Hey all, from a neighbor just across the border in NY.
Thinking about making the drive over to Rutland (about 45 minutes) in the next few weeks to hit PHP. Ive read a few other threads on the park and it seems like its my kind of ridings - lots of flowy buff stuff with a chance to get technical if I'm feeling frisky.
I'm a pretty timid beginner so its going to depend on when I can get someone to come with me, but I'm thinking maybe the second weekend of October.
How late do the trails stay good? Could I make it my go-to weekend riding place into November?
How well are the trails marked? Seems like the suggested route for beginners is Escalator > Svelte Tiger > Sisyphus Rembrandts Brush > Sore Elbow. Looks like I'd be able to make this a loop by using the road to circle back around to Rembrandts Brush then ride Svelte Tiger > Escalator on my way out. Would someone that hasn't ever been there end up turned around and lost? Would also like to hit a couple of the bridges while I'm there.
I know there are a ton of route recommendation threads so I'm trying not to duplicate those but if you have any recommendations, I'm all ears.
Any local info on conditions and Sunday (12/8) riding? Looks like a small amount of snow on the snow cover maps, not sure if there is enough snow and/or ice to warrant wider rims and studs, or if a good easy clearing summer tire would suffice.
Last Friday I was there and there was between 1.5 and 3" of snow everywhere. Most of that probably melted and then refell last night and today. I didn't go over there today, trying to let the ground harden back up. If it gets cold cold tonight the trails should be OK tomorrow. Morning would be best before the sun warms it up. I live about 35 miles west but same elevation and the snow was gone from the sunny parts of my yard by mid day today.
Never felt the need for studs last week. If it were me I'd avoid trails like Shimmer and Exit Strategy so as not to damage berms if the smaller berms in other places are soft. Even in mid 20 degree temps the 2nd to last berm on exit strategy was greasy and walkers and bike tracks were leaving pretty deep Imprints despite everywhere else being really solid. I was on a mud oriented tire but a buddy was on typical Ikon rear Ardent front setup and neither of us had much issue. Was actually surprisingly grippy.
I'd say as long as its cold like sub 25 degrees tonight you'll be good. Have fun!
I can't really add much more than what Eric has said above. But, living two miles away from Pine Hill, I can say it's been warm all day, and I think it rained a bit last night (Friday Night). There probably won't be much snow left.
Just went out and checked - ground at my house is frozen solid and its usually a couple degrees colder in Rutland. Riding will be amazing. Wish I could be there!
Great ride this morning. Super firm trails with just a little frost coming out of the earth here and there, like chocolate covered reverse icicles. No mud or snow to speak of. Firm berms!!
Did a perimeter loop with the addition of an out an back on part of the carriage trail towards Proctor-first time out that way since exploring those woods roads many, many years ago. Looks like a fun and very different addition to the trail network that adds a bit of the back out there, adventure type overland route.
Very little tech, just double track with some worn in sections and new stone work here and there done in part by VYCC crews. Stil,l it is fun riding- I plan on checking it out all the way to Proctor the next time it's doable.
I'm not a big fan of technical riding, which was the primary reason that I asked. Sounds like a fun true cross country style ride. Thanks for the report!
Does anyone have any info on how the trails faired after the rain/snow/sleet/freeze we got early this week? I know here in my yard its mostly just crunchy snow but the trails about 40 minutes south of me were on the verge of slick ice. I just got my primary bike back from the mechanic and am dying to ride!
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