This is a mountain biking column. Since this is its first appearance in the Millbrook Times, an introduction seems in order. My name is David D’Agostino but I’m really more of a Dave. My wife, Rosie, and I have been living here in the village for close to seven years now. We have two young beasts (soon to be three) as well as a dog. Along with this wonderful community, the trails were one of the most appealing aspects that drew us to Millbrook and I joined the Millbrook Valley Trails (MVT) Committee within the first month of us moving here.
For those who are not already familiar with the MVT network, a quick Google search will tell you most of what you need to know. In short, it’s a beautiful trail system, powered by volunteers, and a true asset to our village. It’s important to note, however, that not all MVT trails are open to mountain bikers and not all mountain bike trails are part of the MVT network. Therefore, for a more complete mountain biking picture, cyclists should turn to Trailforks (www.trailforks.com/region/millbrook).
Trailforks is the Google Maps of mountain bike trail mapping. It provides detailed trail descriptions, elevation stats, and difficulty levels. Installing the free Trailforks app will allow you to view maps and even geolocate yourself using your phone’s GPS while in very remote areas, where cell reception is often weak, at best. This is a critical feature to help riders avoid spending an unintended night in the woods.
For those who are new to the area or the sport and looking to connect with members of the local riding community, you can pop into Frog Cycles downtown or reach out on Facebook or Instagram – just search for Millbrook MTB.
Enough introductions. Finally, winter has released its grip. It’s spring. No more ice or cold or darkness. The trails are calling. But, even for the most dedicated rider, this time of year is all about waiting. Fat bikes and studded tires can keep the most hardcore of the core rolling through winter, but there just isn’t anything that anyone can do about April’s mud. It’s the type of mud that can swallow the boot right off your foot. More importantly, it’s the type of mud that can do lasting damage to the trails if riders and hikers don’t stay off of them.
As lawns and gardens re-emerge around town, it’s natural to expect the same conditions to exist in the forest. However, the shelter of the trees protects the dense snowpack left from a season of winter trail traffic. It can take weeks for this snowpack to melt and even longer for the saturated ground to dry out. Depending on the type of winter we’ve had, this can be as late May. Last year, it was May 8th – thanks in particular to a pelting of mid-April ice and snow. Until the ground has thawed and the trails have dried and hardened, it’s best to stay off them, completely.
It’s worth noting, however, that when you do encounter mud, at any point in the year, the appropriate trail etiquette is to walk or ride straight through it, not around it. Trying to step around puddles and muddy areas typically ends up widening them, killing the surrounding vegetation, or creating unwanted shortcuts.
The riding season is close though, very close. See you next month for an update on trail conditions as well as some tips, including where to look for a new or new-to-you bike.
Mountain Biking by David D’Agostino
