Quillinan Reservoir

Date: Dec. 22, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Quillinan Reservoir
Town: Seymour
Trail Conditions: A bit soggy
Observations/Information: This was my first time in the Quillinan Reservoir area, but I plan to be back soon. The area is beautiful with large pine trees, interesting rock formations, and the reservoir. The trails are a mixture of wide woods roads with some single track. The main lower road is blazed Blue, and there were also trails blazed Green, Yellow, and Orange. Some industrious person had blown the leaves off some of the trails. I saw a map at the trailhead that is not on the state website, but I plan to contact the state to get it posted. In the meantime, an overview map (with no trails listed) may be found here: http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/wildlife/pdf_files/maps/maps_hunting_area/map9158a.pdf. A map with lines drawn showing most of the trails may be found in this trails book: http://www.seymourct.org/pdf/Seymour%20Land%20Trust%20Trail%20Guide.pdf
The most visible entrance is on Rt. 313 in Seymour by Maple Street/Clinton Road. The trails were a bit soggy in the lower elevations, but dry higher up. I didn't have any tools, but I certainly tossed plenty of branches off to the side. There were a few blowdowns, but they were easy to get around.
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

Rocky Neck State Park

Date: Dec 14, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Rocky Neck State Park
Town: East Lyme
Trail Conditions: light coating of snow
Observations/Information: With the storm coming in and my knee feeling better I wanted to get a ride in before the snow got too deep for my 29er to ride in. WINDY and cold but I dressed well except my gloves which just the windproof wasn't enough :(

But I did get a short bit of a ride in and actually enjoyed it to some extend. Couple of trees down that might have to go chop out later, the braid around doesn't flow well.

GPS and vid of the short Snow Ride...
Trail Ambassador Name: Thomas Lamourine

Friggin cold at Rocky at EveryTrail

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Quillinan Reservoir

Date: 12/4/13
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Quillinan Reservoir
Town: seymour
Trail Conditions: tacky
Observations/Information: Finally starting to see some other folks on the trails. dog walkers - hikers - other MTB's.
Trails are leafy - tomorrow will be a clean up day.

Trail Ambassador Name: Travis

River Highlands State Park

Date: 12/3/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: River Highlands State Park
Town: Cromwell
Trail Conditions: Good
Observations/Information: I took a spin at River Highlands last Tuesday. I'm glad I did because the weather turned lousy shortly after thereafter and put a halt to my riding aspirations.

The trails were in good shape although there were a few new trees down. I was able to clear all but one-on the green trail where it runs along Field Rd near the parking lot. Its not a huge tree and is easy enough to ride over.

I noticed a lot of tracks- there had been someone or a group riding in there in the recent past.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes

Bluff Point State Park

Date: 11/23/2013
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: Bluff Point State Park
Town: Groton
Trail Conditions: Crisp...
Observations/Information: As planned I headed to Bluff Point this morning to remove a tree that has been leaning over the trail for some time. I thought about removing it before the MBAS but only recently has it slipped far enough to make getting under a problem. Was glad to see Mark Sponauer in the parking lot...and even happier when he slung his ninja-samurai saw over his shoulder. What would have taken quite a while with normal pack-saws was done in just a matter of minutes with Mark's super saw.


I went for a ride after, clearing several small deadfalls that have come down recently. Lots of folks (hikers, dog walkers, horses and MTB) out enjoying the fine weather. Trails are in pretty good shape. The leaf cover was a little damp from yesterday's rain but not too slick.
Trail Ambassador Name: Cory Stiff, Mark Sponauer

Rocky Neck State Park

Date: Nov 19, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Rocky Neck State Park
Town: East Lyme
Trail Conditions: Leafy, windy, cool but really now bad!!
Observations/Information: between working and health issues I really haven't ridden but maybe once since the beginning of the summer... yah.. like 6+ months :(

anyway, said screw the knee today and decided to head out for a quick spin around rocky,.. Place was actually in better condition than I thought it would be with the recent windy weather. LOTS of leaves everywhere but the tires did well and I was kinda riding slow anyway. Love that we can ride over the tracks now :)
Did a little vid with a new Contour Roam2 I got as well as the short trip on the GPS...


Rocky Neck, 11_19_13
from thom Lamourine
on Vimeo.
Trail Ambassador Name: Thom Lamourine

River Highlands State Park

Date: 11/16/13
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: River Highlands State Park
Town: Cromwell
Trail Conditions: Dry and leafy.
Observations/Information: Took a spin at River Highlands Saturday afternoon. The amazing weather had brought out a lot of people and the lot was full. There was a young couple there when I arrived, making what seemed like endless preparations to go hiking. I crossed paths with several hiking groups out on the trails, including two young women who were smoking some, ah, strong tobacco. No other bikers were seen.

The trails were as dry as a Hawkeye Pierce martini, with a leaf garnish. The leaves made for slippery going- I got sideways a few times, and spun out on some climbs that normally don't give me trouble. The trails were all clear of any new blockages and very little stick litter, although hard to follow in places due to the leaves.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes

Wadsworth Falls SP

Date: November 13, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Wadsworth Falls SP
Town: Middletown/Rockfall
Trail Conditions: Dry and fluffy
Observations/Information: Took a spin at Wadsworth late Wednesday afternoon. It was cold, cold like winter. Cold weather riding takes some getting used to. The frigid air seems harder to breathe. Drinking cold water gives an ice cream headache. It's harder to get properly warmed up. It's something we'll all get used to, it just takes a few rides.

Trails were like an Eskimo Dog just back from the pooch parlor- dry and fluffy. Trees are in full deciduous nudity mode now, all the leaves are on the ground in a thick layer. I rode every trail except blue through the Little Falls, and all were clear notwithstanding some "night soil" (horse manure) on the yellow trail on the Rockfall side, just behind the church. Trails were a lot less crowded than on weekends, and I had far fewer walkers and dogs to contend with, just two walkers and two black labs more interested in running with me than walking with their masters. Wadsworth is best ridden on weekdays.


Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes

Naugatuck State Forest

Date: 11/10/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Naugatuck State Forest
Town: Oxford/Beacon Falls
Trail Conditions: Good/Leafy (with some motorized evidence)
Observations/Information: Quick Sunday AM ride in the west block; my usual double loop.

Some evidence of motorized (dirt bike and/or ATV) activity, including donuts at the first major trail intersection southeast of Res 4, and some burnouts on corners northwest of Res 2 and east of Res 3. Medium sized pine tree across the fire road on the west side of Res 2.

Only other users encountered during the ride were a couple guys fishing Res 2.

Trail Ambassador Name: John Joy

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: November 10, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester, Vernon, Bolton
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: The Hop River trail looks outstanding! Local DPW crews have blown away leaves and debris. The trail is clean and clear, making day or night riding enjoyable. Trail traffic has been very light possibly due to temperature/daylight savings changes. Fall is a wonderful time to night ride. Having a full powered light and the help of mother nature's full moon makes cycling a blast.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

West Rock Ridge SP

Date: Nov. 9, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: West Rock Ridge SP
Town: Hamden
Trail Conditions: Dry and clear
Observations/Information: I rode my hybrid bike on the two paved roads at West Rock: Baldwin Drive, which extends about 6 miles from the main entrance to West Shepard Avenue, and Regicide Drive, which extends from the main entrance to Judges Cave and the South Overlook. I also rode the Red and White circuit around Lake Wintergreen, and rode the Red Trail from Lake Wintergreen to Mountain Road. The trails are dry and clear, and perfect for riding. There are a few trees partially blocking Baldwin Drive, but they are easily avoided.
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

George C Waldo State Park

Date: 11/2/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: George C Waldo State Park
Town: Southbury
Trail Conditions: Dry
Observations/Information: Couldn't make it to the Trail Building session today so I had to settle for a quick afternoon ride. New parking lot is still not finished and when I got to Waldo there was no where to park. I was able to park on the other side of the road in the shoulder without being on the road.

Met up with Glenn Vernes, who had been at the trail work day and he turned around and we rode together. We met up with two riders coming the other direction at the intersection with Elmer Fudd and told them about Daffy Duck and the extension.

Down at the lake we were amazed to see how far the water was down but if I had to venture a guess it's because the state is putting in a new boat ramp at 133 and they were probably pouring concrete for the ramp.  After hitting the Rabbit's Foot, Glenn and I headed back up the Waldo to Captain's Log where Glenn did the up and over a few times.

Then it was up the Daffy extension and further up the Daffy and then out.

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie, Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador E-mail: ctnemba@gmail.com
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: WW, Rabbit's Foot, Daffy's extension, Daffy and Thing 1
Time of day: Afternoon
Time/Duration (hours): 1
Approximate Distance (Miles): 5

Larkin State Bridle Trail

Date: 11/3/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Larkin State Bridle Trail
Town: Oxford/Middlebury/Naugatuck
Trail Conditions: Good

Observations/Information: Took a quick ride this morning on the east end (Riggs Street to Route 63 and back). The leaves and light overnight rain made the sandtraps almost pleasant, and the general dry trend we've been having meant even the typically mucky places weren't.

Nothing major to report TM-wise, except a tree down across the trail just east of the Allerton Farms Road crossing that was too big for my hand saw.

Also some evidence of dirt bike activity

Saw some joggers and dog walkers, but no two wheel or equine users (though some places were a bit bumpy from hoofprints - and had to do the usual road apple dodging - so you know they've been there).

Trail Ambassador Name: John Joy
Trail Ambassador E-mail: jmj [at] savagejoy [dot] com
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden:
Time of day: Morning
Time/Duration (hours): 1.25 hours
Approximate Distance (Miles): 10 mi (5 mi each way)

Wadsworth Falls SP

Date: 11/3/13
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Wadsworth Falls SP
Town: Middletown/Rockfall
Trail Conditions: Good, dry and leafy
Observations/Information: I decided to spend the bonus "fall back" hour on Sunday morning riding instead of sleeping and hit Wadsworth for a quickie before work. The weather felt like early winter with chilly air, pale blue sky, mostly bare trees, and enough breeze to blow the dry fallen leaves around. Summer is definitely over. The trails were busy with people strolling and walking their (mostly unleashed) dogs, making me wonder if Wadsworth is the best place to ride on Weekends. The place seems less busy in the afternoon.

Trails were in good condition. I expected a lot of stick litter from the high winds we had on Thursday, but there was surprisingly little. I did get the opportunity to warm the blade of my TA saw on one occasion, cutting a limb that had fallen, with the jagged end pointing into the trail. There's a large pile of "night soil" (horse manure) on Alex's Trail, about 1/3 way down.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes

Upper Paugussett State Forest

Date: 10/26/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Upper Paugussett State Forest
Town: Newtown, CT
Trail Conditions: Dry and Leafy

Picked this up along the way - hunter trash

Observations/Information: Headed out for a quick rip before work Friday morning at Upper Paugussett.

I rode down Sanford Road on the look out for hunters that might park there at the Jeep Trail Head but there were no cars nor any cars in the lot.

There were a few branches down on the trail that I took care of but otherwise the Gussy is pristine. Along the way I noticed that the wasps nest just off the trail looked pretty inert.

Found some more branches down on one of the side trails near the other end of the trail that looked as though someone was trying to block the trail but didn't do a good job of it.

3/4s of the way down the trail I noticed that my bell was missing but didn't have time to ride back up the trail to look for my bell.

 
Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Trail Ambassador E-mail: ctnemba@gmail.com
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: Poly Brody, Upper Gussy
Time of day: Morning
Time/Duration (hours): 45 min
Approximate Distance (Miles):  6

River Highlands State Park

Date: October 25, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: River Highlands State Park
Town: Cromwell
Trail Conditions: Good, dry and leafy

Observations/Information: Took a quick beat the darkness spin at the Blow Hole Friday. Trails were in good shape, dry, and with a leaf layer that seems to get deeper everyday. We're now at a point where there are more leaves on the ground than in the trees. This means it stays light in the woods longer, and it also means compromised traction and possible difficulty following the trail, especially as the inevitable darkness approaches. There was some stick litter down, suggesting recent wind, although I'm at a loss to remember when.

All in all, River Highlands would be a good place to ride this weekend.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador E-mail: glennvernesatgeemaildotcom
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: Gren, red, yellow, blue.
Time of day: Evening
Time/Duration (hours): 1.0
Approximate Distance (Miles): 5.5 miles

Hurd State Park

Date: 10/21/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hurd State Park
Town: Middle Haddam
Trail Conditions: Good, dry and leafy

Observations/Information: Brother and I rode Hurd Park Sunday morning. Our main goal was to find the fabled Dragon's Back rock spine feature at Higganum Meadows WMA. This is something I had stumbled upon several years ago but was never able to find again. Predictably it was right under my nose the whole time, and we found it in the last place we looked. The search took me all the way down to the fields in Higganum Meadows. It's scenic but involves a long climb out on a loose rocky dirt road, and you want to stay out during hunting season except on Sunday.

There are several rock spine features in Hurd but the Dragon's Back is the longest by far, and if ridden end-to-end provides 45-60 seconds of undulating fun, and can be ridden in both directions.

The trails were in good shape, dry, and with a deepening fluffy leaf layer.


Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador E-mail: glennvernesatgeemaildotcom
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: Red, green, blue, unmarked.
Time of day: Morning
Time/Duration (hours): 1.33
Approximate Distance (Miles): 9 miles

West Rock Ridge SP

Date: Oct. 20, 2013
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: West Rock Ridge SP
Town: Hamden
Trail Conditions: Drier than Dry
Observations/Information: I hiked the trails (White and Red north of Lake Wintergreen) as a way of seeing what work needed to be done. Along the way, I took care of minor overgrowth, particularly the fast-growing birch trees. Downed trees from Irene and Sandy are aging along the trails, but the trails themselves are clear and rideable. Where the Yellow Trail meets Mountain Road, someone has piled logs on the official ending to the trail, as approved by the state, leaving open the eroded original trail. I have had an ongoing war with an anonymous person where three times I have blocked off an illegal fall line trail that comes off the ridge and meets Yellow, only to have those logs used to block off the correct ending to the Yellow Trail. I gave up blocking off that illegal trail, but someone keeps putting logs on the Yellow Trail, which is state authorized. I also reblazed part of the White Trail along Lake Wintergreen, covering up the initials that someone wrote on the blazes. The picture shows the canal along the Red Trail near Mountain Road. It's not a trail; its the canal that should have water in it, but it is so dry it does not.
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold
Trail Ambassador E-mail: bikehikekayak123 [at] sbcglobal [dot
How did you use the trail? MT Biking

Naugatuck State Forest

Date: 10/20/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Naugatuck State Forest
Town: Oxford/Beacon Falls
Trail Conditions: Good/Rocky/Leafy

Observations/Information: I rode the trail that connects the east side of Res 2 with the fire roads up top. Went the reverse of the way I walked it a few days ago (i.e. started at Res 2 and went up hill).
Rocky in places. Steep in places. Rocky and steep in places. All of it under copious leaf cover, obscuring obstacles. Walked it in some places.
As mentioned, there are several and many trees/branches across the trail. I was able to clear some of these, including a pretty large tangle that was threatening to "create" a bypass. A couple were just too big for the handsaw.
Just north of the power line intersection, there's another old junk car off the trail to the right.
Crossed the fire road branch, and came back down via the "plunge" and the badly washed out stretch that was an active watercourse last spring.
There appears to be a trail (not indicated on the DEEP map, but definitely well-traveled) that comes off the northeast corner of Res 2 and heads north, I'm guessing to the power line trail. Next trip in, I'll probably walk it.

(Today's ride is the dark orange line in the Google Earth image.)
Trail Ambassador Name: John Joy
Trail Ambassador E-mail: jmj [at] savagejoy [dot] com
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden:
Time of day: Morning
Time/Duration (hours): 2 (including TM time)
Approximate Distance (Miles): 3 mi

Wadsworth Falls SP

Date: 10/19/2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Wadsworth Falls SP
Town: Middletown/Rockfall
Trail Conditions: Good, dry, leafy.
Observations/Information: Hit Wadsworth Falls w/the bro for a quick after work ride. The trails were in good shape, dry and unblocked. The leaf layer is now deep enough to conceal obstacles large enough to take you down when you can't see them, so beware of that. Lots of walkers as usual.
Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador E-mail: glennvernesatgeemaildotcom
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: Yellow, blue, red, Alex's, Taco Bell, yellow/black, unmarked.
Time of day: Afternoon
Time/Duration (hours): 1.15
Approximate Distance (Miles): 7 miles