Mt. Toby conditions

[Ridge Wrecker]

For any Frankling County folks that are interested.

The summit road up Mt. Toby from Reservation Rd. suffered extensive damage during last Falls heavy rains. In some areas the road was washed away leaving wide, deep ruts.

During a short hike this weekend I saw that the road has been repaired.. at least as far as I walked (a little ways past the upper most bypass trail to the falls). I was surprised since I figured UMass had forgotten all about this mountain (for example the powerline that's been lying on the telephone trail for years).

The bad news is that UMass is cutting down a lot of dead trees and some trails like the white pine trail has been demolished. These trails weren't very long but they were a fun side-trip and great to zip around on. I assume they'll be cleaning up the mess they're making. Though it's hard to imagine right now considering it looks like a wasteland out there!

Just wanted to give an update in case anyone else was planning/hoping to start riding there soon and was wondering what condition that road was in.

I'd be interested to know what condition the the other side of the mountain is in (North Mountain Rd, Sugar Farms Trail, etc.). If anyone has been there lately please let me know!

[Superb Man]

Hey Ridge Rider,

We were just talking about Toby this Morning--the Sugar Farm Trail will be a snowy swampy mess until the late Spring dry spell (that's the way it is every year!!!). Toby has the gray clay slop that just eats rims and chains--I'd wait on it!) You're right about the erosion--it's even worse on the pre-eroded telephone pole trail--and that's why Franklin County-PVNEMBA is starting to put Toby in it's trail building Headlights--I don't know if I already know you--but if you're interested send me your email and I'll forward trail work initiative info to you as it develops--Lot of stuff cooking for greater Franklin County this season--should be a really productive year.

As a side note-local Shop Bicycles Unlimited in Greenfield (www.bikes-unlimited.com 772-2700) will be riding the Greenfield/Poet's Seat Ridge tonight--trails should be in dynamite condition and we're looking to ride Sugarloaf North on Thursday--which is also in stellar condition! Also-Wendell''s trails are in solid condition as well.

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[Ridge Wrecker]

Liam,

We've probably passed each other on the trails at one time or another though I don't believe we've officially met. I'm definetely interested in lending a hand. I'm a 5' 1" tall lady so I can't move any trees or weild a chainsaw but I'd like to be of some help. Did you have any particular trails in mind on Toby that you planned on giving a face-lift? I'd like to know what else you guys have planned for the area.

I'll send you an email so you can notify me of trail work dates.

Unfortunately I'm not equipped to do any night riding. If the snow holds off maybe I'll check out North Sugarloaf this weekend. I haven't been there, or to the Greenfield Ridge since last fall. I'm sure you'll have a blast! In the mean-time, I'll keep spinning on the trainer.

[BigMac]

Liam,

We've probably passed each other on the trails at one time or another though I don't believe we've officially met. I'm definetely interested in lending a hand. I'm a 5' 1" tall lady so I can't move any trees or weild a chainsaw but I'd like to be of some help. Did you have any particular trails in mind on Toby that you planned on giving a face-lift? I'd like to know what else you guys have planned for the area.
You should really hook up with bob, Owner of bikes unlimited in greenfield, he puts on many rides that you would enjoy.
Mark,
I'll send you an email so you can notify me of trail work dates.

Unfortunately I'm not equipped to do any night riding. If the snow holds off maybe I'll check out North Sugarloaf this weekend. I haven't been there, or to the Greenfield Ridge since last fall. I'm sure you'll have a blast! In the mean-time, I'll keep spinning on the trainer.