Saturday, May 30, 2020

Shelton Lakes And the Paugussett Trail Diversion

Despite mapping and mountain biking most of the trails in Fairfield County, I have never ridden Shelton so today I thought I'd give it a try. Although it has a reputation of having just a long fairly easy double track, I discovered quite a bit of nice single track.

It was supposed to be a cloudy bad weather day but it turned out to be super sunny and humid, That made for exhaustive riding thru the single track sections as the woods felt like a sauna.

Part One 

Google Maps lead led me to a strange spot to park under the power lines. Fortunately a local trail volunteer emerged from the brush and not only gave me directions but also an official printed map. The main trail actually started a few hundred feet down a dirt driveway but once on the trail, riding was pleasure.
Sure it was easy smooth gravel double track but flying down the long hills standing up on my pedals while the breeze rushed in my face felt great! As I rode, I noticed a few offshoot trails: some labeled... some not... so I made a mental note to ride some of these on my way back.
Once I got to the dog park, I turned around and at the top of the hill, headed onto the single track by the dam. This trail was fun and scenic and for a short bit, hugged the shore of a lake. After a bit, I veered to the right and took the Red trail back up to reconnect with the main trail (Rec Path).

Part Two

I then stayed on the main trail all way the to the other end making the most of the long downhills by standing on my pedals and soaking up the cooling breeze.
End

Part Three

At the Lane Street bridge construction (pictured above), I turned around and headed back up the hill veering to to the right on the Basil Brook Bypass trail - this is where the fun began.
Riding by "the seat of my pants" and not really looking at the map, I ended up on the Blue Paugussett Trail heading south... all along thinking I was heading north back towards where I parked! Nevertheless, this is a great trail - serious roots and rocks and really tight single track.  There are a few sections of boulder-strewn climbs and downhills as well. Boy was I wrong abut the place!

Part Four

Once I got to the power lines (the sun was blazing hot), I thought I was near the car - Hah! I had ended up way down at the Buddington Road entrance. I was really knackered at this point and decided to hoof it back on the road for a bit. I got back on the trails at the end of John Dominick Drive and managed to get back on the main Rec Path via the White going back under the power lines.

I was bushed when I finally got to the car but to quote Arnold Schwarzenegger: "I'll be back!"



Further Info

Official Map >

Monday, May 25, 2020

An "Urban" Bike Ride

Monday was a beautiful and I got a late start to getting on the bike: 4pm. Deciding to do something a little different today I ride down to the Mill River Park in Stamford and then continued on to Scalzi Park. There were quite a few people out enjoying the sunshine but everyone seemed fairly respectful of social distancing.

I then rode west on Cold River and on all the way up Stillwater Road before finally circling back to  to Springdale via Cedar Heights, Turn of the River and Intervale Roads, etc. There were quite a few side excursions as well.
Rippowam River
Needless to say a couple of hours on the road bike on a beautiful sunny day was fun!

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Let the Red Blazing Continue!

Sunday mid afternoon was spent updating the blazing on the Red Trail. It's done now up to the fireroad. Thanks Kevin (or should I say "Picasso!? :-)
 

What's an excursion to the park without time spent relaxing and enjoying the scenery?! We made the most of it...

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Back on the Mountain Bike (pValley)

Finally got back to the park on my mountain bike today. It was hot but gorgeous!
Money shot!
Rock Solid - Thank you Trail Gnomes!
Copper Creek - looking good!
Observation

Saturday, May 9, 2020

A return to Pequonnock Valley

After a long hiatus* (at least a couple of months) I finally got back to Trumbull on the mountain bike. It was a nasty cold and windy day but an easy ride along the rail trail - first down to Taits Road and then back up past Whitney to Old Mine Park. It was once again nice to see the kiosk at Old Mine and a bit of Parlor Rock History.

Later, I road Wilton Woods...

* my car died and it took over a month to get it fixed due to everything being closed because of the pandemic