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Old 07-31-2006, 09:00 PM
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CT-CT-CT CT-CT-CT is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: somewhere between Greenwich and New Haven
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Stratford, CT Roosevelt Forest

I ventured into Roosevelt Forest yesterday for the first time in years. The forest is open every day from 9AM to 4PM. I do not know how many miles of trail there are, nor do I know how to classify them (beginner, expert, etc). They seemed fairly technical for me, and the rear end of my Fuji full suspension ride wandered a bunch. The last time I rode here was on the old Mongoose full rigid.

Most of the trails I covered in an hour were very rocky and rooty, and there was plenty of climbing. Well, enough climbing for a fat old beginner anyways. After 45 minutes the 90+ heat began to take effect and i had to stop for a breather.

I actually saw another biker there for the first time, he was a fairly young feller (mid 20s maybe) and was cutting it short because the bugs were too much for him. Better bugs than dogs i guess.

If you look at Google Maps or Mapquest, neither one shows the forest, and both are inaccurate a bit. Take James Farm Road to Peters Lane. At the end of Peters Lane is the park entrance. Both map sites inaccurately show Peters Lane connecting to Beaver Dam Road. Try Google Maps search "PETERS LANE STRATFORD CT" and go to satellite or hybrid view.

I will ride here more often in the coming months, typically on Saturday or Sunday mornings between 9AM and 12 PM.
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Old 08-16-2006, 05:04 AM
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I grew up in Stratford and know every trail in this park (even repaired some of them). Fun place to ride. If you plan on going back, here are some suggestions.

As you come in on the road, try to note the last group of houses. There is a fire road off to the right (you'll see the metal gate). This goes up to Girl Scout Land, a group of lean-to on top of a hill. Behind the last lean-to is a nice (although short) technical down hill.

When you get down to the parking lot, you'll see the main fire road continuing straight ahead. Best way to start is up that road. You'll see the rock Quarry on your right. Some sicko started a trail that goes directly down the face of the Quarry (so I remember, haven't been there since late 90's). Too big of a drop for me on my little ol' hardtail. Further up, just before you get to Beaver Dam Road, take the trail off to your left. This is a long and fast trail that will eventually bring you back around to Girl Scout Land area.

Another cool trail is the pipeline trail. From the parking lot, as you face the fire road, there is another less used parking lot/field to your right. behind that are trails that lead to Boy Scout Land. Most trails go around in circles or fade out, but one goes all the way up to Shelton/Warner Hill Road. You'll cross the pipeline trail, which is unmistakeable. Much like a power line, it goes straight up and down some steep hills.

Another one. Right behind the pond, go up the hill covered in pine trees. Climb all the way up and away from the road, if you hit the firing range, you've gone too far. At the top of the hill, there is a trail that follows along a little rocky ridge (I seem to remember pipe hand rails). That can be a fun technical but slower trail.

Damn, now you've gotten me all nostalgic... LOL
Have Fun!!!
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Last edited by Rogue; 08-16-2006 at 05:09 AM.
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Old 08-20-2006, 11:02 PM
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CT-CT-CT CT-CT-CT is offline
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da forest

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogue
I grew up in Stratford and know every trail in this park (even repaired some of them). Fun place to ride. If you plan on going back, here are some suggestions.

Another one. Right behind the pond, go up the hill covered in pine trees. Climb all the way up and away from the road, if you hit the firing range, you've gone too far. At the top of the hill, there is a trail that follows along a little rocky ridge (I seem to remember pipe hand rails). That can be a fun technical but slower trail.

Damn, now you've gotten me all nostalgic... LOL
Have Fun!!!

The last time I went in, I took the main fire road in past a bunch of camping folks. The sign said "end of trail", but thats where a nice trail started. Over a little wooden bridge and down some twisty root covered trails . . I ended up coming to a clearing of sorts, that was a long grassy downhill job that in fact had some pipes . . . perhaps this is the pipeline you're talking about?

I have my son on the weekends so it has been difficult to ride there . . . the Forest opens about 9AM, and I usually head out around 4:30 or 5:00. Its too fuggen dark in there for me, don't wanna run into any Melonheads.

Everyone loves Melonheads.


Dave
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