i haven't been there in years

but all of my friends go all the time. they run, they hike, they bike. it's lovely and peaceful (well not so much any more, it's rather crowded and that's why i stopped going. when i was in high school, that was THE place to go. plus it was always almost deserted).

i don't know anything about the lawsuit. i don't know where the barrier was (but hell, i KNOW there are barriers and gates all over that reservoir) and i don't know what injuries were sustained. i cannot speak to that (although i CAN say when one 'mountain' bikes one expects a bit more than smooth sailing

i just don't ever want them to close the west hartford reservoir to the public. it IS a jewel

One of CT's Jewels May Soon Be Off Limits

By AMANDA RAUS

Cyclists both young and old use the 80 miles of trails along the West Hartford Reservoir to ride through nature.

"This is a wonderful place that offers a lot of variety of trails for different skill levels, different people and it's a very nice setting, it's peaceful, and it just has a lot to offer," said Ron Bonofiglio of Tolland.

The trails could soon be off limits. The Metropolitan District (MDC) was ordered to shell out $2.9 million to Maribeth Blonski, because she slammed into a barrier while riding. Now, the company is worried about other liability lawsuits.

"I feel somewhat upset that someone would have to find a reason to bring a lawsuit against it, because I think the organization has done a fine job sharing the facilities with everybody and making sure it's a safe area," said Rick Picard of West Hartford............