Wendell State

[BigMac]

Wendell is great! no mud... but the forest roads which are mostly sand/rock are soft.

[rigidhack]

So true! I was out last Saturday.

When I hit the roads after coming off the swithcback section of HSR I though I had pinch flatted somewhere. It was just soft sand slowing me down.

The new trail to the lookouts has a lot of potential. I rode all of it that was rideable (for a total of about 30 metres before the water crossing at the bottom) and hike-a-bike'd the rest. :)

Managed a 12-15 mile loop from my place until the sun went down and I turend into a popsicle.

[BigMac]

the new trail will only be about a mile in length maybe a mile and a half, the ranger requested we build it and we stretched it out a little bit. There will be bridges over the water as soon as I get some "MORE WOOD", and we will likly complete the trail sometime in the next few weeks.
Mark,

[rigidhack]

Let me know when that is happening. I'll see if and I can lend a hand.

There are a couple of odd route choices at the bottom of the hill. Given that the trail was marked when everything was/is frozen, I think there may be a few spots that are a lot softer than is advisable. It looks like there was an old logging road through that spot that is likely drier/harder and easier to clear (runs pretty much parallel to the ribbons).

[slapheadmofo]

Any of you riding there this w/e? I'd love to check out the latest plans...

[rigidhack]

I'm not sure, but I may be able to get out on Saturday. I'd love to clear some of the new trail to the lookouts (working from the top down).

THe wife works this w/e and I am on kid duty, so nothing set in stone - purely opportunistic.

[Superb Man]

Couple of Wendell Rides this week:

Tonight (thursday) there's a multi-ability ride meeting at the Ranger Station Parking Lot at 6:15 pm (bring lights!!!) I'll be leading (maybe leading anyway-I'm in dog bad shape!)--Boob will take a more leisurely group around as well.

Jason and Crew will be riding wendell friday at 3:00-3:15 pm--I can give out contact info to anyone interested (email me)--Mark--any interest in getting a work crew out this weekend??

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[rigidhack]

I am interested in doing some work Saturday am. I'll likely head out there anyway with my 7 yr old. Hopefully I can ride later in the day (after 3 or so)

[BigMac]

Let me know when that is happening. I'll see if and I can lend a hand.

There are a couple of odd route choices at the bottom of the hill. Given that the trail was marked when everything was/is frozen, I think there may be a few spots that are a lot softer than is advisable. It looks like there was an old logging road through that spot that is likely drier/harder and easier to clear (runs pretty much parallel to the ribbons).
the old logging road is the start of the new trail, the route you took is the short that the ranger wants, there will eventually be bridges crossing the wet....

[rigidhack]

HSR has a BIG tree fallen across it about 1/4 mile above the bridge. It is in a slow section - so no chance of it causing any surprise injuries.

Paging any chainsaw owners...

[Ridge Wrecker]

Hey Rigid - You must be the guy with the rigid bike that I was talking to in the Wendell parking lot yesterday. ;D

This was my first time riding the trails at this park. I wouldn't advise riding on the Wicket Pond Trail (east I think), it's like a swamp right now. Does this trail EVER dry out? I was surprised at how close it is to the water.

The Nipmuck (sp?) trail was great. Nice and dry and smooth rolling. Not mucky at all as it's name would suggest! After riding on the pond trail I was a little worried about trying this trail. I was pleasantly surpised.

There are some pretty nice trails out there. I'll be back!

[rigidhack]

Hey Rigid - You must be the guy with the rigid bike that I was talking to in the Wendell parking lot yesterday. ;D

This was my first time riding the trails at this park. I wouldn't advise riding on the Wicket Pond Trail (east I think), it's like a swamp right now. Does this trail EVER dry out? I was surprised at how close it is to the water.

The Nipmuck (sp?) trail was great. Nice and dry and smooth rolling. Not mucky at all as it's name would suggest! After riding on the pond trail I was a little worried about trying this trail. I was pleasantly surpised.

There are some pretty nice trails out there. I'll be back!


Yep. Thats me.

The trail on the East side of Wickett Pond was cut by Americorps and it NEVER dries out. The trail needs to be bridged or rerouted. Until then it is best avoided. The West side of the pond has a trail that does dry out and is quite pleasant to ride.

Let me know next time you are riding there. I'm slow, but I know the trails fairly well.

[Superb Man]

Hey Rigid - You must be the guy with the rigid bike that I was talking to in the Wendell parking lot yesterday. ;D

This was my first time riding the trails at this park. I wouldn't advise riding on the Wicket Pond Trail (east I think), it's like a swamp right now. Does this trail EVER dry out? I was surprised at how close it is to the water.

The Nipmuck (sp?) trail was great. Nice and dry and smooth rolling. Not mucky at all as it's name would suggest! After riding on the pond trail I was a little worried about trying this trail. I was pleasantly surpised.

There are some pretty nice trails out there. I'll be back!


I would also not advise riding on Wickett Trail East because Bikes are not allowed (and it's always muddy). Guys, we've been granted a ton of access (with a lot more to come) please don't ride on the soft-sensitive trails especially the wickett pond east trail (which is foot traffic only)!

Liam O'Brien
ginaliam@mac.com

[Superb Man]

Hey Gang--I've also been remiss in getting the trail work regimen started at wendell this season.

The first big day is April 22nd---earth Day! NEMBA is co-sponsoring a clean-up spruce up day under the park Managers direction (mostly focusing on Ruggles pond area--but we'll also look to finish the newest trail between Damon camp and the lookouts). I'd love to get a good showing at this event as It's a real goodwill promoter (with implications for Mountain Biking at wendell and beyond). Any portion of the day anyone can give will be appreciated. Email or call me for more details (but you can be sure that many more postings will follow on the Forum).

Secondary Projects- Finish the bottom return of Hannah Swarton (paralleling Mormon Hollow Brook to Baker Rd--right where the nipmuck comes out!).

Bigger Long range Project (of interest to you big hit guys and xc dudes as well): Bear Mountain development. The plan I've been pitching rruns like this-onne long (6-7 mile) xc flowing trail that works the ridges and crests of the huge Bear Mountain parcel (suitable to xc skiers and mountain bikers alike). From the middle of this trail we'd like to build two secondary DH-style trails. Ideally, these would be one-way rippers down to the millers river-riders using the fire roads for the long return (and yes, in season, shuttles would be possible). This, needless to say would be a long-term (and ambitious) project-but with the continued good will of the powers that be at wendell (ahem...april 22) and the truculent hard work of nemba volunteers-an attainable goal.

Guys, if you make the Earth day Gig-we'll get beverages afterwards we'll really lay out the plan.

Liam O'Brien
ginaliam@mac.com
413-665-9524

[Ridge Wrecker]

I would also not advise riding on Wickett Trail East because Bikes are not allowed (and it's always muddy). Guys, we've been granted a ton of access (with a lot more to come) please don't ride on the soft-sensitive trails especially the wickett pond east trail (which is foot traffic only)!



I apologize if we might have stepped on (or ran over) some toes here. I was following a map that I think was the NEMBA Fest group ride route so I assumed is was an acceptable route. We certainly don’t want to foul up any access and trail building opportunities for bikers. In my own defense I must say that I had no idea this trail was closed to bikers. It’s hard for bikers to know which trails are off limits when there isn’t any signage or trail maps available at the park. Hopefully a sign will be posted at the trailhead and that will keep bikers off it as it isn’t obvious that the trail is in bad shape until about halfway through it.

[rigidhack]

Yeah, both entrances to the East Wickett Pond trail really need big NO BIKES signs - maybe we could tack them up on April 22nd?

[Superb Man]

I would also not advise riding on Wickett Trail East because Bikes are not allowed (and it's always muddy). Guys, we've been granted a ton of access (with a lot more to come) please don't ride on the soft-sensitive trails especially the wickett pond east trail (which is foot traffic only)!



I apologize if we might have stepped on (or ran over) some toes here. I was following a map that I think was the NEMBA Fest group ride route so I assumed is was an acceptable route. We certainly don’t want to foul up any access and trail building opportunities for bikers. In my own defense I must say that I had no idea this trail was closed to bikers. It’s hard for bikers to know which trails are off limits when there isn’t any signage or trail maps available at the park. Hopefully a sign will be posted at the trailhead and that will keep bikers off it as it isn’t obvious that the trail is in bad shape until about halfway through it.


Fair enough--my toes aren't stepped on--the problem was that this trail was poorly built (NOT BY NEMBA)--but trhere was some local action groups identifying it as an ecologically unsound new 'bike trail"--which, was trouble for us--the PM told me to keep the bikes off of it--and yah, it''s his responsibility to put up a sign.

Oh, the wickett pond trail (west) that was on the NEMBA_HARPOON route last year is fine to ride-provided you bail out at the fire pit and don't ride all the way to the boat launch (you won't want to anyway--trust me!!)

No sweat--On a better note ridge rider..when do you ride? I rode The Sugarloaf North, Stairmaster, D-field ridge yesterday morning and realized I could use the company. I ride these tuesday and thursday mornings around 9:15 if anyone's interested in joining me in the near future.

Also, Bikes unlimited is doing a Wendell ride tonight at 6:15pm--meeting at the Park Headquarters.

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[Ridge Wrecker]

Liam -

Hopefully the ranger will post a sign soon so more people like me don't come along a make a bigger mess of the trail.

These days I do most of my riding weekday evenings (5:00ish) and of course weekends. I'd love to ride at 9:15 but unfortunately I'm already at work by then :( I'm hoping to do some EARLY a.m. rides when it starts getting light out earlier. We'll see if I really end up having the willpower to do it.

[Superb Man]

Funny you should say that--I was also about to invite you out on our ASmish Mountain Biking Club Rides (start 5-5:15am)--first one might be Friday-depending on the weather-certain to start next week however--we usually do a round robin of Toby, G-field Ridge, D-field Ridge, and the Hills of Terror (which is riding Stair master and sugarloaf north together in less than an hour--it adds up).

Drop me line if you want to be incuded on the email list for amish rding.

Liam O'Brien
ginaliam@mac.com

[Ridge Wrecker]

I won't be able to do any early a.m. riding until the sun starts coming up about an hour earlier. So, probably not for a month or so. "In the Dark" riding isn't an option for me.

The Hills of Terror in under an hour you say? That seems awfully quick for all those big hills. I'll need to make sure I'm in shape for that one!

[rigidhack]

The Hills of Terror in under an hour you say? That seems awfully quick for all those big hills. I'll need to make sure I'm in shape for that one!


I'd try it, but I 'd need to pack a tent. ;D

[GW]

Liam, we need to ask the Park supervisor to post a "No Bikes/Foot Traffic only sign. GW

[rigidhack]

Managed to get out for a short ride yesterday. Nipmuc trail was in great shape. The roots were slick as snot, but the trail itself was not muddy and pretty clear. I noticed a new berm thrown in to one of the corners there -perfect placement!

This was my first time on that trail with the Sinister and it was fantastic! A whole ton of new lines opened up for me. (I really like the lower rock drop off to the side!)

[Superb Man]

Awesome-hey which sinister did you end up with (you'll have to change you're forum name btw!).

Liam

[hammerhead]

Yeah,

I recommend DrSpltrMxHack

H

[rigidhack]

Custom built Splinter MX - last one ever made by FTW! 8)

http://www.bustedspoke.com/Photos/bs7370.jpg
http://www.bustedspoke.com/Photos/bs7371.jpg

Mine is the only Splinter made with the brace on the top bar - it is a large with the standover of a smaller size. Has the bb of an ER (no ISCG tabs) and does not have the CnC block arounfd the BB (all the strength, a lot less weight)
The build kit is straight off a 2005 Trek Session 77. Since these photos were taken I 've replaced the post with a black one (still Thomson). I'll be getting a SIC LL stem in the next day or two.

The photos were taken after a race at Mt. Snow, so it is set up super slack. Right now it is a bit steeper for trail use.

I LOVE this bike! Sinister is the BEST company to deal with. Such awesome people. Wait 'till you see what is coming from them - it will open a lot of eyes! :o

I'm thinking Dr. Hack, just to keep it simple. ;D

[rigidhack]

Wendell is in great shape -aside from the BAZILLIONS of bugs.

I like the minor rock work for the downed tree on HSR. I tried the new lookouts trail and got completely lost. The sections I could ride were quite fun though. Coming down the M&M from the lookouts is a whole new experience on a bike with a bit of travel!

With the humidity and the bugs (I think I had an allergic reaction to something that bit me), I ended up bonking pretty severely. Not fun with a 35+lb bike underneath you!

[Superb Man]

Rigid,

The trail that is probably perfect for your bike is the RUGGLES POnd Trail--esp the right (east?) hand side--great rock gardens and such--I do that over Wickett Pond always now.

The New Lookout trail is unfinished-so You didn't get lost you just ran into dead ends!.

And yeah-in a lot of ways-the M&M/ Trail to the Lookouts combo in eitherr directions is a real gem of the wendell trail system.

I know Jason is leading a ride out thee tonight at 6:20 if anyone's interested.

Liam

[rigidhack]

I really like the East side of Ruggles Pond, but not as much as the lower lookouts trail (from Jerusalem Hill Rd. to the parking lot). Actually, the whole lookouts section of the M&M is a blast - including a couple of the unmarked side trails back down to Jerusalm Hill Rd.

All of the potentail trails on Bear Mtn. are beckoning me....