at gmail dot com
Town: Hamden
Location: West Rock SP
Trail(s) Ridden: Red, Red & White, White, Purple
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: After work time
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles):  5
Condition of Trails(s):  Good! Some mud in the low lying spots along the Red trail (fireroad) heading towards Wintergreen from Hill St.  Ran into a couple bikers, one guy new to the area and I gave him a quick head's up on local riding areas and stuff.  Nice guy from MD, forget his name.

 

Blocked a braid or two around some trees.

 

More non-sensical trail work being done on some trails that my friend, my dog, and I helped to fix.

NEMBA Trail School Saturday May 16th

The NEMBA Trail School has been scaled down to one day, Saturday, May 16th, 8:30am - 4:30pm at Putnam Park, Redding CT. It will be a solid day of learning, with classroom work in the morning and outdoor clinics in the afternoon.

Cost: $45, includes lunch, snacks and IMBA's Trail Solutions book (retail: $35)

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, May 13th.

Phone Registrations Only: 800-576-3622


View Putnam Memorial State Park in a larger map

Wednesday, May 13th, Monthly Chapter Meeting & Ride

The CT NEMBA BOD would like to invite the general membership to meet us at Wadsworth Falls State Park for a mountain bike ride. Following the ride, we'll head over to CFPA Headquarters for Pizza and a general meeting.


We'll be meeting at the main parking area of Wadsworth State Park at 6 PM.


View Larger Map

Afterwards we will conduct our monthly BOD meeting at Connecticut Forest & Park's HQ, located at 16 Meriden Rd (Rte 66), in Rockfall, CT. Pizza and refreshments will be served.

View Larger Map

TA Report Bluff Point State Park

Date of Activity: 5/11/09
Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom@ectrr.com
Town: Groton CT
Location: Bluff Point
Trail(s) Ridden: lots!!
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: 10am
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): 12-13
Condition of Trails(s): excellent! some minor mud but not much
Observations: Some evidence of a Motorcycle activity by the train tracks - informed Park Officials
Optional
Trail Maintenance hours: 1/2
Work accomplished: little dead fall and briar clearing

TA Report: Bennetts Pond

Date of Activity: 5/11/09

Trail Ambassador Name: Nathan Lunstrum

Trail Ambassador Email: nlunstrum (at) gmail (dot com)

Town: Danbury/Ridgefield

Location: Bennett's Pond

Trail(s) Ridden: From the Bennett's parking area; out to Lk Windwing via the Ives to Red. Then over to the Pine Mtn Rd parking area via Orange to White. Then back to Bennett's parking area via Yellow to Blue and the Ives.

How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking

What was the time of day: 3:30 - 6:00 PM

Duration (Hours): 2.5 hrs

Distance (Miles):

Condition of Trails(s): Generally very good except for around Bennett's Pond were there are some very big muddy areas.

Observations: Talked to a couple of hikers but didn't see anyone else. Big windfalls pointed out in an earlier post are still there. Lot's of evidence of increased use by horses this past week.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:5-11-09
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus River Park
Trail(s) Ridden: All
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 1:30PM
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 12
Condition of Trails(s): Damp, some muddy spots
Observations: Assisted bikers with flat who did not have a tire tube and gave them one of my spares. Very few hikers / dog walkers way out into the park, most were staying along the river which I avoided because of how muddy it would have been. Good fast paced ride today, temp was perfect!

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity: Sunday, May 10th, 2009
Trail Ambassador Name: Rich C
Trail Ambassador Email: mtnbikerdad[at]yahoo[dot]com
Town: Stamford/Greenwich
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Various
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day? Late Afternoon
Hours riding: One hour and a half
Condition of Trails: Mostly dry with occasional muddy
spots
Encounters & Observations:
Lots of hikers about--even in the upper trails. Beautiful weather, everyone was very friendly. I
snipped a few small branches that got in the way of biker's eyes on a couple of trails. Also sawed off a potentially dangerous protubering sharp-pointed dead root that stuck out into the curve near the Nemesis drop.

Trail Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Date of Activity:5-10-09
Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Trail Ambassador Email: eatsleepfish[at]gmail[dot]com
Town: Newtown

Location: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Trail(s) Ridden: Upper Gussy, Poly Brody

How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking

What was the time of day?: 8AM

Duration (Hours): 1 hour

Distance (Miles): 5

Condition of Trails(s): Earthy, not dry but not damp. Some muddy spots on the Gussy and some wet spots on the Poly Brody.

Observations: Lots of new waffle prints in the newly benched areas. Repaired two up-and-overs that I had some trouble with and cleared a lot blow downs.

This section of the trail needs to be armored and fortunately there are plenty of flat rocks nearby. I think this will be one of the projects for National Trails Day. More armoring is needed at the third stream crossing and something needs to be done a little further up the trail, too.

TA Report Eisenhower Park

Date of Activity: 5/10
trail ambassador name: Joe Woyciesjes
Trail ambassador name: Deanna Baker
Trail ambassador Email: jjconcepts@ureach.com
Town: Milford, Ct
Location: North st.
Trail(s) Ridden: all
How did you use the trail?: casual ride
What was the time of day?: mid morning
Duration (hours):joe 2 hours deanna 2 hours
Distance (miles): 5 miles
Condition of trails: The park is drying out nicely and most trails are in decent shape.. some raking needs to be done bit it was a very windy morning.
Observations: There was an international german shepherd dog show at the park that ran saturday and sunday. Made for a nice ride and stopped talk with several people from all over the region - many new to the park.

Cycling Concepts Annual Spring Sale (May 7th -10th)

Cycling Concepts Annual Spring Sale (May 7th -10th) includes some unique opportunities. In addition to the usual sale prices on everything we carry, we are doubling the savings when you trade-in (that is to say trash) any of your old riding shorts, shoes, or car racks. When you bring in any of these items we will apply the sale discount twice - so a $100 pair of shorts gets a 20% discount followed by another 20% discount.

Keith.
http://www.cyclingconcepts.com/
860/563-6667 (Rocky Hill)
860/633-3444 (Glastonbury)

Trail Work Day at Wilton Woods

(Above: Ryan Tucker (L) & Rich Coffey (R) and unidentified trail worker)

Big project today, armoring the orange trail where it meets the blue trail. 75ft Section badly eroded with a 20ft steep drop to river. Involved chain sawing 2 already fallen tree about 200 feet away and lugging to location.

Each 20+ foot section of tree required 4 people to carry. Trees where secured against existing trees along trail edge and reinforced with rebar. Major amount of compacted dirt was brought in and armored with rock.

Thanks to Ryan, Rich and John for all the hard work. when we were almost done some elderly hikers came up the trail and were greatful for the repairs as they thought that the section of trail was very dangerous and after they hiked the new section they were so happy as to how safe it now was! and thanks us over and over!

TA Report Meshomasic State Forrest

Date of Activity: 5/8/09
Trail Ambassador Name: Al Tinti
Trail Ambassador Email: alanrtinti@cox.net
Town: Glastonbury
Location: Meshomasic SF, Kongscut Land Trust, Glastonbury open space
Trail(s) Ridden: Numerous
How did you use the trail?: Group ride of 5
What was the time of day?: 9:30AM
Duration (Hours): 2.5 HRs
Distance (Miles): 12
Condition of Trail(s): Fine overall, a little wet in spots (we walked anything that was particularly muddy). Cleared a few blow downs from recent storms. These trails in the so-called eastern highlands of Glastonbury don't get a lot of bicycle use despite being close to Case Mt., but I see some increasing signs of hikers. ATV and motorcycle use on double track, but they seem to be staying off the single-track for the most part. Kongscut Land Trust folks are friendly to bicycles (the chairman of the trust leads weekly Glastonbury senior rail trail rides).
Observations: Signs of a lone hiker, but no encounters other than local wildlife.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:5-06-09
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: All
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 6PM
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 8.3
Condition of Trails(s): Damp, some muddy spots
Observations: Had a new user at the park, join us from the parking lot and we gave him a full tour of the park.

The league of american cyclists bike week, May 11 through 15

May 11, 630-830 AM Bike to Work, Farmington, UConn Health Center across from the Hellipad (Raindate = Wednesday, May 13, Same time and location)



May 12 (Tuesday) 5:30 PM, Bike to Supper, Wooden Tap, 99 Sisson Ave. Hartford (Corner of Capitol Ave.). RSVP to webmaster@connbikes.org so we can get a head count. Bring a good lock in case we end up eating indoors. If you want to ride in from downtown Hartford, meet at the Bushnell Park Carousel between 5-5:15.


May 12 (Tuesday), 630-9 AM Bike to Work, Pratt and Whitney, East Hartford, HealthTime® Employee Wellness at P&W Medical, Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness and HealthyGears will sponsor the event.


May 13, 2009, Wednesday, 12:15 to 1:15 PM: Bike Rallyat the Capitol: Join with your friends and fellow cyclists on the eastside of the Capitol. Bike over, walk over, but be sure to help us to showour numbers! Several legislators will be invited to speak (at 1PM). We will want to demonstrate to them the importance of CompleteStreets OR thank them for passing the Complete Streets Bill.


May 15 (Friday), 7-9 AM - Bike to Work, Old State House, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection will Sponsor the event


May 15 (Friday), 5-7 PM - Bike Week Happy Hour, Corner Pug in West Hartford


Come one, come all!!! These events are open to any cyclist in the area. Great chance to meet fellow velocipede enthusiasts and get some free food, drink and other goodies.


From the Beat Bike Blog

Upper Paugussett Trail Maintenance

I wasn't sure what the turn out Sunday was going to be for the first TM of the season at Upper Paugussett. The Upper Gussy blog got many pings during the previous week and it looked as though there could have been a big turn out. I had invited the Conservation Commission of Orange to come out as well and see what it takes to build and maintain a trail. I even got an inquiry from someone in Coventry, CT. The night before I loaded my SUV with almost two tool cribs worth of tools just in case.

On Sunday morning only one person showed up, my friend Rob who lives in Newtown and likes to ride at Upper Paugussett. We grabbed a few tools and headed up the blue trail from the parking lot. It has been a long time since this section of the trail received any attention and we finally benched around the big rock near the intersection with the Blue Trail.

I know it doesn't look like much this makes a big difference when you make these little climbs. Also, not shown, we cleared off a blow down at the top of the roller that the trail wraps around at this point.

Further down the trail, we cleaned up a turn and decided against widening it. Kicked off some road apples that the horse people didn't catch, too, and cleaned up the roller near this turn as well. It was a well spent two hours.

TA Report: Rocky Neck State Park

Date of Activity: 5 -4 - 09
Trail Ambassador Name: Thom Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: thom@ectrr.com
Town: East Lyme, CT
Location: Rocky Neck State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: White, Red, Unmarked
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1/2
Distance (Miles): 3.4 miles
Condition of Trails(s): Dryer than I would have figured. Swamp trail flooded back at the road.

Observations: Watch for hikers and Dog walkers on main trails. Place is Small but, There are some really fun features if you know where to look. DO NOT GO PAST TRAIN TRACKS on to beach or the pavilion!!

TA Report: West Hartford Reservoir

Date of Activity: May 03, 2009
Trail Ambassador Name: Mike Lefevre
Trail Ambassador Email: lfvmi@sbcglobal.net
Town: West Hartford, CT.
Location: The West Hartford Reservoir
Trails Ridden: North to South
How did you use the tails: Mountain Biking
What was the time of the day: 10AM- 2PM
Duration: 4 hours.
Distance: 10 miles +
Conditions of Trails: Mostly Dry with a over cast sky.
Observations: Many people, Biker’s around with Questioning/Assistance throughout. Overall a great riding experience.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:5-02-09
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: All
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 1:30pm
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 6.5
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Observations: Incident between dog walker and person on a hybrid bike with no helmet. Both parties seem to be at fault, dog was unleashed (city requirement that dogs be leashed at all times) and biker was not yielding right of way to hiker. Dog jumped in front of biker at which biker was thrown from bike and collision with dog appeared to cause the dog to break it's leg.

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:5-03-09
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location: Wilton Woods
Trail(s) Ridden: N/A
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 8:00am
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): N/A
Condition of Trails(s): Damp, buggy
Observations: Finally started one of the 4 approved projects at the park. It took a couple of months to get a Trail Ambassador program going, but finally met with the land manager last month and hiked around reviewing my project plan. Next Trail Maintenance day is Saturday, May 9th at 9AM to Noon, meeting at the Branch Brook Parking Lot.

Removed small rotten 3 ft bridge on blue right, near parking lot, and replaced with stone armoring. Chatted with some hikers who thanked me for the work I was doing and ask who maintains the place and wanted to donate money. Also picked up all the garbage in and or around the parking lot.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity: Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Trail Ambassador Name: Rich C
Trail Ambassador Email: mtnbikerdad[at]yahoo[dot]com
Town: Stamford/Greenwich
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Various
How did you use the trail?: Hiking, Trail Building,
Mountain Biking
What was the time of day? Morning and Afternoon
Hours riding: Morning - Hiking/Building 9-12
Afternoon - Riding 2:15 - 3:30
Condition of Trails: Dry
Encounters & Observations:
On TM crew with RyanT and DaveF. We rerouted about 100+ feet of Ridge Run Trail that was showing signs of erosion near the ridge edge. We also completed the new trail off the large rock ridge in center of park. Returned the next day (hiked in rain to retrieve my mattock I had inadvertently left behind) and noted new trail holding up extremely well due to care and
foresight in our bldg techniques.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:5-02-09
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: All
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 9AM
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): N/A
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Observations: Great TM day, move about 100+ feet of Ridge Run Trail that was showing signs of erosion.
Completed trail off rock ridge.

TA Report: George C Waldo State Park

Darlene painting blazes on the trail

Date of Activity: 4/30/09
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula B and Darlene P
Trail Ambassador Email: peburton [at] aol [dot] com
Town: Southbury, CT
Location: George Waldo State Park
Trail: Worked on Where's Waldo Trail
What was the time of day: Late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 2
Observations: Darlene and I continued painting the red blazes on the Where's Waldo Trail.