bicycle, Bicycle, BICYCLE, I want to ride my bicycle

[Slow Rheal]

And I'm moving to Maine.
 
So how's that gonna go? I've lived in the mountains in CO for ~20 years and am finally moving back east with second child making her appearance this week. We're going to be relocating to the greater Portland area next month, and I am looking for any and all New England mountain biking beta. I'm sure I'll get into road biking at some point, but I love mountain biking and am looking forward to exploring some new terrain. I've looked at Bradbury State Park and also the Blackstrap area in Falmouth, which both look really good. What else (and it doesn't have to only be in ME, I've ridden Bear Brook in NH about 10 years ago too)?

 

[Bunt4aTriple]

I'm a trail runner in that area, so we're seeking out the same spots. I think you'll be pleased with both of those spots. Additionally, from Blackstrap you can connect to other trail networks to get another 10-15 miles. Same with Bradbury. There's a great set of trails in Exeter, NH as well.

 

[Slow Rheal]

Thanks, B4aT - how many miles would you say the blackstrap "general area" has that can be linked? What's the name of the spot in Exeter?

 

[Bunt4aTriple]

Well, there's a Cross-Falmouth Trail that runs around 10 miles, but there are 4 parks involved that have multiple spurs, so 15 is a low estimate and 25 is a high.  Bradbury has approximately has a 5 mile spur off of it that connects to the Pineland state trails, with another 3 miles of loops.
 
As for Exeter, the trail races are held here http://www.acidoticracing.com/events/view_event.php?ID=7#.VUhTKPnF9mY.  Not sure if the total network extends beyond the 10 miles mapped here, but these are decent single track.  

 

[Slow Rheal]

great info, thanks B4aT

 

[Green (Tongued) Monster]

I am looking to buy two new men's bikes (1 for me and 1 for my teenage son) and not quite sure where to start. The purpose would mostly be family bike rides and a yearly 10k or 25k charity bike ride, so guessing just a road bike. I have been riding a hand-me-down cheap mountain bike that has seen its better days, and it is time to buy new. I would love to stay under $200-$250 per bike since I will not be riding all year round or long distances. Any recommendations on bike type/brand/retailer? There seems to be quite a number of brands and I do not know who to trust.

 

[LoLsapien]

$250/bike you're looking at buying used or buying at a department store like walmart

 

[Green (Tongued) Monster]

$250/bike you're looking at buying used or buying at a department store like walmart

There's a bunch of "junk" brands out there typical of what you would find at walmart/dick's/amazon. And I cannot justify paying a bunch for a nice road bike if I am riding less than 100 miles per year. I can go higher, but not sure of the point of buying Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, etc. Admittedly, I know nothing about this subject (as you can tell), so I am looking for suggestions. Any brands/models on the lower end that are preferred?

 

[LoLsapien]

There's a bunch of "junk" brands out there typical of what you would find at walmart/dick's/amazon. And I cannot justify paying a bunch for a nice road bike if I am riding less than 100 miles per year. I can go higher, but not sure of the point of buying Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, etc. Admittedly, I know nothing about this subject (as you can tell), so I am looking for suggestions. Any brands/models on the lower end that are preferred?

Check out bikesdirect.com. I forgot about these guys. I can't vouch for them personally but they're supposed to be a really good value. The downside is that they are mail order only. I also remember reading somewhere that "gravity" bikes aren't awful; I think they are a Walmart brand. I personally would be hunting the used market at your price, but those are a couple options that I've heard about. Good luck!

 

[GoJeff!]

Some shoulder to shoulder racing from the middle schoolers on our team.