2021 NE - Flatten That Berm

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Originally Posted by AyoBeng

Yes, I live in Middlesex and was up early so the lot was empty. I’ve heard it gets really crowded with swimmers later in the day. I rode past the Moss Glen lot later in the route but it was already mobbed by then so I rode by.


ETA: route wouldn’t post yesterday.
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Solid ride.
Just wrapped up a week of NE riding and once again blown away by the quantity and quality of trails. Dry but not dusty. Bugs not too bad.
A few days in the Franconia area and I keep finding new trails. Spooked a mama bear and cubs very close and she growled at me and I almost crapped my pants. Press Play!
A midweek day at KT and I saw one other rider. And I saw The Alchemist truck delivering to the tiki bar. I wonder if the quebecoise will be back this summer.
A few days in the MRV riding old and new trails.
Wrapped it up with my son's first NEHSCA race where I ate donuts fed the mosquitoes as a course marshall. There are some fast kids out there so look out old man!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e55fcb2bde.jpg

S’mores donut looks amazing. I was in Franconia on Saturday, the heat/ humidity was next level for mid May. Fat Lip was a death march. Did you ride No Liability when you were there? Fun stuff.

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Originally Posted by MaineSkiAddict1

This is the newest trail. Ridden best from the top (near the entrance to 1783), it finishes with a toilet bowl section.

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Trying to figure out the layout here, where does that log 'bridge' go? Is that not complete, even if so still not sure I see it, unless it makes a 90* skinny turn to connect to the near wood downramp?

Beautiful weekend of mountain biking in MA, but buttah is spot on about the humidity. I was dying Saturday and Sunday.

First real mtb rides after injuring my shoulder a month or so ago. Nice loop at Hale on Saturday and checked out Pearl Hill for the first time yesterday. Really cool area that felt very remote. Will definitely be back for more.

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Originally Posted by buttahflake

S’mores donut looks amazing. I was in Franconia on Saturday, the heat/ humidity was next level for mid May. Fat Lip was a death march. Did you ride No Liability when you were there? Fun stuff.

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I've ridden No Liability many times. Good stuff above that, too. It all connects up.

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Originally Posted by VTskibum

Trying to figure out the layout here, where does that log 'bridge' go? Is that not complete, even if so still not sure I see it, unless it makes a 90* skinny turn to connect to the near wood downramp?

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Yeah, sorry the perspective sucks.

You ride over the bridge in the foreground and the trail wraps to the right (off camera). You essentially ride over the log in the distance to a “toilet bowl” that wraps you back under the log. My description probably made it more confusing. Nailed it.

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Originally Posted by MaineSkiAddict1

Yeah, sorry the perspective sucks.

You ride over the bridge in the foreground and the trail wraps to the right (off camera). You essentially ride over the log in the distance to a “toilet bowl” that wraps you back under the log. My description probably made it more confusing. Nailed it.

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Think I get it, so you go under the elevated log out of that berm. Looks fun, just seems like a lot of work to elevate that tree/log just to ride under it.

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Originally Posted by MaineSkiAddict1

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Ride under the log? It's definitely difficult to see what's going on here, but it still looks fun.

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Originally Posted by CantDog

Beautiful weekend of mountain biking in MA, but buttah is spot on about the humidity. I was dying Saturday and Sunday.

First real mtb rides after injuring my shoulder a month or so ago. Nice loop at Hale on Saturday and checked out Pearl Hill for the first time yesterday. Really cool area that felt very remote. Will definitely be back for more.

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How was Pearl Hill riding? May head there this weekend.

Dawn patrol at Cochran’s this am. Going to be a sticky day.
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I'm not usually one to solicit stuff on the internet but there's a petition going around to stop the logging operations in Barre (Vermont) Town Forest where Millstone trails are located.

https://www.change.org/p/barre-town-...me&utm_term=cs

Last winter, the town decided to "responsibly" log areas of the forest and ended up destroying a good chunk of the mountain bike trails. Thanks to many hours of volunteer work this past spring, most of the trails were cleared but the forest was trashed to say the least. There is also much more work to be done to finish clearing the remainder of the trails that were destroyed. Locals are very vocal about the destruction and are trying to stop the plans for more logging this coming winter.

This is public land that was destroyed for about $32,000 worth of lumber and residents are angry. Any support is appreciated.

^that's a tough one. It is a renewable resource and 32k is not a lot of money, but to a town, it can be quite a bit with budget issues.

We had a logging operation go down on some of our trails and it was a mess, but we were actually able to make new and even better trails because it opened up some windows for varied terrain. And now the forest is coming back strong. That is one thing the EC has going for it vs the high alpine western clearcuts. Stuff just grows like mad back here.

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Originally Posted by jackstraw

^that's a tough one. It is a renewable resource and 32k is not a lot of money, but to a town, it can be quite a bit with budget issues.

We had a logging operation go down on some of our trails and it was a mess, but we were actually able to make new and even better trails because it opened up some windows for varied terrain. And now the forest is coming back strong. That is one thing the EC has going for it vs the high alpine western clearcuts. Stuff just grows like mad back here.

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Good point about reworking the trails - the local trail chapter did a commendable job of doing this when they cleaned up in the spring. With the lack of trees, the sight lines through the woods are better and it opened up more space for some cool lines.

Regardless, the points of contention are that the town assured that the logging would have "minimal impact on the environment" and now the clean up is being done by volunteers - not town employees or the logging company. Town budgets are tight but selling out widely used public land for the price of a used pick up truck is also quite shitty.

Sounds so typical of towns. No accountability.

We have a small parcel next to a school that was full of large pines. A boy scout had made a nature trail thru it years ago. We had a storm and a branch fell on an abutting house, so our local school maintenance guy whose family has been involved in local politics since the dawn of time decides to clear cut the entire wooded area. Then he proceeds to run a large diameter black pvc water line and throw down seed. The black temp water line is still out there along with green water hose pieces. It's like a dump. We just opened up a new trail for the local kids bike program and couldn't believe the shit left behind. Such tools, but again, so typical.

So short sighted and they must be missing a 0 in that 32,000 right? I'd be furious and out for blood at town council meetings after that if that happened at my little town park or local state park.

Have heard great things about Millstone trails from all the way down here in PA. Now I'm potentially going to skip out on riding there if trails are ruined and all my associated recreation dollars (not trails specifically) but restaurants, brewery, lodging, etc all going to go with it to towns that get it. KTA, Waterbury, Stowe, Randolph etc

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Originally Posted by PhishingME

How was Pearl Hill riding? May head there this weekend.

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Good! It was my first time there, but my sense is the stuff on the east side of new Fitchburg rd needed to be ridden more, but all the stuff like rock n roll, friends, rattlesnake all were good, and there was no one out there.

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Originally Posted by VTskibum

So short sighted and they must be missing a 0 in that 32,000 right? I'd be furious and out for blood at town council meetings after that if that happened at my little town park or local state park.

Have heard great things about Millstone trails from all the way down here in PA. Now I'm potentially going to skip out on riding there if trails are ruined and all my associated recreation dollars (not trails specifically) but restaurants, brewery, lodging, etc all going to go with it to towns that get it. KTA, Waterbury, Stowe, Randolph etc

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biggins and I rode Millstone last week. It's not 'ruined'. We kept to the Barre Town Forest trails and did run into a logging re-route (on Locomotion? maybe biggins will remember) that wasn't terrible. I believe the trails over on Millstone Hill are closed due to logging, which is really what that trail system is known for. Without those trails it's less of a 'destination' since the quarry riding is what folks think of when the envision Millstone.

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Originally Posted by Peruvian

biggins and I rode Millstone last week. It's not 'ruined'. We kept to the Barre Town Forest trails and did run into a logging re-route (on Locomotion? maybe biggins will remember) that wasn't terrible. I believe the trails over on Millstone Hill are closed due to logging, which is really what that trail system is known for. Without those trails it's less of a 'destination' since the quarry riding is what folks think of when the envision Millstone.

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The rerouting you guys rode was all thanks to the MTA volunteers - those trails were buried in debris up until or so.

Yes, the most famous Millstone trails are still closed for logging and those will take a lot of effort to bring back. MTA has started clearing Angry Gnome and a few others but it will be a long process.

What's done is done but the petition is to prevent any future logging endeavors completely or at least keep the trails in tact during the logging process. There's been a lot of public outcry here in town so hopefully the town's board will get the message.

Green Woodlands is open. Dry as heck though- don't go roostin' (to try to please me...)

GW is a gift. Literally, we riders owe that family a lot for their generosity. Super fun day.

Edit: Peruvian, please don't ask me to remember trail names. I've been skiing Killington since I was 12 and I can't remember any name anywhere.

Millstone is a really, really special place. Big ups to MTA.

GW is awesome, place has me wanting a single speed again.


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Free to good home 2 OG 1 up USA racks. Fits square or round bars only.
Good for kid or road bikes but long wheelbase 29er no bueno.
Located on Cape Cod. Cleaning out shed.
These hold bikes ok, but not like the new ones.
Sorry no delivery and I wont be up north soon. I could maybe do Boston Ina few weeks. Pm for detailshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6b7c2b98c2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...64d52d0346.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f1e0af3888.jpg

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Originally Posted by ticketchecker

GW is awesome, place has me wanting a single speed again.


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not actually that fun on a SS, because its not quite steep enough to be gravity fed IMO.

As a single speeder tight twisty up and down , or moderates up to steep gravity fed downs are the best. Machine built flow trail can feel REALLY rough and sometime meh if there is not enough pitch as you are just spun out.

Place doesn’t do it for me, it’s good for one day a year. I’ll take Ascutney any day.

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Originally Posted by Bushwacka

not actually that fun on a SS, because its not quite steep enough to be gravity fed IMO.

As a single speeder tight twisty up and down , or moderates up to steep gravity fed downs are the best. Machine built flow trail can feel REALLY rough and sometime meh if there is not enough pitch as you are just spun out.

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Guess I haven’t ridden one in awhile, last time I had one was way before machine built trails were a thing around here.

Carry on


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Originally Posted by buttahflake

Place doesn’t do it for me, it’s good for one day a year. I’ll take Ascutney any day.

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You been to SVT yet? Place is the cat's pajamas.

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Originally Posted by biggins

You been to SVT yet? Place is the cat's pajamas.

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SVT? Is that in Woodstock?

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Originally Posted by buttahflake

SVT? Is that in Woodstock?

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Slate Valley Trails, Poultney. Bees. Knees.

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Originally Posted by biggins

Green Woodlands is open. Dry as heck though- don't go roostin' (to try to please me...)

GW is a gift. Literally, we riders owe that family a lot for their generosity. Super fun day.

Edit: Peruvian, please don't ask me to remember trail names. I've been skiing Killington since I was 12 and I can't remember any name anywhere.

Millstone is a really, really special place. Big ups to MTA.

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Saw that. My main riding buddy incurred a hemotoma (sp) at Landocked on a pyt ride so I'm local. I embrace the climb, so GW works for me.

Anyone else doing VT 50?
I rode it for many years, then did singlespeed a few times (actually faster), then took a break for a year. Then I volunteered and that was really fun. Overall I was kind of done with the bike, though. It got very expensive (for a good cause) and filled up so fast. I often didn't have the time to sit there and click. Then I got priority so did it some more.
2 years ago I ran the 50k which was an actual challenge, unlike biking 50 miles in a day, and was set to do that again.
But this year I am super excited because I am riding it with my 16 year old son! I hope he finishes with a smile. I think he can do it but will be in for a world of hurt.
I want to get a super cringe embarrassing jersey to wear with him. Like "world's greatest farter". Suggestions?

If you didn't get in, I really suggest volunteering. You get to ride lots of the course, don't have to wake up super early, get an awesome t shirt and BBQ. And feels great.

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Originally Posted by jhyatt

Anyone else doing VT 50?
I rode it for many years, then did singlespeed a few times (actually faster), then took a break for a year. Then I volunteered and that was really fun. Overall I was kind of done with the bike, though. It got very expensive (for a good cause) and filled up so fast. I often didn't have the time to sit there and click. Then I got priority so did it some more.
2 years ago I ran the 50k which was an actual challenge, unlike biking 50 miles in a day, and was set to do that again.
But this year I am super excited because I am riding it with my 16 year old son! I hope he finishes with a smile. I think he can do it but will be in for a world of hurt.
I want to get a super cringe embarrassing jersey to wear with him. Like "world's greatest farter". Suggestions?

If you didn't get in, I really suggest volunteering. You get to ride lots of the course, don't have to wake up super early, get an awesome t shirt and BBQ. And feels great.

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Not riding, but hoping to be at the Garvin Hill sag stop (trying to sweet talk my way to volunteering there- far and away the choicest gig at the race). Should be a real party this year after last year's cancellation. I love the phenomenon that is the VT50, good people running that race, great hosts, and a sick course. Enjoy with your son- that's awesome!

I am in for the 50. Early reg for veterans is awesome, but not as awesome as riding with your son. I hope you find “the world’s greatest farter jersey”, that should make it even more memorable for him.


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KT today- figured I'd roll the dice on a holiday Saturday, the border still being closed and all. Main lot was packed, Tiki bar was a scene, but a pedal out to East Haven and back saw very few of the usual crowd trains. Rain at home, sunshine up there, it was alright man, alright. Love me some KT.

As a local resident with a new to me bike, the community pass at Mt. Abram was too good a price to pass up, so I decided to commit without having ridden there. Got out today, and I'm feeling pretty good about the decision. There isn't a ton of terrain, but I could easily ride there every opportunity I get this summer and still not be comfortable ripping the more interesting stuff.

It was quite the diverse crowd, everything from full face helmets, full armor, and what appeared to be downhill rigs to rental bikes and denim shorts. I wasn't particularly surprised that some of the younger riders (like too young to drive legally) were riding a lot faster and smoother than I was, but there were other less-young customers proceeding slowly, so I didn't feel like too much of a goober most of the time.

I think I got five or six laps in over two hours, with one uphill ride towards the end (too much standing on the pedals and not actually moving my feet much was taking a toll, and the lift line was starting to grow). The new trail that's under construction on the liftline looks to be a lot of fun once finished; I could get used to this whole berm-riding thing.

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Abram is filling in a void for that area, for sure. My GF got me a 4 ticket pass (which will be used exclusively for the bike park) and I am psyched to get up there. I’ll be taking her to give her the first Lift serviced biking experience. The beginner stuff is really friendly and nothing they’ve built is crazy difficult. The promo that Donny Pelletier did was really great.

How crazy were the crowds?

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Originally Posted by anotherVTskibum

I think I got five or six laps in over two hours, with one uphill ride towards the end (too much standing on the pedals and not actually moving my feet much was taking a toll, and the lift line was starting to grow). The new trail that's under construction on the liftline looks to be a lot of fun once finished; I could get used to this whole berm-riding thing.

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Meh, flatten that berm ;)

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Originally Posted by MaineSkiAddict1

Abram is filling in a void for that area, for sure. My GF got me a 4 ticket pass (which will be used exclusively for the bike park) and I am psyched to get up there. I’ll be taking her to give her the first Lift serviced biking experience. The beginner stuff is really friendly and nothing they’ve built is crazy difficult. The promo that Donny Pelletier did was really great.

How crazy were the crowds?

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Crowds weren't bad, IMO. The weather probably kept some people away, but the line only started growing beyond a few chairs on the one lap I decided to earn. Given how slow the lift is, I'd wager it was just a case of two or three decent sized groups showing up at once. Other than that, it was between zero and three chairs in front of me, and I was there 10 to noon.

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Originally Posted by gravitylover

Meh, flatten that berm ;)

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Nailed it.

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Originally Posted by anotherVTskibum

Crowds weren't bad, IMO. The weather probably kept some people away, but the line only started growing beyond a few chairs on the one lap I decided to earn. Given how slow the lift is, I'd wager it was just a case of two or three decent sized groups showing up at once. Other than that, it was between zero and three chairs in front of me, and I was there 10 to noon.

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We were saying that even though most of the chairs were full, we didn’t run into any traffic on the trails on Sunday. Mt. A will never be another Highland, but it’s still fun.

We were planning on the afternoon session so we could hang out and listen to some music too, but based on the weather ride in the AM instead.

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Originally Posted by Ottoclave

We were saying that even though most of the chairs were full, we didn’t run into any traffic on the trails on Sunday. Mt. A will never be another Highland, but it’s still fun.

We were planning on the afternoon session so we could hang out and listen to some music too, but based on the weather ride in the AM instead.

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The slow chair is really an asset in that regard, IMO; I caught people in front of me on two runs (and got caught at least once), and if you had even 30% more uphill capacity, it would turn into a bunch of downhill clusters, especially with the range of ability levels (IMO). Once they get the in-progress trail opened up and the right-side easier trail open again, I think they'll have a pretty good spread of terrain to keep most folks occupied for a while.

It would be interesting to see what they could end up with if they started building more-advanced bike trails on the main mountain, but I don't really expect to see that happen. They've got a good niche where they are, and trying to compete for the gnar-seeking customer base seems a fool's errand; particularly with BV turning the lift again, there are already a number of destinations in the northeast that offer expert lift-served. The current setup is also nice in that the climbing trail provides a nice pressure-relief valve if the liftline starts to get significant.

Went north to Stowe rode ranch camp


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