Conference noted::bicycle

In Stow there is the town woods, the Marble Hill area and some state forest
areas over by the Lake Boon area.  There are all types of riding trails there.

The town woods and Marble Hill areas are accessable off of streets between
houses.  I don't know the street names or house descriptions well enough to
write it down.  If you know Stow or have a good map you probably can find them.

The state forest area can be accessed off of Sudbury Road near the 
intersection with State Road.  There are signs and a parking area.  Lots of
motorcycles use this area but bikes can go places motorcycles cannot.

On State road there is another state forest with a few trails. This area is in
Stow and Hudson.  One place to enter is across from a convenience store (and
gas station and ice place) on State Road in Hudson.  The riding trails are on
both sides (ie cross) of White Pond Road.

I used to live in that area and found that if you poked your nose down likely
looking dirt or abandoned roads that were obviously not private roads (no
signs, mailboxes or powerlines) you often found an fun (albeit often short) 
place to ride.  Keep an eye open for trails and old town roads off of paved 
roads.  Often they open up to a little, sometimes big, rideable trail.  Sure 
beats worrying about cars!

      I invited a couple of friends down to where I ride in Upton Ma.
    and they said they had never found trails that were as much fun
    as the ones I took them on.  The trails I follow go go through 
    every kind of terrain mentioned.  There are single tracks with roots
    or rocks.  there are streams although most of them are dried up
    now.  There are sand pits,  steep down hill sections to test how
    crazy you are. There are dirt roads and some great "S" turns including
    high banks.  One fairly long but not overly difficult climb and
    There are trails that I hav'nt even tried yet.  One loop around this
    group of trail is about an Hour and a half and if your really ambitious
    you can do it twice.
    
       As a matter of fact I was thinking that if anyone was interested
    we could get the DEC Mountain Bike enthusiasts together and do a
    ride.  I love riding the trails in this area and know where there
    are even more within easy riding distance.  So, if anyone is interested
    just let me know and I'll give directions and get a group together
    as a matter of fact this saturday or sunday afternoon would be great!!
    
    John C.
     

    
    	RE:1
    		Can't go this weekend but next yes with a couple of
    friends. Can you be exact about these Upton trails? I know every inch
    of that area. I would like to comparwe notes and I'm sure that if we
    get together we could rip it up thru there.
    	I've done bike, horseback, four wheel, dirt bike and foot all thru
    there for years. From Purgatory to Upton Satate forest.
    
    	Roger
    

    re:1
    
    I'm not around this weekend, but if you guys organize something in the
    future, I'd be interested. I live up in the Lowell area, and go riding
    at Great Brook in Carlisle and Lowell/Dracut State Park. They're fun,
    and convenient to get to, but it gets kind of old after a while. I'm
    always on the lookout for new rides...
    
    As far as trails in the aforementioned area, a former DEC employee,
    Bob Morris, is working on a book of trails in Mass. Look for it to be
    out soon- maybe call Lincoln Guides, they might know more about it.
    
    There are a lot of trails in Harvard, but I've never been there myself.
    You could try talking to Clayton at Pedal Power in Acton, he could give
    you directions. 
    
    Not far from the area you identified is Linclon. Herad that Mt. Misery
    has some good trails. Again, I don't have directions (try Lincoln
    Guides), but the name has a lot of appeal!
    
    Ed

    There's an old RR line right of way between Maynard and Hudson
    (remember the old RR bridge over 62 near the Hudson Rod and Gun CLub?)
    that parallels the Assabet and is good m-bike material.  I'd like to
    see DEC buy it and turn it into a MLO-HLO bike route and place a spur
    behind the Maynard High School to PKO... thhen acquire the HLO to
    MET/MRO abandoned RR right of way that passes near Assabet High...
    oh well, just dreaming.  -k

    
      Roger,
    
      The entrance to the trails that I'm talking about is acroos from
    Blackstone valley High school They travel I think through parts
    of uxbridge and there is one section that if I can ever find it
    again gois right to West Hill Dam.  As a matter of fact to continue
    riding after that part you have to lift the bikes over a fence to
    get to the next set of trails.  The way I ride the trails I come
    out on south st. and take the roads for about 2-3 miles back to
    the High school.
    
       I'll make this and official invitation to everone and everyone
    who has a mountain bike.  On Sunday the 21st at say 9:30 we can
    meet at the high school and attack the trail as a group.  I'll
    act as ride coordinator and guide.  Whoever wants to go just send
    me a little message at SVCRUS::CRANE and we can make this happen.
    (man, I love these group crazy rides).
    
    John C.
    

    Re: .0
    
    Depending on what kind of distance you're looking for, we ride around
    the 'Delaney Water Project' in Stow, MA everyday at lunch (from BXB2)
    and it seems to have all the terrain you mentioned.  If you get real
    adventurous (who isn't when on a MB??!!), there is a gate at the north
    end on Finn Rd. (this might be Harvard now since the town lines 
    converge here) and another set of trails through/around/over/etc. a
    rather large wooded/swampy area.  If you make it through that, you come 
    out on Old Harvard Road across from another trail that comes out 
    behind NEC on RT111 with an optional side trip to the Boxboro Sheraton
    ski hill/cross country trails.
    
    We manage to squeeze out approx. 10 mi just doing Delaney and the one
    behind NEC can give you another ~6.  As for the swampy one, we usually
    get lost/muddy and run out of time (darn short lunch hours!) so never
    measured it.
    
    If you need any info/directions send me mail.
    
    Enough rambling
    
    Brian
    

    
    	RE:-2
    
    		I know that area. It's a vocational school not H.S.
    That's Poirier's sand pits. There used to be a motocross track in there
    and we used to make good use of the area. I've downed more than a few
    brewskis there. I know how to get to the dam from there.
    	I also know how to get to King Phillip's Caves from there with
    a mega view of the Blackstone River from King Phillips rock. I know 
    the wildlife reserve that's near the West river. It has excellent
    trails. 
    	So's how about you being trail boss and I'll be Indian guide?
    I'll get my buddies psyched. It sounds like a combo of fire road,
    single track and some technical. More gradual up and down so the speeds
    should be up there without the steep climbs.
    	Roger

    re.7
    
    Brian,
    
    OK, I know Finn Road from road bike rides Acton/Littleton/Harvard/Acton
    loop.  I know the Sheraton Ski hill as well - can you just go in there?
    I know NEC as well - can you access trails from their parking lot etc?
    
    More specific directions to the gate on Finn Road would be great.
    
    I tried send/author but network partner lost.  This is exciting, tell me
    more.  I looked for my Topo maps of Stow/Harvard area but couldn't find
    them - I'll keep looking - Thanks!		\VA
    

    re: -.1
    
    Well here goes. . .
    
    Delaney Water Project:  (the place we enter at) Turn on Finn Rd off of
    Stow Road, just past Hillcrest Drive (it's on the right) is an orange
    gate on the RIGHT (read on for an explaination of the gate on the LEFT!)
    You can either enter around the gate and ride a road/path with nasty
    tree roots, etc. or about 20 feet past the gate is a narrow (read
    single track!!!!) that meanders through the woods with lots of turn
    offs along the way so you won't get bored.  Explore and have a blast.
    
    The OTHER orange gate on Finn Rd:  Follow directions as above except
    look for an orange gate on the LEFT side of Finn Rd.  There are LOTS of
    single track trails in there and if you happen to get the right
    combination, you'll eventually come out on Eldridge Rd. behind a small
    barn (it's okay, the owner doesn't seem to mind).  Also directly across
    from the Delaney entrance described above is another trail entrance
    that is actually the same set of trails as this.
    
    NEC trails (Sheraton Ski area etc.):  Yes it's okay to ride there (lots
    of people do).  From the back corner of NEC's parking lot (there's 2
    NECs in this area, you want the one closest to and sharing the driveway
    for the Sheraton) you'll see two trails; one goes to the right and
    immediately up an incline, this eventually gets you to the top of the
    Sheratons Ski area (BTW: I'm not familiar with this Ski area, but it
    looks to have been closed for quite some time, true??)  Anyway, have a
    blast again!!
    
    If anyone is ever in the BXB area at lunchtime, we ride  at least two
    of the above trails EVERY day except Thursday and it would be great to
    get some fresh blood (figuratively speaking of course ;^} on the ride.
    
    Later,
    Brian
    
    P.S. And I thought I'd be a read only for YEARS!!

    
    
    All right I'm geeting all excited now Thinking about this.  
    
    Roger,  Sounds good. Me Lone Ranger, you Tonto How many people are
    you going to come with (I want to make sure the local Hospital is
    warned). 
    
      Rumor also has it that Matt Johnson (AKA Mr. European roadie)
    is going to get himself a Mountain Bike and find out what all the
    Hub-Bub is about!!  
    
       If anybody needs directions from where you are to where the ride
    will begin.  Just ask and I'll send them to you!  
    
       The Generic Direction are : Rt 495 to exit 21B towards Upton.
                                   Approx 6 Miles There is a Lake on
    				   The left.  There is a left hand turn
    				   that splits into two roads imediately
    				   after you take it. Stay to the right
    				   and follow this road till it ends
    				   at another street(RT 140). Go almost
    				   Directly accross RT140 and There
    				   another street (Don't know the name)
    				   Go into this street and stay to the
    				   right. Blackstone Valley Voc school
    				   is 1-2 miles down on the left hand
    				   side.  Park accross the street from
    				   the school in the dirt section where
    				   the trails start.
    
       If these directions are to confusing we can all meet at exit
    21 off of 495.  
    
    John C.
    
    
    

    
    Oops,  I mean that Blackstone Valley is on the Right Hand Side.
    
    Sorry
    John C.
    

    
    	John, I have a set of directions that are easier to follow.
    
    	The same exit off 495 and head towards Upton. Stay straight on this
    road all the way to West Upton center.
    	There is a traffic light here at the intersection with RT. 140 go
    straight across between the church and Wood's drug store.
    	Keep going straight down this road to a T at the end (stop sign)
    	Go left the school will be on the left.
    
    	What time are we meeting?
    
    	Roger

    
      We meet at 9:30 Sunday Morning !
    
      Gee, I hope there is some mud left from last weekends rain storm!!
    
      John C.
    

RE:   .0  
  
>>    I want to be able to ride the category 3 and 4 above.  I'd like to practice
>>    in a gravel pit or road where I can get the shifting so it is easy
>>    and automatic for me.  I'd like something that has some fairly steep
>>    pitches as well - sort of like a ski area blue square.  I'm not looking for
>>    agony yet...
  

There is a fantastic sand pit in Groton.  It meets all your requirements.  I
found packed sand, loose sand, water (giant puddles), steep descents, jumps -
every type of MTB surface.  I even went over the handlebars there!  There's
plenty of flat areas to practice technique, and trails leading off into the
woods everwhere.  Bring a compass - you could potentially get lost.

It would be easiest to find if you had a Groton resident show you where it is,
but if you take 119 E. from Littleton (exit 31) you will be heading toward 
Groton.  In the middle of Groton center, you can veer to the right on a major
road.  If you go to the right, and wend your way toward E. Pepperell center 
(get a map), you will pass by some relatively new houses and some pasture 
land.  Along there, to your left, is the Groton sand pit.  These directions
are too vague to find the place, unless you're very lucky, but they are a start.
I'm sure the Groton Police Dept. could point it out on a map.


Steve

    
    	Well the ride in Upton happened pretty much on schedule. John
    led us on what turned out to be a good sampling of terrain including
    ALL the subtle enhancements like mud, water ,falling into both,downhill
    uphill,little suicide runs, etc..We were able to practice most of the 
    standard acrobatics like end over end, over backwards, going off cliffs
    jumping all sizes of logs,river crossing,jumping, sliding etc.
    	We also took in some nice scenery.
    	John showed the superiority of Ground Control 2.5's in the loose
    stuff. He also seemed to be cranking along effortlessly while I was
    dragging my a**.
    	Let's do it again. Same place again. I'm ready.
    
    	Roger

    
      I'm game.  Anybody else want to come?
    
      John C.
    

    Highlights of last Sunday's ride:
    
      o Rodger's "1 foot deep stream" crossing attempt.  John's
    	lucky he refused to go first!
    
      o My low-speed complete flip when I hit a loose root down
        a steep rut.  (All three of us crashed on that one,
    	but I believe mine was the most spectacular.)
    
      o Climbing King Philip's Rock.  (Great view!)
    
      o Descending same on the steep side, while two guys watched 
    	from above shouting over and over again, "You guys are crazy!"
    
      o Some incredible downhill S-turns taken at speed.
    
      o Arriving home alive.
    
      The trails can't be beat for variety or fun.

    Ok, so I'm reading this in November.  These rides sound like fun.  Let
    me know the next time you are going.  
    
    Thanks
    
    Joe

    The temperature in Eastern Massachusetts is supposed to hit the 
    low '70's on Saturday. That might be a good time to go (or maybe
    Sunday)....
    
    MATT

    Are there any decent trails near Spit Brook?
    
    MATT

    
      Hey guys,
    
      I just got an invitation to ride some good trails up in westford.
    You interested?  The only time I'm available is saturday morning.
    Whoever wants to go just let me know and we'll get this thing moving.
    
    John C.
    

                 Off-Road Bicycle Route Traverses Cascade Range

                                by Stu Hennessey

        Much has been written about the abundance of the long trail
        mountain bike adventures traversing the Rocky Mountain.
        Colorado offers the Crested Butte and White Rim Rock trails and
        a little further south is Utah's Moab.  In the Pacific
        Northwest, the Cascade Mountains contain a maze of great
        mountain bike rides although no one with a pencil has connected
        the dots to map out a mountain bike adventure --- until now.

        Long before the mountain bike, pioneers to the northwest were
        busy building routes that would have had any true mountain
        biker attaching their bikes to the top of the covered wagon and
        gone for weeks on one path.  Some of these early routes are
        still traceable where pavement has refused to lay down.

                                Historical Trails

        On the Pioneer Trail, a mountain biker can pack up his beans
        and beef jerky for days of wilderness travel along such
        monuments to the pioneer as Nachees Pass --- one of the first
        mountain crossings into the Puget Sound.  The John Wayne Trail
        is where the Burlington Northern [sic] cleared a way for the
        first railroads.  Colockum Pass is a panoramic stage coach
        route that used to connect Yakima to the mining outposts as far
        north as the Okanagan in B.C.  The Number Two Canyon was an
        early gold mine in the ore rich mountains above Wenatchee where
        large gold mines are still in operation.  To travel north on
        Lake Chelan requires the services of the Lady of the Lake Boat
        Company, the only connection to the remote village of Stehekin.
        The climax of the adventure is a bike-in-hand hike over Cascade
        Pass in the North Cascades.

                                    The Start

        The 329 mile, 9 day adventure starts near Mount Rainier on
        Highway 410 just past the Greenwater fire station and forest
        route 70 going east.  The forest service road ends at 18 miles
        and on the far side of the clear cut the Nachees Pass route
        continues over a wide single track rut.  The route is overused
        by motorized vehicles that leave their mark but are seldom seen
        in action.  The route soon intersects the Pacific Crest Trail
        and passes by several meadows starting with Government Meadows.
        At the low summit of Nachees Pass there is a sign marking the
        previous importance of the trail to the early settlers.  Down
        the east side the single track widens into forest route 19
        following the little Nachees River.  Overnight campgrounds are
        available at Crow Creek and Kaner Flat mile 35.

        From Crow Creek Camp follow Quartz Creek north on a single
        track trail that will split the Y formed between Quartz Creek
        and the south fork and continue 5 miles to Manastash Ridge.
        The trail along Manastash Ridge is an off-road vehicle
        association single track which is well defined and well
        maintained.  Follow Manastash Ridge due north along Peaches
        Ridge then northwest at Taneum Ridge to the north fork of
        Taneum Creek joining forest route 3300.  Turn left on FR 3300
        and follow to the end  and descend off of South Cle Elum Ridge
        on single track to Wood and Steel Road.  Continue down Wood and
        Steel Road a half mile to Westside Road and soon you will be in
        South Cle Elum.  At mile 65 south Cle Elum is one of the few
        places you will have the choice to overnight indoors.  The
        Moore House located right on the John Wayne Trail is an ideal
        place for bed and breakfast and a museum of the railroad
        history of the area.

        The pavement disappears again while going east on the John
        Wayne Trail from South Cle Elum and along the Yakima River to
        Ellensburg.  Along the way, you pass through two long train
        tunnels that might require using your headlight.  At Ellensburg
        cross town to the eastside and turn left on Look Road running
        north to south.  Turn right on Brick Mill Road and continue
        east as Brick Mill Road turns into Snyder Road, Fred Schelby
        Road and Erickson Road.  Turn left on Colockum Road and head
        out on the old stage line through wildlife refuges and
        overlooking the Columbia River basin.  At the top of Colockum
        Pass is another sign describing the use of the stage line to
        the mining towns.  Colockum Road ends at Malaga on the Columbia
        River and turns into the Malaga-Alcoa Highway into Wenatchee
        mile 135.  The best overnight location on this long section is
        under the stars at the top of Colockum Pass.  Elk herds gather
        for mating in the fall at Colockum Pass.

        At Wenatchee go east out of town on Cherry Street to Number Two
        Canyon.  After climbing out of the Columbia River basin to the
        top of Number Two Canyon Road, continue straight down Crow
        Canyon and into Mission Creek Road.  Mission Creek Road brings
        you to Cashmere mile 155.  At Cashmere cross Highway 2 and up
        Nahahum Canyon on forest route 7412.  After 11 miles of steep
        and rough road turn right on a spur road that runs 4 miles to
        forest route 5200.  Turn left and north and follow main road to
        forest route 5800 at Tilicum Creek.  Follow 5800 down into the
        Entiat Valley at Ardenvoir mile 195.

        Continuing north along the Cascades follow Entiat River Road 17
        and a half miles to Shady Pass Road forest route 5900.  At the
        top of Shady Pass are some great views of the North Cascades,
        Glacier Peak and Lake Chelan below as you wind down the
        mountain to Twenty Five Mile Creek State Park mile 240.  To
        catch the Lady of the Lake Boat to Stehekin ride 3 miles south
        on Lake Shore Drive to the Fields Point Landing.  It's a 3 hour
        trip up the lake to Lucerne and Stehekin located so remote in
        the North Cascades the only other way is by foot or sea plane
        mile 270.

        The Stehekin River Road takes you 25 miles deep into the North
        Cascades to Cottonwood Camp on the way to Cascade Pass.
        Cascade Pass is at this time closed to mountain bikes to be
        prepared to hike the six mile section between Cottonwood and
        Cascade River Road.  Finishing up the long adventure brings you
        to a final descent along Cascade River Road to Marblemount on
        the North Cascades Highway 20.  Return transportation from
        Marblemount must be arranged.

                                 Rider Take Note

        This 329 mile wilderness odyssey requires a lot of wilderness
        experience and stamina along with a healthy respect for the
        conditions you will be passing through.  Travel gentle and
        leave no trace.  From Greenwater to South Cle Elum you will
        need more than two days of supplies including water.  From
        Ellensburg to Wenatchee requires two days supplies.  From
        Cashmere to Stehekin requires four plus days supplies.  From
        Stehekin to Marblemount requires two plus days supplies. 
        Stehekin and Marblemount have limited services.  The bike
        portage over Cascade Pass may require a back pack to support
        the bike on your back or a portage strap on the frame.

                                  When To Leave

        Plan 9 to 14 days with overnights recommended at Crow Creek
        Campground, South Cle Elum, Colockum Pass, Wenatchee, Cashmere,
        Ardenvoir, Twenty File Mile Creek State Park, Cottonwood Camp,
        Marblemount.

        Best time September-October before hunting season.

        Map sources:  Washington Atlas & Gazetteer, Delore [sic]
        Mapping Co., Snoqualmie Mt. Baker National Forest Map,
        Wenatchee National Forest Map.  Use your maps well before you
        start.


            Stu Hennessey is a guide for his company, Pacific Crest
            Tours, and owns the Alki Bicycle Company in West Seattle.

            Snoqualmie-Mt. Baker National Forest   (206)442-5400
            Wenatchee National Forest              (206)662-4335
            Lake Chelan National Recreational Area (206)682-2549
            North Cascades National Park           (206)856-5700
            Lady of The Lake Boat Company          (509)682-2224
            The Moore House South Cle Elum         (509)674-5939

    
    	RE:-2
    
    		I know you won't believe it but I know that area John.
    Where exactly are you thinking of going? Near Haystack? That's
    where ET phones home. If we don't go snowboarding @ Killington Sat.
    I may be interested. Is Matt's weather forecast accurate? 
    	Matt are you going?
    
    	Roger

    
    Hey Roger ,
    
    
       From what I gather the spot somewhere across from Nashoba VAlley
    ski area.  I hav'nt gotten the directions yet.  It looks like we
    are going to meet at 9:00 somewhere in that vacinity.
    
      Matt told me he was coming and If I know Mr. Endo at all he'll
    be there. 
    
      Anybody else who wants to join us is Welcome to come along and
    enjoy the ride.
    
    John C.
    

    
    	Have you heard anything on the Fells reservation in Winchester?
    I lived over there for a while and used to run in there. I'm being 
    told it is presently a local mecca for mtb types.
    	I would like to get back over there and check out what's up.
    
    	RE: Nashoba
    		What's the terrain like there other than The BUMP it's
    rolling farmland reclaimed by trees and horse trails. Are we going
    in the pits there? I still haven't mounted 2.5's 8*(
    
    	Roger

    RE: .22  I cannot vouch for Spitbrook - but across the Merrimack in
    Hudson, there is some terrific riding.   It's been a couple years
    since I rode there (moved to MKO) but if you take a left after the
    bridge and take your first right, (past the supermarket) there is
    a great trail to the right about 1/4 mile in.  Lots of hills, bumps,
    swamps, and rocks - also well groomed by the ATVs'.  It branches
    and you can eventually get to a powerline.  This can take you all 
    the way to Route 111A if you have the time.  Nice views and some
    Killer loose gravel downhills.   A full loop could take 2+ hours 
    once you figured the routes.  
    
    Of course, there has been some development since I moved, but there
    is still plenty of good stuff left.  If you get out there, let me
    know how it is....
    
    mark

    RE: .27
    
    Winchester....  That would be a dream come true -- nearby riding for
    Cantabrigians!  Could you post directions?
    
    MATT  

    re:.27 the fells.  I hear the trails there are marked and graded
    blue (easy), orange and white (awesome).
    
    ed

    
    	RE:FELLS.
    
    		My riding buddies want to go there this weekend. So do I.
    They hand out maps there also. There are two stone and wrought iron
    observation towers that command a view of the Boston skyline and the 
    ocean, one at either end. It's laid out longwise beside rt 93.
    	Directions-South on 93 from 128.
    		Go to Winchester exit or rt. 60(the one that makes
    a big rotary over 93 is best.
    		Go 60 west into Winchester as you head out towards Woburn
    look fro hospital signs go up to the hospital(right side as you go up
    hill) and park at the entrance near the dam at the reservoir.
    	These directions are old memory but will get you there.
    
    	Roger

    Westboro Saturday, Winchester Sunday.

    
    Matt,  You mean WestFORD not WestBORO.  
    
    For whoever wants to join in on this ride we are meeting at the
    Mobil station.  Take the Rt225 exit off of 495.  Take a right at
    the end of the ramp and the mobil station is about 1/2 mile down.
    
    Hey roger,  you and your boys coming along or are you going
    snowboarding instead?
    
    John C.
    

    
    Oh yeah We will be meeting at 9:00.
    
    John C.
    

    The Fells trails are marked, blue (some with paint some with nail-on
    markers), orange and white.  The White Trail is for best for the 
    slightly demented among us.  The Orange trail is a great mix of
    cruising and climbing on single track.  There are two blue trails one
    (marked with blue tin nailed to trees) is a bunny-trail, carriage path.
    The other varies for moderate to very difficult and is marked with blue
    paint marks on trees.
    
    Since the Fells is such a great place to ride and since the potential
    for overcrowding (it's 15 minutes from Boston) is great, it is very
    important to be careful about keeping up a good image for Mt. Bikers.
    This spring Metro Parks consider closing the Fells to Mt. Bikes - that
    would be a major blow.  When you're out there walk through the very
    fragile terrain (mud, moss), yield to hikers and smile at equestrians.
    
    Enjoy!  

>    RE: .27
>    Winchester....  That would be a dream come true -- nearby riding for
>    Cantabrigians!  Could you post directions?
>    MATT


    The Middlesex fells is not really in Winchester.  It's more like it's
    between Winchester, Medford, and Stoneham.


    The directions depend on from what part of Cambridge you are coming.

    From Eastern Cambridge, go up MacGrath to Medford St.
    (ie.straight at the top of the hill.) which merges with Main St
    of Medford.  This will take you to Medford Square.
    Head up Governor's Ave or Forest Ave.  (I forget if one of them
    is one way).

    From Western Cambridge, go via Davis Sq, and Powderhouse Sq.
    and across the tracks on College Ave.

    If you wimp out and use you car, get of at Roosevelt Circle.
    It's the first exit north of Rt 60 and 93.  There's a parking
    lot on South Border Rd.

    The fells has two lookout towers.  I'm told that the Southern one
    used to be a fire station.  Before there were telephones, the firemen
    would watch for smoke.

    The AMC guidebook to Massachusetts has a description of all the trails.
    Some of them are old roads, and one is an old railbed.

-Jeff Bell (who used to live in Medford, but didn't pick up the accent)

    The Fells really is great; the best mountain biking territory I've
    found so far.  The terrain is hilly, with plenty of New England
    rocks, fallen logs, and technical trails.  The area's surprisingly
    large, too, for being so close to town.
    
    I'd like to repeat the message given in an earlier reply: if you
    ride here, tread lightly so we can all preserve our right to ride.
    On occasion, this means that you have to give up a little "fun"
    to be considerate.  For example, several muddy areas are marked 
    with signs posted by the New England Mountain Bike Association,
    requesting that riders dismount to avoid damage (deep ruts).  There
    is also an adjecent reservoir area, which is off-limits.  (Supposedly
    there is a $116 fine if you're stopped there.)  Considering the
    number of other great things in the area, I think it's the least
    I can do to respect these two restrictions, and not "go for it"
    in the mud.  I can do that someplace else!
    
    Does anyone have a contact for the New England MTB Association?
    I'd like to find out more about their efforts, and maybe publicize
    them here.
    
    
    MATT

    
    	Well we did the Fells on Sunday.
    Went from Winchester hospital across the dam and pretty much straight
    up the single track orange to the western tower. Over to the Sheepfold
    park then on East on the Skyline trail to the other tower (white dash).
    Some good technical over the rock on Skyline.
    	The western tower looks like the atomic war memorial.
    
    	Roger

    
      so who's going riding this weekend and where are you going ?
    
      I have sunday free and need my weekly MTB fix !
    
      John (Who_uses_his_MTB_as_Therapy) C.
    
    
      

    
    	I want to do Noanet again. I get an adrenalin rush just thinking
    about the place.
    	Roger

Not mountain-biking but nearly: my club is promoting a cyclo-cross race
on Sunday, and I'm thinking of stripping down the touring bike and entering...


Rod

    Where is the place in Westford?  I drove over to Nashoba but couldn't
    find anything that was not marked "private - keep out" \VA

    
      I was introduced to a whole new set of trails in Rutland state
    forest this weekend.
    
      We went almost non-stop for three and a half hours on terrain
    that ranged from power lines and asphalt roads to a 2-3 mile stretch
    of fantastic very technical terrain that pushed the limits of bike
    handling and taught me a whole new bag of tricks as well.  I think
    I have a new favorite place to go.
    
    as an aside, I would not reccommend this to anyone who is'nt
    in at least halfway decent condition.  I could barely walk straight
    when the ride was over.  I will admit that riding the last mile
    with only one crank made it a lot tougher though.
                                
    
    John C.
    

>    when the ride was over.  I will admit that riding the last mile
>    with only one crank made it a lot tougher though.
    
    OK John, I'll bite.  Why only one crank?  Did that "technical"
    terrain eat the other one?
    
    MATT

    
      No, it did'nt "eat" my crank but after putting it back on 3 times in
    about 20 minutes I bailed out onto the road an just rode back with the 
    crank in my jersey.
    
      As a matter of fact on the way back I was hoping that somebody would
    stop and ask me what, "I was doing on a bike with one crank?"  That way
    I could say that I was dong it for charity and ask if they wanted to
    donate to my worthy cause ?
    
      But seriously,  if you ever want to do a real serious leg workout
    just try doing a ride of say 5 miles on the flats using one leg for
    the first file and then the other leg for the second mile.  you won't
    believe the extra amount of effort needed to move the bike.
    
    John C.
    
    

    	Re - .37
    	Gentlemen:
    
    	I've finally located these people, here it is, hold on...
    
    	The New England Mountai Bike Association / NEMBA. (whew)
    
    		69 Spring St.
    		Cambridge, MA 02141
    
    	I tried to find these guys everywhere, but nobody had an
    	an address. There is another organization called, the
    	"International Mountain Bicycling Association".
    	A non-profit, public-supported foundation, dedicated to
    	education that fosters mountain biking as an environmentally
    	sound and sustainable activity.
    
    	IMBA Rules of the trail:
    	-----------------------
    	1 Ride on open trails only.
    	2 Leave no trace.
    	3 Control your bicycle.
    	4 Always yield trail.
    	5 Never spook animals.
    	6 Plan ahead.
    
    	I think that NEMBA pretty much follows the same philosophies
    	as IMBA, but since I'm not a member *YET*, I'll shut up.
    
    	Here's the deal:
    
    	NEMBA Memba form (No, I didn't mispell anything, YET)
    	1-year membership, including six newsletters, a member card,
    	and a cool pin, send $8.00 along with your name,address,tel#
    	to the above address in Cambridge. Just clip any old piece
    	of paper, and send it, these guys NEED our help locally.
    	There's only 8 people in the core group, and yet they get
    	so much done for trail access locally.
    
    	That's it. Where did I get this stuff?    Where ELSE?
    
    	Bike Nashbar in Needham, Mass. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    						Soon_to_be_NEMBA_member,
    							   Face.

    
    	John, you with one crank would make us about equal, I think
    you should leave the bike that way. 8*)
    
    	Roger

    	Fells update:
    
    	There are new signs posted in the Fells, (they were posted only
    	a few months ago) containing some nasty news, for MTB riders...
    
    	Due to problems with the MDC, (the governing body making policy
    	decisions for the Fellsway east / west), and the currently poor
    	condition of the trails (cause of recent wet weather & constant,
    	heavy, sometimes abusive mountain bike activity), the following
    	trail access policy has been adopted:
    
    	Mountain bikes are currently BANNED from all marked &  unmarked
    	single track trails in the Fells. No exceptions.
    
    	Current policy in the Fells is under review, and anyone wishing
    	to add their ideas/needs/hopes should contact the MDC. There is
    	one particular individual to refer to, but I forget his name.
    
    	I live in southern Woburn, just north of the Fellsway, and have
    	been riding in the Fells for three years now. The increased MTB
    	activity there has taken an incredibly drastic toll on the more
    	popular trails. The orange trail, orange/white (popsicle) trail,
    	blue, red, and other trails have all suffered some very serious
    	wear & tear. To mountain bikers the trails are just starting to
    	get good,  but to others,  the simple fact that you cannot walk
    	anywhere in the Fells without seeing rampant waffle tracks,  is
    	very disturbing. I myself have noticed the erosion.  The orange
    	trail in particular has been quite brutalized over the last few
    	years.
    
    	The problem: these notices are being largely ignored. I ride in
    	the Fellsway every weekend, and the trails are constantly being
    	used without any regard for current or future concerns. This is
    	not the way to fight the establishment, especially not now.
    
    	Any and all  breaches of current posted policy in the  Fellsway
    	will NOT benefit mountain bikers.  In fact,  it will only serve
    	to strengthen  any lingering resolve to "be rid" of  mechanized
    	users of the Fells.  I went riding two weekends ago, & inquired
    	of three riders  on the orange trail if they had seen the signs
    	posted on the carriage path entrances.  Their response was very
    	typical, they said "too bad, cause we're riding, pal".
    
    	The Fells will soon be off limits period,  if the posted policy
    	is ignored, or worse, harrassed.  I have noticed several of the
    	refered to  signs  have been ripped off of  the posts they were
    	nailed to. This is not going to solve anything,  and could even
    	serve to worsen the generally *bad* sentiment surrounding MTB -
    	trail access issues.
    
    	PLEASE, do not in any way bludgeon, deface, or remove the signs
    	posted on the carriage path entrances. It serves no one.
    
    	Sorry for the lame sermon dudes, but I *just* got my membership
    	card & bimonthly newsletter from NEMBA, as if you couldn't tell?
    
    							Regards, Face

    I was there a few weeks back, and only saw the signs AFTER riding
    for an hour.  It's sad, but I have to agree.  The Fells is just
    TOO convenient for the hoard of urban MTB riders.  It's also human
    nature to be selfish about trail use, so I don't see the problem
    resolving itself -- riders will still go right through the wet,
    and ignore trail restrictions.  We should probably go ahead and
    write off the area for MTB riding, unless some segregated section
    (perhaps in the area currently cordoned off for the reservoir)
    is set aside.  
    
    The bright side of the picture is that the Fells still is an
    incredible refuge for hiking and cross country skiing only 
    minutes from the city.
    
    MATT 

    	I heard that...   (slang)
    
    	To clarify, only the single-track trails are off-limits. All the
    	carriage pathways are still "legal",  as well as  any trail that
    	does not qualify for single-track status. To be safe, any of the
    	marked (single-track) trails should be avoided.
    
    	The blue trail mostly follows  the carriage  paths, and  it does
    	cover alot of ground within the Fells, so getting a good workout
    	is actually still very possible.
    
    	I don't know if anyone else has noticed:
    	There is a phenomenon occurring in the Fells,  and in some other
    	areas I've pedaled over.  There seems to be a large  windfall of
    	tree trunks  strewn directly  across the path of numerous trails.
    	From what I've gathered talking to hikers on the trails, they're
    	throwing trunks across the paths to slow down the mountain bikes.
    	Sort of like, speed bumps for ATB's I guess. This sort of action
    	conveys the feelings of alot of non-bikers (non-believers). They
    	don't seem to relate to the excitement/pleasure of riding a bike
    	in the great outdoors.
    
    							Regards.........

    Ironically, I PREFER trails that have lots of tree trunks, boulders,
    and the like strewn over them.  Carriage paths are boring.
    
    MATT

RE: .48

>    	The increased MTB
>    	activity there has taken an incredibly drastic toll on the more
>    	popular trails. The orange trail, orange/white (popsicle) trail,
>    	blue, red, and other trails have all suffered some very serious
>    	wear & tear. To mountain bikers the trails are just starting to
>    	get good,  but to others,  the simple fact that you cannot walk
>    	anywhere in the Fells without seeing rampant waffle tracks,  is
>    	very disturbing. I myself have noticed the erosion.  The orange
>    	trail in particular has been quite brutalized over the last few
>    	years.
>    

    I find  this very scary. I hike, XC ski, and ride a bicycle on the
    road,  so  I should be a natural ally of mountain bikers, and most
    of  the  time  I am. However, I can't support an activity which is
    "just  starting  to  get  good"  when  the erosion from it becomes
    obvious.  This  is  both  a practical and a political problem. The
    practical  problem  is that most land owners don't want their land
    eroded and will often fight fairly hard about that.

    The political  problem  is  that most of the trails that I know of
    are  built by backpacking organizations (Appalachian Mountain Club
    and the like), and they certainly don't want the trails they build
    eroded.  Also,  a  lot  of  their trails go over private land, and
    inorder  to get permission to build a trail they must convince the
    landowner that they will take care of the land. This sort of thing
    makes life much harder for the trail builders.

    Mountain bikers probably need political allies, and there are many
    outdoor or environmental groups that seem like obvious candidates,
    but few of them can stomach much erosion.

--David

    	How true...
    
    	Organization is highly desirable...
    
    	There are a few organizations, some previously mentioned.
    
    	Unfortunately, I heard even WORSE news this past weekend.
    
    	The organization affectionately known as, the MDC, could
    	very likely  find  itself belly-up,  as our new governor
    	ponders cost-cutting scenarios for our lovely state.  It
    	has been put forth that,  governor Weld  could very well
    	trash the entire MDC.  This would leave virtually no one
    	behind to manage land access issues,  as they pertain to
    	state-owned property.  The final scenario could possibly
    	wind up as:
    
    	All mechanized land-users (Yup, bikes are mechanized too)
    	would be banned OUTright, with *no* exceptions allowed.
    
    	Of course,  the state has NOT the greenbacks to actually
    	enforce present, or future policy, but that doesn't make
    	any difference to me. I would try to follow the rules...
    
    	I should hope these horrible rumors are not true,  but I
    	fear the worst. Anyone who watches the news, knows about
    	the financial status of this state. Similar "emergencies"
    	have arisen in the not too distant past, and I seriously
    	doubt that Don Henley and Bob Seger* would be willing to
    	hold a benefit to, "save the MDC trails".
    
    *	For those who didn't know, a parcel of land from  Walden
    	woods  (of Henry Thoreau fame)  was recently  put on the
    	bidding block, by the MDC I assume, I don't have all the
    	facts.  Several stars held a  benefit concert to buy the
    	land,  and retain public ownership of this historic site.
    	I think it's still possible to pedal a few trails around
    	the area. But perhaps, not for very long ????????.......

    Wow, what a bummer...
    
    I was just setting up a group ride in the Fells for this weekend.
    Let's hope that some sort of reasonable compromise can be arrived
    at; where MTBers can do their thing without damaging trails and
    pissing off the other trails users.
    
    Have any of you guys heard of a recent study done that compared
    trail damage done by horses to that done by mtbs? I had only
    heard about it (didn't see it or read it), but I believe that
    the results showed horses doing more damage than bikes. I can
    verify that from personal observation at Great Brook in Carlisle.
    
    Keep us posted on the Fells; thanks for all of the info so far.
    
    Ed

    
    What happens:
    Rain moves through, softens the ground up.....
    Horse comes through, digs the ground up......
    Bicycle comes through, leaves a groove.....
    Ranger comes through, bans bicycle. 
    
    Bicycles do VERY little damage when the ground is dry. A 700lb. 
    animal on a metal hoof does far more. When the ground is wet, though, 
    bicycles can really tear things up.
    
    What should happen:
    Rain moves through, softens up ground....
    Ranger comes through, posts temporary ban on Horses/Bikes....
    Horse/Bikes respect ban and wait for drier days.....
    
     

Most articles I've read on the subject of trail damage
attributable to MTB's say that they do no more harm
than hiking boots. This includes studies by universities
and others. It's a catch-22 situation. Park services and
outdoor organizations try to limit access to MTBs to only
a few trails so naturally they're going to get heavy wear
from the heavy usage. Then these same organizations say
"see we told you they're destructive" and limit more trail
access.

I agree that MTB organizations need to be more responsive to
trail mainentance and get involved with outdoor organizations
to dispense with the bad reputation ( some of it unwarranted )
they have. That way they can work with them to get more trails
open to MTBs which will ease the burden on the fews areas that
are currently open to them.

I don't agree that the trails start getting good when there's a
ton of waffle tracks well worn into the trail. Hell, you way as
well just ride on logging roads if thats what you're looking for.
The best places to ride are where there's is no visible sign that
anyones been on the trail. I makes for a more difficult but more
challenging and interesting ride.

I enjoy hiking, x-c skiing, and mtn. biking and believe that all
these activities can and should share more trails than are currently
allowed. All it takes is for everyone involved to act a little more
responsible and open-minded.

Mark

From what I've been told, it's the continuous groove left behind a bike on the
trail that can cause erosion. When it rains the water follows the groove and it
builds up speed following the groove down the hill. Before you know it the
groove just became a 2 foot deep/wide washout.  This is why most trails that
have many people on them will have railroad ties across them at an angle.
They're not steps, they are there to stop the trail from becoming a washout.

Though I think I would rather hike on a continuous washout than those railroad
tie trails. A hike on those trails is something like this, Take two sides break
your stride and take a half stride over the tie, two strides...half...two...
half... But they do keep the trail from ending up at the bottom of the Mt.

Has anyone tried riding in Oxford Ma. in the Greenbriar flood control area???
I grew up across from it and know all the trails, sand pits and power line
trails. The land is the lenght of the town about 7 miles are all in one
section. This is used by motorcycles and such so there isn't much of a land
access problem just watch out for speeding moto's in some areas. They do tend
to stay off the trails though and stay in the sand pits.

Tom 

    	Yo Tom... Noper on that one. Bostonites get shaky when they're
    	more than 10 miles outside of "the center of the universe". har-har
    
    	I ride mostly in the Fells (USED to ride), also Walden Pond,
    	and Lynn woods. By the way, those Lynn woods are awesome!!!
    
    	  Re - .56
	> I don't agree that the trails start getting good when there's a
	> ton of waffle tracks well worn into the trail. Hell, you way as
	> well just ride on logging roads if thats what you're looking for.
	> The best places to ride are where there's is no visible sign that
	> anyones been on the trail. I makes for a more difficult but more
	> challenging and interesting ride.
    
    	Actually,  the previous statement presents a catch-22 scenario.
    	If the best place to ride is where there is no visible sign of
    	past usage, then you're going to end up leaving brand new trax
    	wherever you go.  In all kinds of places where people have not
    	seen waffle tracks before. Again, hikers are bewildered by the
    	never-ending creation of waffle tracks, in every nook & cranny
    	of the woods, even off the beaten path.
    
    	You may take solice in my preference for "used" trails. I will
    	not be creating any new tracks, especially where they would not
    	be welcome. Because I ride in areas that already are experiencing
    	heavy usage, along with accelerated erosion, I simply would
    	rather ride where my tracks will not leave a brutal, blazing,
    	bombastic calling card. One of the biggest problems with trail
    	cohabitation, is the waffle print. Hikers for some reason, don't
    	like seeing these signatures. They equate tire tracks to brazen
    	abuse of natural resources. I do not agree with this.
    
    	I just received the feb. newsletter from NEMBA. And man, is it
    	on target or what?   I would highly recommend obtaining a copy.
    	I would also recommend membership, they need the manpower.
    
    	I would like to reprint the first article concerning the MDC
    	ban on mountain bikes. They're talking about a ban in two areas,
    	the Fellsway, and the Blue Hills reservation....................

    	AWRIGHT...
    
    	Ok, bludgeon me with a wet noodle...
    
    	I spelled SOLACE wrong...
    
    	Sheesh, you'd think that as an american I could spell better...
    
    							Regards...

	NEMBA Newsletter, February 1991
			  Vol. 2, No. 1

	Begin-quote

                                  MDC CRISIS !

	   NEMBA heard it through the grapevine that at the Jan. 17 MDC
	commission meeting, Gary VanWart, director of reservations and
	historic sites, was planning to call for an *immediate* ban on
	mountain bikes on MDC properties.  Citing a lack of resources
	and personnel to manage mountain bike use, Mr. VanWart did in
	fact ask the commission to vote on a prohibition. He also fears
	that if a positive mountain bicycle policy is adopted in MDC
	reservations (officially allowing bikes), the areas will be
	advertised as open to mountain bike use; consequently, hordes
	of new riders will flock to the Middlesex Fells and Blue Hills
	reservations.

	   The commission generously allowed representatives from NEMBA,
	the Boston area bicycle coalition, Massachussetts State Bicycle
	Advisory Board, Blue Hills Mgmt. Advisory Committee, Friends of
	the Fells and Friends of the Blue Hills, to speak. With the
	exception of the Friends of the Fells, whose board of trustees
	is calling for a ban, all groups requested the postponement of
	a blanket prohibition to allow the community-based Trails
	Committees in both the Fells and the Blue Hills to complete the
	process of drafting and approving mountain bike use proposals.
	The MDC has recognized that user group input is valuable, thus
	allowing the Trails committees to develop draft regulations
	that satisfy all users, and address ecological issues. The MDC
	may or may not accept the proposals developed, but all Commiss-
	ion members agreed that the process, which is near resolution
	in both reservations, be allowed to go to completion. The date
	decided upon for proposal completion is April 1, '91, as per a
	Blue Hills Management Advisory Committee agreement.  Proposals
	will be presented to the reservation managers and commission,
	who will then vote to decide the *fate* of mountain bike use.

	   One point stressed was that different issues exist in the
	Blue Hills and Fells, so the areas should be treated seperately.
	VanWart agreed that the managers of each reservation should be
	allowed to decide on how to address mountain bicycle use, but
	still stressed the lack of personnel available to manage said
	use.  We stressed that this lack of personnel also makes ban
	enforcement difficult, if not impossible, & that by prohibiting
	bicycle use, they exclude a potential resource (NEMBA and other
	volunteer groups) from assisting them in alleviating any impact
	of mountain bike use. Hopefully, this will be considered in the
	Commission's final decision.

	   We ask that you exercise EXTRA care while riding in the Blue
	Hills, and *** especially *** the Fells, where trail wear is a
	significant issue. Please respect and inform other riders of
	the seasonal ban now in effect on all single-track in the Fells,
	and try to ride in alternate areas (or on the road), especially
	during the wet spring season.

	End-quote

	   I wish I knew who wrote this piece, but there's no credit
	at the bottom of page one. At least you know I didn't write it.

						Regards, Face

    Saw an ad for SKI MARKET selling Mtn Bikes and gear - listed Nashoba
    Valley as one of the Ski Markets that would now be open year round...
    
    Anybody have any info on whether Nashoba might open some of their
    slopes and/or surrounding land to Mtn Biking?  Or even have races like
    Temple, Mt Snow (clinics too??) and other ski areas have???       \VA
    

    
    
    	VA, I now work at the Nashoba Ski market, if you are looking
    	for mountain biking etc, I believe they have some trail
    	riding on thursday nights. Not the trails on mountain, but some
    	trial through the woods. There is talk of allowing mountain
    	biking on the trails..
    
    	If you need more info, contact Margo Bullock, at 508-692-0072,
    	she is the manager at that store, and will provide more info.
    
    	Ski Market has always been a major retailer in the bike industry
    	also. The Nashoba store in now open all year and does have an
    	extensive inventory of bikes and accessories, along with
    	windsurfing, tennis, clothing, roller blades, etc..There
    	bike line is raliegh and Marin.
    
    	Stop by and see what they have to offer..
    
    	Ken Holland
    
    	If anyone needs any info too, please feel free to contact me
    
    	291-9196 

    
    
    	At the Ski market in Nashoba Valley, on tuesday nights
    	they are having road bike rides, and thursday evenings
    	is mountain bike rides..
    
    	these start at 6:00
    
    	Ken

	Commonwealth of Massachusetts
	Metropolitan District Commission
	M. Ilyas Bhatti, Commissioner
	20 Somerset Street
	Boston, MA 02108
	(617) 727-5114

	Dear Friend,

	   The MDC is requesting public comment on the use of mountain
	bicycles within its woodland reservations. A public meeting is
	scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 1991 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at:

		U.S. Transportation Systems Center
		Auditorium, Room 1-11, Building #2
		55 Broadway, Kendall Square
		Cambridge, MA 02142

	Individuals and organized groups are welcome to offer no more
	than three (3) minutes of testimony, *or* a written statement
	which will be entered into the record.

	Written statements should be sent to:
	MDC Office of Community Affairs, 20 Somerset St., Boston, MA 02108

	The Metropolitan District Commission Reservations and Historic
	Sites Unit, has concerns regarding the effects that authorized
	use of mountain bikes will  have on both, the resource and the
	experience of other reservation users.  These concerns include:

	public safety, compatibility with other trail uses, impacts on
	rare plant and animal habitats, *erosion*, emergency response,
	regulation development and enforcement, trail maintenance,
	fees (!), existing management capacities of present staff, and,
	the need for a comprehensive use plan.

	Your comments relative to these concerns will be appreciated!!!!

	If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact:

	Aimee Charlton, Assistant Director Community Affairs
	(617) 727-5033
							Thank You (Face)

    ref .62,.63
    
    Ken,
    
    Went over to ride around Nashoba last week with my daughter.  We rode
    around the back into some sand pits [which I don't care for] looking
    for a single track or at least a dirt road to the top.  We didn't find
    any.  Did we make a wrong turn back in there?
    
    We started to ride up the ski slope but it was simply a rather steep
    ride, nothing technical, just wide open grass - I have to admit that if
    I were in better shape it might be fun coming down.  Did I miss
    something?  I hope,I hope, I hope...since this is 6 miles from my
    house.
    
    Have to admit that what I like is single track with roots and rocks and
    shade is nice at noontime as well.  I hear they are going to have a
    "fun" ride/"race" - not a NORBA event - just for fun, true?       \VA

    re .64
    
    ANy response to this?
    
    BTW there is a bookout that outlines something like: "25 Mtn Biking
    Trails around Boston"  Has some very good information so far.  We went
    over to one of the Concord areas last week and were stopped by a woman
    who lived nearby.  She was concerned that Bikers would get into the
    Harvard horticultural experiments if they [we] went off trail.  She
    looked at me and said that "we aren't worried about folks *your* age
    (ouch!), it is he kids we are worried about."
    
    ANyhow - I am passing this info on.  We told her we would not go off
    trail and would pass the word - *and* that Mtn Bikers were appreciative
    of the lands we ride on and want to do the right thing and preserve
    these lands etc. etc.
    
    So - be forewarned - and say and do the right thing...        \VA
    

    ref .24
    
    I have hiked in through Lake Chelan into the Spider Glacier etc.  It is
    truly beautiful, I can only imagine what a Mtn Bike trip would be like
    in there!  It took us 8 days to do what we did and we bailed out 'cause
    it rained and snowed for 6 of those 8 days [except for 45min each
    morning to let us make up our minds to go ahead today since our gear
    was 'sorta' dry now] We had planned 14 days - over the pass etc. etc. 
    We ended up some place days of walking from our intended exit point -
    hitch hiked back to the car etc.
    
    Have you done this?  Was it wonderful?  We needed crampons, but we were
    on snow fields and that little Spider Glacier.  THe trails would have
    been fine for Mtn Bikers who knew what they were doing *and* knew about
    wilderness mountaineering safety etc.
    
    	Tell us if you did this trip on your bike!  	\VA-the-envious

RE: .66

    I get  the  feeling  from  talking  to  people that "25 Mtn Biking
    Trails  Around  Boston" is the best book around, but that it lists
    some  areas  that are not open to bikes. From what I can tell, its
    descriptions  of rides are accurate, but it may send you someplace
    that you shouldn't be.

--David

Re .67  Mtn bikes are not allowed in the North Cascades National Park on trails

There is a trail that can be ridden from Stehekin to the edge of the park then
riding is forbidden for about six miles in a narrow neck of the park.  Then you
can ride the rest of the way over the moutains to the North Cascades Highway.

The region offers very good riding in national forests, on timber company lands
on week ends and in selected state parks.  There are several mountain bike 
festivals at ski areas.

        
        I wrote this in another notesfile...thought I'd post it here
    	as well.  This may interest anyone else who bikes in Lincoln MA, 
    	Conservation Land (particularly Mt Misery and it's surroundings).
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    	Had an incident while Mountain Biking in Lincoln Conservation
        Land last Saturday.....that land may not be available for mountain
        biking next year if people continue to abuse trail rules....
    
        I mountain biked around Walden, then took the road route into
        Lincoln Conservation Land (the legal way)....When I popped out
        into the lot on Rt117 there was a cop there flagging me over.
    
        The cop told me to get off my bike and relax....he claimed that
        I matched the description of a Mtn biker that physically threw a
        Park Ranger over after the Ranger tried to address him about
        riding on a closed trail.
    
        Finally, the park ranger arrived and verified that I was not the
    	person that gave him a hard time....the Ranger stated that the
        Conservation Commision will likely close Lincoln Conservation Land
        next year with the way people are abusing mountain biking rules 
    	there.
    
        I ended up volunteering some time to hand out flyers to fellow
        mountain bikers in hopes that people will become more aware of
        the repercussions of disobeying that rules.  The more volunteers
        they get to help out, the better the chances that the Conservation
        Commision will see the light, and let us continue to legally bike
        there.
    
        If you would like more infomation on who to contact, please send
        me mail.
    
                                    - Deane

    Looking for lunch time mountain bike trails at MRO.  Any suggestions?
    
    Paul
    

    Well, about ten years ago when there were lots of woods and before all
    those damn buildings were there...
    ;-)
    
    Try going down behind Subruban Porpane and hop on the aquaduct.   You
    should be able to get a sore butt there.  Not real hilly tho. ;-)
    Kratz