We hope you are well, and finding some solace in time spent outdoors.
In case you didn’t know – the Aqueduct Trails are dry and open for use. We have started on some exciting new trail projects for the season, and we’re all happy to be out there.
Some other news we’re very excited about (and you should be too): The Woodstock Inn has decided to waive access fees for the Mt Peg trails. This is an incredible gift to our riding community. WAMBA is working with the Woodstock Inn to formalize our working relationship to ensure this zone stays awesome.
SO – before you drop your computer and go running for your bike shoes, let’s talk about a few things…
Most importantly, we care about the health and safety of our community. We are heeding the advice of the Governor’s Stay Home Stay Safe order. WAMBA has cancelled all group rides, all group work on trails, and all in-person meetings.
In the last several weeks as the trails have been drying out, we have given careful consideration to how to manage the trails during COVID-19. We have been working through this with The Woodstock Aqueduct Company , and they would like to keep the trails open for public use and benefit.
We are also following closely how the State is handling outdoor recreation. Governor Scott has explicitly addressed the issue. Exercise is permitted under the Stay Home Stay Safe order and people have been encouraged to recreate outdoors following specific guidelines shown here: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19. We have posted these guidelines to the trail head Kiosk at the Aqueduct Trails.
We will work to monitor the situation on the trails. If the parking lot is getting too crowded or we observe unsafe practices on the trails, then we will reevaluate our trail management policies. Some trail systems are closing parking lots, for example. Others are choosing to stay closed all together if social distancing cannot be achieved.
We hope that with good management and user behavior we can stay open. We believe it is also the intention of trail managers to keep Mt. Tom and Mt. Peg trails open as well. So we hope to help provide a consistent approach to trail management throughout Woodstock.
PLEASE – DO NOT TRAVEL MORE THAN 10 MILES TO RIDE HERE
This is in accordance with guidelines from the State of Vermont, and will be updated once we hear more.
Please follow proper social distancing
no high fives, secret handshakes, backslapping hugs, etc.
Leave plenty of space (6′) to pass each other on the trail – Step off your bike and away from the trail to make space for other users. Do not ride your bike off the trail.
Please refrain from hanging out after your ride, or at trail intersections.
Ride Solo or with the group you’ve already been exposed to
(roommates, family, etc)
Cover Up
Wear a Buff or other fabric mask over your face when you’re around other trail users.
Please ride responsibly.
If you get hurt and need help you are taking resources from the medical system at a time it can least afford it.
Leash your Dog
Please, Thank you.
Please Walk or Bike to the Trails whenever possible
Carpooling isn’t allowed, or recommended these days and we have an extremely small parking lot that we share with hikers and dog walkers. If you can avoid taking a parking space, please do so.
About Parking:
We have historically been able to park at the Aqueduct workshed. Until we hear otherwise, this parking is no longer available to us.
The small upper lot up Grassy Lane fits about 4 cars, with a few extra spots on the side.
If those spots are full, that’s it!
The High School / Union Arena lot is massive, and right down the road. This is a decent back up option.
DO NOT PARK ON COX DISTRICT ROAD
We will be starting construction on our new parking lot as soon as the weather allows and the road postings come down.
The parking scenario at the Aqueduct will get better once our new lot is complete, but we all need to pay extra attention to limit congestion there this spring.
We will be posting updates about conditions and openings to our Trailforks site
If you haven’t renewed your membership yet – you can do so at www.vmba.org. We thank you for your support!
Be Well, and we hope to see you out on the trails,
