TA Report: Hartman Park/ Nehantic State Forest

Fire Place Chimney

Date of Activity: 6/6/2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Condition of Trails(s): Good, great, eroded but fun
Observations: - Well, started out at the usual Hartman Park in Lyme, just plowed up the fire road to get the the summit of the place at the power lines and figured I'd take select single track back down. Was SUCH a nice day and after shoulder and finger injuries I changed my mind and figured I just stay on Fire Roads and go out and explore the adjoining Nehantic State Forest. Never really went off into the area much in the past. Was kinda fun. Lots of hills to climb up. Eroded, loose rocky, (golf ball size to bowling ball size) stuff so watching my line was a little nerve racking on some of the speedie down hills. but was a blast. Found a few foundations and such that I'd never seen before. Going to have to go back when I can go allll day :)

Big Tree in Trail

TA report: Huntington SP

Date of Activity: 7/28/10
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Town: Redding
Location: Huntington State Park
Condition of Trail(s): Good
Observations: Maybe my physical therapist's closing comments jinxed me. I have been receiving physical therapy for a frozen shoulder and I asked her if I could ride. She said okay, and do not fall.
I met Javier for a Wednesday evening ride, and was upset as I felt I wasn't riding well. And then this rock jumped out at me, (other people tell me I must have fallen as rocks don't jump, but this one did jump, honest), and I fell. The bike survived fine, my left leg below the knee did not with a 4"-5" gash, some blood and good old mountain bike dirt. Javier and I pooled our first aid kits together and I rode and walked out of the woods.
After approximately a 3 hour visit to the Danbury Hospital ED I left with 6 internal stitches and 16 external stitches, Percosets and Antibiotics. Javier and I shared the sandwiches that I had packed for a midnight snack in the hospital parking lot. I highly recommend Danbury Hospital ED if you need to use their services. Luckily there was no major damage and stitching up the wound was all that was necessary. I have little to no pain and discomfort, I find it annoying. Which leads me to the following suggestion, make sure someone has a well stocked first aid kit and that they know how to use it when you go for a ride.
A statement about the trail we were

TA report: Roosevelt Forest

Date of Activity: 7/22/10
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Town: Stratford
Location: Roosevelt Forest
Condition of Trail(s): Good
Observations: After the rains, trails were mildly damp and a pleasure to ride. A few mud puddles were in evidence, some blow downs. I will need to return when I have more time to clear them.

TA Report: Roosevelt Forest

Date of Activity: 7/20/10
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Town: Stratford
Location: Roosevelt Forest
Condition of Trail(s): Good
Observations: After the rains, trails were mildly damp and a pleasure to ride.

TA Report: Cockaponset

Date of Activity: 7-27-2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Bryan McFarland
Condition of Trails(s): dry and fast
Observations: lots of mosquitoes on north end
Trail Maintenance hours: 0.25
Work accomplished: posted MBAS posters around parking lot

TA Report: West Hartford reservoir.

Date of activity:  July 3rd, 4 hours, July 5Th, 2 hours, July 9Th, 2 hours, & July 13 , 2 hours.

Condition of trails:  Mostly dry with copious amounts of Blue and Green!

Observations:  Most people I encountered were concern of the MDC's fate which naturally lead into " What is NEMBA "! Assistance to a lone bike/hiker with tire/wheel spoke issues.

TA/TM Report: Naugatuck Forest

Date of Activity: July 26, 2010
Condition of Trail: Varied, but generally fair to poor
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

The state has now posted a map of this area, and it may be downloaded from the DEP's Website.

Encounters and Observations: I rode the trails at the Naugatuck Forest from Downs Road because I wanted to get a better sense of where they go. The area is definitely confusing, particularly by the border with Brooksvale Park. The trail surfaces are generally challenging to ride. Many trails are washed out, due to a combination of slope and ATV damage, leaving a scattering of rocks and branches along the trail. The woods roads have patches of gravel, some quite large and loose. 

There are many illegal single-track trails near Brooksvale Stream. I spoke with Lori Lindquist, park supervisor, this past week. She said she would like to eliminate those trails, and said the state already removed a wooden "playground" that some mountain bikers had installed at the forest. I can see why the state would want to eliminate those trails. Some were as steep as 45 degrees, giving added emphasis to the concept of "fall line" trail.

Trumbull-Pequonnock

Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Condition of Trails: Pretty dry and ridable despite yesterday's downpour
Trail Ambassador Name: Rich C, Mark L, R Tucker, K Mistretta, Rich S.
Trail Ambassador Email: mtnbikerdad[at]yahoo[dot]com
Town: Trumbull
Location: Pequonnock Valley State Forest
Trails Ridden: Southern Red, Yellow and White
How did you use the trail?: TM, Mountain Biking
What was the time of day? 9 AM - 12:30 PM, 12:30-2:30 PM
Duration (Hours): 3 1/2 Hours, 2 Hours

This was a scheduled TTC TM session and we had a good turn out. Rob, Nick and Rick joined us and we were able to get a lot accomplished despite the nasty heat and humidity.

We met at Daniels Farm Parking lot and slogged all the way into the ugly rock-strewn Red Trail fall line by the first stream. I had sussed out a couple of reroute options yesterday and we collectively found the best option was a combination "morph" of the two. Basically we created a switchback that keeps the slope under 10% using sustainable trail building techniques to ensure its maintenance and erosion free.

A rock-armored section now fills the dip where the new reroute crossed the washed out fall line and fallen trees were moved into place to deter any shortcuts. Berms were built on the turns and bench cuts were carved and tamped down where ever needed.

Our intentions were to build something equally if not more enticing then the rock-strewn challenge we replaced. It's built for an easier climb but even more important >> it has good flow and downhill speed. TTC members will be tweaking the berms a bit more in the days ahead and we welcome an onslaught of riders to break it in!

It was very hot and humid under the trees and with no breeze - it was a rough 3 1/2 hours. Thankfully no one complained and we worked like a well-oiled machine. Everybody contributed so much energy and smarts to the session and we all left with a great sense of collective accomplishment.

After returning to the parking lot to unload our tools, Mark, Rich and Nick hit the trails again for a quick ride. We rode the yellow and red (zooming down our new reroute of course!) and sussed out another fall line section on the red trail we'll be tackling shortly.

Bee lining down to the Sandy trail that encircles the north end of the Serengeti, we headed into the central maze. The air was brutally stale so we headed on back out via the White Trail, drenched and winded.

In the parking lot we met a few riders who complimented us on our reroute - it was a nice finale for a long day!

TA Report: River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: July 25, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Glenn Vernes

Condition of Trail(s): Good
I had wanted to go riding, but it started to drizzle in the afternoon and I decided to hike instead. This afternoon rain is really interfering with my riding, and I'll bet I'm not the only one. I hiked for an hour and a half, accompanied all the while by a swarm of buzzing insects. It was dog's breath hot and humid with no breeze.
The slower pace of hiking allowed me to better assess the condition of the trails, and pick up litter. The trails were fine and I filled a bag with refuse, mostly beverage containers. There was one big tree down across a double track that looks like it was taken down by wind, not surprising since we've had a lot of that lately. Surprisingly few sticks were down.

TA/TM Report: Trumbull-Pequonnock

Saturday, July 24th, 2010
Condition of Trails: Nasty humid and buggy

It was ridiculously hot and muggy -- worse it seemed it the woods -- the forest retains the moisture. The ride in was a little sketchy as all the rocks and roots were still slick from yesterday's rain. Good news was there was hardly any mud.

Rode to the washed out fall Line on the Red Trail near the 1st stream and flagged a reroute for Sunday's TM session. After finishing there, I headed in further on the Yellow Trail but turned around before hitting the Central Maze and headed down to the Serengeti and back out on the White.

I had my folding camper shovel in my water pack and stopped at the famous mudhole on the White Trail and dug a little channel to help drain off

TA Report: Mianus River

Date of Activity: July 22
Trail Ambassador Name: R Tucker, K Mistretta, M Burke

Condition of Trails(s): Stay off river side trails. Watch out for downed trees.
Observations: River side trails look like they had some wash, please stay off river side trails. Downed trees, limbs, and derailier killing sticks all over, watch your lines.
Trail Maintenance hours: 2.25 hours,
Work accomplished: removed Hill Trail/Ridge run deadfall, removed Peak Trail deadfall, removed Pine Hill Rd deadfall, removed Cave Trail deadfall. Reclosed Hill Trail rock wall with deadfall, rocks, and other debris. Don't undo blocked trails as trails are blocked or rerouted with land owner approval, trail vandals will be reported to town of Stamford and Stamford PD.

Tonight's CT NEMBA Board Meeting location change

The board will be attending the Public Hearing at the West Hartford Town Hall at 5:30 PM.  Afterwards we will convene at a nearby eating establishment to discuss the outcome of the meeting and other significant issues concerning MTB in Connecticut.

Attention all NEMBA members and mountain bikers:

Please visit the following websites and express your support to help keep the West Hartford Reservoir open to recreation.

www.savethemdctrails.org

Join the Facebook group named - savethemdctrails.org

Sign the petition -- www.thepetitionsite.com/1/fixtherecreationliabilitylaw

The West Hartford Reservoir is in danger of being closed due to limited protection from accidents by CT state law. NEMBA is working to help get this fixed. This not only affects the Reservoir but also municipalities and town parks. Outdoor recreation on lands that allow public access is in jeopardy!

Support us in this fight!

Lost & Found Bike at Cockaponset

Date of Activity: 7-18-2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Bryan McFarland

Someone abandoned a single-speed mountain bike along the white trail "Rocky Road" at about halfway to the wooden bridge junction. It was leaning up against a tree for about 3 weeks, so I picked it up today. It was covered in spiderwebs and the chain was pretty rusty. I contacted Alex Sokolow, the land manager, and will post in the forums. Let me know if it's yours.

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Date of Activity: 7/18/2010

Trail Ambassador: Rick Brodsky, Mark Lurie

Trail Conditions: Very Good.

Observations: 75 degrees when we set out at about 7:30. It was humid and you could tell it was going to be a hot day. It took just minutes before working up a good sweat. We took the Polly Brody fire road up to the Upper Gussy trailhead. 

There was lots of debris mostly in the form of leaves that had washed onto the road from last week's storm. Also, out on the trail there were many limbs down and debris on the Gussy. We cleared some of the more disruptive debris. Right before the ascent to the roller near the rock wall there was a very large tree down from the storm. It doesn't block the trail, but it is partially tangled in other trees. 

Seems with some imagination it could be turned into some kind of fun stunt. Otherwise, the Gussy looks great and with every new addition to the trail it is becoming even more fun to ride.

Action Alert: Save the Rez!

Due to a recent lawsuit (click for PDF), the Metropolitan District Commission is considering stopping public access to MDC trails. Please sign this online petition to support the MDC and change the recreational liability laws. Mountain bikers and other trail users need to come together to close the legal loophole and keep the trails open to the public. Come to a public meeting at the Auditorium at the Town Hall in West Hartford on Tuesday, July 20th 2010 at 5:30 PM. Details here ...

TA Report: Rocky Neck State Park

Date of Activity: 7/16/2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Condition of Trails(s): Good, great perfect (though dry!)
Observations: - hot, humid, haven't ridden in over 2 weeks, decided this afternoon I'd pedal over to Rocky Neck and do a quick loop of the trails. surprisingly quiet there, most people had left I guess for I would have figured the beach to be packed, and it wasn't.
Trails are in good shape, few new low lying branches and a good bit of veg growth tighten the trails. Wasn't as bad as I thought with a good sea breeze flowing. Many of the rivers are dryed up...

this is normally a good flowing stream, not just a rock face. Makes for less mud on me though  :)

TA/TM Report: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods

Date of activity:  July 14, 2010 

Condition of trail(s):  Mostly in good shape

Trail Ambassador Name:  Don Hazuka

Encounters and Observations:  Left work a few minutes (ok, hours) early to hopefully beat the rain (nope) to get in a ride; after the rain let up, I headed out to the more remote section of the parcel on the yellow and white trails; one note to the idiot who left the three tires at the trailhead to my house: “hey jerk, rubber is NOT biodegradable!”- I’m sure I’ll end up dragging them out and hauling them to the dump ($); trails were in pretty good shape with a little standing water in low spots and very slick rocks and roots; made frequent stops to clean up fallen branches all along the way out and back; there is still that nasty spot to cross before yellow turns to

TM report: Waldo State Park

Date of Activity: July 12, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Paula Burton

Location:  Waldo SP
Condition of Trail(s)/ observations: The trail gremlin is back! More brush on the trails placed by a human and flags removed on the extension. But progress will continue...Trail in good shape and thanks to Dan for blowing the leaves off the trail.

TA Report: Roosevelt Forest

Date of Activity: 7/13/10
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Condition of Trail(s): Dry, dry and dry. Some minor blow downs, all rideable.
Observations: Minor branches on the trails, all rideable. Cleared a major blow down, I hate when my saw binds due to the way the tree fell. All streambeds and mud puddle areas were dry, all a pleasure to ride through. I rode over a newly constructed bridge, over a stream that had some water flowing, got stung in my butt three times. Why in the open on a bridge when I traversed through wooded areas, tall grass without incident I do not know. Boy is my butt sore. I was the only car in the parking lot, had the woods to myself.

TA Report Wadsworth Falls and River Highands State Park.

Date of Activity: July 2 & 9, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Paula Burton & Glenn Vernes

Paula and I rode Wadsworth Falls on Friday the Second. The trails were bone dry, it felt like riding in the high desert southwest. I got a flat near the Big Falls. You need to be careful in that area as there's a lot of broken glass. There's a new tree down near the Little Falls that's too big to cut with the pocket saw- I'll have to hike in with the big saw.

I rode River Highlands on Friday the Ninth. The trails are holding up just fine but the litter problem has moved from the parking lot onto the trails – mostly water bottles. From now on I'll be bringing a bag on the ride and picking up what I can. There were also some limbs across the trail that look like they might have been deliberately placed. I'll monitor that.

TM report: Where's Waldo Trail

Date of Activity: July 10, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Paula Burton, Javier Hernadez
Location: Waldo SP
Trail Ambassador Email: peburtonataoldotcom
Town: Southbury
Trails: Where's Waldo Extension
How did you use the trail? TM/ ride
What was the time of day? early morning
Duration (Hours): 4 hours
Distance (Miles): 5
Condition of Trail(s)/ observations: Continued working on the extension of Where's Waldo. Lots of benching!

TA Report: West Hartford Reservoir

Trail Ambassador Name: Daren Casey

Encounters & Observations: Started from the main parking lot and rode the outer loop.  I heard there are some new trails but I didn’t go exploring as I was having a rough day, physically.  I’ll try to find them and report on my next ride.   A small tree has fallen across the trail just as you enter the outer fence line after leaving the practice log.   It’s easy enough to go over so it shouldn’t be a problem.  Another small pine tree has started falling just as  you’re leaving the outer fence line.  It’s stuck on another tree to make an archway.  I think I’ll try pushing it over to the side the next time I’m out there.  The trails are in excellent condition.  Even the creeks are low and easy to cross without 

TA Report - 7/10/2010 Tyler Mill

Date of Activity: 7/10/2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Troy William Turner

Condition of Trails(s): dry and in excellent condition. Some one did a nice job of trimming the canopy on the switch backs in the dense brush across from the double jump trail.
Observations: none
Trail Maintenance hours: 0.5
Work accomplished: picking up trash in parking lot. Special thanks to Stephen Katuska for clearing a fallen tree across a trail.

TM Report - Miller's Pond 7/11/10

Date of Activity: 7/11/2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Troy William Turner

Condition of Trails(s): good...damp from the rain on Saturday. No puddles. Dry out by noon is my guess. Some slipper rocks and logs to be expected.
Observations: some local fisherman
Trail Maintenance hours: 0.5
Work accomplished: picking up trash along trail head. Since last week, trash has been cleaned up. Was only able to accumulate one plastic bag full (this is a good thing)!. Thanks to Jeff Brown for helping.

Trumbull-Pequonnock 7-10-10

Saturday, July 10th, 2010
Condition of Trails: Nasty humid and buggy
Trail Ambassador Name: Rich C

Off to a late start and once I arrived at the Daniels Farm Parking lot, the dark thunderheads in the sky had me spooked a bit. It rained a bit while in the park but not enough to muddy the trails or--unfortunately--clear the oppressive muggy air.
Rode in and basically focused on the Red and Yellow blazing in the south end. I greyed out where the yellow blazes were no longer valid and added yellow blazing on missing sections. The rooty section -- bordering the wetlands and

TM Report: Wilton Woods

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort, Chris Keczkemethy

Town: Wilton

Location: Bradley Park

Condition of Trails(s): Dry

How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance

Observations: Orange trail approved re-route.   This trail had a 100-200 section hat was a fall-line and erosion was quite evident and would only be getting worse.  Re-Route now stays perpendicular to the fall-line.   Re-blazed the trees and covered up old blazes.  Another work detail will be required to cover up the old trail

TA Report: Nassahegon - June 2010

Date of Activity: Month of June 2010
Condition of Trail(s): Excellent
Trail Ambassador: Jon Regan

Encounters and Observations: The month of June has come and gone up in the woods of Burlington, CT none the less it was a great month of riding for sure! The weather for the most part was pretty good and the lack of rain has left the trails in stellar condition so any major TM has somewhat taken a backburner to riding for the time being. Regardless, with the wet spring and warmer temps of late the forests rate of growth has exploded recently and many of the trails are being encroached upon and in some cases completely overtaken by the native fauna. I’ve done a bunch of trimming but much more is needed for sure….

Anyway during the month of June , I’ve had the chance to interact with a bunch of the riders that frequent the trails, give directions and even give a few tours regardless, most riders I’ve met along the way continue to be impressed with what

TA report: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods

TA Report: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods
Date of activity: July 9, 2010
Condition of trail(s): Very dry and fast
Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka

Encounters and Observations: very warm and dry; almost all low crossings that usually never dry out have now; there is even a beautiful line the full length of the Muck Rock Road section for the first time that I can remember; mosquitoes, gnats, and deer flies are at their worst; hit the route 145 parking lot to fill the map box and found nothing but shredded paper. When I went to clear it, I found a couple of mice and a hairless baby. I left a warning note wedged under the top, and put some maps in the notch at the back of the box top for visitors; continued from the green to orange to red to blue to green; I wanted to ride longer but the freakin’ bugs had me crying uncle and emptying my helmet every mile; I threw in the towel early and

TA Report: Shelton Lakes

Date of Activity: 7/5/2010
Condition of Trails: Dry

Observations: With it heating up, I decided to trade in my rodie for a spin in the cooler temps of tree cover. It was my first time in the Shelton Lakes. Outside of two guys fishing and a couple doing some trail running I had the trails to myself. I entered the trail network from the Hope Lake Picnic Area and rode the Bridge-to-Bridge (recently changed from the Orange Trail to the Blue Trail) south across Oak Valley Road and into Eklund Garden. There's a nice bypass around the deer fencing protecting the Eklund Garden area. As Mark Lurie mentioned in an earlier update there is a new bypass being built by local scouts that will make for a much easier decent/climb around a very steep rocky portion of the trail. Work on this new bypass is expected to commence in August. The trail runs into the Nell's Rock Trail (White). Other than a few fallen branches along the Nell's Rock Loop the route was relatively free and clear. Again as previously reported by Mark, I also ran into the fallen tree along the trail and did not have a saw to clear it. Overall a very enjoyable ride. Good to be back on my knobbies!

TA Report: Kellog State Park

Date of Activity: 7/4
Condition of trails: if you don't know the park - you will get lost.
Observations: attached to ospournedale, kellog is in tough shape, but nature trails are better. we ran info a man and his son in need of water that we transferred to their soda bottles from our backpacks. We talked to them briefly about water over soda on a hot day.

TA Report: Osbornedale State Park

Date of Activity: 7/3
Condition of trails: The park is in rough shape.. at least in the back nine. trails are all open, but markinge are missing, on downed trees.. if you don't know
the park - you will get lost.
Observations: The hills and slopes remain passable but markings are sparse and becoming tough to discern.

TA Report - Millers Pond

Date of Activity: 7/ 5 /10
Condition of Trails(s): good
Observations: Trash scattered near the pond. Heavy use by locals over the weekend. Many people enjoying the park swimming, cooking, fishing and the like. One rider broke a cable just entering the trails. No one had a spare cable.

TA/TM Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity: 7/4/2010
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Observations: Was finishing a great ride and came down the orange trail near the parking lot to discover a large tree down across the trail, rode to the car to get my saw and headed back to trim all the branches, clear the trail and access how it can be used...awesome log ride down a hill! WIll be back tomorrow with the chain saw to get all set and ready to ride....

TA Report: Eisenhower Park

Date of Activity: 6/1-7/4
Condition of trails: The park is in great shape.. We talked to several users, no real problems other than the occasional loose dog comjplaint. trails are all open.
Observations: usually quiet corners are picking up use by paintpallers and evidence of motorized bikes the city police, rec dept, and public works were contacted
about deer hunting stands found on the solomon hill

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 /meet and greet
What was the time of day?: over several days and varying hours
Duration (hours):joe 11 hours deanna 11 hours
Distance (miles): 20 miles each

TM Report:Trumbull-Pequonnock

TA Report: Pequonnock River Valley (aka Trumbull) 7-3-10

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010
Condition of Trails: Dry, but many angry bees
Trail Ambassador Name: Rich C, Dave Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: mtnbikerdad[at]yahoo[dot]com
Town: Trumbull
Location: Pequonnock Valley State Forest
Trails Ridden: northern
How did you use the trail?: TM, Photography
What was the time of day? 8 AM - 5 PM, 8 AM - 10 AM
Duration (Hours): 9 Hours, 2 Hours,


Early Morning
Dave and I got there bright and early (8 AM) and wandered up on the Yellow and Red trails in the south end in search of the large fallen trees we were notified about result of the Bridgeport storm on June 24th) Sadly, we only saw one smaller downed tree (which we reluctantly cut - it was a bikeable up and over).
On the plus side, with Dave's assistance, we cleared the log that I noted (quite a while back) that was in the way on the Yellow Trail near the waterfall stream area.
Dave left at 10 AM and I re-entered the park on foot with other small TM projects in mind and a hope I'd find the fallen trees...
White Trail
Created a knick and channel to allow run off at a spot on the White Trail on the long descent, right after the Yellow Trail turns off. It always gets muddy here in the spring and after a rainfall.



I did find the fallen trees. The first set are blocking the White Trail. Others are found in the northern section (map and details on the TTC site.)


I trimmed a lot of plant overhang on the white trail and headed over to Yellow Trail climb north of the Fire Road.
Yellow Trail Climb (angry bees…)
The top of this Yellow Trail climb is a fall line that will easily erode without a little TLC. I added an S curve, cambering the curves and allowing two or three spots for water runoff as well. (My camera batteries had run out at this point so no photos...)
The downside of this project was I was continually attacked by bees and ended up with over seven bee stings on my hands and legs! Never saw a nest but they were an angry bunch...
Skunk Alert!
At a landmark huge rock on the yellow trail, three skunks were having a party and wandering out onto the trail. I froze and held my distance (only about 12 feet away!) praying that I wouldn't get sprayed... After about 5 minutes, they turned around and wandered back behind the rock and I gingerly passed them. They may call that rock home so others should be on the lookout around there...
Opened Small Offshoot
Lastly, I opened up the small offshoot trail (mentioned in my previous TA Report) by benching a bit more and raking near each end. This should help spur traffic on this short alternate path and cut down on wear and tear on the fall line it circumvents.
Recruiting Help…
The park was surprisingly empty although I met a few bikers and let them know about the TTC – all seemed interested in joining up to help on TM.

TA report: Puagusette SF

Date of Activity: July 4, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Paula Burton,

Location:Puagusette SF
Trail Ambassador Email: peburtonataoldotcom
Town: Newtown
Trail(s) Ridden: Upper Gussy, Polly Brody
How did you use the trail? ride

What was the time of day? early morning
Duration (Hours): 1 hour
Distance (Miles): 4

Condition of Trail(s) & observations: Great ride in the early morning! Trail in good shape.

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

Date of Activity: 7/3/10
Trail Ambassador Name: Rick Brodsky, Mark Lurie
Condition of Trail(s): Ideal conditions.

Observations: Trails were 98% dry. Really beautiful morning to be riding. It was about 60 degrees at the start. Hardly any bugs at all. Trails were in pristine condition with only a few minor blow downs. We cleared some debris and created a new up-and-over with one of the downed trees. Its actually more of an up-and-then-huck. The new skinny is fantastic, very well done. The re-route after the first stream crossing is a welcome addition and a great example of smart trail building. We saw three hunters who were out for a casual tour, no actual hunting. We stopped to talk and they were nice, respectful, and very complimentary of NEMBA's trail work.

Blowdown on the Gussy Trail. We were able to keep the tree across the trail and build a nice up and over for it that has a huck on the otherside.

Trail Ambassador Email: rdbrodskyATgmail
Town: Newtown
Location: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: Fire road from lot, all of Gussy and then some
How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding
What was the time of day?: 7:30AM to 9AM
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): About 5 miles I'm guessing

TA/TM Report: Cockaponset

Date of Activity: 7-3-2010
Trail Ambassador Name: Bryan McFarland
Town: Chester
Location: Cockaponset State Forest
Condition of Trails(s): lots of debris and a few blow-downs
Observations: hords of mosquitoes
Trail Maintenance hours: 2 hours
Work accomplished: Removed lots of debris and a few smaller blow downs; marked 3 blow-downs for removal.

Trail Ambassador Email: czimborbryan@sbcglobal.net
Trail(s) Worked: White, Old Mottland Trail, Purple, Hidden Trail, Orange, Marsh Trails, Braided Trails
How did you use the trail: Riding and some light TM
What was the time of day: 1-5PM
Duration (Hours): 4
Distance (Miles): 11 Miles

TA Report: Trout Brook

Date of Activity: 7/3/10
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Condition of Trail(s): B E A U T I F U L ! ! !
Observations: Trails were dry, any blow downs were cleaned up or off the trail. We had the woods to ourselves.
Trail Ambassador Email: edperten@sbcglobal.net
Town: Easton/Redding
Location: Trout Brook
Trail(s) Ridden: Most of them
How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding
What was the time of day?: Morning
Duration (Hours): 2.5
Distance (Miles): A bunch

TA Report - Millers Pond

Date of Activity: 7/3/10
Condition of Trails(s): good
Observations: Trails are in good shape.

Trail Ambassador Name: Troy William Turner
Trail Ambassador Email: troy.turner@unilever.com
Town: Durham
Location: Miller's Pond
Trail(s) Ridden: red down to Camp Farnum and back.
How did you use the trail: mountain biking
What was the time of day: 7am
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 6
Trail Maintenance hours: 0.5
Work accomplished: picking up trash in parking lot. Not much :-) Some along trail head which I got.

TA/TM Report - Nassahegon State Forest

Trail Report for: Nassahegon SF and surrounding Burlington woods
Date of Activity: Report covers the month of June
Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Leggitt
Duration: 21 manhours of Trail Maintenance
Conditions: For most of the month, the trails have been very dry with heavy underbrush growth. Extensive TM work by numerous individuals left the trail surfaces in superb conditions. Now, to rid ourselves of the bugs and ticks!

Observations:  The popularity of the area continues to grow and with it, the number of riders new to the area. The several Trail Ambassadors assigned to these woods maintain high visibility, have recruited others to become TA's, and have been very busy giving directions and helping riders and hikers out. The usual controversies continue but have recently been overshadowed by the West Hartford Reservoir issues.

Trails: Soccer Fields, Stone West, Sessions, and Scoville areas
How Used: Mountain biking, hiking, and Trail Maintenance

TA Report: Shelton Lakes

Date of Activity: 6/30/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Observations: Not many trail users except for a few dog walkers but there were knobbies hear and there in the dirt. Trails are nice and surprisingly flat. There was a tree down on the white trail/Nels Rock Trail but I didn't have my saw with me to take care of it. With the neighboring rock store it would make a nice up-and-over.

My suggestion from last year to create a bypass around the hike-a-bike to the Nels Rock area seems to be gaining traction but the development of the trail appears surprisingly slow, unless the builders just started it. It was taped off with a little sign saying if you wanted to help build it contact the Shelton Conservation Commission. Can't wait for the bypass to be completed because it will really make riding over to the Nels Rock trails much more flowy.

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Trail Ambassador Email: eatsleepfish[at]gmail[dot]com
Town: Shelton
Location: Shelton Lakes
Trail(s) Ridden: White, Blue, Yellow

How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 6pm
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 7

TM Report: Bradley Park

Date of Activity: 7/1/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Town: Wilton
Location: Bradley Park
Observations: Heavy overgrowth on southern yellow trails required alot pruning, also hiked the rest of the park to see if any further TM was required and notice that the orange trail at the northern end, which about a 100 foor section is fall line trail is beginning to erode just like the section on the southern end that I re-routed last year. I will be submitting a proposal to WCC next week to be able to re-route that section to make it sustainable.
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Trail(s) Ridden:N/A
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 10am
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): N/A

TA Report: WIlton Woods

Date of Activity: 7/2/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Observations: Trails Super packed and dry,
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location:Wilton Woods
Trail(s) Ridden:Blue, Black, Orange, White
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 6pm
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 4

TA Report: WIlton Woods

Date of Activity: 6/30/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort, Chris K, Ryan Tucker Trai
Observations: Trails Super packed and dry, park is in excellent condition with almost no TM required. We had one major mechanical on the ride, Ryan snapped his seat post and manned up did the rest of the ride peddling with no seat, standing while peddling the whole way!
Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location: Wilton Woods
Trail(s) Ridden:Blue, Black, Orange, Yellow
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 6pm
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 4

Trout Brook Ride: 7/31

Saturday 31 July

Trout Brook Mountain Bike

Meet at 9:00 at the end of Elm Drive off Freeborn for a mountain bike

ride in Trout Brook.

Not too technical, perhaps advanced novice to

intermediate level ride.

Please RSVP with ride leader to assure ride is

still on.

Rain or really wet trails cancels.

Ride leader Eric Schonenberg

schonenberg@charter.net

203-746-0246.

TA Report - Millers Pond

Date of Activity: 7/2/10
Condition of Trails(s): good
Observations: Took my 4 and 7 old for their first 'mountain biking' experience. Some trash on the ground which we picked up. Many locals enjoying the pond and bathing in the sun.


Trail Ambassador Name: Troy William Turner
Trail Ambassador Email: troy.turner@unilever.com
Town: Durham
Location: Miller's Pond
Trail(s) Ridden: fire road along pond
How did you use the trail: mountain biking
What was the time of day: 5:30pm
Duration (Hours): 1
Distance (Miles): 1
Trail Maintenance hours: 1
Work accomplished: picking up trash. Hung up life ring and re-tied it to the rope provided.

TM/ TA report: Waldo State Forest

Date of Activity: June 30, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Paula Burton, Javier Hernandez, Ed Perton
Location: Waldo SF

Condition of Trail(s)/ observations: Since I had some time today before the TM event, I got the chainsaw out, and sharpened the chain. I also cleaned the air filter. That's all the chainsaw maintenance I know. Then I decided that I wanted to use the BOB trailer. The chapter purchased it last year, and it is high time I put it to use. I took out an old hard tail bike which had a flat and needed oiling. And it is in desperate need of need brake shoes ( I saved that for another day!). I attached the BOB trailer, which is really quite easy, but it does require a special skewer - I found that after rummaging around in the basement, and I needed to read the directions for the pin assembly. Not as bad it seems, but it wasn't intuitive. Once all that was ready to go, I figured I needed to scope out what I could carry with the trailer. I did manage to get the chainsaw and all gear needed for the saw, and a lopper on one load.At the park, I made two loads, one for the chainsaw and one for the leaf blower. Since we were working in the evening and wouldn't have a bunch of time, this let us ride to the worksite. We were working a mile into the park. Riding a bike with a trailer is an experience. But I survived and got the hang of it. Going up a hill is the worst. Tight turns are a close second, but it beats carrying everything by hand. Ed and Javier are good workers and we knocked out about 1/4 of trail, all done, and another 1/3 mile with a rough cut. Somehow between Ed, Javier, and BOB trailer, we managed to get everything back to the cars in one trip. Ed and Javier even had some time for a real ride, but I was tired after all the BOB trailering and running the chain saw. A second shift of guys showed up, Dan and his friends, and they did some benching, clearing, and rock work. Waldo is seeing more mountain biking use these days. While I was in the parking lot, two guys showed up who I had never seen before. They had never been their either and heard about it from someone else. Dan and his buds have been riding the trail too, and figured they wanted to help out. The only bummer was that I forgot to get a picture of the BOB trailer in use, but it was a great days work !

Trail Ambassador Email: peburtonataoldotcom
Town: Southbury
Trail(s) Ridden: Where's Waldo
How did you use the trail? Trail building /ride
What was the time of day? late Afternoon/early evening
Duration (Hours): 4 hours
Distance (Miles): ?

TA Report River Highlands State Park

Date of Activity: June 25 & 29, 2010
Trail Ambassador Names: Glenn Vernes
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park

Condition of Trail(s): Very Good.
The trails are holding up just fine but the parking lot has acquired a litter problem. Mostly party litter- cigar wrappers, beer cans, razor blades, even a condom (yuck!). One of my TA duties is now to fill a bag with whatever I'm willing to pick up.

Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Trail(s) Ridden: Green, Red, white, unmarked
How did you use the trail? Mountain bike
What was the time of day? Morning & Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 2.5
Distance (Miles): Around 12