Collis P Huntington SP
Trail Maintenance
Saturday, May 15
9 AM to 12 Noon
Redding, CT
Meet at the lot off of Sunset Hill Rd
Paula Burton
peburton1@gmail.com
203-733-2963
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
TA Report: Shelton Lakes
Date of Activity: 4/28/10
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Trail Ambassador Report - Mianus River Park
Date of Activity: April 28
Trail Ambassador Name: R Tucker
Trail Ambassador Email: rrtucker at gmail dot com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus River Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Perimeter Loop from Stamford to Inner loop back to Stamford
How did you use the trail: Riding
What was the time of day: 6:45am-7:45am
Duration (Hours): 1 hours
Distance (Miles): 5 miles
Condition of Trails(s): Stay off river side trails. Otherwise trails were perfect with a wee tack to them.
Observations: Everything above/away from the river was good, riverside trails aren't in condition for riding. Someone removed our Cabin Trail Reroute pin flags, the bootleg block on Peak Trail was still in place from Friday last week.
Trail Maintenance hours: 0.25hours
Work accomplished: Blocked bootleg along new trail re-route with brush.
TM Report: Wilton Woods
Date of Activity: 4/21/10
Observations: Met Mike Conklin from WWC at Rings End Lumber to pick up wood to repair a bridge on the orange trail that was heavily sagging due to a cracked support beam. We arrived at Wilton woods and began by hiking out with the first load of wood/supplies for the repairing which included a heavy hydraulic car floor jack. It required to trips to get all supplies out at the bridge. Began by inspecting where the issue was and then determined the best way to jack up the 20 foot long bridge. We ended up taking some large logs from a nearby stunt that I built a while back and layed those in the stream under the bridge and layed the car jack on top. We jecked the bridge up about 6 inches and attached the 2"x8"x12' to the side with clamps and drilled where the large nails were being put. Completed both sides and lowered the bridge down and now it is not sagging and there is relatively no bounce in the bridge.
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): Dry
Observations: Met Mike Conklin from WWC at Rings End Lumber to pick up wood to repair a bridge on the orange trail that was heavily sagging due to a cracked support beam. We arrived at Wilton woods and began by hiking out with the first load of wood/supplies for the repairing which included a heavy hydraulic car floor jack. It required to trips to get all supplies out at the bridge. Began by inspecting where the issue was and then determined the best way to jack up the 20 foot long bridge. We ended up taking some large logs from a nearby stunt that I built a while back and layed those in the stream under the bridge and layed the car jack on top. We jecked the bridge up about 6 inches and attached the 2"x8"x12' to the side with clamps and drilled where the large nails were being put. Completed both sides and lowered the bridge down and now it is not sagging and there is relatively no bounce in the bridge.
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): Dry
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
2010 Spring Trail Boss Training @ Brooksvale Park
Saturday, April 24 was Trail Boss training at the Veterans Memorial Pavilion at Brooksvale Park. A good turn out of CT NEMBA members came from all corners of the state to learn about mountain biking advocacy, trail design and building techniques, working with land managers and other important aspects of being a Trail Boss.
Paula Burton got the morning started getting everyone in attendance to give introductions before she began her slideshow. Most of the attendees were already CT Trail Ambassadors and this program was the next step into becoming more knowledgeable regarding trail management.
Paula had the group pair up into teams with someone you did not know and take 15 minutes to quickly design the optimal trail system. The exercise brought up some common themes of trail design. Paula spent the next hour reviewing types of trails, building techniques, trail issues, etc. and included a demonstration on how to properly use a clinometer.
Next we headed outside where Paula and Ryan reviewed trail building tools, their usage and safety. The “Circle of Death” (keeping adequate distance between you and other workers) was stressed as important thing to keep in mind when using tools. Knowing your tools and how to use them safely will greatly minimize the possibility of an accident.
We headed back in for presentations by Ryan Tucker on working with land managers and David Francefort on wood bridges, walkways and rock armoring usage.
After lunch the group broke in 2 groups for hands-on outdoor work. Paula took one group for trail design and assessment, covering issues such as erosion; preventative techniques such as knicks and grade dips; and tips for designing a reroute or new trail. Ryan and Dave took the other group out for benching techniques, which include each person performing a full bench. The groups switched after an hour and each session was done again.
After the program was done, those who brought their mountain bike, were treated to a ride through Brooksvale park and into Naugatuck State Forest led by Keith. Ride was great and the day was ended with post-ride libations. Another successful day of TM training was completed.
2010 Milford Earth Day: Tri-eco-thon
On milford earth day april 24th NEMBA helped the earthday committee put together a fun ride for kids and adults. The ride we heled present and execute had a short run, a kayak ride, and a short mountain bike ride over a 1/3 mile circle.
Turnout was outstanding for earthday - 350 people. The ecothon ride was filled to capacity at 40 people early in the day. It was exciting, most of the participants expressed sincere thanks to NEMBA, it's ambassadors, and for what we do... We hope to expant the run to a ride training, trail school, park tour.
Hopefully, next year's event (april 16 2011) will set a format to execute similar fun runs for firstimers and beginners to get introduced to responsible trail riding and trail care. the run spanned an hour and a half with 12 volunteers, including two lifeguards from the boy scouts.
2010 Milford Earth Day TM Report
Date of Activity:April 24thCondition of Trail: good
Trail Ambassador Name:Joe Woyciesjes, Deanna Baker
Email:jjconcepts@ureach.com
Town:Milford
Location:Eisenhower park
Trail(s) Ridden: Red Trail
How did you use the trail? Maintenence
What was the time of day? morning
Hours: 156
Distance:3120 feet
Encounters & Observations:34 volunteers for four hours did 3000 feet with 136 manhours. 20 hours of prep and setup made the work go extremely smooth. The Red trail had been overgrown and barely passable for nearly ten years. The trail marks were still on the trees, so we cleared the trail, trimmed brush, and clarified markings along the trail.. horses, bikes, and hikers were seen on the trail within hours of work.. Nearly the whole 1.4 mile red trail is open, however only half is currently clearly marked. A great job by all.
Eisenhower Park - April TA Report
Date of Activity: April 2010 summary
Condition of Trail: Dry(ish) cluttered with limbs in places
Trail Ambassador Name:Joe Woyciesjes, Deanna Baker
Email:jjconcepts@ureach.com
Town:milford
Location:Eisenhower park
Trail(s) Ridden: All
How did you use the trail? Maintenance, and general riding
What was the time of day? Mornings
Hours: 22 total
Distance: 3 miles
Encounters & Observations: Many branches were down.. trails needed widening from spring growth.. Garbage was picked up in several areas, but the trail system in in generally good shape.
Condition of Trail: Dry(ish) cluttered with limbs in places
Trail Ambassador Name:Joe Woyciesjes, Deanna Baker
Email:jjconcepts@ureach.com
Town:milford
Location:Eisenhower park
Trail(s) Ridden: All
How did you use the trail? Maintenance, and general riding
What was the time of day? Mornings
Hours: 22 total
Distance: 3 miles
Encounters & Observations: Many branches were down.. trails needed widening from spring growth.. Garbage was picked up in several areas, but the trail system in in generally good shape.
Eisenhower Park - March TA Report
Date of Activity: March 2010 summary
Condition of Trail: Wet in places, many trees and brances down.
Trail Ambassador Name: Joe Woyciesjes, Deanna Baker
Email:jjconcepts@ureach.com
Town: Milford, Ct
Location: Solomon trails
Trail(s) Ridden: blue trail
How did you use the trail? Riding and spring cleanup
What was the time of day? afternoons
Hours: 20 total
Distance: 4 miles
Encounters & Observations: Few people were on the trails this month, The spring rains are kind to the park so far, but heavy winter winds made for a trail cluttered with downed limbs.. most of the small things cleaned up, but there is still much to do.
Condition of Trail: Wet in places, many trees and brances down.
Trail Ambassador Name: Joe Woyciesjes, Deanna Baker
Email:jjconcepts@ureach.com
Town: Milford, Ct
Location: Solomon trails
Trail(s) Ridden: blue trail
How did you use the trail? Riding and spring cleanup
What was the time of day? afternoons
Hours: 20 total
Distance: 4 miles
Encounters & Observations: Few people were on the trails this month, The spring rains are kind to the park so far, but heavy winter winds made for a trail cluttered with downed limbs.. most of the small things cleaned up, but there is still much to do.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Trail Ambassador Report - Nassahegon/Burlington
Date of Activity: Report covers April 12 through the 25th
Conditions: Very much improved during this period due to dry spell. Most trails have been excellent with only a few leftover mud spots. Horse damage noted in previous report has been repaired. Many trails now cleaned and cut back. Massive TM work has been done in anticipation of heavy trail use and the results are impressive.
Trail Ambassador Name: M. Leggitt
Town: Burlington
Trails: Have now spent time assessing most areas that are typically ridden
How Used: Mountain Biking, hiking
Duration: Eight hours riding, 12 hours TM
Observations: Met with two local equestrians who equip their animals with Muck Boots (!) to lessen the hoof impact. The Good Friday horse riders have not been back but recent motorbike activity on many trails has caused damages that will require repair. The New Britain Water Commission has returned to warn bikers that much of what is ridden is on their private property and is therefore trespassing. Some small tree clearing activity took place on one of the most popular trails but its impact has been minimal. Trail builders have been very busy with one new trail already opened, two old trails brought back to life, two more new trails set to debut next month and one new one that is moving along very slowly.
Having recently attended CTNEMBA Trail Building school, I now have a new appreciation for trails that are properly constructed and some knowledge of why other trails are constantly in need of repair. I thank Paula Burton, Ryan and Dave for an outstanding class and hope that others have the opportunity to attend at some point.
Conditions: Very much improved during this period due to dry spell. Most trails have been excellent with only a few leftover mud spots. Horse damage noted in previous report has been repaired. Many trails now cleaned and cut back. Massive TM work has been done in anticipation of heavy trail use and the results are impressive.
Trail Ambassador Name: M. Leggitt
Town: Burlington
Trails: Have now spent time assessing most areas that are typically ridden
How Used: Mountain Biking, hiking
Duration: Eight hours riding, 12 hours TM
Observations: Met with two local equestrians who equip their animals with Muck Boots (!) to lessen the hoof impact. The Good Friday horse riders have not been back but recent motorbike activity on many trails has caused damages that will require repair. The New Britain Water Commission has returned to warn bikers that much of what is ridden is on their private property and is therefore trespassing. Some small tree clearing activity took place on one of the most popular trails but its impact has been minimal. Trail builders have been very busy with one new trail already opened, two old trails brought back to life, two more new trails set to debut next month and one new one that is moving along very slowly.
Having recently attended CTNEMBA Trail Building school, I now have a new appreciation for trails that are properly constructed and some knowledge of why other trails are constantly in need of repair. I thank Paula Burton, Ryan and Dave for an outstanding class and hope that others have the opportunity to attend at some point.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Cockaponset TA/TM
Date of Activity: 4-25-2010
Condition of Trails(s): 91% complete
Trail Ambassador Name: Bryan McFarland
Trail Ambassador Email: czimborbryan@sbcglobal.net
Town: Chester
Location: Cockaponset State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: none
How did you use the trail: trail maintenance
What was the time of day: 4-6pm
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 0.20
Observations: some weird soft/hollow areas under trail tread; post-holes created by horses Work accomplished: removed about 20 small annoying stumps and 3 large stumps on tread and marked problem areas (soft/hollowed ground, armoring needed, some holes need filling, water management).
Condition of Trails(s): 91% complete
Trail Ambassador Name: Bryan McFarland
Trail Ambassador Email: czimborbryan@sbcglobal.net
Town: Chester
Location: Cockaponset State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: none
How did you use the trail: trail maintenance
What was the time of day: 4-6pm
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 0.20
Observations: some weird soft/hollow areas under trail tread; post-holes created by horses Work accomplished: removed about 20 small annoying stumps and 3 large stumps on tread and marked problem areas (soft/hollowed ground, armoring needed, some holes need filling, water management).
TA Report: West Hartford Reservoir
Date of Activity: 4/25/2010
Condition of Trail: Great
Trail Ambassador Name: Daren Casey
Email: daren@darencasey.com
Town: West Hartford
Location: West Hartford Reservoir
Trail(s) Ridden: Stared on the fence line, uphill on the outer loop but finished on fire roads and power line trails.
How did you use the trail? Mountain biking
What was the time of day? morning
Hours: 2 hrs
Distance: 8.4 miles
Encounters & Observations: Started in the middle of the fence line off of Canal Rd. OUTSTANDING conditions and perfect weather made for an almost perfect ride. I forgot my mtb shoes. Rode in full foot sandals which is why I road fire roads and power line trails. I would ride the “easier” trails and meet up every so often with group at intersections. My trails were perfect and I was told the main trails were as well. One person commented that the “Bomber” trail was the best he had ever seen it and we should just tape my feet to the pedals so I could go back and ride it….. Still a great ride, good times and good friends. One of the crew broke his chain but he’s a bike mechanic so we only stopped for a few minutes for repairs. His words, “Practice preventive maintenance boys and girls and this won’t happen to you.” We did see some remanence of a bear in the middle of the power line trail going up but no bear in sight.
On a side note. I’ve now completed 34.7 miles for a total of 7 hours for the Trail Ambassador program. I haven’t had the opportunity to assist anyone yet. Yesterday after I get home from a ride, I begin doing work around the house. I notice a young lady on my sidewalk with her bike turned upside down. Her chain came off and she couldn’t get it back on. I walked 100 feet, put the chain on for her and did my good deed for the day. I almost ran inside to put on the orange jersey first!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
TA Report: Nassahegan 4/23 and 4/24
Date of Activity: 4/23/2010 and 04/24/2010
Condition of Trail(s): Crisp! Very dry and rolling nice.
Trail Ambassador: Jon Regan
Email: jonpregan@aol.com
Town: Burlington
Location: Nassahegan State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: Numerous trails between the Soccer Fields and Stone Road
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking and Hiking
What was the time of day: Evening on 4/23 and Daytime on 4/24
Hours on trail: Total of 7 hours between the two days
Distance: 15+ Miles
Encounters and Observations: Two incredible early season rides with a bit of hiking and TM out on the trails of the mighty Nassahegan State Forest the last few days. Managed to clear a bunch of blow downs, low hanging limbs, and general trail clutter in my travels. Regardless, other than an expected encounter with infamous BSS (Black Sheep Squadron) ran into more hikers than bikers in the last few days! None the less, everyone encountered was super friendly and appreciative of the work the biking community has contributed to this place!
TA Report: Naugatuck State Forest
Date of Activity: 4/24/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry (except for a very few muddy spots)
Trail Ambassador Name: Mike Michaud
Trail Ambassador Email: mdmichaud@cox.net
Town: Hamden & Cheshire
Location: Brooksvale Park & Naugatuck State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: BP: (White, Violet, Orange, Blue, Red); NSF: (Yellow, Gray, and some dirt/gravel fire road, plus singletrack)
How did you use the trail: Trail Boss Training & Mountain biking
What was the time of day: 3:30 to 6:00 pm
Duration 2.5 hrs
Condition of Trails(s): Dry (except for a very few muddy spots)
Trail Ambassador Name: Mike Michaud
Trail Ambassador Email: mdmichaud@cox.net
Town: Hamden & Cheshire
Location: Brooksvale Park & Naugatuck State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: BP: (White, Violet, Orange, Blue, Red); NSF: (Yellow, Gray, and some dirt/gravel fire road, plus singletrack)
How did you use the trail: Trail Boss Training & Mountain biking
What was the time of day: 3:30 to 6:00 pm
Duration 2.5 hrs
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 24th - Milford Earthday
Celebrate Milford Earthday
Schedule of Events
9-12
trash pickup and trail clearing
12 -3
Food, fun, games including the first annual short tri-athelon for the kids, egg toss, tug of war, fishing and more!
Please support our parks and be at eisenhower lower field before 9 a.m. to board a bus to a site.
Contact Joe Woyciesjes for more information and how you can help out.
A $3 donation for Saturday would be most appreciated
TA Report - Mt Archer Woods Lyme CT
Date of Activity: 4/22/2010
Condition of Trails(s): Good, Heavy Bugs!!
Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine
Trail Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr.com
Town: Lyme CT
Location: Mt Archer Woods,(Eno Preserve & Jewett Preserve)
Trail(s) Ridden: White
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking/hiking
What was the time of day: 12 Noon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 3-5
Observations: Trails were great. Some wet spots in the lower end but otherwise great. leafy in places, Love the climb at the end!!
TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Date of Activity: April 23, 2010
Condition of Trail(s): Good, dry (only a few wet spots).
Trail Ambassador Name: Rick Brodsky
Trail Ambassador Email: rdbrodskyatgmaildotcom
Town: Newtown
Location: Paugussett State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: Upper Gussy, Brodie Forest Road
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: 3:45-4:45
Duration (Hours): 1 hour
Distance (Miles): 3.6
Observations: Beautiful day. No other bikers encountered. A lot of water draining on the fire road leading up to the trail head, but the Upper Gussy trail looks real good overall. The re-route after the first stream crossing is a welcome addition.
Condition of Trail(s): Good, dry (only a few wet spots).
Trail Ambassador Name: Rick Brodsky
Trail Ambassador Email: rdbrodskyatgmaildotcom
Town: Newtown
Location: Paugussett State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: Upper Gussy, Brodie Forest Road
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: 3:45-4:45
Duration (Hours): 1 hour
Distance (Miles): 3.6
Observations: Beautiful day. No other bikers encountered. A lot of water draining on the fire road leading up to the trail head, but the Upper Gussy trail looks real good overall. The re-route after the first stream crossing is a welcome addition.
TA Report River Highlands State Park
Date of Activity: April 20, 2010
Condition of Trail(s): Good, dry (only one wet spot).
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Green, yellow, red, unmarked
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Morning
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 8 or 10
Observations: Riding is picking up here. I saw tracks in the leaves but couldn't tell if they were from a mountain bike or a small dirt bike. There's also a new chicken line around a big tree that lies across the red trail.
Trails were in fine condition otherwise, with, as mentioned, only one wet spot (at the top of the red trail). Flood waters have receeded from the Blow Hole, leaving a new collection of debris behind
Condition of Trail(s): Good, dry (only one wet spot).
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Green, yellow, red, unmarked
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: Morning
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 8 or 10
Observations: Riding is picking up here. I saw tracks in the leaves but couldn't tell if they were from a mountain bike or a small dirt bike. There's also a new chicken line around a big tree that lies across the red trail.
Trails were in fine condition otherwise, with, as mentioned, only one wet spot (at the top of the red trail). Flood waters have receeded from the Blow Hole, leaving a new collection of debris behind
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Gay City Trail Report
Date of Activity: 4/21/2010
Condition of Trail: Bobs Trail had a few muddy spots however it is well packed and fast. Red and single track up to Birch Mountain Rd. are in good shape
Trail Ambassador Name: Kris Ridgeway
Email: kristopheridgeway@sbcglobal.net
Town: Hebron
Location: Gay City Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Bobs Trail, Red trail
How did you use the trail? Mountain Biking
What was the time of day? 5-7PM
Hours riding: 2 hours
Encounters & Observations: Rode with a crew of 5 people of all different abilities. Gay City is great for beginning of season. Saw 2 guys riding fast on hard tails with bike shop shirts. Saw several others at trail head coming back.
Condition of Trail: Bobs Trail had a few muddy spots however it is well packed and fast. Red and single track up to Birch Mountain Rd. are in good shape
Trail Ambassador Name: Kris Ridgeway
Email: kristopheridgeway@sbcglobal.net
Town: Hebron
Location: Gay City Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Bobs Trail, Red trail
How did you use the trail? Mountain Biking
What was the time of day? 5-7PM
Hours riding: 2 hours
Encounters & Observations: Rode with a crew of 5 people of all different abilities. Gay City is great for beginning of season. Saw 2 guys riding fast on hard tails with bike shop shirts. Saw several others at trail head coming back.
Glenn Falls - TA Report: Miller's Pond State Park
Date of Activity: 4/12/2010
Condition of Trail: XC Trail, one muddy section by ravine where Glenn
fell in (click Read More ... for the gruesome shots), otherwise a few soft patches with a lot of rutting.
Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie, Glenn Vernes, Paula Burton
Email: ctnemba@gmail.com
Town: Durham
Location: Miller's Pond SP
Trail(s) Ridden: XC Trail
How did you use the trail? Mountain Biking
What was the time of day? RAW
Hours: 2
Distance: 5.7
Encounters & Observations: As you can see from the pictures, Glenn had a spectacular dismount into a little ravine. Despite some scratches, bumps and bruises from the tumble on the way down, Glenn reported that the water was very refreshing.
TA Report: Collis P Huntington State Park
Date of Activity: 4/7/2010
Trail Ambassador: Javier Hernandez Diaz
Trail Ambassador Email: jhernandezd@me.com
Observations: Found a tree down on one of the trails and with the help of Dave Plain and Johanna Brooks, we were able to cut through it using my hand saw so that it would now be a little up-and-over.
Trail Ambassador: Javier Hernandez Diaz
Trail Ambassador Email: jhernandezd@me.com
Observations: Found a tree down on one of the trails and with the help of Dave Plain and Johanna Brooks, we were able to cut through it using my hand saw so that it would now be a little up-and-over.
TM Report: West Rocks State Park
Date of Activity: 4/20/10
Condition of Trails(s):Good
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold
Trail Ambassador Email: bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.com
Town: Hamden
Location: West Rock Ridge SP
Trail(s) Ridden: Red, White and Purple
How did you use the trail: Hike and trail maintenance
What was the time of day: lafternoon
Duration (Hours): 7
Distance (Miles): 1
Condition of Trails(s):Good
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold
Trail Ambassador Email: bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.com
Town: Hamden
Location: West Rock Ridge SP
Trail(s) Ridden: Red, White and Purple
How did you use the trail: Hike and trail maintenance
What was the time of day: lafternoon
Duration (Hours): 7
Distance (Miles): 1
Observations: The trails at West Rock were seas of mud after the heavy rains a few weeks ago. The Purple Trail near Main Street is solid and dry (although by park policy is closed to mountain biking). The White Trail is firming up, although there are still some soft spots. One biker who came through from Lake Wintergreen said the White was generally in good shape.
TM Work: The major focus of the day was installing a 12-ft. section of boardwalk in a permanently muddy area (the clay soil does not drain) with a gravel approach ramp. This completes the boardwalk in an area of the White Trail that has been a chronic mud pit. Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club provided the funding for this project, along with gravel provided by the DEP. Park Supervisor Lori Lindquist delivered the wood and gravel to the park herself.
Two mountain bikers came through. Both were very complimentary about the boardwalk. One said that he looks forward to seeing new improvements on the trail. The other said he was pleased to meet the person doing the work.
Helping on this work party was John Rek, a hike leader with the New Haven Hiking Club. John carried the plank that used to be in this area to the junction of the White and Red Trails where it is serving as a pathway across another muddy area, until such time as I can return and dig a diversion ditch to keep the water off the trail, and armor the trail to provide a durable surface. John walked the Red Trail from Mountain Road to the base of the trail leading to the South Overlook. He said the trail was generally dry, except for a section south of the main entrance that is muddy. I am well aware of the problem in the area and will eventually get there to fix the problem. It’s a simple fix, but one involving lots of grunt work: dig out the drainage channel that was once there and reconnect it to the many culverts under the trail.
TA Report: West Hartford Reservoir
Date of Activity: 4-18-2010
Condition of Trails(s): Good conditions. A few puddles but overall good. The entrance to the dikes still has some drying to do but that’s normal.
Trail Ambassador Name: Daren Casey
Trail Ambassador Email: daren@darencasey.com
Town: West Hartford
Location: WH Reservoir
Trail(s) Ridden: Outer Loop
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1hr 40min
Distance (Miles): 9
Condition of Trails(s): Good conditions. A few puddles but overall good. The entrance to the dikes still has some drying to do but that’s normal.
Trail Ambassador Name: Daren Casey
Trail Ambassador Email: daren@darencasey.com
Town: West Hartford
Location: WH Reservoir
Trail(s) Ridden: Outer Loop
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1hr 40min
Distance (Miles): 9
TA Report: West Hartford Reservoir
Top of the Trail
Date of Activity: 4-15-2010
Condition of Trails(s): What a difference a week makes. Great conditions today. The only ‘bad’ spot was the entrance to the dikes coming from the main fire road.
Trail Ambassador Name: Daren Casey
Trail Ambassador Email: daren@darencasey.com
Town: West Hartford
Location: WH Reservoir
Trail(s) Ridden: Outer Loop
How did you use the trail: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: Morning
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 9
Trail Maintenance hours: 15 minutes
Work accomplished: a tree had fallen. It is too large to move and someone had placed a stick or two in an attempt to make it simpler to ride over. I built up a sturdy grouping of material on both sides that made it easy to ride and walk over. It’s on a path that is used by both bikers and hikers.
Monday, April 19, 2010
TA Report: George C Waldo State Park
Date of Activity: 4/19/10
Condition of Trails(s):Good
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Trail Ambassador Email: peburtonataoldotcom
Town: Southbury
Location: Waldo SP
Trail(s) Ridden: Where's Waldo
How did you use the trail: ride
What was the time of day: late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 5
Observations: There are still a few soft spots, but they are drying out nicely, except for one. It may need a reroute or a boardwalk.
Condition of Trails(s):Good
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Trail Ambassador Email: peburtonataoldotcom
Town: Southbury
Location: Waldo SP
Trail(s) Ridden: Where's Waldo
How did you use the trail: ride
What was the time of day: late afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 5
Observations: There are still a few soft spots, but they are drying out nicely, except for one. It may need a reroute or a boardwalk.
TA Report Hop Brook Dam Rec Area
Date of Activity: April 11, 2010
Condition of Trail(s): Well used, wet near the creek.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Middlebury
Location: Hop Brook Dam Recreation Area
Trail(s) Ridden: Race course
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 8 or 10
Observations: The gate was still closed and the overflow lot full, so we had to park in the commuter lot up by the highway, and ride about a mile on a busy road with minimal shoulder. The gate opens later this month.
Hop Brook is a fun little place, good for an hour or two of riding, but plan on doing some climbing. Trails were well used, not surprising given the big race the day before. Some wet areas at the bottom of the hill, near the creek. Trails are fast, moderately technical, with a lot of rock, a lot of long moderate climbs, and a few short steep ones. The bigest challenge is the short, steep climbs. It was my first time, but I'll be coming back again. Did I mention there's a lot of climbing?
Condition of Trail(s): Well used, wet near the creek.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Middlebury
Location: Hop Brook Dam Recreation Area
Trail(s) Ridden: Race course
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: afternoon
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 8 or 10
Observations: The gate was still closed and the overflow lot full, so we had to park in the commuter lot up by the highway, and ride about a mile on a busy road with minimal shoulder. The gate opens later this month.
Hop Brook is a fun little place, good for an hour or two of riding, but plan on doing some climbing. Trails were well used, not surprising given the big race the day before. Some wet areas at the bottom of the hill, near the creek. Trails are fast, moderately technical, with a lot of rock, a lot of long moderate climbs, and a few short steep ones. The bigest challenge is the short, steep climbs. It was my first time, but I'll be coming back again. Did I mention there's a lot of climbing?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
TM Report: Wilton Woods
Date of Activity: 4/18/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton Location: Wilton Woods
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 7:30AM
Duration (Hours): 3
Observations: Blue trail first stream crossing has been a mud pit and has finally dried out somewhat, I wanted to extend the rock armoring about 12-15 feet.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mianus Monthly TM Trail Report
Date of Activity: April 3 (Pre-work April 1)
Trail Ambassador Name: K Mistretta-Tucker, R Coffey, R Tucker, D Francefort, and 4 other volunteers
Trail Ambassador Email: rrtucker at gmail dot com
Town: Stamford
Location: Mianus River Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Stamford Trails
How did you use the trail: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day: 9am-12:30pm (Pre-work Thursday April 1, D Francefort, K Mistretta-Tucker, R Tucker; SLCT Walk thru April 2 1 hour - R Tucker)
Duration (Hours): 3.5 hours (2.5 hours prework)
Distance (Miles): N/A
Condition of Trails(s): Fall Line in need of re-route
Observations: Did walk through with Chief Steward from SLCT Friday for approval of re-route.
Optional
Trail Maintenance hours: 3.5 hours
Work accomplished: Re-routed western edge of Cabin Trail off fall line using sustainable techniques such as bench cutting, rock armoring, and contouring trail along hillside.
TA Report: George C Waldo SP
Date of Activity: April 13, 2010
Condition of Trails(s): Wet/Dry Some very wet spots
Trail Ambassador Name: Javier Hernandez Diaz
Trail Ambassador Email: jhernandezd@me.com
Town: Southbury,CT
Location:George C Waldo State Park
Trail(s) Ridden:
How did you use the trail:Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: 4:30-6pm
Duration (Hours):1.5hr
Distance (Miles): 5
Observations: Recommended work around wet spots
Trail Maintenance hours:
Work accomplished: Assessing for a replacement bridge
Condition of Trails(s): Wet/Dry Some very wet spots
Trail Ambassador Name: Javier Hernandez Diaz
Trail Ambassador Email: jhernandezd@me.com
Town: Southbury,CT
Location:George C Waldo State Park
Trail(s) Ridden:
How did you use the trail:Mountain Biking
What was the time of day: 4:30-6pm
Duration (Hours):1.5hr
Distance (Miles): 5
Observations: Recommended work around wet spots
Trail Maintenance hours:
Work accomplished: Assessing for a replacement bridge
Easy Does IT Ride Recap
From left to right in the picture, it was Al Tinti, Earl, Dennis from Manchester, Jeff from Glastonbury, Dawn Thompson (John Isch's wife), and John.
We had our first Easy Does It ride at Gay City last night. It was a nice night, trail conditions were quite good with the exception of a few soft spots. We had 6 folks total, with a one to one ratio of ride leaders to riders. We were out for about 1.5 hours.
Monday, April 12, 2010
TA Report Branford Supply Ponds
Date of Activity: April 10, 2010
Condition of Trail(s): Well used.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Branford
Location: Branford Supply Ponds
Trail(s) Ridden: Yellow, red, silver, purple, unmarked
How did you use the trail?: Hike/Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: afternoon
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 8 or 10
Observations: Riding seems to be taking off here again. The last time I was here- last summer- I saw no evidence of mountain biking, although the trails were well used. This time, though, there were bike tracks everywhere, and real mountain bike knobbies too. Maybe one of the local shops is sponsoring rides.
There were some wet spots- our bikes got dirty. We never got past the chain link fence, but that's usually the wettest part. The trails can best be described as "smooth one-and-a-half track". They've been here for a long time and get a lot of use from a lot of different types of users, including dirt bikes, ATVs, and even Jeeps on some of the trails. The dead hemlocks have been harvested in one area, and it looks like the old Juice Box trail- the longest, twistiest, and most challenging trail in the park, has been obliterated.
Condition of Trail(s): Well used.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Branford
Location: Branford Supply Ponds
Trail(s) Ridden: Yellow, red, silver, purple, unmarked
How did you use the trail?: Hike/Mountain Bike
What was the time of day?: afternoon
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 8 or 10
Observations: Riding seems to be taking off here again. The last time I was here- last summer- I saw no evidence of mountain biking, although the trails were well used. This time, though, there were bike tracks everywhere, and real mountain bike knobbies too. Maybe one of the local shops is sponsoring rides.
There were some wet spots- our bikes got dirty. We never got past the chain link fence, but that's usually the wettest part. The trails can best be described as "smooth one-and-a-half track". They've been here for a long time and get a lot of use from a lot of different types of users, including dirt bikes, ATVs, and even Jeeps on some of the trails. The dead hemlocks have been harvested in one area, and it looks like the old Juice Box trail- the longest, twistiest, and most challenging trail in the park, has been obliterated.
TA Report - Rocky Neck State Park
Date of Activity: 4/12/2010
Condition of Trails(s): Good, some heavy erosion from last week's rain
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: 6PM
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 3-5
Observations: Trails were great. Just got out late for a quick spin (had to try out my new shock ;)) Many areas have new rooty-rocky sections do to the heavy rain and erosion from last weekend. Adds to the fun ;) The usual areas where the Springs dump onto the trails are wet but otherwise everything is dry and fast.
Ride is on but the Meeting is Canceled
I have canceled tonight's meeting but we will still be meeting at Miller's Pond tonight for a ride!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
TM report - Hartman Park
Well we got the truck right within 50 yards of the old Bridge
Date of Activity: 4/10/2009
Condition of Trail(s): great
The old bridge
Ambassador Email: Thom(at)ectrr(dot)com
Town: Lyme , CT
Location: Hartman Park
Trail(s) Orange
How did you use the trail: Maintenance
What was the time of day: 9:00 am
Duration (Hours):3 hours
Well, I got up late, packed the van in a rush, and off I went to Hartman park with 2 bridges dangling out the back of my Van.
3 people from the Town of Lyme showed for the event. Linda Bireley, Diana Boehning, and Parker Lord. Parker brought his pick up and we loaded it to the max
heade up and into the woods. Got to the original area we were going to hike in from and talking to Parker we decided to hike up the orange trail and see if we could get the truck closer. I was a little concerned about the brush, trees and rocks scraping his truck. His response...[b]"It's a truck, this is what trucks are for, not those fancy city fangled things that look like trucks but are just girlie cars..." [/b]Got to love those old tymer Connecticut Yankees ;) They are all old roads, so it's not like we were damaging the trails.
They started unloading and I ran down and yanked the old bridge.
The black flies were BAD!!! using my coat as a "black fly helmet"
We brought everything down to the stream and set the frame in place for the fitting and locking down to the rocks
once we figured out where everything was going to land and how it would hold to the rock is was Sawzall time
We cut and leveled the first frame and started decking it,
and once everyone was going along we cleared the junk out of the stream under where the 2nd piece was going to keep the water flow going smoothly..
slapped the 2nd frame in place,and decked it up.
and then we were done... :)
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