West Hartford Reservoir Status

Date: September 8, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: West Hartford Reservoir
Town: West Hartford
Trail Conditions: Unknown
Observations/Information: West Hartford Res took a beating from the heavy rains ... finger rock road near Kilkenny rock has extreme erosion as do some of the other fire roads. The Res was closed today and may or may not open tomorrow, as they are hoping to get some big trucks working to do the repairs .. making it dangerous for us. Res 6/rout 44 entrance is OPEN .. so that may be a better alternative until the farmington ave Res is reopened.
Trail Ambassador Name: Charlie Berstain
Trail Ambassador E-mail: cberistain comcast net
How did you use the trail? Other Trail use

TA Report: Cockaponset SF / Tower Hill Lake

Date of Activity: January 8, 2011
Location: Cockaponset SF / Tower Hill Lake
Condition of Trail(s): Snow covered
Observations: This was my first time on this parcel because I received a trail map from a horse rider I met who utilizes these trails all the time; it is located just north of Weber Woods, across Route 80 from Tower Hill Lake, and east of the Quinimay trail so I figured I would throw on the snowshoes and explore the area; it was beautiful due to the recent snow drop and I was completely on my own seeing only a young couple in a Jeep; since none of the trails are marked, the map was my only guide and it was a lot of fun; lots of tracks ranging from coyote to deer to horse and very fresh; I just wandered around and took in the quiet and the new set of trails that I plan on incorporating into my rides from Weber Woods; a totally enjoyable hike that gave me lots of ideas for expanded rides from my backyard.

Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka

TA Report: Rocky Neck SP

Mark came down to get my old Anti freeze green, Blunt wheels so he can ride after taco-ing his front. 

So we decided to take a quick spin around Rocky Neck since we have only about 3-6 inches of snow left here after the winds blew it all away! Well right away we discovered it was going to be a workout. Was like riding in quicksand! Not that much snow but it got warm today and the snow melted a bit, kinda wet, thick, slippery stuff, but ridable. We just did a quick loop. Started heading into the camp grounds but it was getting late and darkish.

 So we looped right back up. Very difficult to keep the front tire pointing ahead with all the foot prints roughing up the trail and more than once we both ended up veering off the side all the sudden. Only did like 4 1/2 miles but felt like 40! Think we both did the GPS thing so go ahead and compare..
Iphone GPS- http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=918397

Think he's got some vids we can edit up and link here too, later.

Trail Ambassador Name: Thom Lamourine and Mark Lurie

TA Report: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods

Date of Activity:  December 28, 2010

Location:  Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods

Condition of Trail(s):  Snow covered with lots of small blow down

Trail Ambassador Name:  Don Hazuka

Observations:  I strapped on the snowshoes and took to the trails; there was lots of small blow down everywhere due to the high winds, but nothing large enough to prevent/alter passage; it's great to hike soon after a snow fall because all the tracks and animal movements are captured for viewing; deer activity was very high with lots of foraging evident; someone had done some X-country skiing up by the farm and on some adjacent trails; the snow cover offers great visibility in all directions so I just cranked along scoping out possible new trails and land feature uses; because of the recent high winds, the depth of snow on the trails varied from a couple of inches to over a foot; at one point I spotted what looked to be a cairn about three hundred yards in the woods, so I broke off and headed towards it.  When I got there I was amazed to find an old beehive fireplace standing about six feet tall constructed with great care and skill.  Because of its hidden location, it had been left alone and was in incredible shape.  I plan on bringing a photo to our historical society to hopefully get some answers; continued on and came across several sets of boot and dog tracks near the east lot, but saw no one; the winds were still gusty, but not too cold, so it turned out to be a great, peaceful hike.

TA Report Trout Brook

Date of Activity: Dec. 28, 2010
Location: Trout Brook Valley
Condition of Trails(s): Covered in 8 to 14 inches of snow
Observations: Snow cover varied from location to location, but it was deep enough throughout that it was hard work to move anywhere, even with snowshoes. In some spots, others had traveled the trail and left tracks, which made life a little easier in those spots. In some locations, there are very prominent signs for "No biking" along with an explanation stating that some trails have been closed to biking, and if this is not respected, then all trails could be closed to bikes. As a reminder, Trout Brook is closed to biking from January to April. One portion of the Blue Trail near the private driveway has a set of narrow planks that are tricky to negotiate under the snow because they are felt, not seen. A better long-term solution would be relocate the trail about 50 to 100 feet away on the slope of the hill. The plastic arrow signs for the Red Trail coming off Elm Drive are so faded that they look tan. Elm Drive offers easy parking, but challenges users with a long upward slog (about a 200 foot elevation gain) on the way back. The trail colors at Trout Brook continue to evolve, so pick up a current map at the trailhead. Trout Brook is managed and partially owned by the Aspetuck Land Trust, so if you are a regular user, be sure to join. Website: www.aspetucklandtrust.org
Encounters: Two snowshoers headed in the other direction, which was appreciated because they helped to break trail.
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity: 12/26/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry, Frozen
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Observations: Led a small group ride, all of which had not been to the park, we had a few mechanical issue, one of which could not be resolved and the rider had to bail, then the snow started, making some of the stuntery very tough to navigate, but we pushed on and hit every trail in the park, great route: West Blue, Red, Orange, White, Blue, White, Blue. Riders were officially hooked on the technical aspects of the park.

TA Report: Rocky Neck SP

Did the local quick spin around Rocky Neck,  Tad of snow "Dandruff" on the ground made it a little white and interesting..  Was windy and cold, but glad I went. Trails are definitely frozen and actually hit a few areas where the frost heaves have broken up the trail.

More bike tracks than foot or paw!!

Notice this place is starting to get really popular for riding now a days. There were more tire tracks in the snow than dog and foot prints which NEVER has happened in all the 35+ years I've been hiking & riding there. Think a group ride happened, guessing 10ish bikes by the tracks..?

lots of bike traffic, place is getting popular with the bike crowd!

Met up with Steve down in the beach parking lot. We kinda just tooled around the board walk at first and headed back to his truck as he needed a tad heaver gloves. My eyes kept watering and blurring my vision do to the cold so I wasn't feeling safe for any "real" MTBing. So we motored easy around the camp grounds BS'ing as much as actually riding. I was getting a bit cold and winded for some reason so I headed back to my van up the main fire road from the beach. Nothing too heavy but still a good time on the bikes! Better than sitting home staring out the window or watching TV!!

did the whole GPS thing too... see where we went...  

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=916400

Steve on his new 650B Jamis

Trail Ambassador Name: Thom Lamourine

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity: 12/25/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry, Frozen
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Observations: Noticed new tree down on the Blue trail, too big to move will need to bring saw in and cut up.

TA Report: West Woods Preserve

A challenging climb on the Green Circle trail.

Date of Activity: Dec. 24, 2010
Location: Westwoods Preserve, Guilford
Condition of Trails(s): Dry and solid
Observations: The trails at Westwoods are in impressively good shape with dry conditions throughout, except for a few minor muddy patches. The blazes mostly looked fresh. There was almost no deadfall on the trails. My praise to the volunteers from the Guilford Land Trust who keep the trails in such top-notch condition. The Green Circle Trail is highly technical single-track that will challenge even the best of riders. The Green Rectangle and Blue Rectangle Trails are mostly mellow woods roads. The Red Square was mildly technical single track. The Yellow Circle Trail is a rock scramble not suitable for mountain bikes. If you plan to ride at Westwoods, sit down with the map and sketch out a route ahead of time. Westwoods is HIGHLY confusing with the same trail color used in a rectangle, circle, and sometimes a square and a triangle. If you want to buy a map, stop first at Bishops Orchards on Rt. 1, or download one from http://guilfordlandtrust.org/wordpress/properties/westwoods. A recommended starting location is Peddlers Rd. Take I-95 to Exit 57 and head north on Rt. 1 for 0.5 miles. Sharp right on Peddlers Rd. (opposite Bishop's Orchards) and go 1 mile. Just past Denison Dr., the trailhead is on the left.
Encounters: A pair of mountain bikers and a few hikers.
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

TA Report: Roosevelt Forest

Date of Activity: 12/24/10
Location: Roosevelt Forest
Condition of Trails(s): Hard, crunchy, dry, leaf covered
Observations: What a difference the time of day makes. Earlier this week I rode the same ride in the morning. This time I rode it in the early afternoon. A big problem was sun glare. The sun reflected off the shinny leaf covered ground and the sun shone right into my eyes. My sun glasses did not filter it all and I found myself riding into small branches on the trail.
Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten

Trumbull-Pequonnock

Glad to see graffiti tag taken care of.

Date of Activity: 12/23/10
Condition of Trails(s): Frozen
Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie

Observations: Lots of frost heaves and a few sections of ice over the trail but otherwise nice and dry.  The up-and-over near the swamp roller was obliterated and I don't understand why, unless it was done by the State or the Town.  Too bad.  Furthermore, it's sad that who ever did this chop job didn't have the common sense to make this into a skinny.  You could have tied it in the rock in the foreground and would have had a really fun riding feature.  

In the rocky/cliff areas there are many ice waterfalls, the most spectacular of which are at the old dam.  I don't  I have ever ridding across the spillway but before doing so I had to sweep a lot of glass away.  The trail at the base of the cliff, however, is completely iced over and you have to divert to the right of it through some soft ground and leaves.

New blazing on the NEMBA Trail

The new blazing of the red and yellow trails make following the trails really easy now and not at all confusing as it used to be.  The NEMBA river trail is exceptionally good right now and appears to have been recently reblazed, too.  There is a new tree down on the white trail but one it's an easy up.  Again, if someone goes in and does something with, be creative!

TA Report: WIlton Woods

Date of Activity: 12/24/10
Condition of Trails(s): Dry
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Observations: Inspected all trail closures and all are holding up.

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity: 12/21/10
Condition of Trails(s): Frozen
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Observations: Gave a tour to a group, we hit up the entire park, including all 3 rock ridges, drops, stuntery, etc.

TA Report: Roosevelt Forest

Date of Activity: 12/21/10
Location: Roosevelt Forest
Condition of Trails(s): Hard and frozen, crunchy, leaf covered, clear, dry
Observations: Except for a couple of ice skaters, had the forest for myself

TA Report: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods

Date of Activity: December 22, 2010
Location: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods
Condition of Trail(s): Slow, crunchy, and frozen
Observations: I started out pretty late, so I chose to ride the outer perimeter of the forest in the clockwise direction; a little chilly at the start, but warmed up quickly working through the crunch; I started to get annoyed at the conditions and my speed, but got it together and realized why I was on the trail in the first place; decided to mellow out and just enjoy a serene pace and the scenery; besides the expected frozen conditions, the trails were clear and in good shape; I didn't see anyone until later when I began to approach the Muck Rock section by the horse farm when I heard a thundering rumble approaching from the front. Two girls with red, windblown faces were crrrranking towards me on horses and laughing. I exited the trail fast and as they flew by, one called out "thank you"; shook my head and continued out to the dirt road and towards home; as I approached my back yard, I spooked a large hawk 20 feet up a tree that was eyeing the birds on my bird feeders; turned out to be a fine ride, glad I did it.
Trail Ambassador Name: Don Hazuka

TA Report Blackledge Falls & Case Mountain

Date: December 19, 2010
Location: Blackledge Falls & Case Mountain
Condition of Trails: Frozen hard with thin snow

Observations: This was our first Sartorial Splendor ride of the season. What is a Sartorial Splendor ride? It's a winter ride where, in response to the cold temperatures, riders will rummage through their old riding gear in search of items to use for layering. This inevitably leads to the bringing out of old road bike gear with garish logos, neon tights, gloves, and jackets from the eighties, and other items that, when worn together, can result in some interesting, even shocking, color combinations.

         

The ride started with fifteen riders and gradually whittled down to seven. We started from the Blackledge Falls parking area, rode up the Ribbon Trail to Birch Mtn Rd, then did a loop in Case which included a very well designed, and very fun, new trail through the logged area. Total riding time was a little over two hours. We had three crashes- two endos, and one icy stream crossing slam-down, and one mechanical- Al's chain broke, miraculously, just feet from the parking lot at the end of the ride. We had Quick Links and would have been OK regardless.

Trails were frozen hard with a thin dusting of snow, and started to thaw toward the end of the ride (early afternoon). There were some icy patches, especially at the stream crossings.

TA Report - Tyler Mill 12/19/10

Trail Ambassador Name: Troy William Turner
Condition of Trails(s): leaves and ground heaves due to freezing weather....but makes for a more enjoyable ride!
Taco'd my front large sprocket and had to limp along out of the trail. Rest of group went on without me.

Observations: some other riders and hikers.

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest

TA Report: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Date of Activity: 12/18/2010
Trail Ambassador: Mark Lurie, Rick Brodsky
Trail Conditions: Excellent Early Winter Conditions.

Observations: 34 degrees at about 3:45. Got down to 30 degrees by the end. The Poly Brody fire road had several very, very icy spots that were a must hike-a-bike. But the Gussy trail was very dry and surprisingly cleared of leaves. Took the Polly Brody fire road up to the Upper Gussy trailhead. Saw one lady with 2 runty pitbulls off leash.  Later near the Gussy trailhead we saw one hiker who looked way under-dressed. All the fun features are in good shape. Some people have been making mods to the recent log cut between the first and second stream crossings. Didn't see any other riders. It was a good fast flowy ride for a winter day.

TA Report: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods

Date of Activity: December 18, 2010
Location: Cockaponset SF / Weber Woods
Condition of Trail(s): Nice shape, lots of frost heave stretches
Observations: Headed out and passed a guy and his dog getting out of his car in the west lot; all low spots on the road with water were frozen over and could hold the weight of rider and bike; with no particular route in mind, I just tossed together a great ride hitting parts of all of the trails; it was tough riding when you hit a stretch of frost heaves because you crunched through and it felt like pushing through frozen peanut butter- especially dangerous when speeding downhill because the front wheel liked to break through and drop; didn't see anyone else on the trails until I took the grey by the horse pond and came across the guy I saw earlier and we had a nice chat; I headed northeast and looped around to the east lot where there was no activity; the trails were in good shape and fairly clear all around; when I got to the stream that crosses the white, it was somewhat frozen over and it was easier to head upstream and use the board bridge to get across; continued out on the green to the access road and back home; very nice, very nice.

TA Report: West Rock

Date of Activity: Dec. 18, 2010
Location: West Rock Ridge State Park
Condition of Trails(s): Mostly solid, some icy spots and some frost heaved places

Observations: The White Trail from the Purple Trail continuing for a distance to about one-third of a mile north of this location has lots of ice on it. I plan to focus on this area for an extensive rerouting that I will put into motion next spring, working with the park supervisor. I figure that flagging a route is best done when the trails are soggiest. Water is flowing along all the seasonal watercourses and the boggy area has about 2 inches of water throughout, but trail users stay dry thanks to an extensive trail project I did with the help of others about two years ago. The Red Trail has a few icy spots, but is mostly dry. There are many large piles of leaves, which are the result of heavy water flows from recent rains. Complete trail info is available on my blog at http://westrocktrails.blogspot.com/.
Encounters: Surprisingly almost no one until I was headed out, and then I saw three trail runners on the Red Trail.