Date: 8/31/11
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Trout Brook
Town: Easton
Trail Conditions: Leaf and debris covered, some blow down, rideable, dry, some stream or ponding of water where I have never seen it before
Observations/Information: Three of us met to ride at Trout Brook. Much of the blow downs by the Elm Street cul de sac were cleared by what looked like a chain saw. Further into the woods we cleared three small blow downs, leaving approximately three large blow downs for the chain saw crew. Lost track of the trail twice due to the trail being covered with leaves and small branches. The steep inclines/declines showed some erosion. There was a new trail reroute around a debris field. The new switchback recently constructed, I believe it was on the blue trail where it intersects with I believe the white held up well. The part where it rejoins the old trail showed some signs of erosion. The, I believe white trail which goes through a rock garden, then over a wooden bridge, then another rock garden...the bridge appeared to have moved approximately 3-4 feet downstream and the rock ramps were eroded and or no longer in existance. All trails were basically dry and rideable, all new water areas were rideable, except for one which looked pretty deep. All in all, a good ride.
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wilton Woods
Date: 8/31/2011
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Wilton Woods
Town: Wilton
Trail Conditions: Blow Downs everywhere
Observations/Information: Task was to open blue to red and orang back to car for mountain biking.
We have crew of 5, including TA Ryan Tucker
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Wilton Woods
Town: Wilton
Trail Conditions: Blow Downs everywhere
Observations/Information: Task was to open blue to red and orang back to car for mountain biking.
We have crew of 5, including TA Ryan Tucker
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Trumbull-Pequonnock
Date: 8/30/2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Trumbull
Town: Trumbull
Trail Conditions: Lots of debris on trails- derailleur grinders
Observations/Information: Seven of us, led by Cara and Jon, rode and stopped a lot to pick up sticks and clear brush.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Trumbull
Town: Trumbull
Trail Conditions: Lots of debris on trails- derailleur grinders
Observations/Information: Seven of us, led by Cara and Jon, rode and stopped a lot to pick up sticks and clear brush.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Hop River State Rail Trail
Date: Aug 30, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Ride with caution!
Observations/Information: The post hurricane Irene riding will be difficult for many New England areas. The Hop River has many branches, sticks, and large tree blow-downs along its trail. I was able to cut up some smaller sapplings and clear branches on Monday afternoon. Bolton Public Works was out doing clean-up in the Notch area. There were contractors out to cutting down larger trees leaning unsafely over the trail. On Tuesday evening, (10) LTRA biking members cleared the trails using axes and man-power. My observation is that many "friends of the Hop River" have pitched in their time and effort to help make the trail usable for all. The Manchester, Vernon, and Bolton communities should be proud of their citizens.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Ride with caution!
Observations/Information: The post hurricane Irene riding will be difficult for many New England areas. The Hop River has many branches, sticks, and large tree blow-downs along its trail. I was able to cut up some smaller sapplings and clear branches on Monday afternoon. Bolton Public Works was out doing clean-up in the Notch area. There were contractors out to cutting down larger trees leaning unsafely over the trail. On Tuesday evening, (10) LTRA biking members cleared the trails using axes and man-power. My observation is that many "friends of the Hop River" have pitched in their time and effort to help make the trail usable for all. The Manchester, Vernon, and Bolton communities should be proud of their citizens.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Monday, August 29, 2011
River Highlands State Park
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: River Highlands State Park
Town: Cromwell
Trail Conditions: Pretty good.
Observations/Information: I had the opportunity to hike into River Highlands and survey storm damage on Monday, and I'm happy to report that it wasn't hit all that hard, at least on the green and yellow trails. Although sticks and twigs carpet the place, I only found a few trees came down over the trail. I cleared them, and also cleared as many of the derailleur-eating sticks as I could. I cleared the yellow (Blow Hole) trial and the southern half of the green.
The soil is amazingly dry, only wet at the top of the yellow trail, and the Blow Hole is also partially flooded (no surprise there). It also appears as though the stream that runs along the yellow trail was running pretty high and mighty during the storm, as it has washed away the gravel road (again), and it has also washed away the earth under one of the bridges, leaving it unsupported at one corner (see photos).
River Highland is dry enough to ride, just avoid the top of the yellow trail, and beware of derailleur-eating sticks.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Hop River State Rail Trail
Date: Aug 27, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: I rode early (pre-Hurricane Irene) to take notes of the trail out to Steele's Crossing. The trail's in excellent shape. The UConn womens cross-country team was getting an early training session too. I hope to be able to ride sometime Monday, reporting the post-Irene trail conditions. Wishing New Englanders a safe next 24 hours.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: I rode early (pre-Hurricane Irene) to take notes of the trail out to Steele's Crossing. The trail's in excellent shape. The UConn womens cross-country team was getting an early training session too. I hope to be able to ride sometime Monday, reporting the post-Irene trail conditions. Wishing New Englanders a safe next 24 hours.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Thursday, August 25, 2011
West Rock Ridge SP
Date: 8/25/11
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: West Rock Ridge SP
Town: Hamden
Trail Conditions: A bit damp
Observations/Information: Rock the Ridge, a mountain bike race, will be taking place on Sept. 18 at West Rock. I offered to help lay out the route, so I rode with Sean Drew, a racer who is heading up the effort to lay out the race course. At the start of the ride, we spoke with a mountain biker who said he came to the area only two days ago and this was his first time at West Rock. I gave him a trail map and Sean and I offered him some suggestions. For scheduling reasons, the newcomer was unable to join us. Sean and I rode the Red Trail between Lake Wintergreen and Farm Brook Reservoir, the Red-White Dot Trail off the gravel road north of Mountain Road, and all of the White Trail. We also did some road riding to get back before the rains fell heavily. The trails were damp with the occasional muddy spot. Interestingly the seasonal watercourses are all dry. All that could change this weekend, depending on Irene's plans to visit Connecticut, as a tropical storm, a hurricane, or nothing at all. There are a few small downed trees out there, which I will deal with at a later time. The sharp-thorned multi-flora rose that I cut way back in the spring along the Red Trail is starting to hang over the trail. On the White Trail near its northern end with the Red Trail, a 12-inch thick hemlock fell and Sean said has been there for months. Unfortunately, riders have already cut a path around it. I reported it to the DEP, so it can get someone in there to cut up the tree, and I can block off the reroute. The White Trail continues to nag at me to reroute it, but I was appointed trail manager of the Regicides Trail, so my efforts have been focused on that. I wear my CFPA hat, so to speak, when I work on the Regicides Trail, as this is a hiking-only trail. In case you happen to hike the Regicides, I have reblazed and pruned back the section starting with the crossing of Baldwin Drive near the cell phone tower, and have almost reached the Yellow Trail. Every time I am out there, I pick up two 5-gallon buckets full of old beer bottles and cans, tossed to the side of the road when it was open to traffic back in the 1970s.
Information on the race is available at this website:
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid505
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: West Rock Ridge SP
Town: Hamden
Trail Conditions: A bit damp
Observations/Information: Rock the Ridge, a mountain bike race, will be taking place on Sept. 18 at West Rock. I offered to help lay out the route, so I rode with Sean Drew, a racer who is heading up the effort to lay out the race course. At the start of the ride, we spoke with a mountain biker who said he came to the area only two days ago and this was his first time at West Rock. I gave him a trail map and Sean and I offered him some suggestions. For scheduling reasons, the newcomer was unable to join us. Sean and I rode the Red Trail between Lake Wintergreen and Farm Brook Reservoir, the Red-White Dot Trail off the gravel road north of Mountain Road, and all of the White Trail. We also did some road riding to get back before the rains fell heavily. The trails were damp with the occasional muddy spot. Interestingly the seasonal watercourses are all dry. All that could change this weekend, depending on Irene's plans to visit Connecticut, as a tropical storm, a hurricane, or nothing at all. There are a few small downed trees out there, which I will deal with at a later time. The sharp-thorned multi-flora rose that I cut way back in the spring along the Red Trail is starting to hang over the trail. On the White Trail near its northern end with the Red Trail, a 12-inch thick hemlock fell and Sean said has been there for months. Unfortunately, riders have already cut a path around it. I reported it to the DEP, so it can get someone in there to cut up the tree, and I can block off the reroute. The White Trail continues to nag at me to reroute it, but I was appointed trail manager of the Regicides Trail, so my efforts have been focused on that. I wear my CFPA hat, so to speak, when I work on the Regicides Trail, as this is a hiking-only trail. In case you happen to hike the Regicides, I have reblazed and pruned back the section starting with the crossing of Baldwin Drive near the cell phone tower, and have almost reached the Yellow Trail. Every time I am out there, I pick up two 5-gallon buckets full of old beer bottles and cans, tossed to the side of the road when it was open to traffic back in the 1970s.
Information on the race is available at this website:
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid505
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Collis P Huntington SP
Date: 8/24/11
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Collis P Huntington SP
Town: Bethel
Trail Conditions: Good but dry.
Observations/Information: Hit Huntington Wednesday afternoon. I stayed on the Bethel side of the park and explored some unfamiliar trails, chiefly what I'll call the "backyard trail", so named because you see a lot of backyards from the trail. It's a fun trail with some very challenging sections and a freeride- style wooden drop. Trails were all in good shape, busy with riders, and I saw more evidence of braid-closing. The soil is very dry, though, a loose-over-hard condition that had my rear wheel spinning a lot more than usual. That might change in a very big way this coming weekend, however, so get out and ride before the cataclysm!
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Collis P Huntington SP
Town: Bethel
Trail Conditions: Good but dry.
Observations/Information: Hit Huntington Wednesday afternoon. I stayed on the Bethel side of the park and explored some unfamiliar trails, chiefly what I'll call the "backyard trail", so named because you see a lot of backyards from the trail. It's a fun trail with some very challenging sections and a freeride- style wooden drop. Trails were all in good shape, busy with riders, and I saw more evidence of braid-closing. The soil is very dry, though, a loose-over-hard condition that had my rear wheel spinning a lot more than usual. That might change in a very big way this coming weekend, however, so get out and ride before the cataclysm!
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Monday, August 22, 2011
Rocky Neck State Park
Date: Aug 22, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Rocky Neck State Park
Town: East Lyme
Trail Conditions: Awesome, wind's knocked some trees down.
Observations/Information: Did a loop around Rocky Neck where I was trying to hit just about everything without re-running any sections, Got it like 90%. Only thing you loose is a bit of boring Fireroad and only 2 tiny sections or over lap. Trails are in awesome shape other than the many new blow downs, cleared most away.
Trail Ambassador Name: Thom1@ctnemba.com
Trail Ambassador E-mail: Thom1(at)ctmenba(dot)COM
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: all pretty much
Time of day: Afternoon
Time/Duration (hours): 1.5 hrs?
Approximate Distance (Miles): 6.8 miles
:
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Rocky Neck State Park
Town: East Lyme
Trail Conditions: Awesome, wind's knocked some trees down.
Observations/Information: Did a loop around Rocky Neck where I was trying to hit just about everything without re-running any sections, Got it like 90%. Only thing you loose is a bit of boring Fireroad and only 2 tiny sections or over lap. Trails are in awesome shape other than the many new blow downs, cleared most away.
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking-n-Biking in Connecticut
The GPS track I trimmed down as I had actually ridden down to the Campgrounds and around the little swamp loop just before them and it's probably not something anyone except beginners want to do, unless like me, they just want to relax and add a few miles.Trail Ambassador Name: Thom1@ctnemba.com
Trail Ambassador E-mail: Thom1(at)ctmenba(dot)COM
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: all pretty much
Time of day: Afternoon
Time/Duration (hours): 1.5 hrs?
Approximate Distance (Miles): 6.8 miles
:
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Hop River State Rail Trail
Date: Aug 21, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Columbia
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: The areas in the town of Vernon have been cleared of debris, leaves, and over-growth. The trail really looks good. I had to move one 20 ft. long downed tree off the path in Bolton. Some muddy/slick patches near RT 316. The trail is mostly singletrack, not much maintenance in these areas. On my return trip, I was passed by (2) dirt-bikes about 12:45. They did not have marker plates (one red bike and another yellow). I figured they entered at Wales Rd. and headed up to Steele's Crossing. I followed their tire markings. I know they shouldn't be riding these trails, however I didn't notice any abuse. I ride many miles and log many hours on the Hop River, this was a first! It looks like an afternoon thunderstorm, thankfully I'm home.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Columbia
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: The areas in the town of Vernon have been cleared of debris, leaves, and over-growth. The trail really looks good. I had to move one 20 ft. long downed tree off the path in Bolton. Some muddy/slick patches near RT 316. The trail is mostly singletrack, not much maintenance in these areas. On my return trip, I was passed by (2) dirt-bikes about 12:45. They did not have marker plates (one red bike and another yellow). I figured they entered at Wales Rd. and headed up to Steele's Crossing. I followed their tire markings. I know they shouldn't be riding these trails, however I didn't notice any abuse. I ride many miles and log many hours on the Hop River, this was a first! It looks like an afternoon thunderstorm, thankfully I'm home.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
George C Waldo State Park
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Very good.
Observations/Information: Good news and maybe some not so good news. I rode down Daffy onto Hunter and used my new 8" folding saw to rip through that limb blocking Hunter. Someone else had already started cutting in several spots but couldnt get through. I chopped it up into several sections and moved the limbs off the trail.
Now for the not so good news. A dirt biker got in via Hunter. I saw the marks down near the entrance to WWaldo but thought he just used the fire road. But at the downed limb I saw the big donut he left up on the hillside and I thought he went back down Hunter. Nope....he rode it most of the way down WWaldo...I lost his tracks at one point and didnt have time to search for where he turned off. Being around dirt bikers my whole life I'll say he wasnt trying to rip the trail up. More so just riding along easy. But if he does decide to go WFO then could be an issue.
Trail Ambassador Name: SAS
TA Report: Larkin State Bridle Trail
 |
| Monster Cross |
Date: 8/21/2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Larkin State Bridle Trail
Town: Southbury, Oxford, Middlebury, Naugatuck
Trail Conditions: Some mud, mostly OK
Observations/Information: Rode the entire length of the Larkin on the Monster Cross this morning. Looks like the State finally took care of that blow down near Kettletown Road and it looks like several sections got regraveled. Watch out for sand though, there are quite a few sandy spots.
Right before Towantic Hill Rd there is a huge, deep puddle, and after the road crossing stream going through the trail is running profusely. Stay down the middle until you see the gravelly banks and use them.
Trail Ambassador Name: Mark LurieUpper Paugussett State Forest
Date: 8/21/11
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Plan A was to ride Mianus, but it started raining on the way there, so I turned around and headed home. Since it wasn't raining yet in Newtown I headed to Paugussett hoping to salvage a ride. Although thunder rumbled and a dark cloud hung overhead, I was able to get a quick up-and- back in before the rain started. Trail conditions were much improved over the last time I had been there, about two weeks before. The new "cleavage reroute" around the first blowdown is better than the old route and there's also a new optional log-over at the second blowdown. It's a tough feature because it's tall and you need to hit it at an angle. The trail was in great shape, no new horse piles, and only a few sticks down, which I picked up.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Plan A was to ride Mianus, but it started raining on the way there, so I turned around and headed home. Since it wasn't raining yet in Newtown I headed to Paugussett hoping to salvage a ride. Although thunder rumbled and a dark cloud hung overhead, I was able to get a quick up-and- back in before the rain started. Trail conditions were much improved over the last time I had been there, about two weeks before. The new "cleavage reroute" around the first blowdown is better than the old route and there's also a new optional log-over at the second blowdown. It's a tough feature because it's tall and you need to hit it at an angle. The trail was in great shape, no new horse piles, and only a few sticks down, which I picked up.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Saturday, August 20, 2011
TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest
 |
| Blowdown clearing at the Cleavage Reroute |
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown, CT
Trail Conditions: Perfect for riding
Observations/Information: Started at the Boat Ramp and rode up to the trail head. The Gussy was really nice but had to clear some little blow downs here and there. The Gussy is getting a lot of action lately. A local bike shop has found it and they are doing rides from time to time on it. Might try to get a weekly shop ride going. Heading back on the Mulikin I found a reroute forming around the big blowdown after the stream crossing. Just as I was leaving the forest it started to rain.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Collis P Huntington SP
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Collis P Huntington SP
Town: Bethel & Redding
Trail Conditions: Very good.
Observations/Information: Paula and I rode Huntington Friday afternoon. We were joined by Paula's freind Patrick. We rode the Burn Loop, Old Mine, Twister, South Pond, and Rock and Roll. Trails were in great shape. What little rain the area got the night before enhanced the riding by keeping down dust and making the soil tackier for traction. No mud and no puddles anywhere. We're due for another round of rain Friday night so this evaluation might not extend into the weekend.
We also got a chance to ride the new boardwalk. It's very solid and the ramps on each side make for a very smooth transition. However the hero line, built by Yours Truly, needs a little more work.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Collis P Huntington SP
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Collis P Huntington SP
Town: Bethel
Trail Conditions: N/A
Observations/Information: Paula, Tom Ebersold, Steve Hull and I built a thirty foot boardwalk at Huntington on Thursday. The boardwalk spans a wet area near the rusty truck at the end of Old Dodgingtown Road that used to be corduroyed with rotten logs. Design work was done by Tom, a veteran boardwalk builder. We began by removing the rotten logs and prepping the site. We dug a drainage trench and cleared and graded the site. We then dug trenches for the footings and set them on a bed of aggregate to facilitate drainage. We were lucky to receive some old rough cut 4x10 timbers from the land manager that were sturdy enough to span ten feet between footings. We built two ten foot spans with the 4x10s, two side by side, and another eight foot span using some framing lumber supplied by Tom, and capped each end with a stone ramp.
Rocky Neck State Park
Just enough off the ground where you can't ride over, big enough I can't get it out..
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Rocky Neck State Park
Town: East Lyme
Trail Conditions: Really good, though the bungie bugs are pretty heavy!!
Observations/Information: Haven't been feeling well but I wanted to get a ride in and scope out the trails after all the rain over the weekend. I was surprised to find everything really dry still. You can see the water flows where it's washed away all the leaves and twigs and such through out the park but nothing was even slightly muddy!! If anything the surfaces are about perfect. Hoping the bits of rain we get over the next few days soak in and don't add up to to much an mud anything out.
Was way humid in the woods as the wind didn't seem to get in.
Trail Ambassador Name: Thom Lamourine
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Hop River State Rail Trail
Date: Aug 16, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Andover
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: Starting out in Vernon (RT 30), I noticed trail landscaping was performed: trail side grass mowed, plants and mulch beds added, small sapplings cut back. Excellent riding out to Andover (Burnap Brook). Had to stop frequently to remove tree branches from the past 2 days of rain & wind. LTRA group was out at 6:00 for their ride. Wonderful news for area residents listed below!
*NEWS: Journal Inquirer reported in a newspaper article yesterday: The state Transportation Department will finance a multimillion dollar extension of the Charter Oak Greenway into Bolton Notch, connecting the bike path and walking trail with miles of existing trails along the Hop River. Ability to connect with Valley Falls, East Haddam, and Gay City Park.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Andover
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: Starting out in Vernon (RT 30), I noticed trail landscaping was performed: trail side grass mowed, plants and mulch beds added, small sapplings cut back. Excellent riding out to Andover (Burnap Brook). Had to stop frequently to remove tree branches from the past 2 days of rain & wind. LTRA group was out at 6:00 for their ride. Wonderful news for area residents listed below!
*NEWS: Journal Inquirer reported in a newspaper article yesterday: The state Transportation Department will finance a multimillion dollar extension of the Charter Oak Greenway into Bolton Notch, connecting the bike path and walking trail with miles of existing trails along the Hop River. Ability to connect with Valley Falls, East Haddam, and Gay City Park.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Sunday, August 14, 2011
TM Report: Trout Brook
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Trout Brook
Town: Weston
Trail Conditions: Dry
Observations/Information: IMBA sponsored a 4 day event with FC NEMBA, and included a Trail School day which was 3 hours in classroom and an afternoon of trail work at Troutbrook. We had a total of 24 volunteers (4 IMBA teachers, 6 CTNEMBA TA's and 14 Other Volunteers) We built a raised switchback on a steep hillside that include construction of a 3 foot retaining wall. We brought over about twelve 600+ lb boulders for the wall and 3 yards are soil. Absolute success would be an understatement, the bond with Troutbrook and FCNEMBA was strengthened by this show cased project. A huge thanks goes out to IMBA for this successful 4 day event.
Ryan Tucker
Kyaiera Tucker
Chris Keczkemethy
Paula Burton
Rich Coffey
David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Saturday, August 13, 2011
George C Waldo State Park
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: Rode around 11am...perfect morning for riding...nobody was there. Trails in excellent shape. I rode off Daffy(rock walls are still okay...no build up) but when I rode up Hunter to WWaldo there was a decent size blowdown blocking it. I dont know if someone dragged it over from the old blowdown to block the trail or its a new one. I did my best to drag it out but no way...moved it about 10ft but that was it...so I spent time breaking off all the limbs I could and positioning it back where it could be ridden over real easy. Ran into another new rider...Josh...we rode WW and Daffy again then went our separate way on Hunter. It never occured to me till I was at the car maybe with Josh's help we could have moved the blowdown right out of there.
Trail Ambassador Name: Jim M
Hop River State Rail Trail
Date: Aug 13, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon- Bolton
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Great morning for a ride! A few packs of runners hitting the trail. Conditions were very good out to Bolton. The leaves are beginning to drop on some sections, watch out for the "horse piles" near Valley Falls. Enjoy the weekend!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon- Bolton
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Great morning for a ride! A few packs of runners hitting the trail. Conditions were very good out to Bolton. The leaves are beginning to drop on some sections, watch out for the "horse piles" near Valley Falls. Enjoy the weekend!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
George C Waldo State Park
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Stupendous!
Observations/Information: Paula and I rode Waldo Saturday afternoon (yes, we rode twice in one day!). Trails were in fantastic shape. We continue to be amazed by how fast and well the Daffy Duck trail is breaking in. Trails were all dry from start to finish, although that's due to change within the next 24 hours.
One sad note is that the trail blockers are at it again, throwing sticks in the trail in other mischeif. Don't they know they're wasting their time? Don't they know that whatever they put in the trail, we'll simply remove?
Waldo is a great place to ride but the bugs are obnoxious, make sure you bring repellant if you visit in the summer.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Trumbull-Pequonnock
Date: 8/10/11
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Trumbull
Town: Duh, Trumbull!
Trail Conditions: A little slick
Observations/Information: Paula and I rode Trumbull Wednesday night. Paula rode the rescheduled Girls Ride and I did the unofficial Dudes Ride. Trails were damp but not muddy, and traction hard to find, espescially on the slick roots and damp rocks, of which there are many. We rode the Slick Rock, Mulholland Drive, and the new reroute. We saw many other riders, amd it was dark in the woods by quarter-to-eight.
Trumbull has been a popular area for a long time, and the trails are pretty beat up as a relult, with lots of erosion and lines going every which way. But good work is being done to make the place not only more sustainable but a better place to ride. The new reroute, for example, is both more fun and more challenging than the old line, leaving no excuse to take the old one.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Trumbull
Town: Duh, Trumbull!
Trail Conditions: A little slick
Observations/Information: Paula and I rode Trumbull Wednesday night. Paula rode the rescheduled Girls Ride and I did the unofficial Dudes Ride. Trails were damp but not muddy, and traction hard to find, espescially on the slick roots and damp rocks, of which there are many. We rode the Slick Rock, Mulholland Drive, and the new reroute. We saw many other riders, amd it was dark in the woods by quarter-to-eight.
Trumbull has been a popular area for a long time, and the trails are pretty beat up as a relult, with lots of erosion and lines going every which way. But good work is being done to make the place not only more sustainable but a better place to ride. The new reroute, for example, is both more fun and more challenging than the old line, leaving no excuse to take the old one.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes
Cockaponset SF - Weber Woods section
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Cockaponset SF - Weber Woods section
Town: Clinton/Westbrook/Deep River
Trail Conditions: Moist with some nasty washouts
Observations/Information: Decided to do some exploring so I rode up to the Quinimay and took it to the parcel of Cockaponset known as Towerlake; all the trails are unmarked and in rough shape, but did provide some interesting riding; at the beginning there is no way to ride across the river- there is a rough walking bridge at an old dam, and a potential skinny in place for the fearless; I followed a state map I acquired but a lot of the lower trails are ancient logging roads and were really washed out and basically unridable; as I reached higher ground, the trails shaped up and were a lot of fun and offered a bit of technical play; I passed some guy in a Blazer parked off an access road with his head down, and as he looked up startled, I did a quick wave an hit another trail; there are a lot of trails interconnecting with roughly paved access roads so the mix is nice; came back down and headed west and onto the Quinimay again; this parcel offers a lot of potential and could be a nice extension from Weber Woods by way of the Quinimay; I will return and get to know it better and plot a strategy for resurrection.
Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka
Upper Paugussett State Forest
Date: 8/10/11
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown, Southbury
Trail Conditions: Awesome, dry, rolling
Observations/Information: We did both the Upper Paugussett Forest and Waldo State Park, cleared one small blowdown, enjoyed the day. Comfortable temps, low humidity and a sunny blue sky!
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown, Southbury
Trail Conditions: Awesome, dry, rolling
Observations/Information: We did both the Upper Paugussett Forest and Waldo State Park, cleared one small blowdown, enjoyed the day. Comfortable temps, low humidity and a sunny blue sky!
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
TM Report: Collis P Huntington SP
Date: 8/9/11
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Collis P Huntington SP
Town: Redding
Trail Conditions: goid
Observations/Information: Steve Hull and I staged some wood for an upcoming boardwalk project and also did some other prep work.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Steve Hull
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Collis P Huntington SP
Town: Redding
Trail Conditions: goid
Observations/Information: Steve Hull and I staged some wood for an upcoming boardwalk project and also did some other prep work.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, Steve Hull
Monday, August 8, 2011
Cockaponset SF - Weber Woods section
Date: August 8, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Cockaponset SF - Weber Woods section
Town: Clinton/Westbrook/Deep River
Trail Conditions: Moist and little slow
Observations/Information: Just enough rain fell to keep the dust and dirt down and made the trails very nice to ride, with the exception of a few muck spots; there was a lot of small blowdown throughout so I made many stops to clean most of it up; I came across a couple of larger, busted up branches across the trail which needed a little more work; the riding was a little slow due to the moisture but the trails were in good shape overall; heat and bugs were August typical; another nice day in the woods.
Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Cockaponset SF - Weber Woods section
Town: Clinton/Westbrook/Deep River
Trail Conditions: Moist and little slow
Observations/Information: Just enough rain fell to keep the dust and dirt down and made the trails very nice to ride, with the exception of a few muck spots; there was a lot of small blowdown throughout so I made many stops to clean most of it up; I came across a couple of larger, busted up branches across the trail which needed a little more work; the riding was a little slow due to the moisture but the trails were in good shape overall; heat and bugs were August typical; another nice day in the woods.
Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka
George C Waldo State Park
Date: 8/8/11
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Good
Observations/Information: Trails in good condition, but the gremlin(s) are back, throwing loose rocks and branches on the trail. If you see anyone making "modification" please let me know. There are also riders dumbing down the trail, and others making it harder. The main treasd should be novice or low intermediate, and I am open to making more rock features, etc, but need help.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Good
Observations/Information: Trails in good condition, but the gremlin(s) are back, throwing loose rocks and branches on the trail. If you see anyone making "modification" please let me know. There are also riders dumbing down the trail, and others making it harder. The main treasd should be novice or low intermediate, and I am open to making more rock features, etc, but need help.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Cockaponset SF - Weber Woods section
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Cockaponset SF - Weber Woods section
Town: Clinton/Westbrook/Deep River
Trail Conditions: Fantastic
Observations/Information: Just picked up my new 2011 Stumpjumper Comp and wanted to see how it would perform; did a delightful medley of all the trails including the Quinimay to route 80; saw only one car in the east lot and later came upon a guy and his dog who had to be the owner; Alex's DEP guys did a great job clearing the downed trees across the northern green trail near the dirt road; had a great day and experienced what a new bike can do for your riding- I didn't realize what I was missing.
Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka
Wadsworth Falls SP
Date: August 6, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Wadsworth Falls SP
Town: Middletown/Rockfall
Trail Conditions: Basically pretty good
Observations/Information: Hit Wadsworth Saturday afternoon. Trails were in pretty good shape. Very dry, although that will have changed by now, and well used. Some old blowdowns had been cleard, some new ones have appeared, and something strange has been done to the white trail, just below the gravity cavity. The trails are currently in better shape than River Highlands, and the bugs are also a lot less obnoxious.
The park was busy with swimmers, picnicers, and miscellaneous trail users. I crossed paths with a young family on bikes, with two small kids on tiny kids bikes, on the orange trail. One of the kids was raving about the "bupps" (kid speak for bumps). They were all pushing their bikes up a modest grade, and looking for a "flat, family freindly loop", and I did my best to steer them in that direction, although nothing so flat exists in the park. I tried to leave the trails in better shape than I found them, clearing blowdowns and such.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Wadsworth Falls SP
Town: Middletown/Rockfall
Trail Conditions: Basically pretty good
Observations/Information: Hit Wadsworth Saturday afternoon. Trails were in pretty good shape. Very dry, although that will have changed by now, and well used. Some old blowdowns had been cleard, some new ones have appeared, and something strange has been done to the white trail, just below the gravity cavity. The trails are currently in better shape than River Highlands, and the bugs are also a lot less obnoxious.
The park was busy with swimmers, picnicers, and miscellaneous trail users. I crossed paths with a young family on bikes, with two small kids on tiny kids bikes, on the orange trail. One of the kids was raving about the "bupps" (kid speak for bumps). They were all pushing their bikes up a modest grade, and looking for a "flat, family freindly loop", and I did my best to steer them in that direction, although nothing so flat exists in the park. I tried to leave the trails in better shape than I found them, clearing blowdowns and such.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Upper Paugussett State Forest
 |
| Are you kidding me? |
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown, CT
Trail Conditions: Really nice
Observations/Information: Headed out to the Gussy to check out the Cleavage Re-Route and someone laid some knobbies down on the virgin bench cut before me.
The re-route rides really nice and the hucks on either side make it really fun to ride.
Finally got a picture of the discarded furniture in the Echo Valley Lot. Why do people do this?
Friday, August 5, 2011
TM Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Date: 8/5/2011
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown, CT
Trail Conditions: Buggy!
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown, CT
Trail Conditions: Buggy!
 |
| Turn off |
Observations/Information: After doing an insta-foot (rake) re-route around another widow maker I came back Friday afternoon to make it a little more permanent. Raked out the re-route and benched the curve at the bottom of the little descent.
 |
| Nice Rock to Huck |
 |
| Bench Cut Curve with drainage nick |
 |
| Ride the cleavage! |
Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Nehantic SF (upper - East Lyme Section)
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Nehantic SF
Town: East Lyme
Trail Conditions: decent
Observations/Information: just tooled around the fire road mostly running the GPS.
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking and MTB, Connecticut
Scooted a little way up side trails that looked promising just to mark them for future exploration. Road is open to vehicles, though I never saw any be careful if you want to blast down it. Obvious ATV and/or motorcycle tracks around. there is some pretty sweet single track in the lower area down by the Powers lake end. looks like someone did a sweet job. not torn up like Motor bike trails so I'm guessing it's a local with a MT bike. Roads are way washed out on the hills which there are a lot of. big ass loose rock in sections and one ends in a sandy banked corner... insta stop!! Found a marker in a nowhere section of the woods. One just like it at the crossing of Grassy Hill Rd...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Hop River State Rail Trail
Date: Aug 2, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Andover
Trail Conditions: Very good, dry
Observations/Information: Early evening ride out to RT 316 Bridge Out (Andover, CT). Easy riding not much traffic and trails clear of debris. I noticed new trail post markers from Steele's Crossing down to RT 316. Coming back, I ran into a group of (10) riders led by CTNEMBA member Mike Lefevre. The LTRA (Leisure Trail Riders Association) is a local group based out of Manchester. A great night to ride!
*NOTE: It blows me away the number of children & adults who DO NOT wear helmets! Stay safe!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Andover
Trail Conditions: Very good, dry
Observations/Information: Early evening ride out to RT 316 Bridge Out (Andover, CT). Easy riding not much traffic and trails clear of debris. I noticed new trail post markers from Steele's Crossing down to RT 316. Coming back, I ran into a group of (10) riders led by CTNEMBA member Mike Lefevre. The LTRA (Leisure Trail Riders Association) is a local group based out of Manchester. A great night to ride!
*NOTE: It blows me away the number of children & adults who DO NOT wear helmets! Stay safe!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume
TM Report: George C Waldo State Park
Date: 8/2/11
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Good
Observations/Information: Dar and I worked on the Daffy Duck Trail ramping the stone walls, and also did some chainsaw work.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Good
Observations/Information: Dar and I worked on the Daffy Duck Trail ramping the stone walls, and also did some chainsaw work.
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Monday, August 1, 2011
Rocky Neck State Park
Date: August 1, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Rocky Neck State Park
Town: East Lyme
Trail Conditions: Really dry and fast
Observations/Information: I was heading up to MA on business, and wanted to fit in a ride on the way, so I contacted Thom Lamourine to act as tour guide at Rocky Neck; we hit many trails I never knew existed and just about all others including a jaunt through the campgrounds; the trails were in great shape, there was a nice cool breeze near the water, and the bugs were not an issue until the end; some of the trails need a litte trimming but all are in fine shape; finished up in time for me to hit the road and avoid rush hour traffic through Providence; had a really great ride to start the week.
Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka / Thom Lamourine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)