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.

 

[Marty’s Beret]

For those interested in spectacle and/or freeride MTB, Red Bull’s Rampage event is this weekend.

As an avid trail rider, I’m typically a casual/highlights observer, but this year is a bit unique / important as it’s the first time there is a women’s category - something members of the women’s freeride scene have been pushing towards for a number of years. The Women’s event was yesterday and the footage is great (particularly the POV footage from Robin Goomes’ winning run). I’m loving the audio, with the women’s out loud positive self talk and raw emotion.

 

[simplicio]

The Goomes run in question: View: https://youtu.be/M9PdglHbjuY?si=XCQ4u4calsB98kAD


POV MTB footage is insane, I can totally rabbit hole myself in avalanche videos.
View: https://youtu.be/rnO59tizy6E?si=luzIIF6qicQaTxpo

 

[Marty’s Beret]

Worth noting that Robin was the first one down the hill (=first woman ever to drop in at that event). The nerves/anticipation/stoke must have been otherworldly.

 

[Leon Trotsky]

Those are very cool. Looked like she almost bit it on a narrow technical section, kept it going, then immediately had to hit big air - incredibly impressive to hold it together.

 

[simplicio]

Speaking of rabbit holes, here's Bron doing completely bonkers stuff in the dolomites:
View: https://youtu.be/0FSmJ9n4Gsc?si=r5DIJK9Gt3rbGklV

 

[bohous]

Didn’t realize this thread existed. Curious how many mountain bikers we have on SoSH. Where are you guys riding in MA? Anybody riding metrowest spots like West Hill Dam, Vietnam, Nobscot, etc?

 

[Marty’s Beret]

I’ve ridden WHD and rode Vietnam for the first time this summer - loved it! Im in Tiverton RI, so my locals are Village Park (Swansea) or Weetamoo Woods (Tiverton).

I rode Ft William (Scotland) a couple weeks ago - THAT was an experience!

 

[Marty’s Beret]

Speaking of rabbit holes, here's Bron doing completely bonkers stuff in the dolomites:
View: https://youtu.be/0FSmJ9n4Gsc?si=r5DIJK9Gt3rbGklV

Haven’t finished this yet, but thoroughly enjoying it! Thanks for passing it along.

 

[gtmtnbiker]

I just got a new bike last week: Santa Cruz Tall Boy. My previous bike is a 1993 GT RTS-1. Enjoying the sport again. Have ridden Gardner Hill, West Hill Dam, and Vietnam.

 

[bohous]

I’ve ridden WHD and rode Vietnam for the first time this summer - loved it! Im in Tiverton RI, so my locals are Village Park (Swansea) or Weetamoo Woods (Tiverton).

I rode Ft William (Scotland) a couple weeks ago - THAT was an experience!

I just got a new bike last week: Santa Cruz Tall Boy. My previous bike is a 1993 GT RTS-1. Enjoying the sport again. Have ridden Gardner Hill, West Hill Dam, and Vietnam.

Also rode WHD this past weekend. It's a bit of a schlep for me but try to make a point to get out there every couple of weeks when I don't feel like climbing or getting rowdy. Such a fun spot.
I've done a couple of group rides at Vietnam. I can find my way around a bit on my own but for as popular as it is its odd how nothing is marked. Always have to keep digging out my phone to check Trailforks at every intersection. I live in Framingham so riding a lot of Callahan and Nobscot.

Nice bike upgrade @gtmtnbiker . Guess you need to change your handle to scmtnbiker!

 

[gtmtnbiker]

I've done a couple of group rides at Vietnam. I can find my way around a bit on my own but for as popular as it is its odd how nothing is marked. Always have to keep digging out my phone to check Trailforks at every intersection. I live in Framingham so riding a lot of Callahan and Nobscot.

I'll have to check those places out. I got my bike at Landry's in Natick and thought I would try to join one of their after work rides that they do near the store. Not sure when I'll get out there.

Nice bike upgrade @gtmtnbiker . Guess you need to change your handle to scmtnbiker!

LOL, you're one of the few people to get the reference. Most people think "gt" means "great".

Curious if people are using flats or clipless pedals? I got the Shimano clipless pedals and need to adjust them to be looser. I did fall over a couple of times in some technical sections when I couldn't get out of the pedals fast enough.

 

[GoJeff!]

I'll have to check those places out. I got my bike at Landry's in Natick and thought I would try to join one of their after work rides that they do near the store. Not sure when I'll get out there.



LOL, you're one of the few people to get the reference. Most people think "gt" means "great".

Curious if people are using flats or clipless pedals? I got the Shimano clipless pedals and need to adjust them to be looser. I did fall over a couple of times in some technical sections when I couldn't get out of the pedals fast enough.

I haven't ridden there in a few years, but I always loved Lynn Woods when I would visit Mass. Also did some great riding near Haskell Pond in Essex (G spot), although I don't see it listed on trailforks.

I am an old guy and am used to my clipless, but almost everyone has moved to flats except xc racers and some downhill racers.

 

[bohous]

I haven't ridden there in a few years, but I always loved Lynn Woods when I would visit Mass. Also did some great riding near Haskell Pond in Essex (G spot), although I don't see it listed on trailforks.

I am an old guy and am used to my clipless, but almost everyone has moved to flats except xc racers and some downhill racers.

Yep, most of the people I see running clipless are older guys or XC types. All the cool kids are on flat pedals and a flat sole biking shoe like FiveTens.

 

[SinkingLowe]

Yep, most of the people I see running clipless are older guys or XC types.

I'm both of those things. I use clipless pedals.

 

[Leon Trotsky]

I've biked Vietnam, and spent alot of time in Stony Brook in Boston and Otis on the Cape. I've mostly shifted to mixed gravel/road rides though as it takes any car commute out of it and much more time efficient.