People's Forrest ?

[Zog]

Rode here yesterday and was hassled by a hiker(with an unrestrained dog.) about no bikes on the trails. Any one know for sure?
http://www.bikerag.com/images/MAPS/ct-peoples_map.htm

[MtnBikerChk]

CT dep website says "road riding only"

http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/forests/ctforests.htm

you could call them to double check.

[turch]

MTB'ng at Peoples S.F. is not a good thing. This place only has trails stewarded by CFPA and are all associated with their statewide Blue-blazed trail system. So the hiker was correct in their interpretation of policy (sans doggie leash aside). The DEP management at the Peoples office does support riding at Nepaug S.F. Riding there is great.

[Zog]

I thought the bike ban on blue blazed trails was lifted years ago?
At Nepaug some trails are blue blaze, all the trails at Nassahegon are blue blaze.

Is a site like Bikerag.com being irresponsable by posting info about places to ride even if they are off limits to bikes?

I don't care if a regional DEP office supports riding at one area over another. I'm concerned about the "legality" of it.
My state tax $ support all state parks, not just selected ones.

[turch]

Access to blue-blazed trails is nebulous at best. There is no unilateral policy that permits bicycling on the statewide blue-blazed trail system. In general bicycling, with some exceptions, is not permitted on these trails.

With your patience, here is a quasi- synthesis of policy statements and my observations for the governing policies pertaining to bicycle access to the statewide blue-blazed trail system.

First, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association is the systemwide steward of the statewide blue-blazed trail system and their policy restricts access to foot travel only.

In creating and managing this trail system, the CFPA has arranged for easements, both formal and informal (often times as simple as a handshake) with all property owners for which these trails transit.

The CT DEP (the predominate land manager/owner of many of the lands that these trails transit) has in effect DEP policy/procedure #310, Multiple Use Trail Policy For Park & Forest Recreation Areas - Existing Trails (Sept. 12, 1995). As it specifically relates to the Blue-blazed trails this policy/procedure states: "Trail uses, other than hiking, shall be prohibited on the Appalachian Trail and Connecticut Forest & Park Association maintained trails except where these trails use maintained roads or, where DEP Authorized or Blazed trails supporting other uses, coincide." This is a 'top - down' policy which does not officially allow much discretion by the local, on the ground, DEP land supervisor. It does however provide some opportunity for leeway when considering dirt roads, service roads, logging trails, etc. in consideration of bicycle access. In other words, ask the local DEP manager.

There are instances across the state where a land owner/manager has countermanded the CFPA's policy regarding access. There are visible examples of this. For the MDC Reservoirs in West Hartford, the MDC has taken the position that for the Blue-Blazed trail within the property zone beween Old Mountain Road (on the south) and Albany Turnpike / Rte.44 (to the north) that bicycling is indeed permitted and encouraged. In the instance of the Middlesex/Maronas property in Middletown, principle owner CL&P on whose property the Blue-blazed trail transits also has overruled and permitted bicycling. There may be more situations like this.

I can not and will not comment (those who know my alter ego will know why) on my experiences on state lands as it relates to these trails nor my observations of the positions conveyed by various DEP supervisors. It is best to ask the responsible land manager, all of which are identified on the DEP website: http://www.dep.state.ct.us/rec/index.htm

I hope that this information helps.

[Dino Sore]

To Squished Fish:

Thanks for the blue trail explanation.

Since you're in my neck of the woods, what is the status of the blue trails between Penwood and the West Hartford Res? I know the trails up by Hubulein Tower are posted for hiking only. I have used the dirt road under the power lines to get from Penwood to the Res. But what about the blue trail that crosses the power lines and follows the east side of the mountain to the reservoir north of Rt. 44? I believe it dumps out onto one of the paved service roads at the north end of that reservoir.

[turch]

Technically closed, though you may have noticed portions coinciding with old, dengerating service road. This is Old Stafford Road and it is quite fair game. There is a route from the north side of MDC Reservoir#6 north to Penwood. It quite possibly is a social trail and not part of an official trail plan, but it is an active trail. This gets you almost all of the way to Penwood without Blue, just ride down the residential road across from Penwood and you've completely avoided the Metacomet trail.

BTW - one should not mess up an Element with puppy toys. ;)

[Big Game]

Is a site like Bikerag.com being irresponsable by posting info about places to ride even if they are off limits to bikes?



You bet they are! My advice: I hear bikerag.com has deep pockets. Their CEO pulled in a whopping 15 million in stock options alone this year. Sue them for everything they got!

[Crash and Burn]

Its unfortunate in the first place that bikes aren't allowed on certain trails but as New England Mountain bikers we should all be used to it by now. It should be every riders responsibility to make sure he or she is riding on legal trails rather than depend on some website for rules of the trial. Bikerag simply provides information about great places to ride that the majority of the mtn biking population don't know about in order to lure riders away from some of the overused and worn out trails. It clearly states on the site that all signs and rules of the park should be followed. So I suggest reading the disclaimer and mission statement next time your on the site to see that bikerag is aware that all trails do not allow bikes and they are only out to help people explore new places by providing information in a way that is both useful and enjoyable to read. And no I don't work for bikerag, just like to visit the site to find new places to ride like most people. How someone can dis a service like that is beyond me. I think everyone should be responsible for themselves and check the rules of a new trail before riding it.

[bikerag]

A site like Bikerag.com is irresponsible in many ways, but not for posting trails, that indeed exist.. When BIkerag started 3 decades ago, it was intended for mountain bikers.. Not roadies, not kayakers, not hikers.. But since everyone and there grandmother has been on the site, it has been more of a general information site.. Hikers, bikers and trail runners and many more use the site for the topo trail maps.. It is the responsibility of the user to determine weather or not, he or she should enter a trail.. Your at the trailhead and see a no tresspassing sign - does bikerag really need to tell you what to do?? same with no bikes!! The website (and specific maps) have been edited many times due to requests of park managers and land owners and will continue to do so..

Getting attacked by dogs on the trail does suck! Try riding the boneyard during pitbull season..

And yes bikerag is a multi-million dollar cumglomerate - we get paid for every inch of trail that is tresspassed on - think about it..

CEBlow - Pukemaster

PS - When encountering hikers on blue trails if you decide to ride them, just be nice, get off your bike, say hello etc.. It will help the mtb cause.. Obey all signs, there is plenty of legal riding out there..

PSS - This doesnt really matter as bikerag.com was sold 3 weeks ago and will most likely be used for motorcycle enthusiasts...
:'(

[Big Game]

No, no no. Please, pay no attention to the mis-direction above!

Bikerag.com is not being bought-out. Rather, the rumer (note Demi-Moore-child spelling, so chic, eh?) I heard is that Bikerag.com is going to make a tender offer for Krispy Kreme donuts, thus extending their evil donut empire from coast to coast.

You think I'm lying? Then ask yourself, why did bikerag.com start with just mtb reviews of CT (Dunkin Donuts territory) only to move on to reviews of mtb in Tennessee (the heart of Krispy Kreme territory)?

The truth is so obvious. We can kiss our bikes, our donuts, and our way of life good-bye, unless we're willing to go crawling back to the warped, twisted, frustrated individuals at bikerag.com

Don't give in.

[Thedewser]

Big Game, are you a MTB conspiracy theorist? (RE: Building Gold bike forum).

[bikerag]

Hey Big Game - The PREVIOUSE owners of bikerag would like to hire you for your engrish writing skills for our new websites mydonut.com and turkeysready.com.. Please inquire within..

PM

[I Are Baboon]

I don't get it...why the knock on Bikerag? Not trying to start a battle or anything, just looking for someone to educate me. I go to bikerag all the time to get trail info and maps. Quite frankly, I have found no other website that even comes close to giving me as much trail info as bikerag does. And I appreciate the humor they put into it as well.

[Big Game]

Why knock on Bikerag.com?

Because they deserve it. Allow me to explain:

Back in '84, when I was starting my undergrad in Computer Science (with a minor in Computer theory), I was having a great ol' time being a freshman at Adams College. My dorm room was real neat and my best friend and I were real excited with all the code we could program. The problem was is that some people didn't think we were "cool."

One of the "cool" frats, Bikerag.com, had this big party. They invited everyone at the school except us. They called us up and told us how great the party was and that we couldn't come. They made us feel like real losers. But at the party, they burned their own frat house down (I believe they were trying to determine how many calories your average glazed donut has by lighting it on fire). But because they had so much clout with the Dean, we were kicked out of our dorm room to make room for Bikerag.com. We were forced to live in the gym.

I've been living at the gym since then. I'm getting real tired of it (although I do enjoy my MU, if you know what I mean(wink wink)).

So know you know what I think of Bikerag.com? I think their all pompous sob's and I hope that the next time they do something rotten to someone, that they have a truly life-changing experience and learn the value of true personal growth.

[I Are Baboon]

I can appreciate a good parady any day. :) However, you haven't said anything that's made me think twice about being a regular visitor to Bikerag. I'm happy to boycott a business if I have a good reason to...

Heh heh....."Booger."

[Big Game]

Baboon---

I really can't say. I'm a little sc-sc-scared to speak the truth right now. Bikerag.com just sent their two-bit thugs here to my treefort to rough me up. I knew they were from bikerag.com because I saw doughnut batter underneath their fingernails (and they hit like little girls).

Also, my attorney has advised me to say nothing more about bikerag.com in anticipation of legal proceedings.

However, you can read all about bikerag.com and many, many more of my petty observations in my soon to be released memoirs entitled, "Life As I Sees It" to be published by Random House with a forward written by Joyce Carol Oates. It should be out in time for Christmas.

[pk]

This has turned into a pretty humerus thread! ;)

I'm not familiar with bikerag but mtbr.com had some serious problems of users posting blatantly illegal rides. They were very responsive in removing them once this was brought to their attention by credible people, and I believe that they are working closely with IMBA to try to keep on it.

If there really are such rides, I'd suggest having someone contact them and offer to help review the postings.

It's great to have a web company promote cycling and help spread out the riding population among thousands of trails. However, it's also true that anti-mtb groups are using this information to prove to the powers that be that bikers refuse to play by the rules, and hence should be further restricted. It also doesn't help to point riders to illegal riding locations, even if there is a caveat to look into the rules.

JMHO,

pk

[Thedewser]

Big Game, would you turn the TV off while you are typing, you are blending your stories together!!!!

[Big Game]

The following is a transcript of recent correspondence sent to me from bikerag.com:

* * *



Bikerag.com
One Heartless Multi-National Corporation Way
South Windsor, CT

September 12, 2002

Re: The truth about bikerag.com


Dear Mr. Big Game:

It has come to our attention that you have uncovered sensitive information with regards to the above-captioned matter. You have ignored our request to refrain from discussing this information by savagingly beating our most capable goons that we sent to persuade you to keep silent.

Mr. Big Game, you leave us little recourse but to offer you a substantial amount of cash to keep quiet. I am prepared to offer you One Billion Dollars ($1,000,000,000.00).

It has also come to my attention that you wish to build a solid gold bike. I feel compelled to mention that the above-stated amount will certainly afford you an opportunity to undertake such a noble endevour.

I anticipate that your response will be favorable, but I must get your acceptance of this offer by the end of this week, so that any future negative publications may be minimized.


Very Sincerely,


Heartless Suit #3a-13-987


* * *

So what do you guys think? Should I take the money? A billion dollars is a lot of loot. But I feel funny about selling y'all out.

[I Are Baboon]

LOL!!!!

Don't take the money and sell out to The Man. Stick to your guns, dude.

Perhaps of they offered to build you the golden bike. By simply offering you a billion dollars while making you build the bike yourself, well, that seems like more of a slap in the face than anything.

[Big Game]

Would you really trust a bike built by bikerag.com?

Don't get me wrong, I trust their design department (they've got one heck of a engineer guy there, he's got a big slide rule and know hows to use it, if you know what I mean) but rather, I don't trust their execution of the design. I'm sure pounds and pounds of donut crumbs (and custard filling) would find its way into the liquid hot molten solid gold awaiting to be cast into parts. I doubt this would make for a strong bike.

I certainly appreciate the input, Baboon. Anyone else before I reply to bikerag.com?

[Big Game]

And for those of you who don't believe the Bikerag.com/Krispy Kreme connection, look near the bottom of this page:

http://www.bikerag.com/images/MAPS/ct-penwood_review.htm

I'm not sure this "ankle biter" the page mentions is, but consider him (or her) dangerous. He (or she) probably some sort of inside man (or woman)...I wouldn't be suprised if he (or she) has infiltrated these very forums.

[bikerag]

BIg Game - Please stay focused on the subject.. This Forum should only concern peoples forrrrrest or how grously irresponsiible bikerag.com is.. TV in the background my ass, you must have every stereo in the house on, 15 internet connections and probably 10 law books in your lap... So I have some answers if you must to finally put an end to this nappy pubic hair of a "thread"..

Ankle biter - THe Donut opportunist is indeed a FEEEEmale, or at the very least a cross-dressing roadie named stretch nutz..

SOlid gold bikes are not feasable due to the inherint fatigue properties of gold, but a nice layer of kevlar and carbon on top will help to strengthen and hide the luster for any bike transporting canadians.. HOwever, I am thinking of gold plating my next hogi yogi..

Finally, if you do get a gold bike, im pretty sure hikers would loot you for it if found tearing up those awfull rock infested blue trails ..

OK - I have to post my pics of west rock now - LTR -

PM

[I Are Baboon]

They're building a Krispy Kreme on the Berlin Turnpike, about a mile from my apartment. I sure hope Bikerag updates their website to reflect the closest Krispy Kreme is now in Newington, Connecticut, rather than Tennessee. I am sure Bikerag would not want all of their credibility in the MTB industry to be shot based on that one false statement of Krispy Kreme geographics.

[Big Game]

What ever happened to Mister Donut? He used to be on Route 5 in Wallingford. He had a good crueller. Do you think Mister Donut retired to Florida? Or was he just another victim of the voracious appetite of bikerag.com?

Anyway, Mr. PM, P.E., has critized me for not staying focused on the topic at hand (He's a serious micro-manager). So here goes:

People's Forrrrrrest. It's kind of a lame name, don't you agree? Our Connecticut state parks should have more exciting, happy and flamboyant names. Am I right or am I right? I don't know, (and I realize I'm going out on a limb) but maybe something like, say, "Gay City."

Who am I kidding, the state legislature would never have the guts to live on the edge like that.

[bikerag]

Hey Little Game - I think the Nemba moderator will be suggesting a good therapist soon, probably for the both of us!!http://URL

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Oh my... the only good doughnaught place I have ever been is THE DONUT MAN in Hadley MA. Everything he makes completely 0wnz Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts (Anyone else notice the illiteration in popular donut shop names? ) I reccommend to everyone that they stop there after next years Pedro's/Harpoon ride at the Holyoke Range!

Does everyone know that it cost 8 million dollars to get a KK in Boston? Those Tennassee Donut Freaks are greedy!!!

[Big Game]

My guesss is that at 50 posts you get another star. I'm only two away. No I'm only one.

How about Donut Inn in Fairfield County (for pre and post Trumbull rides)? Anyone like them?

And Mr Bikesrag --- a little note to you: You'll be getting a little something from me regarding your little end of the summer contest. Those Kanda tires are going to look pretty sweet on my solid gold bike.

[Big Game]

I think the Nemba moderator will be suggesting a good therapist soon, probably for the both of us!!


Or a more intimate relationship with our Saviour:

[I Are Baboon]

Yes, Dunkin Donuts are THAT good.

Well, maybe not. But their coffee is the ****.

[Big Game]

People's Forrrrrrest. It's kind of a lame name, don't you agree? Our Connecticut state parks should have more exciting, happy and flamboyant names.


I'm thinking that in order to attract a younger and more diverse crowd to our state parks, perhaps the state should augment the name here to "My Peep's Forest." A'ight.

[johnnyt]

For those looking for additional excitement we could call it the Peep-show Forest.

[Big Game]

Sure the publicity would be superb. But I'm worried about some pervs who would drive specifically for the guarranty of the hole. And imagine their disapointment when they discover no hole exists.

Also, think of the poor park ranger. It would be kind of creepy; him having to tell those pervs there is no business end of a glory hole to volunteer for here at the Forrest.

[johnnyt]

If it is glory holes you want, then I recommend you call it the Peep-show State FLORIST. However, that wouldn't be right for those who aren't into glory and such. Perhaps something a little less crass.

The state can raise revenue by charging groups to name the park after their cause for a week at a time. The only prereq would be the "People" and State Forest parts. For instance, for a cool grand you could have the park named People Named Joe State Forest, or People with Outies and Hairlips State Forest. And then, those who match the description of the forest get free access for "their" week.

[Big Game]

So if someone laid down $1000 for the rights to call it "People Who Ride Mountainbikes State Forest," do you think we would still be outlawed?

[johnnyt]

It would depend whose campaign fund the cash went to.

Hey, if Roland's new commercial is any indicator, he loves saving land for outdoor enthusiasts. You know he has saved over 40,000 acres. So for every acre he saved, let's see, he gave $5500 to Enron, or for every acre he saved, he spent $37,500 to bring the Patriots to Hartford. Gosh I hope he is re-elected because CT must have another $1.8 billion in tax dollars to spare.
At least in MA they are getting new roads for the Big Dig over runs, CT just gets higher taxes and great second party choices like Bill Curry. BTW, shouldn't he be Somers with Giordano?

End Political Rant...jerks!

[Big Game]

Rant? Please...you're just telling it how it is...

However, you forgot about the other political scandal in Ct.

What about the $3.86 Rowland accepted from Bikerag.com? Do you think as governor, he can't afford to buy a dozen donuts himself (actually Rowald is like the lowest paid governor in the country...we're beaten by Mississippi)? And don't think Curry is any better. Why I heard that Bikerag.com bought him and his corporate cronies TWO dozen donuts. The was only one left...a double chocolate glazed. Talk about accounting irregularities.

And what are these Capital insiders, political fats cats, and associated hangers-on doing about it? Nothing. Where the Heck are the bikelanes we've never been promised? Why weren't we promised them? Can someone promise them to us? They are really cool and fun to ride on. Don't they know this?

Why can't we ride on a bikelane in People's State Forest? Who is in charge? How much did it cost to pay them off? Where are my allen wrenches? What color is your parachute? Do we need another hero? Prescription drug care is through the roof. Listen, I paid my taxes one year, and what did I get? Nothing, that's what.

[Big Game]

And yes, today is a slow day at work.

[Thedewser]

I never thought about this as a good way to waste time at work. hmmmmmm, all that time I spent on weather.com, I could have been here posting stuff!!! (oh yeah, gotta stay on the subject) People's state forest - which people???

The Shining is on right now :D

Redrum Redrum!!!

[Big Game]

hmmmmmm, all that time I spent on weather.com, I could have been here posting stuff!!!

Redrum Redrum!!!


Dewser, I don't blame you for spending so much time on weather.com....Vivian Brown is a fox!

Anyway, the situation is much worse than I thought. Bikerag.com has already taken over Oklahoma. See for yourself:

http://oklahomabicyclesociety.com/maps/donutmap.htm

[Big Game]

The gift of Peoples Forest to the state was celebrated on October 4, 1924. Among the 2,500 who attended were Gov. Charles Templeton, Elliot P. Bronson, Jr., who directed the pageant, State Forester Austin F. Hawes, and State Parks Director, Elliot P. Bronson, Sr.

[turch]

Betcha didn't realize that People's was CT's very first state forest. CFPA (remember the Blue-blazed trail discussion) were largely responsible for establishing tis forest and endowing it as a public resource. Kind of a round and about way to say that this place is near and dear to the foundation of the environmentalist movement in CT and a key reason that the state of trail access there is the way it is. Nevermind that they absolutely shun gold bikes! ;)

[Big Game]

Nevermind that they absolutely shun gold bikes!



No, no, no. The Gold Bike's isn't for the trails (and especially illegal trails). Rather, one reason the build it is to ride it for parades, marches and celebrity appearances. The other reason is [BEGIN SPANISH ACCENT] for the women [end spanish accent].

[I Are Baboon]

Hey Big Game, your little photo under your name isn't loading for me. All I get is a red X. You're not attaching porn for a picture, are you? Damn MTB horndogs.

[Big Game]

It's not NEMBA's fault... and it's not porn either. It's even better

I was just too lazy to fix the link

[turch]

Hey, gwapo, whaz yu need iz a chort sled. She be a reel lady killa.

[Big Game]

I can dig the relaxed lowrider as much as anyone else. But what is the deal with that chain tension? Is that the drive-chain equivalent of walking around with your pants so low your drawers are exposed?

* * *

Did you know snowmobiling is allowed at People's State Forest? Strange. Anyway, I remember seeing a picture of mountain bike that had a snowmobile track instead of a rear tire. It weighed a ton and looked like a bear to pedal. I wonder what would happen if one rode a snowmobike at People's SF. I bet it would really cheese them off. Does anyone know the snowmobike I'm speaking of? (really I'm not making this up) Get we borrow one? Ariba!

* * *

By the way, Bikerag.com is still just as irresponsible as ever. Why just last weekend, while I was doing my weekly trail maintenance at Tyler Mill, I saw the Bikerag.com green van pull over to the side of the dirt road near the double drops. Then, imagine my horror when I saw Peter "the Sarge" Johnson and the evil Natasha dump out an old donut fryer. Then they took used motor oil and poured it out of the bikerag.com brand styrofoam party cups onto the ground and onto the donut fryer. They were laughing the whole time. I told them to stop, but they said shut up because nobody would believe me anyway. Then they threw out the cups too, jumped up and down on them and broke them into little bits.

[turch]

Yes, they permit snowmobiling but supposedly restricted to the few unpaved service roads that exist in both Peoples and American Legion state forests. Not of course on the Jesse Girard, Henry Buck, and Agnes Bowen, and Charles Pack trails which are the CFPA trails that appear in the Pleasant Valley/Riverton area.

Oh, and yes I remember the snobike rig that you mentioned. Quick google searches didn't produce anything though.

[Big Game]

I couldn't find a pic of the snomobike either. Although I did learn a lot about snow biking.

If People's Forrest allows x-c skiing, then do you think they would allow the snow bike? Or are they a vengeful People who hate all types of biking? Why do you think this is so? Do they just hate us because we are more beautiful? Doesn't that seem silly? But I think the real reason they hate us is because we are more righteous.

[turch]

Actually NEMBA has quite a good relationship with the curent DEP supervisor, Cal Innes. Previously associated with Penwood, Cal has always been quite cooperative with NEMBA and appreciated our help. As for the DEP office out of Peoples, while specifically Peoples is off limits (I use the term loosely and with no malice intended) they have been quite accomodating with Nepaug SF, pretty much giving us complete run of the place (an unofficial blind eye to the blue trails). When you consider the trail riding opportunities back at Peoples, one would probably not be real interested in most of the trails, so NEMBA has never desired to campaign for access there.

[Big Game]

Squished Fish ---

You have a real nice way of explaining both sides of the story. I think you have a real talent there. I bet your interpersonal and organizational skills are top notch as well. I'm thinking that you should consider running for some sort of executive position for NEMBA. You'd get my vote. Because let me tell you, our chapter Chief here in CT has been a tragic disappointment (Some say he's on the take). I really shouldn't say anymore, as he may read this.

[turch]

Psst...Word has it that he can be bought with fat pills. Tasties of dunkin, makes no difference.

[steve_b]

??? Any chance of an explanation of why People's SF is off-limits to someone whom doesn't live in CT? Is it off limits because of bike restrictions, or some type of activity that takes place there that scares you ?? :o

btw: I here 1 diet coke removes all the effects of 1 dz Dunkin donuts if consumed at the same time.

[Dino Sore]

btw: I here 1 diet coke removes all the effects of 1 dz Dunkin donuts if consumed at the same time.


Alternatively, if you break them in half most of the calories will leak out.

[Big Game]

I heard that as long as if you eat donut at the top of every hour, you can't gain weight. It's true, really.

But how does one know it's time to eat a donut, and more importantly, what kind to eat?

Here's a solution:

[Big Game]

And yes, I'm aware a bear-claw is not a donut.

Neither is a Danish.

I was going to finish off this little reply with a double-entendre involving eating a Danish and "sex," but because this is a family show, I used my better judgment and refrained.

Now there's another star for Big Game!