Showing posts with label Hop River State Rail Trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hop River State Rail Trail. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: Sept. 27, 2015
Report Type: TA Report
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester-Coventry
Trail Conditions: Good

Observations/Information: I led a group of 10 people along nearly the entire trail from Colonial Road in Manchester to Kings Road in Coventry. I have not ridden the eastern section of the trail in a few years and I was pleased to see the improvements. Previously the stone dust surface ended at Burnap Brook Road, leaving a bumpy ride the rest of the way on the trail. Now the stone dust extends almost to Hop River Road in Coventry (ending at the wooden bridge over the Hop River). The last three miles were rough with many loose stone and a bouncy ride, even on a mountain bike. Some of us avoided the rough section by riding back on Rts. 66 and 6 to Hop River Road. These roads mostly have a wide shoulder, but lots of cars whizzing by. The stone dust in Vernon and Andover looked fairly fresh. Watch out for a sandpit near the gate by Wales Road and another crossing.

Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold
Trail Ambassador E-mail: bikehikekayak123 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net
How did you use the trail? MT Biking
Trails Ridden: Hop River Rail Trail
Time of day: Morning
Time/Duration (hours): 5
Approximate Distance (Miles): 40
Image Description(s)/Instructions:

Sunday, November 10, 2013

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

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: Sept 14, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon - Bolton - Andover
Trail Conditions: Very Good
Observations/Information: Trail is in great shape. Vernon Greenways has planted flowers and spread fresh mulch at junctions (RT 30, Warren Ave, Church St)...looks fantastic. Hop River is getting its share of trail traffic with large groups of runners. Groups include: UConn, CCSU, SCSU Cross Country teams running Saturday & Sunday mornings. Teams meet at the Vernon Depot and usually log a 12 mile run. Local high school teams and runners training for the Oct ING Marathon also out conditioning. Bikers need to use caution and slow speeds down. Enjoy these fall temperatures and stay safe on the trail.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: July 28, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester, Vernon, Bolton
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: Started at trailhead in Colonial Rd lot, easy riding through Manchester and Vernon. Trail in excellent condition, bikers will not encounter twigs, leaves, other debris. The comfortable weather temps make for "trail traffic" with joggers, walkers, dogs, horses, and cyclists.
I met Marjorie from South Carolina (visiting her daughter Vicky). They were breaking at Steele's Crossing. Looking to ride further, I suggested they ride to check out the relatively new RT 316 Bridge. It seemed to work out and off they rode.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Monday, June 24, 2013

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: June 24, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon, Bolton, Coventry
Trail Conditions: Very Good
Observations/Information: Summer is here....Hop River is in great riding condition. The surface is hard packed. However, there are areas in which heavy June rains carved erosion in the trail. Be cautious near the 2.75 mile marker and Vernon/Bolton town line marker. Local DPW crews have trimmed trail-side growth. Pockets of standing water is along the trail. Evening rides are very "buggy" if you stop frequently, so keep pedaling!
*Reminder: Cyclists please announce yourself when passing walkers or joggers.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: March 31, 2013
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester, Vernon, Bolton
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Hop River is in very good riding condition, considering the area had close to 100" of snow! Easter morning had a group of runners from Silk City Striders holding an event at the Vernon Depot. Manchester and Vernon are the driest areas. Bolton has stretches of snow/ice cover (near town lines) heading into the Notch. Riders take caution for the next few days! Gear and bike will need cleaning post ride too. Happy Easter!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: Oct 30, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon- Andover
Trail Conditions: Post Sandy - OK
Observations/Information: Decided to venture out after Hurricane Sandy hit Connecticut yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to see the trail in good condition. Tropical Storm Irene (Aug '11) and Winter Storm Alfred (Oct '11) did most of the damage. I believe the trail maintenance that had been on going for the past 12 months helped save the Hop River from more damage. The Vernon DPW, Greenways Dept, and other community volunteers all pitched in their efforts. There are lots of twigs, small branches, leaves covering the trail. I cleared many larger blow downs. On windy days "dangling hangers" may decide to drop. Please ride with caution!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: Sept 2, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester-Andover
Trail Conditions: Very Good
Observations/Information: Started off in Manchester (Colonial Rd.) trail is in very good shape. I made my way down through Burnap Brook without problems or concerns (debris & litter free). Along the Shenipsit Trail, I noticed the freshly painted "light blue blaze markings" on the trees. Not many people out this early....cool mornings are a treat for riding.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: Aug 4, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Andover
Trail Conditions: Good
Observations/Information: I started out from Pedal Power (RT 30) and rode to Burnap Brook. The Vernon Greenways has done a fantastic job spreading mulch and tending to flowerbeds near the Vernon Depot area. The trail experienced very heavy rains (last Sat & Sun), which carved injury producing deep ruts into the trail. Locations hit hardest are mile markers 2.0-3.25 & Bolton/Vernon town line. DPW has made some improvements placing soft dirt to fill in those stretches.... Riders need to take caution! Limited number of riders & joggers this morning, very disgusting dew points! I'm taking in plenty of H2O.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: July 22, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester-Andover
Trail Conditions: Good & Dry
Observations/Information: I started at the trail head in Manchester (Colonial Rd. Lot) and rode out to Burnap Brook in Andover. I noticed in Manchester the overgrown high grass and low hanging tree branches, RIDERS BE CAREFUL! Also, bushes are creeping onto the trail making it tricky for mountain bikers and walkers to pass safely. Riders COMMUNICATE when approaching walkers/joggers (some are "plugged in" and can't hear the bikes)!
The Hop River could use a soaking rain, it is dry and dusty. This Sunday morning saw many bikers, joggers, dog-walkers out and about. The trail was free of litter and debris. Many people stopped at various trail-side spots, but no one in need of assistance.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: June 17, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester to Andover
Trail Conditions: Good
Observations/Information: I led a ride for AMC, Sound Cyclists, NEMBA, and two Meetup Groups on the trail, and had 10 people show up. It was an absolutely perfect day to ride with temps around 70 degrees and Sunday. The trail was very busy with all sorts of users. Along the sides, I could see the remains of the fall storm damage, which the trail elves cleaned up long ago. The trail surface continues to hold up in excellent shape from the Manchester-Vernon border to Burnap Brook Road. From that point to the new bridge over Rt. 316, it's a bit rough. Then it gets bouncy until a mile before the wooden bridge over the Hop River, a section that is a smooth stone dust surface. I took my hybrid on this ride to see how it would do. The last section definitely left my arms a bit sore from all the bounces. I figured it was worth the trade off of not having to push my wider mountain bike tires over 34 miles worth of trail. This section is also getting encroachment from the sides, so it is single track in places. The lights under Rt. 6 in Andover were all working. When I was there two years ago, only one was. The bridge over Rt. 316 is impressive. Be sure to swing down to the road and ride under it to get the full perspective. This is a fine trail to ride and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: June 16, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Great
Observations/Information: The Hop River hosted a morning "Fun Run" courtesy of the Ellington Recreation, great to see families out for some exercise. I made frequent stops for a variety of reasons: helping with trail directions and bike safety, bike repair, discussion of TA responsibilities and CTNEMBA, cleared some branches off trail too. Also, assisted a man who lost his bike lock key in the Valley Falls area. This is a wonderful trail for TA's to be visible and patrol, lots of socialization with the community. I received some "thank-you" comments from people as well.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: May 27, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Andover
Trail Conditions: Very Good
Observations/Information: Thank you to all who have served or are serving to protect our country. Memorial Day (Weekend) gave us perfect weather for riding CT trails. Hop River was extremely busy with traffic...joggers, bikers, and horses. Forest foliage has popped! However, trail edges have some pretty tall grass. That grass hides ruts & ditches which are dangerous, BE CAREFUL when passing. I stopped (near RT 316) to assist a rider who needed to "patch a tube". Great riding!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: May 20, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton-Andover
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Busy day on Hop River Trail, a section was used for an 8:00 am "ECHN Charity Ride". Volunteers staffed certain points, water was available for riders at Vernon Depot. Fellow TA Mike Lefevre and I rode to RT 316(*New Bridge in Andover). We stopped to help a rider in need of a tire pump. Also, assisted in trail directions. Notable observation: too many bikers (men-women-children) riding WITHOUT helmets! I don't understand it! At certain stopping points, we spoke to biking groups about safety and investing in a helmet. One lady works for LL Bean......get a helmet! Horses are definately leaving their "deposits" on the trail, watch out in Bolton! Enjoy the trails....wonderful weather and ride.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: May 12, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton-Andover
Trail Conditions: Very Good
Observations/Information: Great weather this morning for riding the Hop River Rail Trail. The Vernon DPW still clearing "widow-makers" and dangling branches near Center Rd. The much needed rain has packed the trail...finally no dust! Freshly potted plants and new mulch beds have been spread near Warren Ave. and Vernon Depot area, looks fantastic! I made a pit stop at the Depot, spoke with a gentleman training his 3 month old German Shepherd guide dog (named: Kiwi) for Fidelco. This is a great trail for pet socialization. Joggers and walkers out early.....managed to avoid 3 wild turkeys crossing just before Valley Falls area. Enjoy the weekend riding and Happy Mother's Day.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: April 22, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Manchester-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Morning ride prior to the mid-afternoon rains. Rode down to Manchester linear trail head (Colonial Rd.) The area is clear of debris and good riding conditions. Turned around at this point and headed up to Bolton Notch area, very good riding conditions to report as well. Saturday, the Vernon Greenways Organization cleared fallen debris (piles of branches) from trail areas near RT 30. It's still amazing to look into the woods and see the destruction from the "Weather wrath of '11." Enjoy Earth Day and make a difference in your community.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, April 8, 2012

TA Report: Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: April 8, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Bone dry, dusty
Observations/Information: Early morning ride on a "bone dry & dusty" Hop River. The state of CT is in need of some rain. One local organization had an "Easter fun run". A group (25+) started at the Vernon Depot and ran 1.5 miles up to Tunnel Rd. and back. The rest of the trail was quiet out to Steele's Crossing. Happy Easter!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: April 1, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton-Andover
Trail Conditions: Very good
Observations/Information: Started my ride out to the "New Bridge" at RT 316 (Andover, CT). A construction crew and massive crane placed the bridge into its new home over the past 2 days. This has been a long time coming! Bikers, walkers, joggers are very happy with this addition. A video can be seen on the Andover, CT home webpage. Not much trail traffic this early morning. The Central Connecticut State University cross-country teams were out for a running session. I hope to post some pics later. Enjoy the spring riding season!
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: Feb 5, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton-Andover
Trail Conditions: Good with some muddy stretches
Observations/Information: Super Bowl Sunday morning had temps in the mid 20's with a breeze. I started out at RT 30 (Vernon) and rode out to Bailey's Rd. (Andover). Trails are in good shape for this time of year. The usual wet areas near mile marker 1.0. Vernon DPW is working near Valley Falls (Marker 2.0-2.75) and left heavy back hoe impressions on the trail, take caution. Very nice conditions out near Steele's Crossing. It's amazing to look into the woods and see the devastation from Storms Irene & Alfred. I didn't pass any bikers, mostly people walking their dogs.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Hop River State Rail Trail

Date: Nov 24, 2011
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Hop River State Rail Trail
Town: Vernon-Bolton
Trail Conditions: Excellent
Observations/Information: The 3rd Annual Steele's Crossing Bike Ride featured (29) mountain bikers. Our group traveled along the Hop River Rail Trail. We departed from RT 30 in Vernon @ 8:00 am. It was a chilly start (32 degrees) with bright sunshine, a wonderful Thanksgiving morning. The trails in excellent condition!! Many "thanks" to the local volunteers and paid workers that maintain this area. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Trail Ambassador Name: Peter Blume