HP & LDT Trail Conditions Report

[kgoldswo]

I had a very good ride at HP yesterday, not so good ride at Lowell-Dracut today. It appears that HP received more rain during the last storm, creating a harder crust on top of the snow.

The conditions at HP varied based on the amount of traffic a trail saw prior to freezing up solid. Heavy traffic, especially horses, last weekend resulted in a rutted trail. A few trails that had little to no traffic were awesome. The bike barely broke through the snow and provided for smoooth riding. Some of the trails that saw heavy traffic were completely packed and also provided very good riding.

The snow at LDT didn't support the bike and caused quite a bit of resistance when riding. Ridable, but not great. The fire roads have been packed by the atvs & snowmobiles, but they are icy and not great for riding.

Of course, everything will change this weekend when the warm weather arrives.

- Kirk

[errollthin]

Thanks for the report kirk. I will be trying LDT friday afternoon. I will also see how the ponds are for a little ice riding since I have put on my studded tires. I might also try out long pond in dracut for a little ice action. I do beleive this will be the last hurrah for the studs.

[mtbikerejg]

The trail conditions near Salem Pond were pretty extraordinary today. I really wasnt expecting much.The crust was solid for decent riding. Of course any trail that had walkers or horses were pretty rutted and very jarring. The new single track near salem pond was very solid. I saw one set of tracks and they were probably yours. Of course the sun had warmed up / loosened some of the sections so after today the conditions will probably deteriorate very fast. If the overnite temps dip below freezing, the trails might be ridable for early tomorrow morning.

I was using studs but when the crust layer melts, that will be it for the studs.

Suggest sourcing trails that walkers would be unlikely to travel.

[errollthin]

Dracut state bring studs and ride the fire roads hard packed and icy. Then try the ponds nothing but glare ice talk about fast. Suggest sourcing trails that walkers would be unlikely to travel smooth and crusty.