Boreas Ponds biking - Page 2

montcalm · 07-07-2016, 09:39 PM

Better keep those evil bikes off that 12 foot wide, graded, mad-made gravel road. God only knows what they could do to the environs!

Until the state gives it a designation, I don't see it as a big deal...

**BOREAS** · 07-07-2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin

Wow!

Respectfully, it says in plain English in the link that you provided that it was last updated "4/15" for the Boreas Tract. There's nothing in the updated link that says "no bikes".

I'm sure you're a good guy, no ill wishes here.

But to be absolutely clear, the link I posted was updated today. Otherwise known as July 7, 2016 A.D. No bikes allowed. Clear, unambiguous, easy to understand. The link you posted never mentions the word bike at all. You're imagining loopholes where none exist.

Justin · 07-07-2016, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by **BOREAS**

I'm sure you're a good guy, no ill wishes here.

But to be absolutely clear, the link I posted was updated today. Otherwise known as July 7, 2016 A.D. No bikes allowed. Clear, unambiguous, easy to understand. The link you posted never mentions the word bike at all. You're imagining loopholes where none exist.

Got it, thanks again.
Clearly the DEC is not the best at updating or being crystal clear with notifications posted on their website, and as I mentioned at the end of page 1, it's probably best to call and ask if in doubt. If I get the chance to call tomorrow during their office hours I will do that, just to clear up our confusion.
Best regards.
- Justin

TCD · 07-07-2016, 10:13 PM

I have no plans to ride in the area, but I sent Region 5 the following email just now, because I agree that the overall guidance from DEC is a bit vague:

"Hi,

I have seen discussions on line of bicycle use on Gulf Brook Road, riding to Boreas Ponds. I have no plans to ride in the area, but people are curious as to whether this notice from April is still current:

Boreas Ponds Tract
•While DEC develops an interim recreation plan, access to the tract will be limited to foot traffic only beyond the closed gate. Motor vehicles, bikes and horses are prohibited. (4/15)

or whether it is superseded by this notice (on a different page) from May, which suggests that as a "non-motorized means" bicycles would be allowed:

May 2016: Governor Cuomo announced that the 20,758-acre purchase of the Boreas Ponds Tract caps acquisition of 69,000 acres of lands from The Nature Conservancy. DEC is in the process of developing interim plans to provide trails, parking lots and waterway access sites for public use in the summer. With this announcement, the public may access and recreate on the lands and waters by non-motorized means only while a full management plan is developed.

Can you clarify this?

Thanks."

I will let you know what response I get.

Bob K · 07-08-2016, 06:07 PM

FWIW – I met a DEC officer recently who indicated that there is doubt as to the enforceability of a no-bike policy currently as the land is not yet classified is such a way that prohibits it (such as Wilderness or Primitive). If you want to bike it, now is the time as it might be prohibited and enforceable someday.

FWIW (2) – I did recently bike 12 miles of dirt roads in the Essex Chain area. Frankly, it’s not that interesting unless you get to a specific scenic location such as one of the ponds or big river. That area too, was supposedly off limits to bikes upon NY State ownership (but really wasn’t officially), then later officially banned I believe, now allowed. Essex is a worthy (but small) paddling destination that gets much more day use than overnights – partially due to the ban on fires on the waterfront campsites. You can easily paddle the whole chain in a day trip. If I go there again it will be to paddle, or ski.

stripperguy · 07-08-2016, 08:52 PM

Here is the only sign that I took a photo of:

I'm sure it's not legible, but the relevant part says:

ATTENTION
no public motor vehicle use beyond this point

Other verbage refers to yielding right of way to traffic, etc.

TCD · 07-09-2016, 02:10 PM

I received a definitive reply from DEC Region 5 spokesperson David Winchell::

"DEC’s position regarding use of Gulf Brook Road is the statement on our website: “access to the tract will be limited to foot traffic only beyond the closed gate. Motor vehicles, bikes and horses are prohibited.”

The press release was an announcement of the purchase and did not provide all the details of the usage.

I hope this helps clear up the debate."

So it's closed to bikes, at least right now.

tmount · 07-23-2016, 09:57 AM

And, as I said in my 2nd post, there is nothing at the first gate about no bikes. There is, a sign, however, stqting bikes are permitted in non-wilderness areas.

Trail Boss · 07-23-2016, 11:39 AM

Probably nothing posted explicitly forbidding mountain boards either or hovercraft, soap-box derby cars, wheeled sofas, and other rolling stock. None of 'em are "public motor vehicles" with the exception of the hovercraft but you can claim you're barely touching the ground.

/sarcasm

bmike-vt · 07-23-2016, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trail Boss

Probably nothing posted explicitly forbidding mountain boards either or hovercraft, soap-box derby cars, wheeled sofas, and other rolling stock. None of 'em are "public motor vehicles" with the exception of the hovercraft but you can claim you're barely touching the ground.

/sarcasm

If I pull a couch in with a canoe cart to camp and pull it out is it OK?

/s

TCD · 09-03-2016, 11:29 AM

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=23569

Looping this back around to the related thread. Biking has now been permitted on Gulf Brook Road into Boreas Ponds.

This is a nice reversal of the earlier position, and restores a little of my faith in common sense.

dpc34 · 09-09-2017, 01:36 PM

it is now a year later....are bikes allowed..might make my first trip in....thanks

Trail Boss · 09-09-2017, 03:25 PM

Yes, bikes are allowed up to the dam. See the "Biking" section here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/107504.html

rdl · 09-11-2017, 12:36 PM

I'll be passing by on Friday and will have a few hours to visit this area for the first time. I can bring either my hybrid or my mountain bike. Suggestions on what to bring ?

stripperguy · 09-13-2017, 08:13 AM

Even though the dirt road beyond the second gate is markedly better than the 3 miles and change before the gate, I would take a mountain bike. Full knobby tires or at least fatter tires will make for a much more comfortable ride in.
Plenty of water, a camera and a polarizing filter are a must, as well...
Enjoy the trip.

MTVhike · 09-13-2017, 09:26 AM

The only bike I have is a '70s vintage road bike. Should I forget about using that? I have hiked and skied the entire road (the inner parking area had not been created yet).

stripperguy · 09-13-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTVhike

The only bike I have is a '70s vintage road bike. Should I forget about using that? I have hiked and skied the entire road (the inner parking area had not been created yet).

You would be a lot more comfy on something with wide tires. If your tires are 2" wide or so you'll be fine...otherwise I would say borrow a mountain bike from someone. Not to say it can't be ridden on skinny tires, but why struggle and plow furrows when you can float?

dpc34 · 09-17-2017, 12:34 PM

thanks for the info.....hope to make it this week....color is looking great in the Dacks...

dpc34 · 09-19-2017, 05:31 PM

Went in today, into the dam and back....a little over 7mi round trip...thought there might be more color...still a very nice trip....went with my new bike...great

MTVhike · 10-05-2017, 09:53 AM

It's a Raleigh bike with narrow, relatively high-pressure tires. Maybe I should rent a bike at Cloudsplitter.

07-08-2016, 08:52 PM	#26
stripperguy Hangin' by a thread Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Schenectady, NY Posts: 3,597	Here is the only sign that I took a photo of: I'm sure it's not legible, but the relevant part says: ATTENTION no public motor vehicle use beyond this point Other verbage refers to yielding right of way to traffic, etc. __________________ Stripperguy's Photos (sort of)

09-09-2017, 03:25 PM	#33
Trail Boss Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 902	Yes, bikes are allowed up to the dam. See the "Biking" section here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/107504.html __________________ Looking for views!

09-11-2017, 12:36 PM	#34
rdl Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: East Aurora, NY Posts: 628	Hybrid or Mt Bike ? I'll be passing by on Friday and will have a few hours to visit this area for the first time. I can bring either my hybrid or my mountain bike. Suggestions on what to bring ?

09-13-2017, 08:13 AM	#35
stripperguy Hangin' by a thread Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Schenectady, NY Posts: 3,597	Even though the dirt road beyond the second gate is markedly better than the 3 miles and change before the gate, I would take a mountain bike. Full knobby tires or at least fatter tires will make for a much more comfortable ride in. Plenty of water, a camera and a polarizing filter are a must, as well... Enjoy the trip. __________________ Stripperguy's Photos (sort of)

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07-07-2016, 09:39 PM	#21
montcalm Mobster Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 969	Better keep those evil bikes off that 12 foot wide, graded, mad-made gravel road. God only knows what they could do to the environs! Until the state gives it a designation, I don't see it as a big deal...

07-07-2016, 10:13 PM	#24
TCD Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,695	I have no plans to ride in the area, but I sent Region 5 the following email just now, because I agree that the overall guidance from DEC is a bit vague: "Hi, I have seen discussions on line of bicycle use on Gulf Brook Road, riding to Boreas Ponds. I have no plans to ride in the area, but people are curious as to whether this notice from April is still current: Boreas Ponds Tract •While DEC develops an interim recreation plan, access to the tract will be limited to foot traffic only beyond the closed gate. Motor vehicles, bikes and horses are prohibited. (4/15) or whether it is superseded by this notice (on a different page) from May, which suggests that as a "non-motorized means" bicycles would be allowed: May 2016: Governor Cuomo announced that the 20,758-acre purchase of the Boreas Ponds Tract caps acquisition of 69,000 acres of lands from The Nature Conservancy. DEC is in the process of developing interim plans to provide trails, parking lots and waterway access sites for public use in the summer. With this announcement, the public may access and recreate on the lands and waters by non-motorized means only while a full management plan is developed. Can you clarify this? Thanks." I will let you know what response I get.

07-08-2016, 06:07 PM	#25
Bob K Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Saratoga County, NY Posts: 531	FWIW – I met a DEC officer recently who indicated that there is doubt as to the enforceability of a no-bike policy currently as the land is not yet classified is such a way that prohibits it (such as Wilderness or Primitive). If you want to bike it, now is the time as it might be prohibited and enforceable someday. FWIW (2) – I did recently bike 12 miles of dirt roads in the Essex Chain area. Frankly, it’s not that interesting unless you get to a specific scenic location such as one of the ponds or big river. That area too, was supposedly off limits to bikes upon NY State ownership (but really wasn’t officially), then later officially banned I believe, now allowed. Essex is a worthy (but small) paddling destination that gets much more day use than overnights – partially due to the ban on fires on the waterfront campsites. You can easily paddle the whole chain in a day trip. If I go there again it will be to paddle, or ski.

07-09-2016, 02:10 PM	#27
TCD Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,695	I received a definitive reply from DEC Region 5 spokesperson David Winchell:: "DEC’s position regarding use of Gulf Brook Road is the statement on our website: “access to the tract will be limited to foot traffic only beyond the closed gate. Motor vehicles, bikes and horses are prohibited.” The press release was an announcement of the purchase and did not provide all the details of the usage. I hope this helps clear up the debate." So it's closed to bikes, at least right now.

07-23-2016, 09:57 AM	#28
tmount Yellowman Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Elizabethtown, NY Posts: 40	And, as I said in my 2nd post, there is nothing at the first gate about no bikes. There is, a sign, however, stqting bikes are permitted in non-wilderness areas.

07-23-2016, 11:39 AM	#29
Trail Boss Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 902	Probably nothing posted explicitly forbidding mountain boards either or hovercraft, soap-box derby cars, wheeled sofas, and other rolling stock. None of 'em are "public motor vehicles" with the exception of the hovercraft but you can claim you're barely touching the ground. /sarcasm

09-03-2016, 11:29 AM	#31
TCD Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,695	http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=23569 Looping this back around to the related thread. Biking has now been permitted on Gulf Brook Road into Boreas Ponds. This is a nice reversal of the earlier position, and restores a little of my faith in common sense.

09-09-2017, 01:36 PM	#32
dpc34 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 647	it is now a year later....are bikes allowed..might make my first trip in....thanks

09-13-2017, 09:26 AM	#36
MTVhike Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Elizabethtown Posts: 150	The only bike I have is a '70s vintage road bike. Should I forget about using that? I have hiked and skied the entire road (the inner parking area had not been created yet).

09-17-2017, 12:34 PM	#38
dpc34 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 647	thanks for the info.....hope to make it this week....color is looking great in the Dacks...

09-19-2017, 05:31 PM	#39
dpc34 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 647	Went in today, into the dam and back....a little over 7mi round trip...thought there might be more color...still a very nice trip....went with my new bike...great

10-05-2017, 09:53 AM	#40
MTVhike Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Elizabethtown Posts: 150	It's a Raleigh bike with narrow, relatively high-pressure tires. Maybe I should rent a bike at Cloudsplitter.

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