August Giveaway - Azonic Steelhead Frame with matching Strip Bars

[DirtyDog]

From the folks at Azonic and Team Speed DH:

This month Team SDH and Azonic are teaming up to give away a 2008 Steelhead Dirt/Street frameset along with a pair of matching Strip Bars to go along with it. This is in an effort to promote the sport of MTB and offer the right person the chance to own and build a killer set up for all their dirt and street needs. For this give away you will write about your favorite place to session and why, be it street, dirt, park ect. Including a nice quality photo along with your write up is always a plus. After the closing time of the contest Team SDH and Azonic will decide who had the best story and that person be rewarded as such.
Thank you and all the best to you guys.
Now lets see those stories!

Chris,
Team SDH

Daniel,
Azonic

www.Azonicusa.com

Thanks to Azonic (http://www.azonicusa.com) and team SDH for making this possible!

This thread will close to new entries Friday August 29th and a winner will be selected the following week. To be eligible for this drawing you must be a Ridemonkey member in good standing with at least 15 posts as of today, August 4th. Members obviously padding their post count will be disqualified and publicly ridiculed. As always, we are the deciders* on all matters of RM policy.

Only post in this thread one time! If you post more than once, you are disqualified.

Note: by entering this contest, you are agreeing that if you are the winner of the prize, a permanent record will be added to your user profile describing the prize you have received with a link to the prize page.

Now that we have adequately restricted your civil liberties with an array of Draconian rules, let's get to it.

Good luck!

http://ridemonkey.com/giveaway/azonic1.jpg
http://ridemonkey.com/giveaway/azonic2.jpg
http://ridemonkey.com/giveaway/azonic3.jpg

[CraShRyDer7]

my favorite place to ride is ringwood state park. this is my favorite place to ride because its so large and has so many trails scattered throughout the mountain. cross country riders, downhillers, freeriders, recreational riders, and even dirt jumpers can all find countless trails that they will definetly have fun on no matter what their skill level is. also there is a lot of potential for many more trails to come, even dirt jumps, slopestyle and anything you can possibly think off. i think this is the best place to ride in all of NJ because you can have fun no matter how much skill you have, the trails are endless, theres room for more trails, and you cant ride there without progressing as a rider.
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=85032482&albumID=1480049&imageID=25422164

[allsk8sno]

i would have to say Kraskiki is one of the most fun trails around. it has good flow and lots of different terrain, step rock faces at the top transitioning to fast and flowy jumps with a couple of stunts thrown in towards the bottom and a few alternate lines depending on whether you like jumps or drops


that and the headtube weld on my current jump bike is cracked...ack!

[Zaskar Rider]

Tokul. This place brings the heart and soul of mountain biking to me. The challenge and adventure it brings is unsurpassed by any other place I know of so close to town. Once you get off the access road and onto the trails you feel like you're out in the middle of no where, yet it really isn't that far from the big city. Perfect for an after work session yet there's enough there for an all day adventure. I've found myself lost many times in the network of trails there while searching for new ones to ride. Some are fast and flowy while others are slow, steep and techy, some even have big dirt jumps and berms. All in a days work you can session one style of riding or take out your "do-it-all" machine and play on everything. Any way you choose, it's hard to get bored there.

[mrpercussive]

Northstar in Tahoe for sure... It's just awesome with rocks covered in silt. It's even got a jump park... And hell, the chair lifts arent too shabby either... XD

[whitermx]

my fav place to ride mmmmm.
most be Fernie bc, its just an amazing place to ride dh.
i can ride for 3 full days and still find new trails and wild life.
my fav trail is tnt its so stip and fun on my fs.
no line up so its just the perfect place for me
good luck to all

[sanjuro]

Excelsior District in SF. Plenty of drops and stairs, McLaren and Crocker Amazon parks, very few other recreational users because it's hood, and funny enough, lots of Asians so I blend right in.

[Swine]

My favorite place to ride is well...anywhere. I enjoy just hoping on my bike without a plan and heading out in which ever direction i fell like going and literally free riding. I love to spot targets of opportunity and trying to get creative with them. I normally dont do anything big, sick, or crazy...but i dont have to. Every line is completely new to me and offers something different each time. Sometimes ill just take a random road i have never been on before and explore. You never no what kind of sweet line is down the next block.

[***MTB***]

My favorite place to ride is Ted Williams in San Diego, CA mainly because it is close and where I get to ride at the most. It is basically my training spot during winter to make sure I'm prepared to ride at bike parks during the summer. Ted Williams consists of a medium sized hill where mountain bikers from all over San Diego built downhill trails. There is even a place to shuttle to the top and get dropped off so you don't have to hike. Anyway, the downhill trails end in a big valley. This valley is where all the guys who huck go. There are countless road gaps everywhere from big step downs to cliff drops to gorge gaps. After you have filled your self with adrenaline from all the hucks, you can move on to the area's surrounding the the valley. There, you will find nice sized dirt jumps of every size and style. For a local spot only 10 minutes away by car, there isn't really any place that can compare. :cheers:

Here are a couple pictures of the riding. The first two pictures are from the downhill trails, and the 3rd picture is from one of the many dirt jumps surrounding the valley.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa3/jnev101/Biking%20Action%20Pictures/img_9338j_edit.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa3/jnev101/Biking%20Action%20Pictures/img_9348J_edit2.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa3/jnev101/Biking%20Action%20Pictures/img_9373j_edit2.jpg

[sittingduck]

I hate free stuff, please don't give me any.

[arboc!]

my favorite place to ride is mt spokane. because it has all the oldschool gnar dh anyone can ask for.

[dirtjumper202]

My favorite place to ride would have to be the local jumps quarter mile away from my house. I'm not sure if they have a real name there just referred to as "the dog park trails" now, since a dog park was built over a part of the trails like five years ago or so the rest have been standing for about 15-20 years there defiantly the best in Connecticut. I starting coming to the trails since I was 10 with my crappy Wal-mart bike and just helping the older guys move dirt, or haul water from the stream to water down the jumps in the dry summers.

I ride almost everyday after work unless its too hot out, an when its raining we go out and sculpt the jumps since we don't get rain often an the jumps are super dry all the time. I can ride about half what there since the other half is just nutz, and to tight for my liking. Its all hand built by BMX riders, with the help of some MTB people like me. I just like going there to sit and just look at the jumps, its like art to me since i put so much time into it, also the people there are so chill and just great to hang out with.



I wasn't sure whether to ad this or not, but our trails will be torn down this fall:dead:, so anyone that would like to sesh up this historic place before its gone forever PM me an we could probably work something out. We tried to keep the place a secret but its hard, and with a guy braking his neck the end of last season that was the last straw and the town is giving us all of summer to enjoy but when fall comes around the place will be plowed to ground level :(. Its nice the town gives us at least summer so I'm not mad at anyone just really sad to see the place go :(


http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2329/pbpic2329640.jpg
http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2329/pbpic2329639.jpg
http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2329/pbpic2329635.jpg
http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2329/pbpic2329637.jpg

[Harry BarnOwl]

One of my all time favourite places to ride has to be Swinley Forest in Bracknell, UK. Yeah I know, it's pretty flat, but this was the place that basically taught me how to ride. There's nothing quite like rocking up to swinley on a hot summers' day and just doing sweet f**k all with your mates (well, maybe occasionally riding some bikes ;) ).

It's got a huge variety of riding in terms of skill level, ranging from "my first jump" type thing to some sweet flowy downhill; hence it's always kept me preoccupied, from the day I turned up looking as sketchy as fook on my hardtail, to present day where, well, nowt much has changed :P
Awesome place to ride and chill out.

Here's a few pics I took of a couple of my mates on one of the downhill runs. Enjoy. :)

http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/1704/pbpic1704554.jpg

http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/1704/pbpic1704546.jpg

http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/1704/pbpic1704541.jpg

[hooples3]

Right now Hartshorne in NJ is my favorite place to ride. It always seems like a roller coaster ride when I am there. Then we always stop at Dino's restaurant, a tiny fish market/eatery that has great local catches and BYOB!!!!

[Team SpeeDH]

I just received an e mail telling us that Team SDH can enter as well, could this be true? :D

Seriously I just wanted to pop in real quick to say hey and already we have some excellent stories going, good job guys keep it up. The steelhead is a solid frame and will make a great build with quality parts.

STEELHEAD

* 100% 4130 Chromoly tubing/reinforced headtube
* IS chain guide and disk brake mount
* 1/4” thick drop outs
* Adjustable brake mount, 24 or 26in wheels
* Removable dérailleur hanger
* Single Speed ready

STRIPBAR
New 6061 T-6 Strip bar attains all qualities of our famous alloy riser bars feel and strength.

Width: 28"
Rise 40mm

Even though it will ultimately be up to the winner to decide what to do with the winning items, both Azoinc and us would appreciate it if the winner actually uses the products rather then sell them off.

Thanks

[JP8401]

Well my favorite spot to session would have to be right in my driveway. After sitting behind a desk all day there is nothing more I look forward too then riding with my two young boys in my driveway. As someone who would be considered old to be taking up dirt jumping I have found myself getting back into it after a very long time off. Getting married, buying a house and having two kids has a way of doing that.

I have recently built some small jumps to start getting the basics back under my belt as well as showing my boys the proper way to progress your skills. I am currently doing this on my DH rig – big, heavy and not really built for getting air. Also I have noticed a local spot that I am itching to hit.

I have been looking into getting a dirt jump / street frame so this would be put to very, very good use. I know I don’t meet the requirements of posts but figured I’d try it anyway.

[Konabumm]

My Favorite place to ride is Snowshoe - thats where all the cool people hang out

[01tj]

My favorite place to ride would have to be Valley Falls State park on the edge of Marion Co. WV. The is something for almost everyone there and aside from the trails the park is really nice. Most of the trails are single track and very hilly. There are lots of switchbacks and some fun down hills

[Noisy]

My favorite place to ride is just pretty much anywhere. Whereever, whenever I can ride is the best time and place to ride!

Right now I have a broken collar bone so I'm, just waiting for that to heal before I can get back out there (thanks to all the staff at Highland Bike Park, NH for getting me down the mountain after my crash):poster_oops:

[cannondalejunky]

my favorite place to ride is the university of arkansas campus...they're always adding new stuff to jump off of, or ride...there's a lot of good challenges out there...it's a great place for a good urban freeride session(that is, as long as the Poe-Poe don't see you)

[Ian F]

Favorite riding area... Probably Jim Thorpe in PA. Nice, technical climbs... endless rock gardens, loose rocky downhills. Fun stuff.

[stosh]

Favorite riding area... Probably Jim Thorpe in PA. Nice, technical climbs... endless rock gardens, loose rocky downhills. Fun stuff.

Wow you're alive!

My favorite place to ride is Stewart in Orange County NY.

[JohnBoy]

My favorite park type place used to be Pee Wee's in Lincolnton. I'll never forget back in the day having 30 riders out just to session the jumps we had worked on all summer. Never forget crashing my ass off on my first attempt at jumping on a HT DJ bike in front of everyone. Then the best feeling was hitting the big ass wood table top on the HT for the first time and actually getting tranny!! Nothing like that, nothing at all.

[ROTFLMAO]

Wow, I really need a new frame for Ray's this winter too...I'd wear a neon sign on my helmet that says "Team SDH" and "Azonic" on it, I swear I would.

Anyway my favorite place to ride is Snowshoe because that's where Konabumm hangs out.
:)

Little vid of the Basin Side for fun.
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tef3Y8ZZoQE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tef3Y8ZZoQE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[engineerjoe]

I like riding the city dirtjumps in colorado springs. They need some work, and it seems like I am the only person ever working on them but they're coming along. It's basic DJ's; an elevated run in to various lines and transfers. The jumps themselves are on the flat so you can hit lines both directions

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee64/engineerjoe/jumpin/jumping009.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee64/engineerjoe/jumpin/jumping021.jpg

There's also "the spot" in downtown CS that's alot of fun on the DH. Drops, DJ's, and a perfect hip for learning tricks
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee64/engineerjoe/jumpin/BikingandStuff087.jpg

[JeffC]

My favorite place to ride is at some old dirt jumps that me and my friends made about 5 years ago they are hard as a rock even with all of the little kids riding them. When me and my friends first built these jumps we just did it for the funn of it nobody knew what we were doing because we were the only kids who road our biker at the local skate parks and the only kids who hit jumps. All of the little kids now session our jumps they are all coming to the skate parks now with us we set the trend of biking in Sydney River N.S. Now every kid you see will have ether seasoned some dirt jumps or seasoned the parks no matter what now when you see a little kid on a bike around here he will be riding a Norco, Azonic or just one really great bike brand.
Here is a photo of me hitting one of the jumps for the first time about 5 years ago and its after a hard day of building enjoy.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb149/JeffCook_album/me.jpg

[dogdude]

my favorite are the powerlines that run thru my neighborhood all the way to other zip codes. i can string about 10 miles together. best of all, no one else is there.

[NuMexJoe]

When I'm wanting a quick session, I inevitably hit Pueblo Canyon. It's near the house, has tech and flow options, multiple loops, and being down in the canyon, it's shady and gets me out of the wind. Thanks to Azonic for putting up the goods!
- Joe

[carbuncle]

I love riding Vancouver BC's North Shore, because to me that area has everything mountain biking is about: long climbs on fire road or singletrack (or shuttles for when you are lazy), a variety of trails from beginner XC to crazy freeride and downhill, and a spirit of fun and appreciation for the outdoors. Here are a couple of pics from trips past:
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t38/starrbabes/Fromme%206-14-08/Fromme040.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t38/starrbabes/Seymour%207-19-08/Seymour013.jpg?t=1217945940

[dancorley]

My favorite place to ride...wherever my kids are riding. Lory State Park near Ft. Collins, CO, (dj's, pump track, balance features), Sol Vista Bike Park (XC, DS, pump track, DH...how does 70 berm'd turns in one run sound...great flowing amounts of fun that's how!) the local BMX track, bike path commuting to work on my Azonic DS-2 1x9 set up for dj'ing, (err...steelhead single speed would work so nice, don't you think?) and of course our own personal short track DH run just down the road, affectionately known as The Snake Pit. It is a 50 yard long gully in some trees that we have ridden three different lines into. When we found it, my oldest son thought it looked like a long snake run, and my other son thought he said a place where snakes lived. Thankfully, the only "snakes" we've found are the haters who keep building booby traps on the trail, but we are trying to work together and show them they can have more fun on two wheels than hiding out being miscreants. There is nothing better than watching your 5 yr old drop in, roll the dirt jump, attack the rock "garden" and finish w/the wood "step down" at the end. Makes you proud to be a digger, biker and dad!

[BlackHornet]

My favorite place to ride would have to be some dirtjumps in my college town. its right down the road and so i can make it there within 3 minutes. they are fairly basic except for one spot; you jump, land, and then go into a bowl and swirl around that and end up jumping out of that onto another trail.....its awesome. well i hope i win this bike, im in need of a good dj frame.

[Kanter]

My favorite place to ride is local Montana. Here in Montana we have everything from epic XC to epic DH and even road riding in Glacier Park. We find the shortest routes up with the longest routes down. We have some DH that are in the 15-20 mile range with only a few miles of climbing. We also have a North Shore type area. Here are a few pics. All these trails are done on DH bikes.

Glacier Park road riding
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p277/kanter1/Bike%20Riding%20Pics/glacier2Bpark2Bwith2Bbritt-5.jpg

Epic XC
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p277/kanter1/Misc/DSC00549.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p277/kanter1/Bike%20Riding%20Pics/DSC00622.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p277/kanter1/Bike%20Riding%20Pics/DSC00621.jpg

Standing on the top.
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p277/kanter1/Bike%20Riding%20Pics/DSC00620.jpg

FR
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p277/kanter1/Skinny2.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p277/kanter1/Bike/DSC00408.jpg

[wannabeabonedoc]

My favorite place to ride is the trail network between Brush Mountain and Gap Mountain, just outside Blacksburg, VA. The trails are only about a 5 minute ride from town, there are endless possibilities for going up and bombing back down. Nowhere else have I chased a deer and a bird down the trail in the same day. It's used a lot so the trails are always maintained and buff. You have your choice of smooth singletrack that flows along the floor of the valley, or if you're feeling frisky you can find your fair share of good ole' east coast roots and rocks. I never seem to be able to stop smiling when I ride those trails and hope to do so for a long time!
this isn't me, but it's one of the few pictures we actually stopped riding to take:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/BVfreerider/Nicklogridepricklypear.jpg

[Zark]

The Los Padres Forest in the mountains above Santa Barbara is my training ground. Its got a bit of everything.....except for easy trails. The xc rides have long steep climbs the downhills are littered with boulders and loose rock along perilous cliffs. These mountains have humbled me so many times, but they have made me a tougher, more skilled rider.

[XxHMBPRiderxX]

my favorite place to ride would have to be highland mountian bike park in beautiful northfield new hampshire. it is my favorite place to ride because everyone there is super chill and if u need help or have a question they will mostlikely know what you are talking about. the best part is that they have sweet dh runs, a sick jump park, a skills center to go and mess around in, and the newest and best addition would be the slopestyle course it is the only one in the east that has been made/ had a competition on. This place is just a quick 20 min ride up the highway for me which is a plus. Also the owner is always around riding on the mountian. Also there is usually a local pro or two hanging around to watch throw down some sick stuff. most of the time it is Dave Smutok who rides for iorn horse, or is one of the guys from sinister which is usually Dane Berke. One great thing about this place is that it is a great community of riders and if you are there just about every weekend you will get to know evey person that works there and rides there on a first name basis.

[NorseManiac]

I would have to say Bruce & Toms (MA). It has it all, technical climbs & decents, tons of granite, beautiful single track, Skinnies, teeters, gaps, step-ups, step-downs. You can go out and ride trail and get a sick workout or go session with your buddies and just have a great day.

[stuntmanmike]

Living in New York city one may think that the riding may limited.And just a few years ago ago they would have been right.These days it seems new spots are popping up all over the place.Like HighBridge, right in the heart of the city,an amazing place w/jumps & obstacles that will make the most confident rider squirm.Then we have Diablo......the great one.It seems like every time I go back there is something new to try and kill myself on.Just an hour & 1/2 from the city(traffic permitting) it really is a mecca for mountain biking on the east coast.From the meticulously manicured trails and outrageous stunts to the short lift lines, I cant say enough good things about it.I would totally recommend this place to everyone & anyone looking to become a better rider.

[hydro422]

I think my favorite place to ride is Pinedale, WY. When i was living there i worked up at White Pine, building and riding Dh trails, just outside the parking lot of the place i built a few dirt jumps, deffinately some good were had, then the xc trails were even pretty fun. but in town itself we had a few zones that we built up with some pretty good drops and jumps, and now the town is getting a new concrete park. So basically any type of riding available, and its all super fun, and theres always someone to ride with, no matter what discipline.

[j.les]

My favorite place to ride is Moab. Beautiful scenery and awesome trails, like nothing here in the midwest.

[mantispf2000]

Ok, so this'll sound like I'm beating a comatose horse. However, my favorite, "peaceful" (if that can be possible) place to ride is Mammoth, CA. It's where we would take Alaina on day trips or over-nighters, and she would love visiting the mammoth statue on first arrival. Now when I ride there, I always start my day with visiting the mammoth, and sitting where Alaina would pose for pics.

About this time 2 years ago, I went down to ride in celebration of her birthday. Though I got there early and wanted to ride to the summit by 8:35 (Alaina's time of birth), I was stopped due to the exploding avalanche bombs that did not go off in the winter. I take the gondola up, and was deciding on where to leave the time capsule I took for her. On the way down the Kamikaze, I stopped at a view of the Mineretts, and see Chair 14 (Alaina was born on Aug. 14). PERFECT!! I find a spot by a couple of fallen trees, do a little digging, and leave the capsule there. What a sense of peace as I continued on for the day.

What added to this first ride of the day was that I was on the Cannondale I won on Alaina's first b-day, and had her seat attached so she could give me encouragement. Don't know what the other riders were thinking that morning at the lift line, but as a proud daddy, I wouldn't have cared.

It was a daddy/daughter kind of day...............

[Total Heckler]

My favorite place to session would be on the local trails in Santa Cruz CA. There is a huge variety of riding there for any style you feel like doing that day (XC, AM, DH, etc). Here is me hitting up one of the hidden jump trails:

http://my.spinsite.com/joshmaurer/uploads/IMG_7845.jpg

Hope you like the photo! =]

[fortenndu]

My favorite place to ride is Plattekill. The trails are amazing and there are hundreds of them. The races are well run and relaxed, if you had to change a tube and missed your start time they'll still let you race. I've had a ton of great times there both riding and hanging out with the other people who ride there, I got my first podium and my first win at Plattekill. Plattekill is full of great terrain and great people, therefore it's my favorite place to ride.
http://gi257.photobucket.com/groups/hh209/4DV8NWNDAH/DSC00367.jpg
http://gi257.photobucket.com/groups/hh209/4DV8NWNDAH/DSC01173.jpg
http://gi257.photobucket.com/groups/hh209/4DV8NWNDAH/DSC01087.jpg

[TKCastle]

My favorite place to sessh is my local trail that has to remain un-named for fear of it being shown on the radar. fast flowy trail with hits, drops and a short shuttle ride. Some times I wish I can tell the world about my trail since I the type that likes to share the good things in life. I take limited people every now and then to experience the love of this sport that brings us all together.

[crashalot]

Northstar all day every day if i could. Here's a pic of me and my second family last weekend at Hole in the ground trail Tahoe, 6hour xc/freeride.You be the judge was it worth it? Definitely! Sean (Reno)

[Nagaredama]

Sullivan Canyon to Jedi is favorite ride at the moment.

[I Are Baboon]

Judging by the "Team SDH and Azonic will decide who had the best story and that person be rewarded as such" comment in the rules, I see lots of epic failure in this thread. :D

My favorite place to ride is Kingdom Trails in Vermont. It's not just the trails for me, but the fact that trips to Kingdom Trails always last multiple days and involve monkey friends, good food, good beer, and lots of riding. You could spend a week straight there riding the trails without getting bored. Kingdom Trails trips are always a mini-vacation.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Monkeyfest%20V/IMG_3082.jpg

[geeky1]

My favorite place to ride is wherever, whenever I can. I just started riding this summer (my cousin took me to NorthStar and got me hooked) and I try to take every opportunity to spend time on my bike to develop my skills and get into shape. My daughter just started riding a two-wheeler so we both spend a lot of time just going around the block so we can both improve. She focuses on balancing and riding in a straight line while I work on bunny hops, track stands, etc. She made me proud by putting the pedals back on her bike by herself (she is 6 and is working on her own bike ;) ). My goal is that next summer I can take both kids on the easier trails, and I can take the tougher ones on my own (one of the first on my list if Flume). Now I just have to get them both real bikes (I have my eye on a Cannondale f7 for my 11 year old son). Not only has mountain biking been fun for me, it has opened up great new way to spend time/have fun with my kids.

[MooMoo]

Well, everyone's been poor at one time or another in their life. College life is typically one of the poorest times one will ever experience. Post-college life isnt too great either. For most, it's a first time of total independence--no parent's credit card for "emergency only" (ran out of beer at the party)--and you're probably, like me, holding an entry level, low-paying, why-the-hell-did-i-even-go-to-college, monotonus job. So, you're still poor, but slightly better off than when you were in college. the love for biking tugs hard at your wallet, but you finally have some $ to get rid of that old piece you've been thrashing for the past couple of years; you know, that one that you bought from a friend that bought it from a friend that got a smoken deal off ebay. So, this is my story. it might also be your story. if you're like me, you only had enough dough to fork over and get one, and only one bike. so me, i've got a fairly decent all-around bike for trail riding that i use for DH, FR, DJ, Urban, and looking as cool as possible. one of my favorite places to ride is this great trail system in east Napa. super-secret jumps and ladders litter the trails and provides me a great escape from the entry-level job. sometimes beating the crap out of your bike is the only release you've got when everthing else is lame. here are some pictures of me riding my fav trails. and sometimes you fall.

[haxadent]

i would have to say mt favorite place to ride is usery. its a small dj track over kinda buy my house and me and my buds always go there to ride and chill. although i dont do much cause all i have is a specialized hardrock and the chain always falls off haha. i would love to win this, thanks.
-liam

[Slugman]

Having lived in several different states since I started biking I would have to say that my favorite place to ride is Lynn Woods - Just north of Boston.

Great trails with all sorts of natural obstacles and stunts that really teach you humility. Add in a few extra add on features... wow. I have nto ridden there in over 4 years - and I miss it!!!

Few of my favorite shots of both myself, Riding and Silver Turtle:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/MBoomer/Lynn%20Woods/SpaceMonkey.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/MBoomer/Lynn%20Woods/Lynn_boomer_own.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/MBoomer/Lynn%20Woods/DR_Slider.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/MBoomer/Lynn%20Woods/Lynn_DRdrop.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/MBoomer/Lynn%20Woods/DM_style.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/MBoomer/Lynn%20Woods/Lynn_DMplank.jpg

Lynn Woods is the reason I stopped buying XC bikes. It is why I got my first full Suspension. It is why I can now ride my DH hardtail at Mammoth and do things like this:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/MBoomer/DH%20trip%2007/boomerstitch3.jpg


I miss that place!!!

[gtbike]

My favorite place to session big air and tech hits is in my dreams. The jumps are insane with 35 foot gaps and drops over eight feet tall! Then there is this rhythm section of doubles that is 100 yards long. The doubles are spaced about seven feet apart, but by the last two your speed is scrubed to nothing- causing me to crash everytime. Luckily, this is dreamland and I have yet to sustain a concussion or broken bone yet. The only problem is these dreams wake me up really early. After having the first cup of coffee, I have to head out and ride since it is so cool. So I guess following your dreams does make you ride more!

I am dreaming of setting this bike up with some nice forks, a bulletproof wheelset in single speed fashion so I can retire the old american made GT frame to commuter duty.

[Sshields32]

My favorite place to ride is my friend chads woods. we have been working all summer to create a sweet mini DH/freeride course and a jump line. We have 5 working trails, with lots of drops, jumps, a berms. even a track for racing. No pictures though :(

[SuzyCreamcheese]

My favorite place? Well, at my age, it has to be the streets of Del Boca Vista with the other blue hairs on our big tricycles. We resemble the Hell's Grannies from Monty Python and the Cuban boys get the hell outta our way.

Actually I am discovering new trails all the time out in westernMass. Sorry no pics, maybenext time.

The Cheese

[TrailMonkey]

I'm still new to all this so my favorite spot to ride is where my friends ride. Be it here, there or where ever. And it's not so much the trails that make for the challenge but it's the challenge within myself that makes for the ride. The more I ride the more adventurous I become. And the more adventurous I become the more I want a better bike. And I've learned that a better bike doesn't make a better rider...but it doesn't hurt...lol

[jellybeans]

im gonna go with just messing around on the kicker and box in front of our lbs.
some cool tricks go down even though its mostly just dicking around and seeing who can jump over what or whatever
its just some of the best times i've ever had screwing around there with friends.

[demo 9]

favorite place is diablo freeride park because its my "home away from home", it has everything and lots of east coast rocks, all in all a total blast to ride

[xtremedoritoes]

My favorite spot to ride would have to be FDR skatepark under I-95 in Philadelphia. It should really be called a bike park seeing that the main people who can flow through all the park's lines are riders. There are mainly bmx kids there, not many hard tailers like myself and a hand full of others, but they've all been interested in trying a 26 out. Riding a "bmxy" mountain bike is hot shiz there. Just pump up the tires to 65 psi and flow through the parks many bowls, hips, and quarters. Finding the "air" lines has been my new objective.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t31/xtremedoritoes/100_0195.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t31/xtremedoritoes/IMG_0372.jpg

Staying true to the mountain bike scene tho, I do like the "dirt bowl" (also in philly) where there are some techy lines and berms and always some room for big air. It's a hidden spot by a local baseball field so sometimes there are kids watching from afar.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t31/xtremedoritoes/DSCF0178.jpg

And of course there's Diablo Freeride Park... but that can be a whole post on its own haha..:monkeydance:

[sevenzero]

I bought one of these frames to build up for my 12 year old son. He likes it. I used old parts I already had on hand... 24" doublewides with holy rollers and an old RS Psylo with the travel adjusted down to 80mm. MRP up front, 9 spd X7 rear. I'm going to mill the dropouts to shorten up the rear, other than that it rides great...

[Downhillbell]

I dont have a "favorite" place to ride but I love to ride Beacon Hill over in Spokane, Wa. It is where I first got into the whole Freeride and Downhill sport. And it was so perfect for me and my riding buddies because it always had something small enough for us to hit, and there is always something for us to look up to for our next goal.
And just this summer, they have added a set of Dj's that are SICK! I have watched pros hit the set and totally been awestruck as I watched them, I was inspired enough to twist the coil up on the rear ( I know you not suposed to but I dont have a DJ bike:poster_oops:)
and I dedicated a entired day of riding just to hit the Dirtjumps that I was told where unhittable on a big bike. 5 hours later I was hitting the first 4 in the 6 pack pretty well for the beast I had to ride. And I got tired of fixing the lip of the 5th landing after I would case everytime, I just couldnt maintain enough speed and they are to close to pedal very well.
But I consiter it a victory after being told that a big bike couldnt hit them. :cheers:
Here is a video of two of my buddies and I that we made that first year we stated riding. All three of us where on Haro X7's :rockout:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BiRVGHraOMk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BiRVGHraOMk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

And here is a picture of me doing the biggest huck at Beacon on the bone stock Haro, :crazy: there was some ugly noises coming from my fork afterwards.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j310/swan3609/girthmore.jpg


Beacon also has a race every year and after a huge crash in my first run, the Haro helped me to a 2ed place in my first ever race.
Over all Beacon is my favorite place that I have ever rode.
I greatly recomend Beacon to anyone that is ever in the area.

But more than anything I just love to ride my bike, it doesnt matter where or when, I just love to ride.

It is not uncommon for me to go to the local bmx track on my Haro that is set up for Downhill racing and go play around there... I get tons of crap from the actual BMX racers that show up, but after I ride a little bit, I tend to get some respect from them for riding a 40+ pound bike so well at a track ment for rigid bike that are 25 pounds.

VVVVHere is a picture on me on my Haro from that track.VVVV

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j310/swan3609/whip-1.jpg

And I will also when my buddies head to the skate park on there 24 inch bikes, the haro goes too. Its the only bike I have and It is my DH race rig so It tends to be a bit of a tank in the park.

But o well, I love to ride my bike no matter where I am riding.

The reason I love to ride my bike so much is that it is my stress relief/ the only high I will ever need in my life.
When ever something is bugging me or I am mad about something, I go and get on my bike and ride for half a hour and every thing turns out ok.
When ever I am riding, I just fall into a zone where all I think about is me and the bike, nothing else ever bothers me when I am riding.
And with the sport of biking, I wont ever think about doing any kind of durg for any reason, because I get my "highs" from hitting that huge booter, huck or gap, or throwing down a perfect race run, or nailing a urban line on the big bike. That Adrenaline rush is the most amazing feeling ever and I wont ever hard any desire to do drugs because I know that I get the most amazing "high" ever just from riding my bike.

I am soo happy that my little X7 has been such a killer bike for me and has done EVERYTHING I have ever tried and just come back for more. I would kind of like a small bike so that I could ride the Bmx track and the skate park on a more nimble bike.
But life is hard and I guess gas in my car takes top priority over a new small bike :) and I am getting along just fine with my one big bike, so I am not going to let the kids that say "It can't be done on a big bike," slow me down.
I just tell them to sit their butts down on their fancy little bikes and watch this...

And I am sorry I have gone on for so long but there is my favorite place to ride and a some pictures and a video to show.

To all my fellow riders,
safe riding :rimshot:

[Brian HCM#1]

Northstar & Santa Barbara, need I say more?

[OneManArmy]

Quite honestly... at this point in my life with how crazy things have gotten with lay offs, gas prices and getting married, anyplace I can put tires in motion is my favorite place to ride. Its amazing how overtime life can get in the way of your riding and it only takes one kick of the pedal to remember how much you love it and why you gave so much of your life to it at one point.

Its not so much the place that gives me the rush but the activity itself and the people you're with.

But saying that... Santa Cruz County California has some RIPPING places to ride for people of all kinds. Parks. UCSC trails. Demo forrest. The Post Office hits. The Polo Grounds. Etc.

Sorry for no pictures. I shoot film and unfortunately have put very few into the digital world.

[SK6]

I love riding @ Snowshoe WV. Referred to as East Coast hardcore. I love riding other places however money and gas being what it is makes riding restricted....

So, no clicks, fun, shut up and ride! :thumb:

[Spero]

The trips to Flatrock ranch are always fun and the riding is decent, but my favorite place to ride has to be in Wyoming - rock creek or vedauwoo or the likes.

[ire]

My favorite place to ride is Mt. Hood; from XC to DH, Hood has great riding. Plus I've been racing up there since the early 90s so I have many fond memories :) The trails up there have a good mix of speed and tech.

[dust4life]

being in a pretty densely packed town its hard to find much of anything to ride so my friend and i packed in a rake and some shovels and built a quarter pipe at a nearby school. its a sketchy run in and everytime we ride it we need to rebuild the base of it but you work with what you've got :cheers: hanging out there at 2 am with the street lamp shining down, we couldn't be happier

[JohnE]

Although anywhere I pedal is my favorite by default, my all time favorite is Riverside Park in Spokane Wa. I spent many great days in the saddle on both my gearie and single speed here. It has single track, river bottom and a couple nice climbs with the requisite sweet downhills after. It even hosted the 2002(I think...) 24 hour championships. What a great place to pedal and drink a Kokanee or two after...

[Internal14]

My fav. place to ride is wherever my tires hit dirt. Dirt is where it's at! Even if it's just blitzing across a feild on the road bike that's enough to get to blood flowing. Of course I'd rather be railing some secret singletrack in Tahoe, or railing Whistler, but wherever it is, it's gotta be dirt!:cupidarrow:

[jcaramia]

There are so many great places to ride on the East Coast, but one in particular would be my favorite, Diablo Freeride Park. It is absolutely amazing to have a mountain with so many fun trails only an hour away from the big apple. Diablo's trail network is incredible. They have trails for beginner riders, freeriders and downhill purists. Having a unique mix of trails keeps the day interesting. Not only is the riding epic, but so is the race scene at Diablo. They are home to the US Open, which in my opinion, is one of the best events in the US with a sweet prize purse. Its pretty awesome how far Diablo has come throughout the years and it can only get better. Diablo, the riders, the events, the incredibly fast gondola are the best. I couldn't ask for a better place to ride only 40 minutes away from home.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/foxmtbing/IMG_4645.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/foxmtbing/IMG_4590.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/foxmtbing/IMG_4769.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/foxmtbing/pbpic2209229.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/foxmtbing/pbpic2209232.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/foxmtbing/pbpic2234153.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/foxmtbing/pbpic2234166.jpg

[bizutch]

Sugar Mtn's course...well, because me & my friends built it and it's funtastic.
Vid:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/bizutch/th_e4f61547.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v468/bizutch/?action=view&current=e4f61547.flv)

[Windowlicker]

This was my favorite place to ride:
http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2129/pbpic2129053.jpg
me and my friends spent months building it up with some local BMXers. it was heaven. but sadly, they are building a devolpment on the land, and have started to flatten the land and get rid of the trees. so that spot is now dead.
more recently, my friends backyard has been were its at.
http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2325/pbpic2325739.jpg

my favorite spot to watch is at the aptos stepup where people throw it down:
http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2122/pbpic2122679.jpg
all of aptos also counts as 1 of my favorites

none of the pics are me, none takes pictures of my sloppy riding
haha

[urbaindk]

My favorite place to ride is a little spot in central MD we like to call "location undisclosed" We try to keep it on the down low and away from the watchful eyes of the local authorities. It's a pretty vast trail network with something for everybody from tech XC to the gnarliest DH tracks around. I don't get to take the trip out there often enough due to family obligations but when I do I always have a blast.

[The Joker]

Pacifica is my favorite place to ride. Unfortunately after my back surgery, I can no longer risk a nasty crash, so it looks like I won't be riding there any time soon...
Pics from back in the day.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/stoney98/Bikes%20Stuff/stoney_seq1.jpg

[Freddy Salgado]

Not much time to ride these days with shop & morgage. When I do ride it is pretty much just hit'n up the old 1/4 in the garage. Turnin 40 doesnt have to be a bitch, gettin back to my roots with freestyle instead of yoga for these old bones!

[fed tom]

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p25/dancy_bucket/CSC_0946.jpg

woods, no explanation needed.

[thebornotaku]

My favorite place to ride is the wide trails that run alongside the creeks in my area. The trail is about 5ft lower than the paved paths that run next to it, and there's a fair bit of trees along the edge. Where there's a gap in the trees there's almost certainly a drop-in point. The trail both begins and ends at the height of the path next to it. There's a lot of banked turns, jumps, and dips throughout it, too.

During the winter months, the creeks here flood up and level the man-made ramps and turns, so in late january and early february, myself and a few other people head out there with shovels to build the course with a new design for the upcoming year.

[stinkyboy]

Despite having some of the sickest mountain trails in the country here in Phoenix, I prefer riding street.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2104116828_cb895c8211.jpg

A new Steelhead sitting on some Hookworms would be perfect...

[pillete]

I'll have to say Trumbull, CT you can ride there all year long, and it has trails for all levels

[nickfr2000]

The trails around the Rocky Peak area in Simi Valley CA are my favorite session place due to it's wide array of riding disciplines that I could do. Long and steep fire roads for XC stuff, small rock ridden single / double tracks for AM riding, medium / large rock gardens, techy rock ridden switch backs for DH, and crazy 30 footers, jumps, doubles what have you for FR.

Well everybody is showing awesome pics of them hitting stuff. These are pics of me eating it around that area.

I know my write up isn't great but that hardtail might help me learn to jump better than my current crop of bikes.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm284/nickfr2001/nickhummingbird2.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm284/nickfr2001/nickhummingbird3.jpg

[Netwelle]

One of my favorite places to session is bartlett's wash. North of Moab. This place to great for bringing all my bikes. Dirt jumper, freeride, downhill. The climb or hike is only about a mile. Once on top this place has berms, drops, fall lines, and bowls to ride all day long. It's my sunday afternoon chill spot; before I have to drive three hours home on the weekends.

This place just makes me all warm an fuzzy inside thinking about it. Grab some friends, chill out, and session all day long.



-----------------------------------------------
Here is one spot that has all sorts of possibilities
-----------------------------------------------
(http://www.vimeo.com/1494916)



If your in the area, bring it all up there!

[ThePriceSeliger]

MY favorite place was the downhill trails at Woodward West. They all flowed so well and getting to ride them every day for over a month was a privilege.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/pseliger/woodward2-20.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/pseliger/woodward3-28.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/pseliger/woodward3-37.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/pseliger/woodward3-5.jpg

[dakota_lyons]

my name is dakota lyons. my favorite place to ride would be the jumps about a quarter mile from my house. i don't think they have a name, but everyone calls i the Kahuna. I just started getting into riding, and i have been riding BMX for about 3 weeks, and mountain bikes about a month before BMX. here are a few pics of me on my BIG HIT 2. i also have an Azonic Recoil, but i ride downhill with that. i am looking to get a dirtjumping bike, and i would love to ride an azonic bike

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t201/shockerballer/spine_01copy.jpg

i threw it together (the series) just a little jump action. its a fun jump definatly. (it is photoshopped, so please dont ask. the photoshop part is just putting the pics in for the series. thank you)



there is a 15' drop about 100 yards from that jump, but im still building up the courage to do it.


the main reason im doing this is because i think that dirt jumping bike will improve my skill, and get my confidence back after i snapped me BMX bike on the Kahuna (wish i had pics)

[Gex]

The sentinel. Back at school with your friends. easily number one.

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/899/mesentineldv1.jpg

[Sshields32]

ThePriceSeliger. You have cool shorts!

[ridetilludie]

Pa (dry hill) is my fav place.

I love steelhead I killed two this week they were tasty!

[mtnbikermaniac]

The place I like to ride the most is Ted Williams in San Diego. I like to ride there because it is a great place to practice, it has made me progress more than any other place I have ever ridden. I have seen people from first timers to pro racers such as Cody warren up there, so there is definately a little something for eveyone. It offers a wide variety of dirt jumps, some hucks, and DH from fast and flowy to slow and tech. There are always friendly riders up on the mountain to ride with, even if you just met them. Every one at Teds is there to do the same thing, have fun and ride!

[aeffertz]

Hey, I'm Alex. I'm 16 years old and live in Ladysmith, Wisconsin.
Riding spots are almost non-existent around here. But I have dedicated my whole summer to, basically, building new dirt jumps for me and my riding buddies to shred. So, any of my new Dirt Jump spots would be my favorite place to ride. I also got my little brother into BMX and built him his own jump trail. I think I've dug more than I have rode so far, but part of that was caused by my not so great bike. I've been spending all my money on better parts for my bike, even though the most important part, the frame, isn't all that good. Still, it's the best thing I can afford right now, and a cheap frame isn't going to stop me. Riding gets me out of the house, and keeps me out of trouble. I would be so great full, but the decision is up to you. Here's some pics of the jumps I've built from scratch. Thanks for the opportunity to win a great frame and handlebar!
My Main Dirt Jump Spot (all from scratch)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q237/efferal91/IMG_3058.jpg

Here's Jerry's Trail.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q237/efferal91/100_1425.jpg?t=1218525604

My bike:
2002 Schwinn Mesa DS

[ridingsupreme]

I don't even want this bike yet i'm posting out of either curiosity (cuz I never win any kind of contest) or sheer boredom. Probably don't qualify, not like i'd win anyway. But what the heck I could use the money.

[aaronrocker]

one of my favorite street places is northern indiana. they have flower boxes shaped like quarter pipes. perfect for flowing hips. theres some bada** stairsets that you can manual the ledges on for days. and about 10 minutes away are some of the best dirt jumps ive seen. the whole area is overwhelmed with bmxrs, and they have decided to make the best set of trails ive ridden. they flow beutifully. starts and ends on the same roll-in. just an awsome time.

[bikerpunk98199]

My favorite place to ride is anywhere that has slalom! Slalom is a true american sport, head to head good 'ol american racing. There's nothing like shralping and railing corners into jumps with some one right at your side! Also having the crowd with cow bells and people yelling at the top of there lungs. Thats my favorite place to ride.

[haromtnbiker]

My favorite place to ride was at located off of N.C. State University campus, where a friend started to build some downhill and freeride trails with the name of Platypus. I'm not sure why, and only a few people probably do. It started with one main line, and with help of friends and more friends it evolved into the best freeride trails in the area. Then N.C. State decided they wanted to plow the trails flat and make the area into a golf course for the school team. All the hard work and effort went down the drain, and nobody has anywhere to ride downhill bikes without driving to the mountains a good 3 or 4 hours away.

Some pictures:
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/freeridefun/Platty/412937149_698b34def0_o.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/freeridefun/Platty/IMG_3479.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/freeridefun/Platty/Striker1.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/freeridefun/Platty/Bike025.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/freeridefun/Platty/striker4.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/freeridefun/Platty/june_07_5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/dhracer1067/Plattepuss/IMG_4047small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/dhracer1067/Plattepuss/Plattepus011bedit3small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/dhracer1067/Plattepuss/IMG_1507editsmall.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v120/31/65/542007075/n542007075_103164_5748.jpg

[mikey.elefant]

My favorite places to ride is Northern Israel,during the war of 2006 the forests were bombed and hit pretty hard and most of the trees were burned down.We go up there every know and then to ride trails that people stopped riding because of the sadness involved.Me And My bike bring peace and happiness to the trails up there.The trail have unbelievable declines and very technical lines..........it is probabley the best trail in Israel.

Over the summers I enjoy riding at Diablo The commute from my appt in the city is kind of hard but its worth it

[5150dhbiker]

I would have to say that by far my favorite place to ride is here in the Los Padres National Forest. Specifically, Tunnel Trail. Tunnel is where I first learned what downhill was all about. It is what has made me as fast as I am today on anything very technical. Tunnel is also my main training ground for for the nationals (local Elings Park is my training for Fontana winter series races). I fell in love with DH on Tunnel and keep my love affair going every morning before I go to work.

Here are some photos of Tunnel and Elings Park.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j267/5150dhbiker/280316056_xxGKU-M.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j267/5150dhbiker/280316188_4YXgf-M.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j267/5150dhbiker/280318096_b9fg7-M.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j267/5150dhbiker/309808903_oF7n3-M.jpg

[rainbow_smoke]

My favorite trail is the Cabin trail on Moscow Mtn. in Idaho.
I rode this trail as a beginner and it was a blast. Its pretty mellow and wide but its fast to ride down with lots of fun water bars to jump.

[dhphoto]

Oh believe me, the frame and bar will be used, to their full extent if I get them. I sold my dj/street ride, so now its just the dualie at the moment. So far my all time favorite ride has to be Narrowback near Harrisonburg VA. A long fire road climb turns into some pretty technical rolling singletrack that follows a ridgeline for about 15 miles. Or you can do more if you feel like it, and make it a larger loop of about 20. Either way, best ride I've done up until now.

[jerseydirt]

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2179015/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1568533/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1735970/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/145085/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1159317/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2244207/wow, my favorite place to ride would have to be nj. i have traveled to numerous places like whistler, keystone, plattekill just about everywhere you could think of. and i still have not had more fun than riding in the tristate area. i ride the same place as crashryder up at the top there. there are also more amazing sets of trails than i can count on my fingers and toes. Same with dirt jumps, i have been to so many. and the downhill scene is ridiculous here as to the freeride scene in whistler. The street riding in my opinion is the best in t he world here in new jersey and new york. and the skate parks are amazing too. although i have not been to Pennsylvania to ride those dirt jumps, they are probably too hidden and under strict ownership for me to even ride there. i could go on about any type of riding there is in jersey for hours. there is so much. i would pretty much consider new jersey and new york a whole riding spot considering that everywhere you turn is something new to ride. The people that ride in jersey love it too. Just check it out. its amazing. these guys are amazingly talented street and dirt riders. all of which would agree on how great it is too ride here. in terms of progression... ridiculous. i have progressed over the winter by 10 seconds in m dh race runs. no new parts. just practice. its because there is so much to do. so many shops and underground trail builders its amazing. everything people posted above i have within a about 3 miles of my house. infact i have double that and the spots are better by far.

[lachy_mtb]

my favourite place to ride is my local dirt jumps, they dont really have a name but they are great!
soo many lines to be taken and they are constantly evolving. there is a great bunch of guys up there, and it gives it a real community feel which is a major plus. its a great place to go even if your not riding, which is what alot of spots strive for but i dont think ever really succed.
they have been around since the start of teh millenium i think and from there they changed both with the jumps, but also the riders hitting them. the original builder is still there which is great and its funny how much he has changed too in his riding.
it started off with just being one line straight down, it is still there, but it is now the trick jump line. there are hips going in every direction along with technical berms and so on.
here are some pics of the local guys and the trails
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/2389589018_0ffba5d282.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2346/2480336124_a818f9ec90.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2391645209_b008de2e6c.jpg?v=0

[BIGHIT8989]

My favorite place to ride is a local trail know as roller coaster, easy bay slalom, lime, but most commonly Mach 5. Mach 5 is where is got my first taste of the downhill fever as a 14 year old cross country kid. It was heard about The Sea Otter Classic. I went to the Sea Otter Classic... saw Downhill, Dual Slalom and MTX racing and was hooked. I got my first "Freeride" Hardtail on my 15th birthday, and the first trail that i rode was none other than mach 5.

The Brilliance of Mach 5 is its simplicity, its just a 2 minute single track trail with the MOST flow of any trail that i have ridden to date. You can start at the top, put in one pedal stroke and just flow. Perfect flow, linking turn to turn in an effortless dance between rider and bike. The Back drop to the trail are the beautiful golden hills of california and my home town, neighboring cities, and the delta feeding into the San Francisco Bay. At sunset the scenery is like a pastel painting of warm reds, oranges and yellows.

Riding Mach 5 is my relaxing day at the spa, i can go there when i need to clear my mind. push up the hill, sit, think, clear my mind, soak in the view, and enjoy the ride.

Mach 5 R.I.P.








P.S. if anyone is lives near the trail, loves the trail, wants it back, PM me NOW. this Thursday Hint hint...hint

[gunslingger]

honesty??? or should I write what has a better chance of winning....OK honesty, 107th to hwy 99 to 78th st to Biggs Conv Store where they have the sweetest beer selection in the city.

I know the honey raspberry may sound "fruity" but after shredding the gnar at my second favorite spot, Black Rock in Oregon, the refreshment is second to none.

When I ride the Azonic there once the prize is awarded I will be sure to stock you guys up on anything local to Portland you may not be able to get!!

here is a pics of my babies safe and sound......just big enough to peer out and see the trail and my butt in front of them!!

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r368/pacific_nw_guy/IMG_5590.jpg?t=1219109962

[sixgun_sound]

2 Shovels... $40
100 foot hose... $30
Machete... $25
Looking out my bedroom window and seeing a riding spot that is all my own... priceless.

Seriously, there's nothing like building your own trails. I've done the majority of the work on my spot alone. And to make matters worse, the area where I'm building is basically untouched underbrush... which, around here, means lots of thorny blackberry bushes. I tend to build my jumps a little bit bigger than what I'm immediately comfortable with... so after about 20 hours worth of digging and shaping, I usually spend a few weeks being too scared to jump it. But it's all worth it in the end. Riding jumps that I've spent hours and hours building is like nothing else.

My favorite spot to ride is my own yard. The jumps are exactly how I want them, because I busted my ass to make them that way.

[rokshox]

The Trail of Life
I got my first bike when I was 4. I rode that bike from sun up to sun down. It was my prize posession. When I was a little older, I got a bmx jumping bike. I jumped that bike all day every day. It was my prize posession. Then I got a mountain bike. I ventured farther and deeper than I thought possible. It was my prize posession.
I am grown up now... and I still ride... always feeling like I was 4 again... that is my true prize posession.

[caputo1989]

I would have to say my favorite place to ride is a XC trail up near Evergreen CO. Only problem is it has become verry popular among the people I try to stay away from.

[punisherltd]

Hey, Im Jason, and I live in Essex Jct. Vermont.
First off I wanted to say I know I dont have 15 posts on ridemonkey but thats because I have nothing to sell and because reading forums about parts makes me want things I have no money for. So. . . Having said that I hope you guys will consider reading my post even though I do not apply to the rules. Im sixteen years old and I have been riding for about 4-5 years. I have always had a crappy bike, eg. mongoose and such, then one day my grandparents bought me a really really nice bike for my birthday. It was a Rocky Mountain RMX. I had it for about 4 months and then it was stolen off my back porch after having three locks cut off of it. I was pure heartbroken. I since have not had the money to build a respectable bike and asking for another one is out of the question. I have been riding junk frames with decent parts borrowed from friends. So thats what brings me here to ask for this prize. Im probably crazy thinking that I could win seeing as though I dont qualify but I would be truly honored to be chosen. Oh and I'm leaving out the most important part. My favorite place to ride is at Catamount. A local set of trails kept up by local bikers. They have a cabin where you can rent bike for 20 dollars a day but that gets pretty expensive. So I'm usually at the skate park with my friends all with their nice bike and me with a piece of crap. Honestly holding back my abilities as a rider. If you did read this thanks very much even if I don't win. Just proves that your a really cool bunch of guys out there taking mtb to the next level. Thank you very much

[Miller]

i don't really have a favorite place to ride because i like every where. but i ride most often at the 518 dj trails in north carolina. i've helped build most of them so thier real fun to me.

[orange_biker_7]

my favourite place to ride is a dirt jump spot me and my friends made last year. its in cambridge ontario. its my favourite spot because we can do whatever we want with it, and have jumps ranging from 1 foor to 7 foot gaps. it starts on a hill too so in the winter we can snowboard it. we made a spot for a bon fire at night so we can ride whenever we want.

[DHRFX Joe]

Having lived in several different states since I started biking I would have to say that my favorite place to ride is Lynn Woods - Just north of Boston.

Damn those pics brought back memories......you wouldn't happen to be Mark would you? I think we met in Lynn about 4-5 years ago, pretty sure you had the yellow IH.

[Calid0wnhiller]

Being 16 with out a license makes it pretty hard to get to cool places. Fortunatly I have parents that support my sport and took me to Blackrock in Falls City, Oregon. Blackrock is by far the best riding I have ever found in the West Coast. The trails are maintained by local riders, all the trails are dialed and the jumps are perfect. Not only are the trails awesome the people up there are so nice. Unfortunately I had way to much fun riding, and only managed to get a few pics.



http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb117/MountainBoy69/Simulator.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb117/MountainBoy69/Neal1.jpg

[mrpercussive]

Being 16 with out a license makes it pretty hard to get to cool places. Fortunatly I have parents that support my sport and took me to Blackrock in Falls City, Oregon. Blackrock is by far the best riding I have ever found in the West Coast. The trails are maintained by local riders, all the trails are dialed and the jumps are perfect. Not only are the trails awesome the people up there are so nice. Unfortunately I had way to much fun riding, and only managed to get a few pics.



http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb117/MountainBoy69/Simulator.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb117/MountainBoy69/Neal1.jpg

all good... next N* trip i'll drive... Just split the gas cost... XD

[Freeridin']

My favorite place to ride is a hidden gem tucked away in the quite northern suburbs of Chicago. Everyday I dash out my driveway, cut through a small wooded patch abundant with towering oaks and maples, traverse a pair of still railroad tracks soon to be packed with frantic blackberry wielding commuters, and then emerge from the trees like a bag-a-bon often to be greeted by the laughter of children enjoying their recess. I have arrived.

Over the 18 years of my life I have grown to love this skate park. While perched on top of the roll-in, I look down at the vacant pavement below and establishing my line, all the while, a calm sense of tranquility floods my mind. Since there are no vast mountain peaks to be shredded in the Midwest, this is my substitute.

I know where every crack in the cement is, I know where every screw that is not flush is, I know where every puddle will be after the slightest amount of rain, and I have thought of every possible line or transfer that can be found through out park.

The setting of this park is really what I love the most. The construction and the layout of the park is pretty good but nothing extraordinary. It’s great being able to literally bike down my drive way and be in the skate park as well as it being in a very friendly and mellow community. The few people who come to the park is what really sells it for me.

There is a crew of BMXers that make their way up from downtown Chicago on the weekends. There is all ways a new guy with them who checks out my bike and laughs at me for riding it at a skate park. But after he sees me keeping up with him on my 40lbs hardtail freeride bike, he ends up saying something like “wow you jump that big bike really well” or “you should really get into BMX”. Okay so I’ll never be able to feeble the quarter pipes or grind the boxes with pegs, but I make it work.

Occasionally, soccer moms will truck the neighborhood kids over to shred on their scooters. While the kids ask me to do tricks the soccer mom sits outside the fence threatening to call the police on me because she has discovered the “NO BIKES OR SCOOTERS ALLOWED” signs that I have spray painted over. I laugh to myself because I know the local police don’t care and if they did ask me to leave they would have to do the same to her kids on the scooters.:shakefist: It’s fun encounters like these that make this park so special to me.

Okay so even if I don’t win that sexy new steelhead and bars at least I will have completed my homework for my creative writing class. :D

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g274/talle1000/b3f8f5bc.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g274/talle1000/Bike038.jpg
This picture was taken by using a timer on the camera. After 20 or so jumps, this one came out close to perfect.

[six7seta]

man, I wish we had places like some of you guys have here. We actaully have one good spot with a lot of really cool dirt jump for the bmxers.

[Lowball]

My all time favorite place to ride on a regular basis has been the Culvert-Confluence run in Auburn. Just the fact that you have a lot of options to ride this area is awesome. You can do it as a 7 mile loop with a climb solo, or a 3.5mile shuttle with friends, or ride it at the end of a 24mile death ride :crazy:

But this particular section of the trail has it all...and it's about 10% climb, 50% DH, and 40% flat (within the 3.5mile section) if I had to guess. There is a large variety of hits, rocky tech section, speed sections, step-up jumps, gap jumps (large & small)...a little something for everyone. I've see people riding it on xc bikes, DH, and trail bikes...all having a blast!

Since I started riding again, back in 2005 just after I turned 36, this has been my favorite place to session...learning every twist and turn, rock and root, jump and drop has made the trail awesome. Of course other places in the area are equal in awesomeness (downieville, n*, and tahoe area), but this place has been pretty good to me...except that one time...and then the very next time after that...

Anyway, being an "old guy" now it just brings the kid back...wishing I would have know about this area way back when I started riding mountain bikes back in high school when CW's and GT 20" bmx ruled the streets :)...really showing my age here...

Well hope this give me a shot at the goods...hope you enjoy the photos :cheers:

[beaconbommer]

I ride a variety or places in the Hudson Vally in New York. One of the most well known places that i ride is Diablo free ride park in Vernon New Jersey. This is the home of the U.S open of mountain biking. I also ride some cross country i do this a the Stewart buffer zone located in Newburgh NY. This is the location of the dark horse 40. This is a rigorous 40 mile cross country race. I also do some dirt jumping at a place called Vassar farms. all of the jumps here are built by the riders for the riders. every time you go there is a new line to hit and some thing is different so that every time you go there is a different riding experience. OK here is why i deserve the frame and bars. This year i graduated high school and packed up as much stuff as i could (sadly not including my bike)and headed out to scenic Missoula Montana. In the first day i got there i realized that i forgot some thing that you need in Missoula. MY BIKE!!! This is a city that has earned a most bike friendly city award. They even had pedal festival. I would buy a bike but in college money is tight because of books and food. this being my problem i am stuck with no bike and endless amounts of trails jumps and other places to ride and no bike. So please consider me for this and if you don't pick me thanks for taking the time to read my letter.

and for every one else KEEP RIDING.

(here is a link to a video form pedal fest)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3gMGKBJ6Wo

[DirtyDog]

Winner will be selected in a week or so.