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View Full Version : Where's the snow line?


turch
February 1st, 2003, 09:56 AM
I know that BG and others have basically declared all south of i95 as clear and ridable, save the potential for mud, but can anyone help determine just where across the state the demarcation of snowchoked and ridable trails might exist?

For starters, we haven't seen noteworth snowfall (for the most part) in the state since the beginning of the year. Here are my observations. I rode a somewhat soggy Tyler Mill (Wallingford) on New Years day. Not much snow. Certainly ridable without studs. Though those certain regularly wet spots were as suspects wet and goppy.

While I haven't seen the Res (West Hartford) I would imagine that local riders have by now opened up corridors allowing at least studded use if not regular treads. I might also expect some snow clear trail sections but also soggy sections where seasonly expected.

My haunt, Penwood (Bloomfield) is choked, both with snow and storm damage (from Nov./Dec.).

I suspect that Nepaug (New Hartford) is throughly snow packed.

No idea of the state of Case mtn (Manchester). I might presume that it's elevation have kept it cold and snow packed, though dire-hards may have made progress in opening up the trails with some success (probably a studded ture excursion).

So, does anyone have anything to say about these places or others like: Middlesex, Cockaponset, and Westwoods down the center of the state; Trumbull, Mianus, Huntington, and Trout Brook Valley toward the west; and Shenipsit, Salmon Brook SF, Miller's Pond, Bluff Point, to the east?

What say ye?

I Are Baboon
February 3rd, 2003, 08:51 AM
I was at Cockaponset (Chester) last weekend, and the trails were convered in snow and ice. Not a patch of dirt to be found.

turch
February 3rd, 2003, 10:30 AM
ridable or no?

I Are Baboon
February 3rd, 2003, 10:37 AM
ridable or no?


It was rideable. You just need to take it easy, that's all. With this past weekend's thaw, it's probably a little easier now.

turch
February 3rd, 2003, 12:51 PM
Beauty. If we can get a good freeze it should set up even better, though studs then come into play.

steve_b
February 3rd, 2003, 10:27 PM
Bikerag has some trail conditions in their "what's new" area.

Phresh
February 3rd, 2003, 10:53 PM
I've been riding Huckleberry in Avon. Copious foot traffic leaves the trails nice and packed. Plus, there's enough trail to do a nice 1.5 hour ride even though its a small area. I've been riding with studs (nokians) but have ridden with those who are studless and they've do fine. This past weekend's mild temps have left it rather soft though. We'll need a good freeze before its really good and ridable again.

I've also been riding the fire roads at Nepaug. They were super packed and icy (need studs) due to frequent 4x4 traffic. There was one passable singletrack trail but that was it. If you've never done the fire roads there it's a good way to get your bearings for the area, but as you would imagine it's not the most stimulating ride you'll ever do. Check out Bikerag for a good map, which includes fire roads.

Two of my buds rode The Res. last Sunday the 26th. They said it was 'doable' but very hard. Similarly, one of those same guys rode Penwood a couple days before that and deemed it 'passable'. Of course, this was before the recent thaw. I'm sure both areas won't be passable again until after we have another freeze up.

Phresh
February 5th, 2003, 09:36 PM
me again...

The recent freeze has left Huckleberry nice and ridable again. Just got done with a beautiful night ride. Snow has a slight crunch on the very top but mostly it is very firm. Even seriously icy in some spots. Peripheral trail snow is solid enough to support bike when you veer off the beaten path. Studs will definitely help although it 90+% is totally passable without.

Myself and two others will be going out Thursday night if anyone is interested. We plan to start at 8:00pm and will probably be for 1.5 hours. Any takers?

JoeO
February 18th, 2003, 10:09 PM
Snow line! With this recent dumping of close to 2 feet, I think the snow line has now been moved down South near the Mason Dixon line!

I Are Baboon
February 20th, 2003, 08:32 AM
Snow line! With this recent dumping of close to 2 feet, I think the snow line has now been moved down South near the Mason Dixon line!


Hey, is there anywhere in CT where snow did not fall? I'd like to hit some trails this weekend. 8)

:P

Thedewser
February 20th, 2003, 07:33 PM
Well Baboon, I think you are SOL unless you throw a plow on the front of you bike. Wait for this wonderfully messy weekend to blow through and maybe the coastal areas will start seeing dirt again. Although with the rain and melt you may be swimming on some trails. Don't know bout the rest of you but I am in withdrawls!!! Skiing isn't doin it for me this year! I want to ride!!!!

I Are Baboon
February 21st, 2003, 09:11 AM
Well Baboon, I think you are SOL unless you throw a plow on the front of you bike.


Hmmmmm........

A three pound titanium plow that attaches to the front of your bike. I think I'll run that by the folks at Easton and see if they're interested in buying the idea. Thanks, man!

;D ;D