XCTtrail

Why So Serious?

Because I won't get it done otherwise.  This project has been dragging on for about three years.  Now, I have a formal schedule, complete with intermediate goals and specific dates, posted in a public space on the internet.  Clearly, this is the path to success. 

 

Purpose and Description

Thanks to high population density, unruly traffic and a distinct lack of public land, cycle touring of all forms, particularly the off-pavement variety, is an exceptional challenge in Connecticut.  This network of trails and roads serves to present safe, legal off-pavement cycle touring opportunities for those who live in the region.  Upon completion, the XCTtrail will be two separate routes, both oriented north/south, beginning in New Haven and ending at the Massachusetts border.  Both will spend us much time as practical off of paved roads.  XCT-West will be designed with mountain biking in mind, making use of developed singletrack trail systems, primitive two track and logging roads.  XCT-East will be more friendly to gravel/allroads style bicycles, focusing more on dirt roads.  XCT-West will be fully scouted and test ridden by the end of summer 2021.  Development of XCT-East will stretch into 2022.

 

New Haven, CT

Westfield, MA

 

Current Status

XCT-West is finished!  Head on over the the stand-alone page for details.

https://dirtbagmachineworks.blogspot.com/p/xct-west.html 

Serious plotting of XCT-East will begin during fall of 2021.

2022 Scouting Dates

Prior to "public release", both XCT-West and XCT-East will be fully scouted, end to end.  Major tires-on-ground scouting trips for 2022 are as follows. 

March 12 - Durham to Killingworth single day ride *COMPLETED*

LINK!

April 2 - Haddam to East Lyme single day ride *COMPLETED*

LINK! (under construction)

October 8 - Norwich to Windham overnighter *COMPLETED*

LINK! (under construction)  

TBD -  Manchester to Granby single day ride

LINK! (under construction)

TBD - Full through-ride of XCT-East

LINK! (under construction)

 

*October 2022 Update*

The majority of major scouting has wrapped up for the year after the 10/8 trip.  Generally, there are a few loose ends to contend with, including one road of questionable ownership, a potential bushwhack, and finding an aesthetically pleasing route from Manchester to Granby.  At this point, I must admit that the route, while mostly non-technical, has become a touch more strenuous than originally intended.  As I finish drawing up the first draft of the complete route, I'll be keeping an eye out easier, but still interesting, options for some of the tougher parts.  Also, calling this a "gravel" route may not be fully accurate.  Such a machine wouldn't necessarily be the wrong bike, but something more plush and comfortable may also be faster as well.  I've been horribly delinquent in posting updates this year, so here's a brief photo-summary of all of the scouting missions, dating back to early spring:

*May 24, 2021 Update*

"CycleSnack" Mark and his glorious dirt road map has confirmed that Richards Road exists as a passable right of way.  Double confirmation from Mark and Simon that Tunnel Road is fully passable.

Thanks again to Will and Simon for accompanying me on S&R #2.  Overall, the trip was a success, and that section of the route rides well.  There are a couple of challenging sections in Mohawk State Forest, but well within character for the route overall.  Due to time constraints, Clark Hill Road and the adjoining skidder track are yet unexplored.  This small stretch will be confirmed on foot before the August thru-ride.

*April 15, 2021 Update*

 According to local intel, Penwood State Park trails are open to bikes with the exception of the blue-blazed Metacomet.  I would love to see these words written in blood, or perhaps carved in stone, but for now, will continue on with the assumption that it is true.  Thanks to Simon and Will for joining me on the first scouting and recon ride.  Overall, the mission was a success.  The trails were easy to follow and generally flowed nicely.  However, we all agreed that the very last section of singletrack at the north end of Cowles Park was a little too chunky to be enjoyable on a loaded touring rig, and would not be a great way to end the dirt mileage of the entire route.  Fortunately there are some other good options and the track will be adjusted accordingly.  I'll let this single, poorly composed photo snapped by my little faux-pro camera stand as record that we actually went out and rode: