TA Report: Nassahegon

Dates: July 18 through 29

Conditions: Several drier days mixed in with massive rains - some dumping 2 - 3 inches per hour and heavy winds. Trails are almost constantly soggy and mud holes are everywhere. The ferns and other foilage are erasing many of the lesser used trails and the winds are knocking down poorly rooted trees. Lots of TM work to be done! And yet, trail use continues.

Hours: 6 hours of Trail Maintenance and 8 hours of Ambassador work

One bit of drama occurred recently regarding the Scoville Road parking area spurned on by (a) the "no bikes" letter I posted in my previous report, and (b) proposed trail building efforts detailed on a web site. These led to several reports of cars being towed and additional warnings which were reported on several websites and created some concern. Both the DEP (oversees the actual State Forest) and the New Britain Water Commission (owns most of the land that we call the Nassahegon and, I believe, the parking area) were contacted and claimed no knowledge of these reports. The drama was cooled a bit by heavy rains the next four days which kept even the hikers away.

To the web forum user's credit, one of the first suggestions surrounding this drama was "to call NEMBA - they know how to deal with these things."

TA Report River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: July 18, 2009
Conditions of the Trail(s): The area continues to stay amazingly dry despite all the recent rain. The trails continue to be in good condition and are showing signs of continued use. ATV riding continues, although not on the singletrack.

Click Read More for a close up of the bird!


Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Green, Red, Blue
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.25
Distance (Miles): 9

Observations: Braiding continues on the green trail. The highlight of the visit was a bald eagle sighting. While stopped at one of the overlooks, we spotted the eagle perched on a log down by the river, far below us. The eagle was eating something, although we were too far away to see what it was.

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:07-26-09
Condition of Trails(s): Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs

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?: 8AM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): N/A
Observations: Repaired armoring on Orange trail; blocked 2 more braids, measured out for a wood walkway for the end of the black diamond trail that will never dry out! Ran into a hiker who was appreciative for all the work being done at the park. They also gave a mud concern on the outer Blue trail, told them I would look in to it.

TA Report: WIlton Woods

Date of Activity:07-25-09
Condition of Trails(s): Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs

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?: 7AM
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): N/A
Observations: Closed off 6 trail braids, cleared overgrowth on yellow trail, raked out yellow trail and added knick to assist in muddy area, scouted out possible blue trail re-route of about 100 section due to erosion.

TA Report - Rocky Neck State park

Swamp Trail, more than just a swamp!

Date of Activity: 7/24/09
Condition of Trails(s):Heavy erosion, some wet, some surprisingly dry

Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr(dot)com
Town: East Lyme , CT
Location: Rocky Neck State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: White Trail Unmarked trails
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking & Hike-a-Biking
What was the time of day:1:30PM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 6+

Observations: After all the rain there is whole area's here on the shore flooded. Out right rivers flowing down some of the trails and fire road. But if you stay to the higher ground It was surprisingly dry. No real "mud" either it was a river or it was dry. The wet areas are mainly the fire roads and such so if you stick to the less traveled trails you can get a good ride in without getting too mucky. Some areas where trees are down also but mostly passable

Water flowing freely along the trail

Trees down on the trail

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Date of Activity: 7/23/2009
Condition of Trail(s): Damp and sweaty but rideable, and most of the horse crap has been kicked off the trail [Applause].

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Town: Newtown
Location: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: Poly Brody Forest Road, Upper Gussy Trail
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: 06:00
Duration (Hours): 1
Distance (Miles): 6

Observations & Encounters: Two weeks ago it looked like the Governor's Horse Guard rode through because of the amount of horse crap that was on the trail. Now, with the exception of one or two really big piles (older) the trail is mostly clean!

TA Report: Pequonnock River Valley (aka Trumbull)

TA Report: Pequonnock River Valley (aka Trumbull) Condition of Trails: Dry Saturday, June 18, 2009 Trail Ambassador Name: Rich C Trail Ambassador Email: mtnbikerdad[at]yahoo[dot]com Town: Trumbull Location: Pequonnock Valley State Forest Trails Ridden: Various How did you use the trail?: Hiking, TM What was the time of day? Morning Duration (Hours): 2.5 Observations: Due to heavy rains this year, the trail to the north footbridge has undergone serious erosion. Although the trail is just a short jaunt from the rail bed to the bridge, it was built on a fall line and the rail bed itself is starting to washout. As an alternative to hikers and bikers, I reopened the bramble trail (a hundred feet south). It was extensively overgrown -- a dense thicket of pricklers needed cutting - ouch! Is this a sustainable solution? No -- with a couple of years, unless trimming is scheduled, it will grow back. Nature has it ways...

TA Report Mt Archer

Date of Activity: 7/18/09

Condition of Trails(s):mild erosion, well marked

Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr.com
Town: Lyme , CT
Location: Mt Archer
Trail(s) Ridden: White Trail (hiked Red trail... really nice place)
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking/hiking
What was the time of day:10:30am
Duration (Hours): 1
Distance (Miles): 3.5

Observations: Lot's of vegetation, ferns have almost hidden parts of the trail, making it a bit "exciting" because you can't see rocks/roots now!

TA Report Rockland Preserve

Date of Activity: July 19, 2009

Condition of Trail(s): Dry, lightly used.

Click Read More to see the rest of the report and many more pictures.


Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Madison
Location: Rockland Preserve
Trail(s) Ridden: Orange, yellow, red, blue, misc unmarked
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 2.5
Distance (Miles): 15

Observations: The land that became Rockland Preserve was once owned by Ruby Vine, founder of Railroad Salvage Stores. At 649 acres, it was the largest parcel of privately owned, undeveloped land in New Haven County. The land was saved from development when the town of Madison bought it in 1997, with the stated intention of making it a nature preserve. The decision to buy, along with the 4.9 million dollar asking price, created a lot of contentious debate in town.

The preserve is a combination of dome shaped hills and low, swampy and seasonally boggy areas. The land drains into the Hammonasset River. The trails consist of newly built singletrack, old logging roads (the area was once logged to make charcoal), and colonial-era carriage roads.

There is also an interpretive trail that explains various features such as a pond, a large glacial erratic rock, and a replica of a charcoal pit. The Mattabasset blue blazed trail runs through the property.

While many of the older trails go straight through the wet areas, the newer trails do a good job of avoiding them and other problem areas like steep slopes. The new trails are well designed and appear to be not getting a lot of use, although I saw evidence of recent hiking, horse riding and mountain biking on my visit.

The trails are smooth and twisty but not very technically challenging, although there is a lot of climbing. Navigating can be difficult, since some of the older trails aren't blazed or on the map. The best trails for biking would be the orange up from rt. 79, the yellow, and the various red trails. I would rate the place as a fun local area if you live nearby.

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:07-18-09
Condition of Trails(s): Wet, muggy, muddy, buggy!


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?: 7AM
Duration (Hours): 3.5
Distance (Miles): N/A
Observations: Multi-project day: 1) re-routed a small section on the black trail that was too tight of a turn and was continually muddy. 2) Armor bank turn on black trail 3) repaired teeter-totter on black trail 4) raked out new final trail re-route at end of black trail due to erosion / mud. 5) Tore out 75 foot section of armor on orange trail and complete reset each rock properly with entire section now level and locked in with large stones buried deept every 8-10 feet. Used alot of deet, heavy with bugs.

7/19 Case Mt. Trail Maintenance

CT NEMBA will be hosting a Trail Work day on Sunday, July 19th.

We will be meeting at the Spring Street entrance to Case Mtn at 9 AM. The object is to clear brush from the overlook.

Bring gloves and eye protection; and loppers or brush cutters if you have them.

Long pants and/or bug repellant with DEET highly recommended, as you will be working in a very brushy area with plenty of ticks.

Contact Al Tinti with any questions.

TA Report : Miller's Pond

Date of Activity: 7/16/09
Condition of Trail(s): Good!

Trail Ambassador Name: Eric M
Town: Durham
Location: From main parking
Trail(s) Ridden: Red, White, others
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: After work
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 5
Observations & Encounters: Saw some other bikers, trail runners, and swimmers! Everyone seemed to be having a good time! One of the guys I was riding with lost his bike computer so if you find one let me know...

Thanks!

TA Report - Nassahegon State Forest

This report includes the time period from late June through mid-July, covers 18 hours of Ambassador work and 1 hour of Trail Maintenance:

The rains of June took their toll on many of the trails in this forest. For the most part, riding was minimalized and mud holes were traversed on foot by those who did spin. The only noticeable troubles have been created by horses whose hoof prints create mini-pot bunkers in the softened soils. On the up side, efforts by the DEP to reduce dirt bike traffic have been very successful.

The orange jersey has been put to good use mostly in guiding riders new to the area. Although GPS data is easily available for every trail (about 45+ miles of them), most folks either don't have GPS units or don't know how to use them. So, after suffering a little NEMBA promo speech from me, they get a tour-de-Nass. Re-met one newer rider yesterday (last intro-tour with him was in May and he's been riding the same loop over and over since then) and introduced more trails. Noted a significant improvement in his skills since that time. Good for him!

Unknown to many riders, what we refer to as "Nassahegon" in Burlington, encompasses both the Nassahegon State Forest and the City of New Britain Water Commission (NBWC) property. The NBWC property is private and there are No Tresspassing signs everywhere including the popular Scoville Road trails and parking area. This has never deterred riders or trail builders but yesterday I, another rider and a fisherman each received one of these:

I believe these have been distributed in the past with little effect but one can only wonder what the NBWC plans in the future. The area may need some continued help from NEMBA as time goes on.

TA Report River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: July 10, 2009

Condition of Trail(s): Dry

Trail Ambassador Name:
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Durham
Location: River Highlands State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: green, red, red/white, blue
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 9

Observations: I encountered four riders on this visit, the most I've ever seen at River Highlands. One told me he'd been reading my TA reports and had ridden at the park five times in the past week! Word is getting out about what this place has to offer, especially its status as a great place to ride after heavy rain. The trails are still in good condition generally, but are showing signs of ever increasing use. It's a small place, and trails tend to be ridden multiple times on each visit. There is continued evidence of braiding on the green trail, although one I closed off on my last visit remains closed.

I also found a new trail, blazed light blue, at the northern end of the park. One section is poorly designed from both a sustainability and rideability standpoint; a steep fall line descent with a sharp turn at the bottom. It would be easy to build a re-route that would be both more sustainable and more fun to ride. If the section begins to erode, I'll suggest it.

ATV riding continues, although no evidence of them on the singletrack.

TA Report : Pequonnock River Valley (aka Trumbull)

Date of Activity: 7/14/09
Condition of Trail(s): Good!

Trail Ambassador Name: Eric M
Town: Trumbull
Location: From commuter lot
Trail(s) Ridden: Many
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: After work
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 5

Observations & Encounters: Nothing notable. Trails in decent shape as far as wetness goes. Lots of folks there taking advantage of the nice weather.

TA Report: Pequonnock River Valley (aka Trumbull) - June 12, 2009

Sunday, June 12, 2009 Condition of Trails: Dry Trail Ambassador Name: Rich C Trail Ambassador Email: mtnbikerdad[at]yahoo[dot]com Town: Trumbull Location: Pequonnock Valley State Forest (Trumbull) Trails Ridden: Various How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking, Photography What was the time of day? Early Afternoon Duration (Hours): 2.5 Observations: Took a leisurely bike ride thru the Park on Sunday - the weather was perfect.. Although some of the heavily trafficked trails are seeing signs of nasty erosion (especially when on a fall line) there are still a lot of great XC single track trails and plenty of rollers and drops for the more adventurous crowd scattered throughout the park. Some re-routing of the now eroded trenches could help alleviate the obvious problem areas. Also, the area right up the hill from Turtle Rock is in dire need of more defined trails -- it turns into a mish-mash of a dozen or more choices! All said, Trumbull is really a beautiful and fun place to bike and still full of secrets and charm in the less-ridden spots. Whomever made the footbridge Mark mentioned in his March 29th report deserves special mention as it is fully constructed now. Hikers are happy and bikers can still do either splash thru.

TA Report: Bluff Point State Park

Date of Activity: 7/11/09
Condition of Trails(s): few Wet spots here and there. nothing bad. (except the lower/back fire road is total puddles)

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
What was the time of day:8am-4pm
Duration (Hours): 8
Distance (Miles): 17

Observations: We had some friends from Long Island ride with us. Showed them around the place somewhat, had lunch in the park.. video available to view if you wish.. :)

http://ectrr.com/Media/ClimbCT2.mov

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Date of Activity: 7/11/2009
Condition of Trail(s): Good

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Town: Newtown
Location: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: Most
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: Noon
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 10

Observations & Encounters: The Upper Gussy is definitely resembling a shared use trail evidenced by all the horse poop. Trail Gnomes have been busy and the for the post part, the trail is dry, although there are some soft spots.

TA Report : Nassahegon State Forest

Date of Activity: 7/11/09
Condition of Trail(s): Good

Trail Ambassador Name: Eric M
Town: Burlington
Location: Lamson Corner (Nass/Sessions Woods)
Trail(s) Ridden: Various
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Morning
Duration (Hours): 1.25
Distance (Miles): 5

Observations & Encounters: None

Miller Time: The Champagne of Connecticut Mountain Biking

TA Report River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: July 10, 2009
Condition of Trail(s): Good, amazingly dry.


Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Green, red/white, red, blue
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 9

Observations: I met up with four riders tonight, the most I've ever seen at River Highlands. One told me he'd been reading my TA reports and had ridden at the park five times in the past week! Word is getting out about what this place has to offer, especially its status as a great place to ride after heavy rain. The trails are still in good condition generally, but are showing signs of ever increasing use. It's a small place, and trails tend to be ridden multiple times on each visit. There is continued evidence of braiding on the green trail, although one I closed off on my last visit remains closed.

I also found a new trail, blazed light blue, at the northern end of the park. One section is poorly designed from both a sustainability and rideability standpoint; a steep fall line descent with a sharp turn at the bottom. It would be easy to build a re-route that would be both more sustainable and more fun to ride. If the section begins to erode, I'll suggest it.

ATV riding continues, although no evidence of them on the singletrack.

7/8 Chapter Meeting: Miller Time

The July Chapter meeting ride will be held at Miller's Pond State Park.

Wheels in the dirt at 5:30 PM so please be prompt!

For those of you not familiar with the area we will rally at 5:00 PM at Xaviar High School in Middletown (just off rt. 9)

Ride will be approximately 1.5 hours.

7:30, the Chapter meeting will begin at CFPA HQ in Rockfall, CT.

Anyone want to build a Pump Track?

CT NEMBA has the greenlight to build a Pump Track at Riverfront Park in Hartford.

Please contact Glenn Vernes.

TA Report Millers Pond State Park

Date of Activity: July 8, 2009

Condition of Trail(s): Moist and slick

Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Mark Lurie, Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Durham
Location: Millers Pond State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: red, red/white
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 5

Observations: This was our monthly pre-meeting ride. Our Original plan was to ride the "cross country loop", aka the red trail north of the pond, but we were told to avoid it because it was too wet. Instead we rode the red trail south of the pond, taking the cutoff in to avoid the most technical sections of trail, and back on the inner loop. John Peterson, aka "Pukemaster", the man who built most of the trails at Millers, showed us the way. The trails were wet and slick, not surprising given the recent heavy rains, but were in good condition and appear to be well designed for the long haul. The cell phone worked out in the woods and we were able to order pizza for the meeting, there were no problems or mechanicals, and a good time was had by all. We were out of the woods on time and got to the meeting by the 7:30 start.

Next month we plan on riding the "cross country loop" weather permitting so keep an eye on the ride announcements and be there if you can.

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:07-05-09
Condition of Trails(s): Muddy in some areas, mostly just damp

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?: 3PM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): N/A
Observations: Hiked out and GPS'd 5 more trails, as I am putting together a complete map for the Wilton Conservation Commission, Also re-routed 200 feet of black diamond trail by the river near the end due to consistantly being under water mud since last year, opted for higher ground with better drainage. Blocked old section and scattered leaves to cover up.

TA Report River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: July 5, 2009
Condition of Trail(s): Good, amazingly dry.

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands 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): 9

Observations: Noticed some braids beginning to appear on the green trail, around areas where the trail hugs close to the cliff edge. I also noticed some "freelance" (unauthorized) stunt building, in the form of two jump ramps, at the northern edge of the park behind the golf course. Some of the old freeride lines are being used again. This area was once a local hot spot for freeriding. Looks like it might be assuming that mantle again.

ATV riding continues, although no evidence of them on the singletrack.

TA Report: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity: Various days in the second half of June and July 4th Condition of Trails: Muddy spots everywhere, some sections not rideable due to long stretches of standing water and mud 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, Hiking, TM What was the time of day? Varied Morning Hiking/Building 9-12 -- Riding Hours varied throughout the day Condition of Trails: Muddy spots everywhere, some sections not rideable due to long stretches of standing water and mud Duration (Hours): 12 Work accomplished: (1) Returned to Stainless Pot to add more dirt to the TM area previously worked on. (2) I cleared a lot of overing greenery on the river's edge of the Cabin Trail,. Noticed a couple of spots that will need building out with riverside log supports where the trail has been narrowed to only a couple of inches wide. Armored the small stream crossing on Fisherman's loop with Ryan's crew. (3) On July 4th, our main monthly TM Crew rerouted a terribly-eroded fall line section of the Hill Trail. The section now rides beautifully and should be erosion-free from now on. We also cleared fallen trail and added a rolling grade dip to a short section near the front of the park.

TA Report: West Hartford Rez

Date of Activity; July 05,2009 Condition of trails; Few muddy area's, mostly dry. Trail Ambassador Name; Mike Lefevre Trail Ambassador E-mail; lfvmi@sbcglobal.net Town; West Hartford. Location; MDC West hartford Reservoir. Trails Ridden; Reservoir rd., Overlook rd., Dyke pond rd., Newton Brainard rd. How did you use the trails; Mountain biking. What was the time of day; Morning to Afternoon, 11:00am to 14:30. Duration; 3 1/2 Hrs. Distance; Approx. 12 to 14 Miles. Observations; Have seen some erosion, but all was uneventful. A great day to get out!

TA Report: West Hartford Rez

Date of Activity; July 04,2009 Condition of trails; Muddy in some spots, but mostly dry. Trail Ambassador Name; Mike Lefevre Trail Ambassador E-mail; lfvmi@sbcglobal.net Town; West Hartford. Location; MDC West Hartford reservoir. Trails Ridden; Canal rd., Finger Rock rd. & Reservoir rd. How did you use the trails; Mountain biking. What was the time of day; Morning/Afternoon 10am/13:00. Duration; 3 Hours. Distance; Approx. 10 to 12 Miles. Observations; A great day to get a group together for a ride. some questions/directions were asked as there seemed more folks out than usual. Mostly all uneventful!

Trail Maintenace: Mianus River Park

Date of Activity:07-04-09
Condition of Trails(s): Dry

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 Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 9am
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): N/A
Observations: Another great TM day in the park with about 10 people showing up to help. Ryan quickly had us organized and moving out for the days projects, which he will detail in his report.

TA Report: George C Waldo State Park

Date of Activity:07-04-09
Condition of Trails(s): Dry , a few bugs

Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton

Trail Ambassador Email: peburton@aol.com

Town: Southbury

Location: George Waldo

How did you use the trail?: hiked

What was the time of day?: 8:00 AM
Duration (Hours): 2.5 hours plus another 2 hours on June 25

Distance (Miles): not far- worked on design in a tough section - had to walk back and forth a lot
Observations: Finally! I worked on the design. Last week Noah and I bush whacked past the finished section and found another hunters's trail which comes out above the beach. I connected that to the new trail where it ended at the stone wall. I am still tweaking the design- one or two turns need some work, but it is basically there. And the old hunters' trail needs some enhancements. I think I flagged about another 1/2 mile of trail , but there might be more, since I found a nice flat area with open woods, and I could put another loop in there. Now if only the flags will stay up until the trail is cut...... We have an official TM next Thurs. July 9 and will be cutting the new section. And the July 16 TM is canceled.

TA Report: Racebrook Track

Date of Activity:07-04-09
Condition of Trails(s): Wet, buggy, very greasy

Unless there is something posted online, I still haven't found the Ox Shed to see what these special regulations are

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Trail Ambassador Email: ctnemba@gmail.com
Town: Orange
Location: Racebrook Tract
Ridden: N/A
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: 7:00 AM
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 11
Observations: Low points on trails are sloppy and the gravelly, rocky portions a pretty greasy. Lots of dog walkers and watch out for poison ivy in the pine forested section.

Nice four point buck with his girlfriend under the power lines. The way he was watching me and twitching his tail I got the feeling that he might charge me.

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:07-03-09

Condition of Trails(s): Wet, buggy, very greasy

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?: 10:30am
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): N/A
Observations: Was riding earlier in the week and noticed that the first bridge on the left blue trail had collapsed. I inspected the bridge and found that the underlying supports rotted away and broke. The planks for the decking appeared to be in good shape as they are 2 inches thick with little rot. I picked up three 2"x8"x10' PT and headed out this morning. I had to make 3 trips in a 1/2 mile to the location of the bridge. Reused all the old decking and new bridge is very sturdy and should hold up for years to come. As I was finishing up I had my first customer, a mountain biker, who gave the bridge a thumbs up.