Rockland Preserve is located in North Madison, just south of the Madison/Durham line. The Preserve offers local adventurers access to cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching and mountain biking. The rounded hills, glacial erratic boulders, rocky ledges and boggy ponds are all part of the beauty that makes Rockland Preserve an area worth visiting.
Throughout the last year, local resident and teacher at Daniel Hand High School, Jason Engelhardt, has made it his duty to use the land at Rockland to promote appreciation of nature and healthy lifestyles. Teaming with the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) and with permission from the town of Madison, Jason created Singletracks of Rockland, a group devoted to building sustainable singletrack that will attract mountain bikers, runners, hikers, and skiers to rarely seen areas.
Singletracks of Rockland (SOR) began when students of the DHHS cycling club were looking for a place to ride. In the last year SOR has attracted members of the mountain bike community of all ages as well as local hikers and trail runners. Since the ground breaking in February 2012, the group has built over 8 miles of new trail ranging from buff and flowy to steep and techy. They have been careful to take into account the impact of the trails on the environment by researching the most sustainable routes to encourage people to stay on trail and avoid potential erosion.
As a member of the mountain bike community I believe this project is extremely important and hope it will encourage healthy lifestyles and bring more positive use to the Preserve. Rockland is a beautiful park and should remain this way. The trails and building of the trails offer local kids a chance to get outside and explore a new hobby, whether it’s mountain biking, hiking or gaining an appreciation for the outdoors. Trail users at Rockland will be amazed by the flow of the terrain, the use of natural features, and the accessibility to all levels while allowing challenge for thrill seekers.
On April 7th, 2013, Singletracks of Rockland, Trailblazer and CT NEMBA are joining together for a day of trail building education. Sign-up for the indoor trail building workshop with CT NEMBA is full, but all are welcome to join in for trail building at 12:30 and a group ride at 3:30.
Like Singletracks of Rockland on Facebook and learn about opportunities to get involved in trail building and group rides.
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