TA Report: Eisenhower Park

Date of Activity: 6/1-6/30
Condition of trails: The park dried out nicely and most trails are in reasonable shape.. A lot of water damage and some repairs have to be made and are in the works. There was a lot of overgrowth clearing and will continue through July


trail ambassador name: Joe Woyciesjes
Trail ambassador name: Deanna Baker
Trail ambassador Email: jjconcepts@ureach.com
Town: Milford, Ct
Location: Eisenhower Park
Trail(s) Ridden: all
How did you use the trail?: casual ride and maintenance
What was the time of day?: several days
Duration (hours):joe 9 hours deanna 5 hours
We also put approx 20 hours each in getting land manager permission and guided tours through the park for a restoration project.
Distance (miles): 110 miles

Observations: The trail use through the rainy season seemed heavier than usual this spring most noticeable by dirt bike damage on the hill, and horse damage in what looks like a gathering site in the woods.

Trail Ambassador Report: West Rocks SP

Date of Activity: 6/28/09 Condition of Trail(s): Some puddles, some mud, basically dry Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten Trail Ambassador Email: edperten@sbcglobal.net Town: New Haven Location: West Rock Trail(s) Ridden: Several How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding What was the time of day?: 9-12:30 Duration (Hours): 3 Distance (Miles): Several Observations: Relatively dry trails, some blow downs

Trout Brook Valley is still open!

From Lisa Brodie, Aspetuk Land Trust Management

Trout Brook Valley is open to mountain biking - on trails so posted for bikes - from May 1-Dec 31. With the very wet conditions all trails are experiencing at present, biking is taking a toll on the trails & we are just hoping most bikers would use common sense & limit biking under these muddy conditions.

Another cause for concern is that some bikers are avoiding the grooved puddles created by bikes & widening trails to avoid riding through those puddles.

There is always the option that if conditions do not improve & bikers continue to ride during such wet conditions, trails could be closed to bikers, however,that is not the case at present.

TA Report: Bluff Point State Park

Blue sky at Bluff Point!

Date of Activity: 6/25/09
Condition of Trails(s): pretty dry for the most part. Only one really wet area.

Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr.com
Town:Groton , CT
Location: Bluff Point
Trail(s) Ridden: random
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking/hiking
What was the time of day:10:30am
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 5ish (still haven't hooked up the puter)
Observations: Lot's of vegetation, Some areas getting heavily over grown. Might have to go in with a hedge trimmer :) Some areas have noticeable "rain erosion" but not bad.

Trails are dry!! no ruts

Wadswoth Falls State Park Trail Reroute

Date of Activity: June 22, 2009
Trail Maintenance Hours: 2.5; Today I scouted and flagged a re-route around a perpetually muddy and heavily braided section of the red trail at Wadswoth Falls. I'm now waiting for DEP's approval and then I will build the trail.

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom

Town: Middletown
Location: Wadsworth Falls State Park
How did you use the trail? Hike

What was the time of day? Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 2.5

New Bridge Built in the "Woods"

Before

After

Location: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:6-20-09
Condition of Trails(s): Wet, buggy, very greasy

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com

Town: Wilton

Trail(s) Ridden: N/A
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 9am
Duration (Hours): 4
Distance (Miles): N/A
Observations: A couple months ago I submitted a project with the Wilton Conservation Commission about a much needed bridge on the blue trail. The river split into a "Y' some years ago and for 2-3 months a year when the river swells one area in virtually impassable without a bridge. The commission took my plans and materials list and purchased all the wood and supplies for construction and even had the decking planks cut to size ahead of time. With the help of my son we picked up the wood at their shed and transported to Wilton Woods, which required hand carrying all the wood to location because of the rough terrain. The easy part was the construction.

This bridge sits up pretty high as to minimize the possibility of washing away.

After construction we had to build up a rock ramps to allow bike and foot traffic easy access up and down the bridge. We also spent some time taking debre out of the river to allow for smooth water flow under the new bridge.

TA Report River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: June 20, 2009
Condition of Trail(s): Good, well used, surprisingly dry

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: White, Red, Green
How did you use the trail? Hike
What was the time of day? Late Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 3

Observations & Encounters: My main reason for this visit was to look for evidence of ATV riding on the single track- I found none.

The soil here is very porous, drains very well. There were no puddles even after three weeks of rain. This would be an excellent place to ride after heavy rain.

The slower pace of hiking gave me a good opportunity to assess the condition of the trails. They are in good condition but showing signs of increased use- the tread is being packed and widened and roots are becoming more exposed on steep slopes and some other areas. I’m also seeing some trenching where the trail gets narrow. This could lead to sustainability problems in the future. I will keep my eyes on it.

TA Report: Haley Farm State Park

Date of Activity: 6/19/09

Condition of Trails(s): Much dryer that I expected after all the rain. Some minor "greasy Spots" but nothing damaging to ride on! Just stay out of the Swamp area.

Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr.com
Town:Groton , CT
Location: Haley Farm State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: random
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking/hiking
What was the time of day:2PM
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): 8ish (guessing forgot to hook up the puter)

Observations: Only been there a few times coming across from Bluff Point. Did a little scouting around and found a lot more trails than I thought were over there.

The Happening in local news

Mountain bike ride will benefit park

For the second straight year, mountain bike riders of all ages and abilities will converge on Collis P. Huntington State Park on Sunset Hill Road this Sunday for a benefit ride organized by the Connecticut Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA). The non-competitive, recreational bike ride will help raise funds for trail improvements at the park.

The Happening at Huntington is the first of five charity rides in the Kona Bicycles-Fox Shox Mountain Bike Adventure Series scheduled NEMBA in four states this year, according to Executive Director Philip Keyes.

“It’s a very nice event,” said Keyes, who noted the ride attracted about 230 cyclists last year. “It’s a great event for anyone who enjoys riding bikes in the woods.”

The event will give mountain bikers a chance to ride with others. Park trails will feature marked loops of various distances for all levels of riders, from hard-core enthusiasts to novices and children, in large or small groups or solo.

Among the featured courses are the Rock and Roll Trail, the Twister Trail and the Burned Loops. A post-ride barbecue is available for a donation to the Pan-Mass Challenge.

NEMBA has 18 chapters and more than 4,600 members throughout New England. Its mission is to promote responsible mountain biking and to protect and preserve New England trails and open spaces.

“A lot of what we do is taking care of trails,” said Keyes. He added than NEMBA received an award from the Greenways Council in Connecticut for the volunteer work it has done at biking venues.

The group also leads about a thousand recreational rides a year, hosts mountain bike festivals and camping trips, and has bicycle patrols in many parks.

Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 11. There will be led rides in the morning, or participants may follow the marked course at their leisure.

The cost of the event is $10 for NEMBA members and $15 for non-members. Children 12 and under ride free with a registered parent or guardian. The event is also free to riders who join NEMBA that day.

TA Report: Salmon River State Forest (Greyville)

Date of Activity:
Condition of Trail(s): South Loop muddy in spots. New bridges have been added over a couple of the wet areas, but one more is needed (possible TM opportunity). North Loop in great shape.

Trail Ambassador Name: Al Tinti
Trail Ambassador Email: alanrtinti@cox.net
Town: Hebron
Location: Grayville Road
Trail(s) Ridden: Grayville section of Salmon River SF
How did you use the trail?: Trail ride
What was the time of day?: 5:30 PM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 10

Observations: Lots of riders out on one of the few dry days we've had lately. Probably 15-20 cars in town park lot. People still parking illegally in cul-de-sac (4 cars where there are only 2 legal slots). I warned some of those folks that there were likely to be complaints from the
local homeowners.

TA Report Mianus River Park

Date of Activity: June 6

Condition of Trails(s): Wet and Muddy

Trail Ambassador Name: R Tucker, D Francefort, R Coffey

Trail Ambassador Email: rrtucker at gmail dot com

Town: Darien

Location: Mianus River Park

Trail(s) Ridden: West River Trail Spur

How did you use the trail: Trail Maintenance

What was the time of day: 9am-12noon

Duration (Hours): 9 hours

Distance (Miles):

Observations: Some of the trails have standing water and mud, need to "de-log" and deberm much of the trail near the front of the park to promote better water flow.

Optional

Trail Maintenance hours: 9

Work accomplished: Built several nicks, buried in several rocks as choke points, re buried a PVC pipe that had been upended during the recent rains, de-logged several areas at the front of the park still much to accomplish on this front.

TA Report MT Archer Preserve

Date of Activity: 6/17/09
Condition of Trails(s): Lot dryer than I expected. Only one real wet spot where I had to walk

Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr.com
Town:Lyme, CT
Location: Mt Archer Preserve
Trail(s) Ridden: White
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking/hiking
What was the time of day: 1PM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 4.5

Observations: heavy fern growth can make the trail disappear in places. Nice quiet area to ride :)

TA Report Rocky Neck State Park

Date of Activity: 6/16/09
Condition of Trails(s): OK, the normal muddy spots are Pretty Bad!! But they are isolated areas.

Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr.com
Town: East Lyme CT
Location: Rocky Neck State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: a Mix
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking/hiking
What was the time of day: 3PM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 6-8

Observations: All the rain just isn't draining off well in a few spot. Actual "ponding" in 2 of them. Use with care. Stay on the rock when you can.

June Ride & Meeting at Wadsworth SP

Ready to Roll

Glenn climbing geared


Yellow trail climb

Hike-a-bike

R to L: Art Roti, Paula Burton, Al Tinti, Tren Spence, Glenn Vernes

Trail Maintenace: Collis P Huntington SP

Skip Malmborg donated the materials and spear headed the effort to build a new boardwalk in Huntington. Dave Wells and Dave Herde provided carpentry expertise and tools. Despite the dismal weather, the TM was a success. We hope to put in another boardwalk sometime in the next several months.

L to R Skip Malmborg, Chris Krizan, Dave Wells, Dave Herde, Paula Burton

TA Report - Bluff Point State Park

Above

Below

Date of Activity: 6/14/09
Condition of Trails(s): excellent! some mud but not much, Much dryer than I expected. beware Of Horse deposits. there are a lot on the trails.

Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)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: 1PM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 8-10

Observations: beware Of Horse deposits. there are a lot on the trails. Many horse were there today!!

TA Report: Mianus River Park

For more interactive Trail Pictures please visit: http://www.vizettes.com/temp1/newTrail.htm

Date of Activity: June 13th, 2009

Condition of Trails: Wet and muddy spots

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?: Trail Maintenance only

What was the time of day?: 5:30 - 7 PM

Duration (Hours): 1.5

Encounters & Observations:

Decided to take advantage of a non-riding day (the trails were too wet) and fix a long-standing trail degradation. The Stainless Pot trail borders a swamp for a short section and seems to continually wander closer into the wet area. As a result, it's often unnecessarily muddy on the downhill side.

This section was not easy to properly bench due to a dense amount of closely-packed roots so slightly shifting the trail upward seemed the best approach.

Due to the reluctance of some long-timers in the park to adjust to "changing trail adjustments" I offered a two-way solution for uphillers vs downhillers.

The upper part was benched wherever possible and the greenery trimmed to encourage riders to automatically be guided this way on the downhill. As a "path of least resistance" to the uphiller crowd, I shifted the lower section of the trail section up a bit and filled it in with whatever loose dirt was available. Proper drainage has been accounted for but I plan on returning at a later date to lug in more dirt to fill this area even more and re-inspect the water flow.

Nassahegon Trail Ambassador Report

Dates covered: May 31 - June 9, 2009
Conditions: Varied due to weather changes.

Location: Nassahegon State Forest, Burlington
Hours spent: TA 12, TM 6
TA: Mark L

Report: Had a chance to ride most of the trail system during the past two weeks. Trails have been in very good condition despite the rains and heavy traffic. A lot of TM going on by local stewards repairing up-and-overs, armoring muddy areas, and cutting back the ever-encroaching canopy . Motorized vehicle damage seems to be held in check by DEP. Roadside and parking area trash is being picked up almost daily.

As in most riding areas, the issue of "trail braids" burns brightly. Braids, as we know, are new "cheater" trails created (usually) around difficult trail objects, curves or stunts that some riders find too difficult. The braids allow the rider to negotiate the trail without having to stop or learn how to ride the difficult area. Too many braids and the original trail design becomes obscured or lost forever.

In the Nassahegon, a battle of wills rages daily as the stewards attempt to block the braids only to have their work destroyed each night by those who prefer the easier route. Oddly, the night gnomes have been moving the logs used for braid blockage from the braid onto the original trail thus obscuring it and forcing riders to use the braid. A problem similar to those reported by other TA's earlier this year.

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:6-06-09
Condition of Trails(s): Damp, buggy, very greasy

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location: Wilton Woods
Trail(s) Ridden: Most
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 1:30pm
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): 9
Observations: Most trails were very difficult to ride as they were extremely greasy do to the humidity. Came across 3 teens out on the black trail with a mechanical issue, crank arm on one bike came off. Assisted in getting bike back in working condition. Ventured to back blue to determine TM needs regarding a large fallen limb, will need to come back in with chain saw to remove branch.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:6-6-09
Condition of Trails(s): Wet, some muddy

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus Park
Trail(s) Ridden: N/A
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenence
What was the time of day?: 9:00AM
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): N/A

Observations: Our standard first Saturday of the month, TM day at the park, about 8 volunteers showed up, broke up into 3 groups to tackle various projects, my son and I hiked out to the back of the park with chain saw and shovel in hand. I cut up a fallen tree that was blocking ant access road in, used the logs to make stuntery along side the trail. Next we headed to a drainage pipe that has been continuall rip out by someone and tossed aside. We dug down and buried the pipe underground. Headed back to assist on a muddy trail by the river that require numerous knicks to be placed for drainage.

TA Report: Trout Brook

L to R Kathy, Holly, Harold, Paula , Heather

Date of activity; 06/07/2009
Condition of trails; Very good

Trail Ambassador Name; Paula Burton
Trail Ambassador Email; peburton@aol.com
Town; Easton
Location; Trout Brook Valley
How did you use the trails; Mountain Biking
What was the time of the day; 10AM-1PM
Duration; 3 hours
Distance; approx. 10 miles
Observations; Holly and Kathy are NEMBA members from New Hampshire. Fairly quiet. Our group rescued a lost puggle ( pug and beagle) puppy. He was quite a hand full, running off again, but Kathy had a spare leash and we finally got the pup under control. The dog and owners had a very happy reunion in the parking lot.

TA Report Timberlands Preserve

Date of Activity: June 7, 2009

Condition of Trail(s): Good

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes

Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom

Town: Guilford

Location: Timberlands Preserve

Trail(s) Ridden: White, red, violet, blue, misc unmarked trails

How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike

What was the time of day?: Afternoon

Duration (Hours): 3.5

Distance (Miles): 10

Observations & Encounters: The Guilford Land Conservation Trust not only allows mountain biking here, but for a long time actually encouraged it, in an effort to reduce pressure on another one of their preserves, heavily used Westwoods. Riding never caught on here, though, because most of the trails do not make for a satisfying riding experience. They're either too easy or too hard for the average rider- easy double track or single track that goes straight through the rock fields, bogs, and boulder slopes that dot the area. Some are underused and overgrown. All of the trails go through a lot of wet areas, and many of the bridges were clearly not designed with biking in mind. It's a large area that abuts an even larger one and it has potential, but not until new, more bike friendly trails are built.

Encountered a lot of hiking groups, it being National Trails Day weekend. They did not seem offended by my presence.

Work Performed: Cleared one fallen tree blocking the white trail.

Before

After

Riverfront Park Trail Cleanup

Turn out for our National Trails Day Trail Cleanup at Riverfront Park in Hartford on Saturday was a little sparse, however, the truck load of tools and the Backhoe from MDC was a huge plus and we couldn't have done it with out them. Al Tinti, Glenn Vernes, Melissa Dewey, and Mark Lurie were the only ones there.

The original trail network, according to the map, is pretty difficult to follow. The trails along the river are well maintained, mainly because they are used by fishermen and walkers. There is an inlet formed by a creek where on the other side is another segment of the trail system that is not shown on the map. Over here is where we concentrated our efforts.

The MDC backhoe went in and cleared out the major obstacles, huge trees that came down due to natural forces, flooding, or even some audacious beavers! Just look at the gnawing on this huge tulip tree! To do that kind of work, that has to be one, beaver!

If that doesn't look like a large tree here is a shot from the base looking up. This is the work of one busy beaver!


Once we were done we headed back to the cars and ready to ride. We all decided to keep our pants on rather than change to riding shorts due to the risk of getting exposed to Poison Ivy. There was so much of it there it was insane.

We did two laps of the figure 8 in opposite directions and was able to get in a five mile pedal. Pretty flat riding. I was riding my 29er single speed as well as Glenn. Melissa had gears.

Music is courtesy of Sleepy Hollow String Band

NEMBA Receives Reconition from CT Greenways Council

NEMBA received a Special Achievement Award from the Connecticut Greenways Council for all the hard work and dedication the CT Chapter has donated to the State for Trail Maintenance, Trails Advocacy, and our Trail Ambassador Program.

Pictured above from left to right: Susan Frechette, Deputy Commissioner CT DEP; William O'Neill, Chair Greenways Council; Mark Lurie, Vice President New England Mountain Bike Association, CT Chapter.