Although the weatherman predicted TERRIBLE rainstorms - most of the day was quite pleasant.
Rail Trail
Ironically, when I arrived in Trumbull it started raining when I took the bike off the car rack so I rode the rail trail for a bit. I had to stash my glasses in my mini hip pack until it cleared.
As it cleared on the Rail Trail
Old Mine Park
I turned around once it cleared and decided to ride a bit of Old Mine. I rode up to the first overlook and took a few photos--its a really special spot!
And then a fast exit across the field and footbridge where I grokked the geese!
Finally I headed back down to the Valley. This kiosk needs info!
Pequonnock Valley
I took it fairly easy again today and took the White Trail down to the canyon.
I headed back out on the Blue and blood and mud proved it was a good ride!
It was absolutely beautiful today - sunny but a bit of a breeze and I decided to not ride the usual today so I first rode the back trails at Old Mine. I parked at the circle at the end of Corporate Drive and stayed up high the whole time, never descending to the parking lot. Snapped a nice woodsy shot while way over on the east side.
I then drove to the Whiney lot and rode the rail trail. Then I headed up to the little mini trail playground just north of Parlor Rock. Yep I was lazy but I still enjoyed the day!
Lastly a quick trip back to hang out by the spot of the old North Bridge <sigh>
Another one-handed video captures some highlights:
Water water everywhere - a boat would have been better than a bike - yikes!!
Pequonnock Valley Bike Ride
I had no idea it would be this wet in Trumbull. I couldn't even get to the boardwalk in the old Reservoir bed - the water was 5 inches deep on the normally 1 inch deep crossing!
But I did spent some time wandering down by these waterwork relics near the old dam.
I've never seen the river this powerful! (short video)
Later when I fell, I decided this was kinda a neat photo - looking straight up!
Broadway Woods, Parlor Rock, Old Mine Hike
I met my friends John and Kevin for an afternoon hike. These are some wonderful "Adirondack" chairs made from rocks!
Walking thru Broadway Woods brought us to this old foundation.
The river at Parlor Rock was absolutely roaring - I had never seen it this high!
Ain't this just beautiful? :-)
Dam for former Lake Lo-Lo
Still looking mighty good after all these years
(note stone edge on left)
Up a but further north, we wandered by the river--astounded at how high it was!
Kevin and his dog Brian took a moment to "be one with the moss" :-)
This was our destination in Old Mine.
On the way back, I snapped a shot of the old steps
I got out early today and arrived at Mianus at around 8am - the parking lot was already crazy full but I did get a spot. I rode pretty good today cleaning some terrain spots I normally don’t but the new reroute on the Treetops side still defeated me :-( . There’s a protruding stone near the bottom of the ascent I clammed on after trying a few times. But the ride down it was fun! I left Minaus around 11am and headed to Trumbull.
Old Mine
I decided to grab lunch and ride Old Mine - and parked in the back. Had a nice ride around the trails in the back and then did the top loop - no one was there and it was beautiful. I occasionally misjudge the width of my wider 29er handlebars and clipped my fingers on a tree on the edge of the trail.
I then headed down to Little Eden and descended on the easternmost single track. Nearing the bottom it got pretty overgrown but it was rideable. Of course, descending is easy!
Once at the lower level, I decided to take a rest at the top of the hill by the river at the rocky area and catch my breath before ascending.
I rode back to the eastern single track and did OK riding up until Little Eden. This superbly built up and over was a blast both ways.
The section from Little Eden up to Caldron Drive was super steep so I hiked it. But I did ride the last blast back to the double track and the slug back out up the hill. I was tired and headed on home!
