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Lynn Woods News Archives

General Updates - 2006

Lynn Woods Update 11.09.06

This has been a great year of trail building and maintenance in Lynn Woods.  With the addition of a few new trails and the re-direction of others, Lynn's mountain bike network has grown.  Working with land managers, Dieselbikes has decided to cancel this months (Nov 18th) trail day.  Our reason behind this cancellation is two fold. The first reason is focused around next year's trail days which will expand the Ballfield Trail network.  We do not want to rush further trail work in this area since we have additional work plans scheduled for next year.  The second reason is to allow us to squeeze in a possible second trail day at Bruce and Tom's.

With winter coming, we are not stopping our efforts but beginning our planning for next year.  With increased support from both Park Managers and the City of Lynn, we look forward to next year.  As always, we at Dieselbikes will do our best to keep the local mountain bike community informed of upcoming trail days and or events happening in Lynn Woods.

Lastly, we want to personally thank all individuals (both riders and non-riders) who came to our trail days this year and helped out.  Without your hours of time, we would have never completed the vast about of trail work this year.  We also want to thank our group sponsors (GBNEMBA and Dungeon Rock Trading Company) whom supported our efforts. 

We look forward working with the local mountain bike community next year to promote and expand this wonderful sport throughout New England.  See you out on the trails!

Lynn Woods Update 09.25.06

The fifth Trail Maintenance Day for Lynn Woods was completed this past Saturday.  This was another straight forward trail project and we are happy to say 100% of it was completed.  Two wooden ladder bridges were installed in key areas on Overlook Trail and soon to be officially named trail that we cut this past June from Bow Ridge down to the fire road.

Regardless of rain, heavy at times all 18 volunteers worked hard to complete both bridges in only 5 hours.  The first bridge was installed on Overlook Trail near the 4 corners area completes another key component in resolving some trail erosion in that section of the woods.  The second bridge was installed on the newly cut trail from Boston Rock on Bow Ridge down to Ox Pasture Road this past June.  This ladder bridge was built to cross a small wet area that allows water to pass between flood areas during heavy rains and drainage after the long winter months.

Both ends of the two bridges were rocked armored to ensure long term use and reduce trail erosion which typically occurs.  My team and I will monitor these bridges for the next few months making any adjustment if required.

I want to extend my personal thanks to each individual (listed below) that helped complete this project.  This was a fun project and everyone worked hard to complete it!  I want to thank Tim Post of GBNEMBA for co-sponsoring this event and bringing a few extra hands and lunch for all the volunteers.  I also want to thank Kevin from Dungeon-Rock Trading Company for give away free bicycle pumps to all the volunteers that came to this event. I look forward to see everyone again in future trail builds and/or maintenance projects.

Simon - Somerville, Frank - Lynn, Tina - Lynn, Carol - Somerville, Pete - Lynn, Paul - Jamaica Plain, John - Stoneham, Tom - Medford, Kevin - Hanson, Jeff - Marblehead, Don - Milford, Dave - Needham, Tom L - Pea, Jeff - Somerville, Tim - Somerville, James - Methuen, Robert - Valatie, NY Aaron - Valatie, NY

Lynn Woods Update 08.21.06

The forth Trail Maintenance Day for Lynn Woods was completed this past Saturday.  This was straight forward trail project and we are happy to say 100% of it was completed.  A new 400 foot (estimated) trail connector was cut to extend Overlook Trail up to Goliath Rock.  Their currently was and old existing trail which was closed about 5 years ago due to severe erosion.  With the continuing development of the Ballfield trail network, this connector will provide a flowing chute to Overlook Trail without utilizing the fire road.

All 11 volunteers worked hard to complete this new section of trail in only 4 hours.  This trail is short and tight, but offers some natural features that we are sure all mountain bikers will enjoy.  The trail has been designed for both directions of traffic and will offer a good challenge for those whom like climbing.  The trail has two 90 degree turns which have been installed to control speed and reduce trail erosion. 

The trail is fully cut, but we will be installing a berm at the base of the trail as it crosses the fire road by the end of the year.  I ask everyone to ride this new section so that the process of packing the soil naturally will occur.  My team and I will monitor this section for the next few months making any adjustment if required.  If you do not know where this trail is, find someone who does.  Many trail changes are occurring in Lynn Woods, flow and travel direction are the key in these changes.

I want to extend my personal thanks to each individual (listed below) that helped complete this project.  This was a fun project and everyone worked hard to complete it! I look forward to see everyone again in future trail builds and/or maintenance projects.

Simon - Somerville, Frank - Lynn, Tina - Lynn, , Carol - Medford, John - Stoneham, Jon - Lynn,

Arlina - Lynn, Tim - Somerville, Chris - Somerville, Alex - Somerville, Doug - Braintree.

Lynn Woods Update 06.20.06

The third Trail Maintenance Day for Lynn Woods was completed this past Saturday.  This again was an ambitious project and we are happy to say 100% of it was completed.  A new 800+ foot trail was cut from the top of Boston Rock to Ox pasture allowing mountain bikers an alterative route instead of doubling back to the wolf pits due to the housing development.  We were not able to re-connect the old Bow Ridge Trail, but we are sure all will love this new descending trail.

All 6 volunteers worked hard to complete this new section of trail in only 5 hours.  The trail starts from Ox Pasture Road just after the three small wooden bridges that cross a muddy section on the road. This trail has been designed to handle traffic both up hill and downhill. Of course the best direction for this trail is downhill and has flow with sections that you can pump your bike through.  This trail will also provide an advance challenge for those whom love to climb.  This trail includes MANY natural technical features tight tree openings and sharp turns that will make you wish this trail never ends.

The trail is fully cut, but we will be installing a short bridge to cross a potentially wet area at the bottom of the trail near Ox Pasture Road.  I ask everyone to ride this new section so that the process of packing the soil naturally will occur.  My team and I will monitor this section for the next few months making any adjustment if required.  If you do not know where this trail is, find someone who does. Dieselbikes will be showcasing this trail during the Lynn Woods MBAS event on June 25th.

I want to extend my personal thanks to each individual (listed below) that helped complete this project. This was a big project and everyone worked hard to complete it! I look forward to see everyone again in future trail builds and/or maintenance projects.

Simon - Somerville, Pete - Lynn, Frank - Lynn, , Dan - Lynn, John - Stoneham, Dave - Arlington,

Sandra - Jamaica Plain.

Lynn Woods Update 05.30.06

The second Trail Maintenance Day for Lynn Woods was completed this past Saturday.  This was an ambitious project and we are happy to say 100% of it was completed.  A new more direct trail was cut to lead mountain bikers from the Ballfield parking lot to the top of the Ballfield Trail.  Many who ride Lynn Woods know the climb up to the top is tough, but we hope all will find this new trail section fun.

All 12 volunteers worked hard to complete this new section of trail in record time!  The trail splits about 100 feet up past the chimney/fireplace on the switch back trail that currently exists.  After this split, the new trail runs straight up to a flat landing near a set of old stone stairs.  The trail then makes a sharp 90 degree turn up hill to the top and reconnects to the end of the switch back trail.  This trail will offer something for every one and will make it a little easier and much fast to get to the top of the Ballfield trail.  The climb up is tough, but many will love this challenge, also riding down this section is smooth with flow.  The 90 degree turn has been heavily armored with stone and a full berm (partial currently) will be installed during the season.

I ask everyone to ride this new section so that the process of packing the soil naturally will occur.  My team and I will monitor this section for the next few months making any adjustment if required.  If you do not know where this trail is, find someone who does.  Dieselbikes will be showcasing this trail during the Lynn Woods MBAS event on June 25th.

I want to extend my personal thanks to each individual (listed below) that helped complete this project. This was a big project and everyone worked hard to complete it! I look forward to see everyone again in future trail builds and/or maintenance projects.

Simon - Somerville, Pete - Lynn, Tim - Somerville,  Terry - Acton, Nathaniel - Lynnfield, Lynne - Lynnfield, Frank - Lynn, Tina - Lynn, Doug - Braintree, Dan - Lynn, John - Stoneham.

Lynn Woods Update 04.23.06

The first Trail Maintenance Day for Lynn Woods was completed on this past Saturday.  This was an ambitious project and we are happy to say 100% of this project was completed.  1600 feet of NEW technical singletrack was cut at the top of the hill behind the ball field parking lot.  Many who know the area understand getting to this location is a tough climb up, but future trail days by Dieselbikes will resolve some of these issues.

All 23 volunteers worked hard to complete this new section of trail in record time!  The trail runs through rock formations to ensure long term use and 4 stone walkways were built to reduce trail erosion in key areas.  This trail includes MANY technical rock features such as kickers, rollers and has a natural direction of flow.  Yes, I said FLOW!  This is probability the first trail in Lynn Woods that you can say has real FLOW.

I ask everyone to ride this new section so that the process of packing the soil naturally will occur.  My team and I will monitor this section for the next few months making any adjustment if required.  If you do not know where this trail is, find someone who does.  Dieselbikes will be showcasing this trail during the Lynn Woods MBAS event on June 25th.

I want to extend my personal thanks to each individual (listed below) that helped complete this project.  This was a huge project (1600 feet of trail) and everyone worked there ASSES off!  I look forward to see everyone again in future trail builds and/or maintenance projects.

Simon - Somerville, George - Somerville, Tim - Somerville, Dave - Needham, Gabe - Lynn, Pete - Lynn, Carole - Somerville, Vat - Cambridge, Paul - Jamaica Plain, Terry - Acton, Doug - Braintree, Sarah - Arlington, Yasemin - Somerville, Lynne - Waltham, Chris - Peabody, Jeff - Melrose, Nathaniel - Lynnfield, Lynne - Lynnfield, Frank - Lynn, Tina - Lynn.

Lynn Woods Update 03.10.06

We at Dieselbikes are happy to say that today all 6 proposed trail projects for Lynn Woods have been approved by Lynn Water & Sewer Commission and Park Management.  This is a huge step forward and a big win for the mountain biking community.  In short, this year the mountain bike community will be able to add over 1500+ feet of new trails that will be cut to suit all levels of rider ability.

In addition, some of trails that exist today which are consider illegal will be turned into official trails. I want to say that this is a big milestone for bikers in Lynn Woods and that I am happy to be a part of it. We will post more detail information regarding these trail projects in the near future.  We look forward to these events and seeing everyone out on the trails!

Lynn Woods Update 01.28.06

Even though the snow is back, we at Dieselbikes have been getting request about the closure dates for Lynn Woods and if there are any places around the woods to ride.  To start off, Lynn Woods is closed to mountain biking from January 1 to April 14.  However there is an area outside the boundaries of Lynn Woods where you can ride if you choose to do so.  This area is north of the power lines on Route 1 near the Naked Fish and Fun Time (Former Big Dog).  We have created a map outlining this area to ride (click here it see the map).

Please note this area is not officially a riding spot but is protected conservation land.  This land is privately owned by groups such as New England Power, City of Lynnfield and Greenbelt.  These organizations know that people mountain bike on this land and have permitted such activity providing the same rules of no man-made stunt building is conducted.  I ask that everyone ride the define paths in this area and respect Lynn Woods Closure.  If you never rode this area before, we suggest that you ride with someone who has.  There is plenty of land and you can easily enjoy 3 hours of biking fun.

Proposed Lynn Woods Land Swap - It has been rejected!  (Update 01.15.06)

The proposed Lynn Woods Land Swap by the City of Lynnfield has been rejected by the City of Lynn!

We at Dieselbikes felt it was necessary to provide the local New England mountain bike community with information regarding the Lynn Woods land swap deal proposed by the City of Lynnfield.  This topic has been discussed for the last 20 years and at some point in time, it may eventually happen. If this proposal was approved, all the land near the Naked Fish restaurant would have been developed.  Shark's Tooth and Power line trails would be gone as well severing the Beaver Trail and Seven Hills Area.

For now this proposal has been shot down by the City of Lynn and this will buy the mountain biking community some more time to enjoy the Route 1 area of Lynn Woods.  We at Dieselbikes are working with the City of Lynn to get the know trails like Shark's Tooth and Beaver Trails on the Official Map approved by the City of Lynn.  This way, in the event such at land swap proposal occurs again (and it will), we the mountain biking community will have some say in this matter.

To see the official map and write-up of the proposed land swap written by Lynn Woods Land Manager Dan Small, please click here.

Lynn Woods Update 01.14.06

We at Dieselbikes are starting much earlier this year to prepare Lynn Woods trail maintenance days.  We have submitted 6 trail projects for 2006 and have received TENTATIVE project approval by the Land Managers.  Final approval for these projects should come no later then April 1st. Below is a list with a brief description of the 2006 trail projects.

Ball Field Trails (Proposed - Pending Approval)

This project encompasses rebuilding the Ball Field Trail located between sections E5-4 ~ E6-4 and completing three trail loops near the water tower off Mary Ellen Drive.

Overlook Trail Bridge (Proposed - Pending Approval)

This project encompasses building a wooden ladder bridge near section D3-1 on Overlook Trail. This bridge will span a small wet area that floods during heavy rain.

Overlook Trail Extension (Proposed - Pending Approval)

This project encompasses cutting a new trail section to extend Overlook Trail near section E5-1 connecting it to Goliath's Trail.  This trail extension currently exist, however has been closed due to its un-sustainable condition.

Bow Ridge Extension (Proposed - Pending Approval)

This project encompasses cutting a new trail section from the top of Bow Ridge near Nell's Pond housing development down to Ox Pasture Road.

GBNEMBA will be co-sponsoring trail maintenance day this year.  We at Dieselbikes look forward to there help in any capacity.  I hope everyone is ready for some new fun stuff this year in Lynn Woods. If anyone has questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me us.

Thank you for your support!

Lynn Woods Update 01.02.06

We at Dieselbikes want to wish everyone the best for 2006.  As many of you know, but for anyone who does not know, Lynn Woods is officially closed to biking until April 15th.  We have posted a count down clock for opening day at Lynn Woods on our homepage.

We are currently working with Lynn Woods Park Management on approval for 2006 trail projects and NEMBA to aid in the implementation of these projects once approved.  We are excited with these trail projects and believe with great confidence Park Management will approve them. As these projects become approved, you (mountain bike community) will be the first to know.

As a side note, the City of Lynnfield is currently trying to conduct a land swap with the City of Lynn.  This land swap (if approved) would affect trail areas near the Naked Fish, Nissan Car Dealership and the former Big Dog.  At this point in time, it does not appear such a land swap will happen, but once we have collected more information, we will post it under our NEWS section on Dieselbikes.com.

As always, thank you for your support!