November 16, Lewisboro Town Park

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, November 16, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot when we run a new course—the Town to Orange loop. Temperatures are falling but this 6.3 mile course will make sure you keep warm with some sizable hills to challenge you. You’ll have the initial climb to the cell tower, the DH trail climb, and then it’s up the blue trail for everyone’s favorite hill. By the time you’re done with that, any hills that remain will be a piece of cake.

Thanks for everyone who came out last Friday for the night run and for making it such a great success. We’ll be looking to do more of those from time to time. And thank you Barry Fagan, Eric Wilson, and Alan Wegener and family for spending a couple hours at Zofnass on Saturday to scrub the spray paint from the trail. I saw on Sunday’s run that there was still a section that needs further work so David Emerson from Westchester Land Trust will be out again on Saturday, November 22, at 9:30, to finish the job. Anyone interested in helping out can see my post here.

And lastly, Save the Date of the night of Saturday, December 6, for our annual holiday party. More on that to come.

I look forward to see you out there.

Lee Willett

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November 22, Zofnass Family Preserve

Help Us Restore Zofnass Family Preserve

The folks at Westchester Land Trust need our help. Toward the end of the summer, Zofnass Family Preserve was vandalized by someone “marking trails” using florescent paint on rocks and trees. Since much of Zofnass is a wetland area, the paint needs to be removed without using harsh chemicals. Fortunately, greater minds than mine have come up with a solution that works without harming the environment. What we need now are some people who can spend a little time implementing their remediation plan. Come out Saturday, November 22, at 9:30 a.m. for whatever time you can and help restore the preserve.

Meet at Waterbury Way where the trail crosses (see map here), bring work gloves, a heavy nylon or wire brush, and a gallon or two of water for rinsing. If you have Fast Orange (preferable) or Simple Green cleaners, bring those as well although David Emerson from Westchester Land Trust will be picking some of those up—and dress to get dirty. Barry Fagan, Eric Wilson, Alan Wegener and family, an I spent a couple hours remediating some of the park. Now let’s finish the job.

Lee Willett

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November 9, Zofnass Family Preserve

zofnass_preserve
click for map page

This Sunday, November 9, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Zofnass Family Preserve on Upper Shad Road in Pound Ridge (see Google Map) when we run everyone’s favorite labyrinthian preserve with a network of trails noted for its crags and rock outcrops. Meet at the main entrance and we’ll follow a perimeter loop making all right turns except for exiting the park (yeah, you’ll probably want to bring a map). We’ll make a 6-mile loop counter-clockwise around the preserve this time excluding the orange, western loop. See the map page here.

On Saturday, November 8, 9:30 a.m., meet at Zofnass Family Preserve and help the Westchester Land Trust clean up this beautiful park. Show up at the main gate at 9:30 ready to work and bring rubber gloves, a nylon or wire brush, and jugs of water for scrubbing. If you have Fast Orange (preferable) or Simple Green cleaners, bring those as well although David Emerson from Westchester Land Trust will be picking some of those up as well. The more people that show up, the faster we can finish remediating the preserve. Hopefully, we’ll be done in a couple hours. In case of inclement weather, we may postpone the cleanup so visit this site Saturday morning to confirm we are on.

click for map page
click for map page

WARD POUND RIDGE NIGHT RUN

On Friday, November 7, 7:00 p.m., join us at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Avenue (at lean-to #5) when we run our first night run. We’ll head south toward the the Overlook then to Raven Rocks for a total of 6 miles. You’ll definitely want a headlamp or flashlight and probably bring something to drink afterwards—you know, rehydrate. We’ve reserved the lean-to for the evening which has an open fire pit and a covered fireplace so we will plan to run no matter the weather. There are options for a 4.7-mile loop and a 6-mile loop, both of which follow most of the same large trails in the southern part of the park. We will have a sign-in sheet so please sign in before the run and sign out afterwards. Also, everyone will need to run with a buddy. Once we’re on the trails, we’ll naturally separate by pace so make sure no one gets separated.

It’s going to be a great weekend of events. I look forward to see you out there.

Lee Willett

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November 2, Leon Levy Preserve

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, November 2, at 8:00 a.m, we’re going to meet at a new location—the Leon Levy Preserve in South Salem. The parking lot entrance is on Route 123 about half a mile south of Route 35. At 383 acres, this preserve is relatively small so we’re going to do things a little differently this week. Instead of a fixed course (that some can’t follow anyway), bring a map of the entire preserve and run whatever trails you find in whatever order you want. I have a favorite course (you can see on Strava) but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same. I’ll put flags on the paths at exit points to keep you in the park and after 75 minutes, we’ll regroup in the parking lot and see just how much distance you covered. If you want to stick around until 11:30, the Lewisboro Land Trust will be having a dedication ceremony for the new parking lot—you can thank them for their generous donation that made access to the park possible. Note—there are no restroom facilities at the park.
Download a map of the park here.
Download the .KMZ or .KML file and open in Google Earth (not a bad idea to do this on your phone before Sunday—just sayin’)
See my usual 5.6 mile course on Strava.

click for map page
click for map page

On Friday, November 7, 7:00 p.m., join us at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Avenue (at lean-to #5) when we run our first night run. We’ll head south toward the the Overlook then to Raven Rocks for a total of 6 miles. You’ll definitely want a headlamp or flashlight and probably bring something to drink afterwards—you know, rehydrate. We’ll build a fire and have fun.

On Saturday, November 8, 9:30 a.m., meet at Zofnass Family Preserve and help the Westchester Land Trust clean up this beautiful park. I’ll post any supplies you might want to bring—work gloves, brushes, buckets and the like—next week.

Next Sunday we’ll be running at Zofnass to show off your good work. I look forward to seeing you on the trails.

Lee Willett

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October 26, Muscoot Farm

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, October 26
This Sunday, October 26, at 9:30 a.m, meet at Muscoot Farm (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) for  the Run the Farm 5 Mile Trail Race. This 5 mile course starts from the farm and follows the outlying trails around Muscoot. You can download a map of the five-mile course here.
8:30 a.m. Kids’ Race (7 to 12-year-olds)
8:45 a.m. Kids’ Race 2 (6 and under)
9:30 a.m. 5 Mile Race
For more information, visit RunTheFarm.org.

Next week we’ll be meeting at a new location—Levy Preserve on Route 124 near Route 35 in South Salem. And Save the date of Friday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. We’ve reserved the lean-to at Michigan Road that night for our first night run. Grab your headlamp, flashlight or whatever you have—it’s going to be dark. And come out to Zofnass on the morning of Saturday, November 8, and help Westchester Land Trust remediate the preserve. The more that come, the faster we’ll be done.

I look forward to seeing you at the farm.

Lee Willett

October 19, Muscoot Farm

click for map page
click for map page

Run the Farm Course Check Sunday, October 19, 8:00 a.m.
This Sunday, October 19, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Muscoot Farm parking lot (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) for a course check of the Run the Farm loop.  This 5 mile course will start from the parking lot at 8:00 and follow the Run the Farm loop with the exception of finishing in the parking lot. If you’re signed up for the race, you’ll want to come to this course check and test out the trail. Just remember, please keep clear of the main farm and farm equipment, and park on the side of the lot away from the farm. You can download a map of the five-mile course here.

I look forward to seeing you on the trails.

Lee Willett

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October 12, Lewisboro Town Park

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, October 12, 8:00 a.m.
Sorry folks, the course check for Run the Farm has been postponed a week. Instead, meet at Lewisboro Town Park and run the Town to Michigan Loop. Start at the Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot and follow the DH trail  to the Trailside museum then return via the Brown trail making a clockwise loop. I’ve marked loops of 3 miles, 5.5 miles, and 6.8 miles on the map but if you want a longer run, you can take the Red trail at intersection 33 and head to Raven Rocks for a run somewhere between 8 and 9 miles. Or if you want to add some hill work, take the FH trail over Fox Hill before making the southern loop. Plenty of options here but I won’t be able to join you so bring your own maps (unless you want to get lost).

Have a great run and I’ll see you next week at Muscoot Farm.

Lee Willett

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October 5, Michigan Road Lot

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, October 5 *new start times*
This Sunday, meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot when we run the most ambitious run we’ve made to date—the Michigan Road Gerrython. Gerry Sullivan has lent his considerable expertise in creating a 13-mile loop that includes some of the toughest trails in the Reservation. But because the Lewisboro Horseman’s Association has scheduled a meet at the Meadow lot, I’ve had to modify that course somewhat but the result is just as epic. Here are your options:

6:45 a.m. Start—10 Mile Loop
Joe and Heather are going to start out early with the 10 mile loop in blue. They’ll start at Michigan Road and head toward the meadow before turning south to the Overlook and Raven Rocks. If you’re planning on starting early, wear bright clothing—dear season is open.

6:45 a.m. Start—5 Mile Loop
I’ll be at Michigan Road to run the 5-mile loop in red on the map. We’ll start the same way as above but return after the Overlook. I’ll be leaving promptly at 6:45 so that I’ll be back before 8:00 so arrive early prepared to run.

8:00 a.m. Start—7 or 13 Mile Loop
At 8:00, we’ll all start the same direction toward the Meadow but follow the course through the field to avoid the horses. Those running the 13-mile course will follow Brown to FH while those running the shorter loop will follow the river to Kimberly Bridge. Since the two courses overlap, you may see other runners along the way depending on speed.

Next week we’ll be at Muscoot Farm for the only course check of the Run the Farm race.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

September 28, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack

Sarah Bishop Race Map
map on SarahBishop.org

Sunday, September 28, 8:30 a.m. (1.5 mile Scramble), 9:15 a.m. (10K Bushwhack)
This Sunday, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, New York 10560), when we race the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. All that training and those course checks come down to this—a 10k trail race featuring a challenging course that includes the highest peak in Westchester—Bailey Mountain—and beautiful views of Lookout Point and Hemlock Lake. The weather this weekend should be beautiful and the conditions on Sunday, ideal. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday night but we’ll hold a few places open if you want register on-site. Race day registration will be $45 and we ask that you have exact change. Also aim to be in the park by 8:30. The road will be blocked at 9:00 for the start of the race so if you’re not there by then, well, you get the picture.

Next week we’ll be back at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in the Meadow parking lot. I’m working on options for a run of various distances from 6 miles to 22 miles so you’ll have plenty of options for different distances. More on that next week.

Hope to see you out there for this first annual Sarah Bishop Bushwhack.

Lee Willett

September 21, A Choice of Venues

This Sunday, September 21, at 8:00 a.m., you have a few choices of events:

pavementends_iconWhere the Pavement Ends Four Mile Trail Race, Ridgefield, CT.
This four mile trail runs through Hemlock Hills in Ridgefield in a mix of fire road and single track that twists through areas that most of you will have never seen. Meet at the Ridgebury School, South Shore Drive, Ridgefield, CT and be ready to run at 8:00 a.m. This is the first of the Trail Mix Series of races leading to next spring’s Leatherman’s Loop.

kiscorunFirst Annual Mt. Kisco 5K Road Race
For those looking for something different, there’s the First Annual 5K road race through the heart of Mt. Kisco. Sunday Runner Kathy Lynch is one of the race organizers for this inaugural event that starts at 8:00 a.m. at Kirby Plaza/Train Station. Post-race party at MTK Supper Club and take advantage of Mt. Kisco Sidewalk Sale Days, including some of the best food and shops in the area.

WPR_7.5mi_EleanorsEscapeEleanor’s Escape 7.5 Mile Loop
For those not looking to race this weekend can meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road lot and run Eleanor’s Escape 7.5 mile loop. This course will take you on the beautiful blue trail, past Raven Rocks, then back via the red/green trail. But bring your own maps this time—I’ll be at one of the races above.

Sadly, I’ve learned that recently there was some vandalism at Zofnass Family Preserve. Someone marked paths using day-glow indelible spray paint on trees, rocks, and soil. Since the preserve is an environmentally-sensitive wetland area, remediation will be both costly and difficult. I’ve been in touch with Westchester Land Trust and asked them to keep me informed if they need volunteers with the work. If anyone knows anything about who might have done this, please contact me or the Westchester Land Trust. I’ll keep you informed as this develops.

Next weekend is The Second Annual Sarah Bishop Bushwhack at Mountain Lakes Park. We’ll be closing online registration late next week and giving the course one final run text Saturday. We hope to see you all there.

Have a great weekend, whatever you decide to do.

Lee Willett

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September 14, Mountain Lakes Park

MLP_SBB_2014
map at SarahBishop.org

This Sunday, September 14 at 8:00 a.m, meet at Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem (201 Hawley Road) when we do a course check of the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. This is the only course check of the race this year so if you want to check out the course with the group, this is your only chance. Meet at the pool parking lot where race day parking is and get ready to run this 10K-ish new loop that incorporates some of last year’s trails with a few new twists and turns. See the map ››

Saturday, September 13 at 7:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, Keith Realander will be leading a course check of Where the Pavement Ends. Meet at the course start (10 South Shore Drive, Ridgefield, CT) and check out the trails of the inaugural race of the Trail Mix Series.

Next weekend is Where the Pavement Ends and the Kisco 5K—two great local races to choose from.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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September 7, Westmoreland Preserve

Butler-Westmoreland
click for map page

This Sunday, September 7 at 8:00 a.m, meet at Westmoreland Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Mount Kisco when we run the 5.25 mile perimeter loop. This time, we run the course in a clockwise direction and return to the main lot. Those who want an extra challenge can do the Butler loop across the street next. That will add another 3+ miles to the run for a total of around 8.5. See the map ››

Saturday, September 6 at 8:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot and run all or part of a new variation of Eleanor’s Escape. 8.4 or 6.0 mile variations are possible or run your own course. See the map here ››

Also, the Katonah 5K is this Saturday for those of you who like to mix your trail with some road. Learn more here ››

Next weekend we’ll be back at Mountain Lakes Park for our only course check of the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. You won’t want to miss that.

Lee Willett

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August 31, Mountain Lakes Park

Click for map page

This Sunday, August 31 at 8:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park, at the pool parking lot near Hemlock Lake, when we run the Mountain Lakes 10K. The course is a good preview of the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack but finishes differently. If you want to run the full 15k, follow the course as shown on the map. If you would like to keep it to a 10K, leave off the Hunt Lane loop and the Hearst-Mead and Halmi preserves. Feel free to take the beautiful Spruce Lake trail and the red trail back to the parking lot to complete your run. The course will not be flagged in advance so bring a map if you’re unfamiliar with the park.

Saturday, August 30 at 8:00 a.m.
If you’re looking for a run this Saturday, I suggest meeting at Westmoreland Sanctuary and running the perimeter loop. If you’re up for more, cross the street and add some additional miles in Butler. Two great preserves to start your long weekend.

And don’t forget to register for the new Trail Mix Series—four great events starting September 21. Hope to see you this weekend.

Lee Willett

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August 24, Zofnass Family Preserve

zofnass_preserve
click for map page

This Sunday, August 24 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Zofnass Family Preserve on Upper Shad Road in Pound Ridge (see Google Map) when we run everyone’s favorite labyrinthian preserve with a network of trails noted for its crags and rock outcrops. Meet at the main entrance and we’ll follow a perimeter loop making all right turns except for exiting the park (yeah, you’ll probably want to bring a map). We’ll make a 6-mile loop counter-clockwise around the preserve this time excluding the orange, western loop. See the map page here.

For those who want to run Saturday, August 23 at 8:00 a.m., I suggest meet at Mountain Lakes Park at the white trailhead to lookout point and run the Outer OS loop. This isn’t the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack course but it’s still an awesome run. If you miss it, we’ll be up here again next Sunday.

Lee Willett

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