Westwoods

[I Are Baboon]

What can you guys tell me about Westwoods? I've never been there, but I am thinking of heading there with the wife this weekend. I hear it's a pretty sweet place to ride. How are the trail conditions these days?

[MtnBikerChk]

...and his wife doesn't like getting lost.

[Big Game]

Officially, many of the trails are closed. However, there are enough open so that you can still get a good ride in. Check at the entrance of Dunk Rock road on the big map to see what is open. Also, the closed trails are clearly marked "these trails are closed due to falling hemlock danger."

Most of the trails at West Rock are incredibly technical. Some of the nastiest on the East Coast. So expect to hike-a-bike a lot until you figure out which trails are what.

If they are open, the x-c trails that you'll have the most fun on are:

The green circle. Orange (not red) circle. White circle (I'm pretty sure this is closed from the blue square to Lost Lake). Lavender (or purple...whatever) circle. Green square. Blue Square. You can pick up a map at Bishop's Orachard on Rte on. There are hiden in the far corner I thin near the bathrooms, but tehy are there. There's even a can to put donation to the West Woods Association in to.

There are many trees and branches down. Before you go here, be sure to grap an extra hanger for your deraileur. This place eats them up.

[I Are Baboon]

Are trails closed because of the hemlock? How long have trails been closed off? West Hartford had the same problem a couple of years ago, and the ride really suffered because of it. I just don't want to haul all the way out there and end up having limited trail access.

I really want to try something new this weekend.

Maybe Nepaug would be a better choice..

Thanks for the feedback, BG!

[spoon]

The trails are the best in CT. But do to the cutting of the hemlocks and other trees the place is a mess to ride . I heard it will be done In 6 YRS.

[Thedewser]

Well West Hartford had a good amount of support from the trail users to rebuild many of the trails. Last year I participated in about 3 of the 6 or so major trail maintenance days. I know there is a good amount of riders in West Woods, even some TA's there. So hopefully someone will speak up and start cleaning up the trails in the sections that are done. I am sure the Westwoods Assoc. has info on this. hope some of this helps.

[Big Game]

6 years is what I've heard too. However, we can speed the efforts to open it by helping out the West Woods Trail Association. They have a cleanup the first Saturday of every month. I've gone to a couple. Some real nice peeps. They actual don't have a problem with mountainbikers. They were actually kind of supportive. I'll see if they have one for Oct. 5th. Anyone interested?

[spoon]

let me know I would like to help the clean up

[JoeO]

That's great to hear that people want to help out the Westwoods committee. I've been a long-time mountain biker and serving the Westwoods committee for about 5 years. I didn't attend the last monthly meeting, so I'm not sure if they held their Nov. clean-up day this month. I'll attend the next meeting and see if there's any immediate planned dates for the future.

You're right, the association and its president, Paul Proulx, have always welcomed mountain bikers to lend a hand. Every now and then, Paul will post some flyers at the trails announcing the next trail clean-up days (sometimes, but not always).

Joe

[boingboing]

Any news if that clean up project is coming along? I'd like to help out. I haven't ridden there in a while cuz the last time I was in there a storm kicked up and the trees were falling like crazy. I flew out of the woods in what felt like about 10 minutes (Definitely longer) , but must have heard 30 trees fall. I never knew the problem was that bad. That $h!t is scary. Does anyone know off hand what is open or closed. If I remember right the green triangle, blue circle, white square/circle, red diamond and yellow triangle were pretty good.

[JoeO]

Boing,

It's coming along slowly but surely. It's a huge task which will be done in years, not months. Over the summer, I know the committee cut down 253 trees.

Regarding what's open and what's closed, the Committee tries to post a map at the trail heads. Not sure if it's always up-to-date. From what I know, the blue rectangle, nature trail, violet trail, yellow square (southern part), and green rectangle are open. White circle and orange circle soon to be open. You can basically tell which trails have been worked upon, because it looks like a wrecking crew came through leaving behind stumps and cut trees everywhere.

[boingboing]

Hey O,
I'm sure the efforts are suspended for the winter, but if they're not keep me posted I'd like to help out If I can. If not this winter definitely next summer. Boing

[JoeO]

Boing, sure. I attended their November meeting recently and there's no big trial work days in the next month. Probably more likely in January will be the next big day.

[Big Game]

I'll be riding (in the farging cold) here this weekend. There's no snow on the ground. Let me know if interested.

[Big Game]

I'm serious. I'm really riding (I think both Sat and Sun). Join me if you wish, or, I'll just have to start adding more names to my #$@! list.

Your pal,

Big Game

[Big Game]

O.K. I didn't ride Saturday. It was a little too cold.

But Sunday, boy did we ride. The weather was a non-factor. There was very little snow. What snow was there seemed to be like gritty sand. I swear it provided a little extra traction. It may have been the best ride ever.

My advice: Don't let winter pass you by, get out there and ride.

Your Pal,

Big Game

[MMcG]

O.K. I didn't ride Saturday. It was a little too cold.

But Sunday, boy did we ride. The weather was a non-factor. There was very little snow. What snow was there seemed to be like gritty sand. I swear it provided a little extra traction. It may have been the best ride ever.

My advice: Don't let winter pass you by, get out there and ride.

Your Pal,

Big Game


BG,

Did you use studded tires? And how does one get to this Westwoods place from say, Mansfield, CT?

I'd love to ride there........maybe as early as this Saturday.

McAskalot

[Big Game]

Studded tires are not necessary. I was on my well-worn Tioga DH 2.3 and had plenty of traction.

For precise directions go to http://www.bikerag.com/images/MAPS/ct-westwoods_map.htm

For vague directions, ask me:

Like go southish, then kind of westish. You'll want to take on of the roads with like a number, you know they don't have a street name. Theey are called routes or something.

Rumer (not proper spelling) is that there make be pics of the illsutrious big game somewhere on site. But be warned: These pictures were taken before he spent $100,000 on plastic surgery, so expect quite goofy looking dude.

[Big Game]

Riding here Friday afternoon. Around one. If interested meet at Dunk Rock Road

[Jisch]

Anyone riding there on Sunday? I might be interested if I could finish the ride by 11:30 or so.

John

[JoeO]

If anyone is interested, the Westwoods Trail Committee is planning some trail maintenance work this Sunday, Feb 2. Some tree cutting has already been performed on the white circle trail (Northern part), and they just need to clear the trail and clean it up a bit.

Sunday, Feb 2, 10:00 AM - Dunk Rock Rd entrance. Bring work gloves.

It should only take 1 to 2 hours depending on how many show up. If you need more info, contact the president, Paul Proulx 203-453-1238.

By the way, it was mentioned at tonight's meeting that several mtn bikers were spotted riding the nature trail. Many of the signs are missing so the Committee will try to post a few more (on the Nature Trail) so it's a little more clearer which trail is the Nature Trail. The signs say "Nature Trail - Walking Only". Hopefully the situation doesn't get out of control with mtn bikers continually riding the trail.

Joe

[Big Game]

I'll see if I can rassle up some cowboys.

Anyone for a ride after?

[Big Game]

The Ground Hog day clean up went very well. The white trail north of the blue rectangle has been cleared of fallen hemlocks. I'm not sure if it is offically open yet.

While clearing off this white trail, I saw a ground hog (or it could have been a woodchuck, but aren't they the same thing?). I'm serious. Unfortunately, I had no witnesses. But I wouldn't lie to you. He must have seen his shadow as he ran back into his den. Or he could have just been blinded by the glow of love that flows through Big Game.

There was quite a turnout of mountainbikers. Probably about 10 of us, along with the trails commitee and some boy scouts. You know Spoon was there. So was Tim and the gang from Rock and Road in Clinton (man can those dudes ride). It was Seth and I representing North Haven Bike.

The ride afterwords was fantastic. It was warm and sunny, there was no wind in the woods. The trails are in great shape. Seth of coursem made hopping up a 4-foot rock look like nothing. Matt P. proved to be slightly more crazy than I. Trish couldn't stop smiling. Yes, Big Game is still giddy from succesfully landing some crazy things he had no business attempting.

Ok. I must get back to studying for the Vermont Bar. And no, not all of the questions involve contract disputes over barren cows or the property rights an automobile operator has in a road-killed possum.

I'll talk to you during my next study break.

Your pal,

Big Game

[EVIL BOTA]

Sounds like a good day B.G.. We had one of our own at wompi. Funny the difference in the weather in CT. and MA. It was cold,windy and snowing most of the day. The forecasters drop the ball on this one. Your right though.. Don't let the winter pass you by .Get out and ride..

Rock On!

[JoeO]

That's great to hear mtn bikers were there to help. I'm sure the committee took notice. From what I hear the state DEP is extremely impressed at the dedication and rate Westwoods is being cleaned up.

[Big Game]

Maybe I'm a little too much of an optimist, but I'm really thinking, praying and hoping a ride can be had this Sunday the 16th at Westwoods. The forecast looks pretty much sunny for the week and weather.com says the high temp will reach 58 on Sunday.

Let me know if interested. Probably would be a morning ride.

[Phresh]

If your optimism comes to fruition I'd be interested in joining you. I'll keep one eye on the weather and another on the ride board.

FYI - Conditions look are pretty good this week for some winter riding at Huckleberry in Avon. Let me know if you are interested. We usually do Tuesday & Thursday PM rides there.

Phresh

[Big Game]

I am studless. Are studs required up yonder?

I am really starting to regret not breaking the bank on studded tires. Last winter they were needed maybe for about 5 days. This year, well, we know.

Next year I am definitely getting them. I figure if I blow the $200 bucks and I end up not needing them, I'm still in great shape: I'll be able to ride.

Now that's a plan.

[Phresh]

Practically speaking they are required, but you could probably get around without them.

I'm hoping to sneak up there for a lunch ride. I'll let you know.

[Phresh]

Me again...just got back from 'lunch'

Conditions at Huckleberry are excellent (today)!

You do not need studs, but they will help in certain areas. The yellow trail is super packed icy snow with a slight and helpful crunch right on the surface. Couldn't be better for those who are studless. The yellow loop is great winter singletrack while the outer red trail is tougher to navigate due to decreased trail width and smoothness. Red is doable but more of a workout.

If the temp stays down conditions should stay consistant. Any warm-up will spell doom until the next freeze.