dirt newb with lots of questions

[deeto]

so after 15 years I'm finally getting back into dirt bike riding. Picked up a CRF a few weeks back and am trying to get re-acclimated to the sport, and find legal places to ride in the area. I did some research on the 6 state forest areas in MA. Most of them seem like single track through the forest. I went to Gilbert Hills park today and that's pretty much all it was; forest trails with lots and lots of rocks, roots and trees. Not really that much fun.

I can remember back in the day I used to ride the power lines in Canton/Stoughton where the trails were nice and wide, full of soft sand and silt, and occasionally opened up into large sand pit areas. Ahh, the memories... Are there any places to ride like that anymore?

I assume there are organizations who have agreements with local land owners to rent their land for off-road use during the summer months. Do these types of organizations exist? Is anyone here a member who can give me some info?

I wouldn't mind travelling to NH or ME for the types of trails I'm looking for. Finding this information myself online is difficult, there aren't many trail reviews out there by other riders. So I don't know what's what. Some of the forums I've gone to have posts where the users specifically don't say how to get to the trails they ride b/c they don't want other people knowing about them. Understandable, but not very helpful. So if anyone here can help a dirt newb out with "places to ride 101" instruction that would be really helpful!

[BMFR6]

there's no where to ride. all the trails you speak of have been taken over by tree hugging hippies. so with that being said you probably made a poor purchase in that CRF and with so few places to ride the resale of that bike is going to suck. i'd be willing to take it off your hands cheap just so you don't have to have it lying around collecting dust. let me know.

[Paul_E_D]

Welcome to NE. Learn to love the rocks and roots, or pay to ride MX tracks. Crow Hill is fun and I hear Rocky Hill is too. I've grown to like both types of riding. With some practice the rocky rooty knarly stuff can be really satisfying to conquer.

[deeto]

lol Mark

Hey Paul, I checked out the website for Crow Hill. It looks like a fun place.

However, before I go there, I'd really like a less structured place to ride. Something similar to that type of terrain - doesn't have to have positioned doubles and tabletops etc, but open dirt areas would be nice. Like a dirt playground.

There must be something like this out there. It can't be only forest trails and MX tracks, can it?

[OreoGaborio]

those places are out there... i'll let ya know if i end up going

[Tricky Mike]

It can't be only forest trails and MX tracks, can it?

Kinda

Clough State Park in NH opens up here and there, but to be honest, it's rare and the best stuff up there is the tight singletrack. It just keeps getting harder and harder to ride around here. Groton TF used to be a blast... a few million-dollar homes along it's border put a stop to that, though. It's really too bad. My advice: Have Peter Kates sort out your suspension and learn to love roots.

[Paul_E_D]

A dirt playground? Hmm... Nope, I don't know of anything like that!

These spots are top secret so that they will continue to be spots. Start riding with people wherever, and eventually someone will show you a spot.

[deeto]

that sucks

suspension isn't the issue, I just don't like tight wooded trails with rocks, roots and trees everywhere. Don't get me wrong, they are definitely fun for a little while, but for me they get old fast.

I'm more of an open dirt, fast-paced rider. I want to practice powerslides, jumps and other stuff like that.

[Awesome]

clough has it all. Smooth banked trails with whoops, or tight singletrack.

[Tricky Mike]

I know. It is the sucks.
So much so that I'm constantly toying with the idea of selling my MX'er...

So, are you thinking of stuff more like fire-roads and such?
I don't suppose you plan on making the bike street-able? That would help a little, but pickings are still kind of slim. I'm happy to share what I know... which, unfortunately ain't much

[deeto]

ok, without changing the subject -- is anyone up for a dirt ride this weekend? Perhaps I can meet up with you fellas and you can show me some good places to ride? I don't mind travelling from Boston an hour or two.

[Awesome]

I might be going out in Clough one day this weekend, but all my plans are up in the air. I have a billion things to do.

[deeto]

looks like rain this weekend. Will that close the area to riders? I'm available either Sat or Sun.