September Giveaway - Notubes ZTR Flow Wheelset

[DirtyDog]

This month we will be giving away a Notubes ZTR Flow Wheelset.

Click here for details on the ZTR Flow Wheelset at Notubes.com (http://www.notubes.com/product_info.php/cPath/42_44/products_id/357)


Thanks to Notubes (http://www.notubes.com) for making this possible!

This thread will close to new entries at the end of the month. To be eligible for this drawing you must be a Ridemonkey member in good standing with at least 15 posts as of today, September 8th. Members obviously padding their post count will be disqualified and publicly ridiculed. As always, we are the deciders on all matters of RM policy.

To enter the contest, post in this thread ONE TIME describing your favorite place to travel to for a ride. This can include epic weeks long vacations or long single day outings. If you know a place that is worth a trip to, describe it here for a chance to win!

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/ZTRflow.jpg

[Zark]

One word. Whistler.

The place rocks. I've been every year for the last three. It has never ceased to impress me how awesome the riding is. The airfare, lodging and expense are all worth it once you've got that many tasty trails at your reach.

[Westy]

Kingdom Trails, AKA Monkeyfest.

[Total Heckler]

One word. Whistler.


I have yet to make it out there yet. I have had to cancel a trip out there 3 years in a row now. I will make it out there.

From everything I have heard about it, it is my favorite place to ride haha

Besides that, maybe Northstar in Lake Tahoe. I have been there a few times. Nothing but rocks and dust, but a blast to ride regardless. They have done a ton of work there over the last few years and is going in a Whistler like direction. Very happy to have something in the same state and is day trip-able.

I want those wheels!

[ridiculous]

makawao forrest in maui, youre downhilling and travelling in maui, life is good.

[mntbiker2]

since i love to go to diablo freeridepark in newjersey and i live soo close on a good day i love to ride there.. the park is amazing!

[BadDNA]

I'm going to have to go with Kingdom Trails in East Burke VT as well...unbeatable in the northeast.

[urbaindk]

George Washington National Forest, Virginia; Epic riding, great camping.

[H8R]

Umpqua National Forest, central Oregon. Excellent place to ride, camp and relax. Some of it is so beautiful, it almost looks fake. Like how a forest would look in a fairy tale.

[sikocycles]

A weekend at Killington is a blast.

[wreckedrex]

Ashland Oregon is the best so far. My actual riding time there was limited, but the trails I hit were very well done and the scenery was great. Not a bad drive either, although with gas being what it is I doubt I'll make it back up there any time soon. Especially with the Santa Cruz mountains being near by. I've been trying to hit the major spots like Moab, Fruita and Whistler for the last couple of years but I haven't pulled it off yet.

[Yelo]

Well, I don't have enough post to enter:poster_oops: but I'd like to thank No Tubes for the wheel set anyway, someone will be glad to have them....

Favorite destination should be either Kingdom trail or the semi obscure trails around Stowe, VT.

[Sinister17]

N. Fork of the Teanaway, in Washington. Beautiful sub-alpine ridges. Views into the Stuart Range and Alpine Lakes Wilderness. On good days, we can see Mt. Rainier to the South. Steep flowing drainages, all-mountain pinball, and some buff singletrack, add up to one sweet day of riding, with more left over for another day. Relaxing with a Mexican Mocha, from the coffee shop, for the ride home to the "wet side".

[lachy_mtb]

the best place to travel to is Thredbo, its a long drive but it always goes really quickly

[maddog17]

i've enjoyed going up to N. Conway New Hampshire. good riding both road and mtn, good food, shopping for the women and some pretty decent bars to have a few adult beverages at.

[SquadraCorse]

I'm a huge fan of Jiminy Peak in Mass. I live closer to Diablo, but I think Jiminy is a bit more fun.

The ride up rt7 through CT and Mass has some great windy roads to flow through, the ride up there is heaps of fun in itself. Nice new england towns to stop in and have breakfast on the way up and a beer on the way back. Good east coast downhill, nice tight wooded trails with some steep slippery sections and some fast tech sections. My bike works really well there since it has shorter travel. Overall makes for a great trip.

[I Are Baboon]

Kingdom Trails, AKA Monkeyfest.

I'm going to have to go with Kingdom Trails in East Burke VT as well...unbeatable in the northeast.

Well, I don't have enough post to enter:poster_oops: but I'd like to thank No Tubes for the wheel set anyway, someone will be glad to have them....

Favorite destination should be either Kingdom trail or the semi obscure trails around Stowe, VT.

:stupid:

Kingdom Trails, yo. It's a 3.5 hour drive for me and Wifey. We pass the Harpoon Brewery on the way up. Hey, for you monkeys attending the Fall gathering, let me know if you need anything at Harpoon. :)

[DRB]

Pisgah!

[-Devil-]

The best place for me so far would be Lincoln Parish Park, in Ruston LA ... it has a good mix of trail types in it. and allows camping or RV hookup. also offers a small beach and fishing for the rest of the family. The Town of Ruston is a nice mid sized town. with some great restaurants in it, and night clubs with live music. To top it off, there is a real good bike shop in the town (Turbo Goat) who will more then willingly help anyone in need of it.

[TreeSaw]

Kingdom Trails, AKA Monkeyfest.

Well, I don't have enough post to enter:poster_oops: but I'd like to thank No Tubes for the wheel set anyway, someone will be glad to have them....

Favorite destination should be either Kingdom trail or the semi obscure trails around Stowe, VT.

:stupid:

Kingdom Trails, yo. It's a 3.5 hour drive for me and Wifey. We pass the Harpoon Brewery on the way up. Hey, for you moneys attending the Fall gathering, let me know if you need anything at Harpoon. :)
I'd have to agree...Kingdom Trails, East Burke VT for Monkeyfest!

[mtbjunkie]

I am also ineligible for this contest, though the wheelset is SICK, but I would like to post anyhow.

So far, Moab, UT is my pick for the best riding around. Not only can you go and ride so many different varieties of trial year round, but you get breath taking views like these:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2131/2094984140_c79f000963.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/2094212101_be7daba797_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/2094210501_f1f1f98237_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2094209939_52f10013f0_b.jpg

And for me...That is worth a thousand words. Where else can you ride 34 miles of DH in one run?

I am headed to Vancouver and Whistler, BC for the first time on October 3rd so we will have to see how that adds up. I am sure it will be a totally different experience due to the terrain and type of riding.

Worth a visit:
Devils Den State Park and Slaughter Pen Hollow Bike Park in Arkansas. Devils Den is filled with XC/AM riding and the park borders the natural forest which is where all the fun happens. DH races are held on the DH course and ride a frequently planned by Freeriders from all across the mid-west. Roam the mid-western bike club forums for group rides to DD's DH and SPH and stay in the Primative campsites with the DH guys and gals to get the full backwoods experience (Don't worry. They don't all carry guns!)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2841464506_3a9d3ac3da.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2840622033_318a13b92e.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2841448984_ecbf3ac3f7.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2840602967_db9120c4d1.jpg

Slaughter Pen is currently (far as I am aware) the mid-west's only public Freeride park. The "XC" trails here are filled with skinnies, kickers, and step-downs that are sure to make your experience enjoyable. The Freeride park has several sets of DJ lines from beginners 2 ft tables, to 20 ft expert lines. There is a 30ft wall ride and about a 12 ft quarter pipe at the bottom of the hill. Several drops with nice long transitions and a HUGE 4X course make this a day long playland for the adrenaline junkies like myself. On top of that they also have a mulch pit jump, 10-12ft super booter (guaranteed to get you HIGH), and I believe they just unleashed a new DH course as well. There are also a couple of road gaps in the area.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2530512172_20c7dc0403.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2530502216_7f2e1668a0.jpg

Of course I must also give the Kansas City area trails much props for the XC experience. Probably a hundred miles worth of trails all within an hour of each other. ERTA takes great care and pride in these trails.

[MikeStanfill]

Places to ride? Pretty much all of Hatcher's Pass that's ridable! It's about a 30 minute drive out...

[auntesther]

Bromont

Withing driving distance from home, killer riding, when I go I know my friends will be along for the ride and I am only away from home for one day.

[MMike]

The epic-est place I've ever been has to be Moab. Porcupine Rim. (non DH anyway)

[johnbryanpeters]

Vietnam, in splatville, Massachusetts. See NEMBA's web site.

[splat]

I'm Going to have add another Vote for the Kingdom


Vietnam, in splatville, Massachusetts. See NEMBA's web site.

I Guess I live a little to close to vote on that :rofl:

[fortenndu]

Lake Tahoe(1.5 weeks), to Marin(3 days), to Whistler(4 days). Epic.

[pinkshirtphotos]

I travelled down to south NJ this summer. There is a trail system in a small state park. The trails are fast singletrack, and quite sandy. I hooked up with a group ride and had a blast. The trails were at Allaire State park if you are ever at the jersey shore area this is not a place to miss! I had a blast ripping my 29er around on it.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x245/pinkshirtphotos/allaire.jpg
me in the VW jersey

[bizutch]

makawao forrest in maui, youre downhilling and travelling in maui, life is good.

dangit...cratercycles stood me up the day I reserved a shuttle down the back Halialakula (sp)...:banghead:

Maui's my favorite too...even though I never got to ride it while I was there...oh, but!!!!:banghead:

[Morgan]

pretty much 2 places, whistler and Whistler, wow what a spot, bike, babes, booze, might not be the most PC thing to say but every year I suffer from PWD known as Post Whistler Depression when i come home, haha, what an epic biking location: )

[gsweet]

sexy wheels...

thus far, i'm torn between kingdom trails (a la monkey fest, of course) and queenstown, new zealand. you know what, this world is just too damn big for me to pick a favorite trail...

[stinkyboy]

Day trips to Sedona to get out of the Phoenix heat during summer FTW! The drive up is incredibly awesome.

http://www.kenric.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/pict0177.JPG

[mtbingdude]

snowshoe, wv

[robdamanii]

Dude, Kingdom Trails VT. Great smooth trails which are built exceptionally well, lots of friendly volunteers and other riders, great variation of terrain from smooth and fast to rocky and rooty, and a hell of a great little town to spend a few days in. Besides, it's only about 5 hours from home and The Village Inn is a wonderfully priced, great place to stay.

[Guntruck]

Although I haven't made it to any of the shuttle/race days in a LONG time much to my friends chagrin, I would have to say without a doubt Port Angeles, WA. Can't beat the Olympic Peninsula. I get to see old riding buddies from the area, ride sick trails with only a short wait for a shuttle. It's like a mini whistler just without all the BS that goes along with riding whistler. (Crowded trails/Long lift lines)

[tozovr]

My Back Yard...MT A!

[Toshi]

i favor the north shore. cheaper than whistler, a few hours closer for those from parts south, and the ambience deep in the woods is amazing.

[blender]

Northstar is amazing.. it takes me 8 hours to get out there, but I don't hesitate to make the trip.
Trail crews are dedicated and make some serious quality trails!

Doing Boondocks and Livewire laps until your hands bleed.. that is where it's at!

King's Beach is a 10 minute drive and has a great food/drink/hangout scene.

[Bicyclist]

Favorite place to ride? Mammoth, CA. IMO the DH there is pretty unmatched. Sure, Northstar has Livewire and some crazier stuff and it's a little better as far as layout, but Bullet, Lower Velocity, and Kamikaze are easily my favorite places to ride. Maybe it's because that's my first "real" resort riding, but I have an affinity for Mammoth more than any other place. I wish I had some pics to post but I'm always too busy riding!

[Tame Ape]

Anywhere frankly. Living in Brooklyn has meant thinning the flock and more or less giving up on mountain biking.

[fishboy2807]

Yes... Rotorua Redwoods is my favourite place to ride. Yes it's in another country (I'm in OZ) but it's such a nice place with an absolute bucket load of buff and high banked flowing loveliness that I must now be some sort of MTB pilgrim and visit this mtb Mecca every year. Every trail is groovy in it's own way and the views are postcard perfect.
Fishboy :happydance:

[dexterq20]

Downieville, but I haven't been to Whistler, so...

[RenegadeRick]

Farmdale in Peoria, IL. Best place I have ever been.

[RSutton1223]

Pisgah National Forest

For me...Laurel Mountain/Pilot rock...There are miles and miles of the best singletrack you will ever find. From the locals only quiet spots to all out tourist destinations like Bent Creek and the new lift assisted 26 West, you can find anything within a 30 min drive in the mountains of North Carolina.

Laurel Mountain is a scenic climb up to the worst hike-a-bike I have ever been on. When you crest the top of Laurel, you descend on several miles of switchback infested rock garden that overlooks the tree filled NC mtns. There is something about cooking it on a 6" bike at about 30 mph through a bolder garden that really gets the heart pounding.

2nd Place...Windrock...you guys up in Whistler are used to marked drops and jumps...in TN we take them blind!

:cheers:

[DHRonSUNDAY]

The * has to be my favorite place to ride. Its a little bit of a journey to get to but once you are there and riding you realize why you drove so far. steep decents and nice soft dirt for the win.

[summitcon]

Winter Park, Crankworx Fest is awesome!:cheers:

[Kanga]

Hard choice, but this summer I've spent a lot of time in Mammoth and have really been enjoying it.

[ArmySlowRdr]

I needn't travel far for my favorite place to ride.

Here practically in my back yard, well within a 10 mile drive-give or take a few, I have two splendid Corp of Engineer lakes with outstanding trail systems.

Dana Peak on Lake Stillhouse--or Trailblazer Park on Lake Belton.

It's a tough decision, but I'll have to go with Trailblazer Park since I've logged hundreds of rides there and countless miles of smiles --- also suffered some pain there too.

Yup that's my place. BLORA, Fort Hood.

[hasaccol]

One of the best places I've been is Sunrise in AZ. There are lots of trails and a shuttle. You can straight downhill it or go X-Country, I try to do a bit of both. Awesome views.

Would love to try Whistler though...

[Stinkepete2021]

Anywhere Back in South Carolina...miss that place

[Quo Fan]

The best place I've traveled to bike is Kingdom Trails in Vermont. The season pass is worth every penny spent, and the 4 hour drive is tolerable knowing the best singletrack in New England is waiting at the end.

[sstalder5]

I would have to say, my favorite spot of all time is peewees in North Carolina. It is probably the most technical trail network within 500 miles of where I live, it has great flow and is easy to find good lines. Also who can resist a little dirt jumping. they have some pretty neat stunts out there plus its free to ride.

here is a link to an old video, but its way better now
http://southerndiscomfort.net/videos/Peewees2005.wmv

[MeanM50]

I won't win because I don't have enough post count, but there is a 12 mile downhill in Washougal Washington off the old fire roads. I don't know the name, but I can drive back to it every time. It's pretty epic.....scenery is amazing, the trail is amazing, and the fact that you can DH for 12 miles and then take a nice easy ride back to the truck on the fire roads. It's pretty much my favorite spot.

[8shadow8]

My favorite place to ride is on the Don Valley single track in Toronto in the Fall. You can spend hours riding in the Don and come close to getting lost in all the off branch trails if it weren't for the sound of the highway just minutes away. I love that every person you pass in the Don is happy to see another fellow rider. Many times I have met other riders at the trail head while on a solo ride who have been more than happy to include me in there group ride. The trail is set on the side of a big hill in dense forest tucked between high rise apartments on the top and a big river on the bottom. It is a ten minute bike ride from down town Toronto. It is filled with small bridges crossing over 20 foot drops and many wooden platforms winding through trees. It reminds me of a miniature BC trail. The best time to ride in the Don Valley trail is in the Fall. The colors are amazing and the temperature is just perfect (I've even gone a few times in the winter). For being so accessible for such an intense trail, I give my #1 spot to the Don Valley trails.

[wizardB]

Up the street riding the Shore there is no place like Lynn Valley!!

[ianjenn]

There is a place between LA and San Francisco where the mountains reach heights approaching five thousand feet. Where climate and beauty have shot home prices past the $800,000 mark as a mean. Where the ocean offers both good surf and fishing.

First time riders have heard about the trails and drooled over them in videos. The shuttle takes about thirty minutes and the whole way up they think is it really that rock strewn?

Out of the gate things seem twisty and smooth. then the earth is transformed and becomes increasingly more rock strewn. Carrying speed will make it smoother but getting sent off line just once will have you thinking for the next few minutes if this is where I will hit the rocks?

After about 5 minutes of rock strewn downhill the hands can no longer hold on. You stop and look out over the town from about 3500 feet up and see the ocean.

It is then time to continue another 5 minutes in and you get your second break! there is no rock! Relax while you can because the ground is about to become steeper and rockier. This section of trail will have some first timers "what the hell am I doing here"?

You have been on the hill for fifteen to thirty minutes and things have mellowed you are flowing a fast section and pumping over small rock encrusted dirt mounds. The hands are still pumped up but working. You wind around a blind fading left hander and witness what makes this one awesome 5 mile rock infested trail; the end is there and you made it intact and can now hit the truck for another run up!

[BikeSATORI]

Osaka, Japan.
Endless street shredding... and one of the last cities on earth that I've been to where they don't send out the boys in blue after you just for riding on the sidewalk.

Some pretty tech "mtb" trails out in the mountains there too... if you don't mind walking your lines first to knock down all of the spider webs in the summer, d'oh! hahaha...

[el-cid]

Moab, the mecca. Unless you live in Southern Utah or Colorado it's a different world. Some of the terrain will make you think the laws of physics went out the window when you climb 40 degree sandstone. It'll also make you quickly remember the laws of physics when you fall and sand your flesh off :disgust:. If you haven't been there, like Warren Miller says, you'll just be one year older when you go :happydance:.

[ludovic]

Timberline Resort (WV)
Little known, well hidden, slightly out of the way, remarkably well maintained natural environment – this downhill resort will have you coming back for more… and when you are in need of a cross country fix, you have easy access to 150+ miles of trails.

Riders are found on the trails, not waiting in line.
It’s a place where I have to ask people to stop smiling when I am taking action photos.
www.damaps.net/wv/bike/trail-1631

Just go there – you are so welcomed!

(* I really hope that you will make an exception for the post count - these rims would be put to such good use!)

[HaveFaith]

Well, because I haven't been to too many places to ride outside of Cali, I will say Mammoth. I love the atmosphere in the summer, the trails are rad and its such a great break from the hustle of southern california.

[Monkeybidnezz]

Whistler!

[AdrenalineImage]

My favorite place to travel for a ride would have to be the square state of Colorado. I've been riding there every year for the past decade. Sometimes it's a quick get-away, most often I'm camped in the back of my truck for weeks on end way up in the mountains riding anything I can get my tires on.

The best trails don't have names that are relevant here. The best trails are the trails that are new to you, challenge you and you ride them in the company of a couple good friends.

We've all ridden my favorite trail because my favorite trail is the trail that makes grown men feel like kids, kids feel like superheros, and you can hear the screams of excitement all the way down them.

You know the trail I'm talking about, it's the one you've been thinking about planning a trip to ride next summer. The one that you've been wanting to challenge yourself with before time slips away. Now start making plans and ride that trail before you wake up some day and see an old man full of regrets in the mirror.

Happy trails!

[w00dy]

Plattekill.
Good trails, good people, good beer, and bonfires that melt 40s.

[TRANSITION-MJR]

nothing can top a good day at the local mountain, Hackensack Mtn. were we have built a super sick trail. its taken us all 3 years to complete the trail build but well worth it. grab the boys and head out, hike to the top and rip down, and then do it again. can't beat it!!

[Runner]

I just made my maiden voyage out to highland (excuse the pun, maiden voyage is one of Highland's 6? trails) 2 weeks ago, and I was blown away. I went to Whistler the first time this august, and had an absolutely amazing experience, so I was very very happy to find whistler-grade trails closer to home at Highland. I progressed so much trying bigger stuff than I've hit before (sick trails with a big group of friends does that to you). Unlike lots of other riding in new england that feels like riding the exact path flood water took, they have flowy, engineered trails with legit jumps, drops, and stunts. There are loads of DJs, a pump track, a progression area with a mulch jump, and the only slopestyle course in New England.

It's a bike only mountain (no skiing or anything in the winter), but regardless they have a lodge that's cushier than most ski resorts, a great cafe, big bike shop, and although I didn't see it, what was probably a well stocked medical area. Thanks to an investor from Boston, they are able to stay afloat, so I want to get back as much as possible and support them on their way to being self-sufficient.

[biggreen96]

Moscow Mountain. In Moscow, ID. Great local trails, from beginner to expert to super expert. Only 2 miles from town.

[xcbiker49]

just a little ride on san juan island washington, starts with a annoying climb, then a really steep loose dirt section that you need to walk up, then a winding ride up, and then you turn around and ride down a diffirent way, going down verry fast loose switchbacks, then opens up to a 20 foot wide path that is relatively strait, then goes to loosly winding fire roads, taken up to about 30 mph with hardpack. me and two of my biking buddys ride this on a p2 cromo a specialized hardrock sport and a hardrock comp disc, not much but we love to ride and that's my favorite ride

[Silver]

It's a short drive for me, about half an hour, but night rides in the Santa Ana mountains are fantastic. I haven't done enough of them, but I'm getting lights this year.

It's amazing how little time it takes with a mountain bike to get away from the city, and it's one of the best feelings in the world.

[yamaguy01]

I really enjoy riding in the mountains here in Japan whether road biking or mountain biking. The scenery is beautiful and parts of the country here look untouched with the exception of a trail or a road here and there. It's really amazing to see the amount of trails winding through these mountains and the breath taking views!


Dave

[Blown04GT]

It's not a long travel......only a minute from my house, but the trails are sick. When I first went there it was like DJ heaven! There is a neighborhood being built right near there so I hope they don't get torn down.

[Signals]

I know I dont have that many posts but I wanted to let you know
The Flow in Ohio is an wicked place.

[Pau11y]

Favorite ride is Monarch Crest Trail. At just a bit below 12K ft, it's like getting baked and riding, but no smoking necessary! The downhill down Agget Creek or Rainbow is just stellar. Rainbow is fast and flowy, while Agget Creek is singletrack nirvana! I need to go do it again soon w/ me new Nomad!

[Nagaredama]

I'll go out on a limb here with Whistler.

[Fredzilla]

The Plains of Abraham - Mt. St. Helens.

I don't know of any other place like it. Starts in the woods and climbs up into a surreal moonscape filled with broken trees and volcanic pumice.

[mwinegar29]

Crested Butte
Washington Gulch.

Trail 401.

Deer Creek Trail.

Salida
Monarch Crest

Rainbow Trail

[Lelandjt]

I love going to Moab when it's snowy here and bike season seems months away.

[sealclubber]

backyard. no gas money needed

[Makana425]

Exit 38, with nice technical roots rocks drops, with a mix of jumps and dh. Really good technical track. In Washington state

[Kleinrider123]

My best riding ever always happens only minutes from home. Every ride has been good. Just getting out on the trails should be the only reason to ride. You dont need to always travel around the world (although its nice) to have great rides. Best rides occur when planned at the last second when you and a couple good buddies get out and hammer on each other, then washing down the ride with a few cold ones. Best rides are last second, with good buddies.:cheers:

[SnowMongoose]

My local mountain, five minute drive to the trailhead... Galby delivers every time.

[rideit]

The Teton Range, my friends.
Why?
This is why:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/wyoming/images/s/wyoming-grand-teton-national-park.jpg&usg=AFQjCNHGAKz3x_cpNv62TPWxVCyd4Ppq6g
This is why:
http://www.anthonysloan.com/i7/badger07.jpg
(A. Sloan photos)
This is why:
http://www.anthonysloan.com/i7/badger02.jpg

http://www.anthonysloan.com/i7/badger20.jpg

http://www.anthonysloan.com/horseshoe/horseshoe06.jpg

(more to come, gotta baby to get to bed)...

[reptilezs]

i am a huge fan of the vietnam trails in milford MA. fun and all the techy stuff that you can handle. the newer stuff and older stuff is just as fun and challenging.

[LCS]

Maui is great to start, makawao forest is flow-y, fun, and beautiful.

[JSD303]

I'll vote for Fruita, CO... Great riding... great pizza and beer... and Tater!

[aktallguy]

Lost Lake Trail, Alaska. Don't know if you can still take bikes up there, but it was one of my favorite growing up. 7 miles of constant up, up, up. And then 7 miles of screaming fast, gorgeous scenery, epic ridge and forest riding. So many many fantastic memories on that trail. Although sometimes the hikers would get pissed when you flew by at 20+ mph. One guy threw his hiking poles at me. But for the most part we rang our bells and everyone would wave hi on the way by.

[valve bouncer]

The mountains near where I live....take a new road and see where it leads.

[ChrisKring]

Whistler. And I am going again in only 3 days :D


Second best, Jackson Hole (Tetons). Awesome pictures above. Rode there in '97 on my honeymoon. Need to get back there again.

[Loozinskin]

SO.... refining the question a bit I guess, Where have I been for a bike trip that I would recommend?

I would have to say the North Shore.
I consider myself to live in perhaps one of the best locales for MTB in the US being in Bellingham Washington. Tons of great shuttle-able rides around here stateside and just 45 minutes north across the border we also have the Shore.

beyond that an hour and half? What else but Whistler too!

At any rate to make a trip anywhere you cant beat the bang-for-your-buck value of the North Shore in Vancouver BC... Mt. Seymour being my particular favorite as its a full shuttle top to bottom with real parking lots and a paved road, all in the boundaries of the provincial park!

[gtbike]

Anywhere in northwest Vermont or northern New Hampshire!

This summer while announcing the freestylemx.com tour we hit the upper corner of the country for a few days. But here is the kicker- NO BIKE!

I did not have the room to fit a bike and rental of one that was decent was hard to find so I went running instead. While all my riders slept off serious hangovers (some still at it when I departed in the early a.m.) I strapped on the sneakers and hit the trails. I got lost so many times but it did not matter as I marveled at the sweet singletrack winding it's way through trees and over hills. After the first half mile I was running bike lines, imagining I was perched atop my Fisher Rig. The charade was so real to me that I could feel the rear tire spin over logs, the front tire grip, release then grip again on the decayed leaves and the suspension making woosh sounds over the bumps! Okay, I did catch myself make a woosh sound or two out loud.

So my favorite place to travel to ride, I have never ridden but i will find a way to get a bike there next summer!

[Jeremy R]

Pisgah Forest.
Its so big, and it has so many different trail systems with a variety of awesomeness.

[Buzam]

[end thread] whistler is the best place ever [/end thread]

[sponge_mam69]

Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

[jncarpenter]

...another vote for the awesomeness that is Pisgah :cheers:

[bryce]

Kneeland Trail; Humboldt County, California. Extremely fast, flowy trail with a 1.5 mile downhill bomb through a tunnel carved into the redwood forest.

[Da Peach]

I quite enjoy a day at Galbraith Mt. near Bellingham, WA. Lots and lots of trails, super well mapped out, with lots of stunts and jumps to cruise through on a great XC day. That, and the town of Bellingham has got all kinds of good beer to drink at Boundary Bay Brewery afterward.

[Rover Nick]

Anywhere in Summit County, Co. It is where I grew up but unfortunatley moved when I was too young to ride seriously. Fortunatley, I get make it out every couple of years.

As far as trails go, there seems to be a little flavor for everyone, from road riders, to xc riders, to DH'ers.

[Mr. Furious]

Whistler. Easy way to get some downhill in when all of your friends bail on a weekend ride ;-)

[JRogers]

Kingdom Trails. Not the most tech, the most insane, the biggest or the best scenery, but I always have tons of fun there. I love the fast trails, roots and the town.

[BlackHornet]

My deerlease, its only an hour away but where i live is flat. the deerlease has one huge hill/mountain with a lot of fourwheeler trails coming off of it and so you use a fourwheeler to shuttle your bike up there and then you dont have to worry about pedaling on the way down. its fun to just get away for a change like that

[mantispf2000]

As many of you know, the majority of my riding revolves around Alaina. This time, however, the ride is for me.

Ever since the family started going to Rocky Point, Mexico, for vacations (now living there 1/2 the year and running a business there), I've always wanted to ride from the AZ/Mexico border to Rocky Point (about 60 road miles). Oops, I didn't say this regarded a road ride? Well, it would be one heck of a road trip to get to the starting point. After leaving home, I'd stop by my Dad's place in Lancaster, CA, and spend a couple of days with him. Then it's off to the border, where I'd meet my middle brother when it opens (6 a.m., and he wants to ride it, too). After a couple of photos, it's on the bike, through the border town of Sonoyta (blink, and you might miss it), then south until we get to the "Welcome to Rocky Point" sign. On the way, we'd stop by a little road-side chapel where wifey and I first prayed for a healthy Alaina. Maybe light a candle for her, too.

When we first started driving down to Rocky Point (back in the early 80's), the road was so narrow that should a truck/trailer be coming towards us, or if we had to pass one, it was a nervous moment, not knowing if you'd be run off the side or not. Now, the road shoulder is quite wide, and with a car as blocker, I'd feel much safer.

Once again, I know this is road-miles oriented, however, it is, for me, a ride I'll do, whether my brother joins me or not. I just don't know where I'd leave the van at the border if I did it by myself...........

[MrCookie]

I used to love Moab, but too busy now. Home turf is getting crowded too. McKenzie River Trail still is a sweetie.

[mrpercussive]

Northstar... Leave Saturday morning. Ride the whole day. Get cleaned up in the river and off to bed on nice soft ground in the woods. Do it all over again on Sunday. And when you cant even hold the steering wheel at the end of the day, you know it's been a good day... XD

[recidivist]

GDMBR, yo. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Divide_Mountain_Bike_Route)

Cuz it's there.

[DHS]

Still one of my most favoritist place to ride. is Diablo Freeride Park, in NJ

[HAB]

Blue! Peekskill NY. Tons if incredible singletrack, and cool features everywhere.

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/david_jump%7E0.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/barry_roller.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/nate_roller.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/nate_roller_1.JPG

Cool step-up rock jump. And a big ass snake…nearly 5’ long! David almost rode over him.
http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/barry_up_jump.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/nate_up_jump.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/snake.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/david_skinny%7E0.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/__nate_wall_ride.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/david_wall_ride.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/david_skinny_1.JPG

We realized we had been out on the trail for like 2 hours, but had only gone about 5 miles!

Eventually we got to this area with a sweet double roller section (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbYIRZykej0).
http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/nate_roller_2.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/david_steep_roller.JPG

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/barry_steep_roller.JPG

[cubebiker]

Those Wheels look nasty, I want them!

[dblspeed]

yummy!

[smwoodruff0908]

Favorite place to ride?? hmm.... Well my fiance and I have done a lot of cycling whenever we get a chance to bring them with when we go camping, and I'd have to say the one place that really sticks out in my mind is a rather mundane place when compared to others but the memories will last a lifetime.

We were camping in Governor Dodge in Wisconsin, and we had just bought our bikes so it was our first time out, we were going down one of the trails there, and had come across a gorgeous bluff with an amazing view over the treetops below, and we sat out on the bluff's edge for what seemed like an eternity. We just sat up there all day and laid out on the rocks in the sun, and then curled up together and watched the sunset, and stayed out to see the stars come out. We had to walk our bikes back in the dark, so the next week I wound up buying lights for both our bikes :)

[CarbonMike]

My favorite place is High Tatras in Slovakia. Beautiful mountains, unbelievable sights, water falls, rocky trails. I really love them.

[pelo]

Ok. Simple. Anywhere there´s a decent gradient, dirt, roots, rocks and warm food. I´ll make my own track on a rainy day with a pair of spikes, if necessary.

I like redwine in the evenings for recovery.

[Ridge_Rider]

Honestly, my favorite ride spot is way off the radar in Essex MA, it has great flow, lots of techincal features and its natural...

[JBH]

I usually don't travel too much, but I have a trip scheduled for Kingdom Trails, VT in October with a few friends.

[zahgurim]

My favorite place to ride? Wherever I am, as long as I have a bike and a friend to share the experience (and beer!) with...

When at home in BC, I love rocking out runs all over the Fraser Valley. Bear, Woodlot, Sumas, Vedder...
Have had some very cool rides in Asia, too:
Urban in Fukuoka, Japan.
Beershuttle bombing at Namhansanseoung (the Nam), Seoul.
Playing in Jisan Resort (Korea's first lift-assisted park).

Everywhere is cool in it's own way.
All it takes is adding a buddy to make a cool ride into an epic adventure, to be remembered for a long time.

[chuffer]

From my front door: James River Park System. Volunteer maintained and facelifted loop in the heart of Richmond VA along the north and south banks of the James River. 99% singletrack & mildly technical in the heart of the city.

From the airplane door: Anything on the Colorado front range -an old favorite is Enchanted Forest off of Apex.

[rec]

Charlottesville skate park, its close, its free, I'm there.

[Gl3N]

Ray's MTB Park, Cleveland, Ohio its amazing what he has done with a run down warehouse.

[kenyee]

Riding Bryce w/ redrock backgrounds...

[01tj]

I would have to way Wisp Ski resort because it is not too far away yet has a wide range of trails. Its also more relaxing than the XC type trails I usualy do because I can ride the lift up the mountain ;)

[TortugaTonta]

There are many places I like to ride, but when you throw the word travel into the question I have to say Lake Tahoe.

Yes, there are better trails out there than Tahoe, but when you fly into Reno and make the drive up over the pass and get your first glimpse of that blue water, yeah, you know its going to be a good week.

When you ride that stretch of the Rim trail, and you roll down the trail head and stumble on the goods that the locals know as "Jackie Chan" and you rip it and find yourself down in some neighborhood thinking "what now, the rental car is like 20+ miles away and all up hill, yeah good week for sure.

When you ride the other stretch of the rim trail and you look one way and it looks like the desert and you look the other way and you see green trees and blue water, you know its good.

When you ride Mr Toads in July and you are working your way up through the green and you roll over the top and there are still traces of snow drifts as you hit the down hill, you know its good.

When you finnish every day of riding at Zephyrs cove, drinking vodka tonics and eating cheese burgers while watching the young ladies play volley ball on the sand courts, its a good place.

[jtdcg]

This year for me its been about the short travel trips so my local trails at Fort Rock take it.

[Flanderflop]

I'm with lowpost dude above, but here are a couple I like.
The weekender: Not worth a plane flight, but if you are looking for a weekend roadtrip and it is managable from where you are, go to Moorhead KY. There are a lot of nice sections of the SHeltowe Trace, and the whole Zilpo area is great. The race course in on the Canie loop, but I wouldn't bother with that it gets torn up by horses.

If you Like a Chairlift - Check out Sunday River Mountain in Maine- There are a lot of good trails and it gives you another option instead of always ending up at Whistler or Snowshoe (Which are both nice, but it is always fun to try something new)

[jgsatl]

i don't think i have 15 posts. dedgummit.

[Hunter]

Props to NoTubes...those guys are awesome and have been supporting our local trail work crew for years now! Sure would love to be riding that wheelset....

I've been lucky enough to have ridden in some cool places all around the US, but my favorite "trips" are the semi-local ones - too far to do every week, but close enough to do several times a season. I really enjoy driving down into PA to ride Prompton Dam Park. Great mix of forest trails and some challenging rocky sections, and enough miles worth of trail to spend a whole day there without hitting the same trail twice. I'm always tired but smiling after a ride there...and they've got a nice place to BBQ and lounge after the ride!

http://www.cycle-cny.com/phpbb/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10022/dude_rocky_trail.JPG

[SGF2]

Whistler.

Those who haven't said Whistler, haven't been. No better place than that. Got Squamish and the Shore sooo close. Its an amazing spot to ride.

[Kanter]

Whistler. I go for a week twice a year. I have done this for about 6 years. We leave Sat for another trip.

[Jozz]

Best place to ride... hard to say.

Been to many many places like Moab, Whistler, Fruita, Bend, Flagstaff, Sedona, Squamish, Crested Butte, etc. as well as some of the best riding in the Northeast like Stowe, Waterbury, East Burke, and so on...

But the best place is on my bike riding a new trail for the first time, nothing beats that feeling!

J.

[MMcG]

Kingdom Trails, East Burke, VT!

[Uphiller]

For a great ride?! The bedroom. :brows:
For great mtb'ing, Whistler.... and possibly another great ride.

[spin02]

I have traveled to a few places to ride, but I still enjoy riding the my home trails here in Southwest Virginia. We have great singletrack and plenty of more moderate trails for the beginners.

[Haitiracers]

I unfortunately don't travel very far that often to ride my bike. We have some great trail systems pretty close to the house for freeride and cross country. I would love to go and ride some of the places discussed here and by the sound of it, Kingdom Trails in Vermont must be well worth it.

So anyway, my favorite travel story that also involves riding;

I went to Portland, Oregon last Spring again to visit with a very close old friend from high school. I knew that some of the days she was going to be at work, and that I was going to need some sort of transportation. I asked her to ask around and see if anyone she knew had an extra bike laying around.

I arrive at her house and find this
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z236/chriskukol/Bike.jpg

Certainly not what I am used to. Until that day I had never really ridden any type of road bike, let alone one that probably came from K Mart in the mid 80's. It was also WAY too small for me. I am 6'1" and about 220 so I kind of felt like the bear at the circus on this little thing.

Nonetheless, I rode her everywhere we went, and honestly had one of the most fun weeks ever riding bikes. I live in a terribly bike unfriendly city. One where on regular occasions I get told by drivers to "get on the sidewalk where you belong", or riding past some young inner city kids that just got out of school saying "pedal white boy, pedal".

I found that once you break through the hipster crowds and fixed gears/singlespeed blah blah blahs, Portland is an amazing city with amazing things to be found with nothing more than an old K Mart bike.

I have also been to Rays...that place was awesome too.

[proglife]

I like tooling around near my alma matter in western maryland. not the best trails by any means, but lots of nostalgia.

[Long Tooth]

Graham Swamp, 15 mi north of Daytona Bch in Flagler Bch. 2 mi east of the Atlantic ocean. It goes thru an old rock pit along the edge of the swamp with lots of short drops and climbs and has lots of tree cover. Being only 2 mi from the beach, it can be sandy in the dry season, but they continue to add rock to rthe sandy areas for good riding. total loop distance is 6.5 mi.

[Echo]

I've ridden lots of places around the world, and there are plenty that I would love to go back to. But hands down, the most awesome riding trip I have ever taken was to Bend, OR. We had the best ride guides we could ever ask for, rode 3-4 hours per day for 5 days, never saw the same trail twice, and only scratched the surface of the riding there. And even though the place could stand on its own with just the trails, you also have an awesome downtown area, a bunch of first rate microbreweries and restaurants, one of which has a theater showing cycling related movies, and scenery that brings a tear to your eye. No question, the winner is Bend.

[X3pilot]

Jim Thorpe, Pa. Old classic trails, albeit most of the good ones have been taken over by development. It's an easy drive from Allentown, but you could spend a week up there and not ride it all. Beautiful scenery along the Lehigh River Gorge and you can ride everything from super pro technical to family cruiser tow path rides along the river. Town of Jim Thorpe itself has some great restaurants and cold beer with two really good bike shops in town. The best of everything that makes mountain biking what it is today..

[skatetokil]

The only place I have ever ridden and still have vivid dreams about is Moab. I would probably sell a kidney to get back there. Ignoring the fact that it is one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world, forgetting that you can link up a 30 mile shuttle run that descends from the treeline down into the colorado river canyon, the thing you notice when you ride a bike there is the traction. Your tires just simply stick to everything. Miles and miles of hero dirt.

[moff_quigley]

Anywhere frankly.

:stupid: Riding a new trail just about anywhere would be fantastic IMO. Within a couple hours of where I live though I'd have to say the 50+ miles of trail at Syllamo in north central Arkansas are well worth the trip.

[Ian F]

So many choices... But I keep coming back to Whistler being pretty much the ultimate destination for mountain biking...

[Metal Dude]

Windrock DH trails in Oakridge Tenn.

[ire]

I'm going to go with Mt. Hood; I've been racing there since I was 13 and the long 4 hour drive up there was always worth it. After I turned 16 I hit every race up there, and it was always an adventure traveling that far with friends. Lately I go up there less and less, which is a shame becuase I live about 2 hours away now.....I guess I'm completing my transition from DH racer to XC/CX racer :disgust1:

[Stevenspass]

Devils Gulch in WA is an epic ride. Great for climbing or shuttle for 12 miles of buff single track. Finish off at the Munchen Haus in Leavenworth for Brat and Beer and you have the makings for a epic ride.

[metalchef87]

Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. The trails are actually atv trails, but they are freakin sick. The beginning 3 miles are steep mountain climbs, then it levels off to a beautiful trail that lasts for around 2 miles before descending...what an awesome downhill! Great place to ride.:thumb::thumb::thumb:

The trail totals about 12 miles when said and done...

[k-rob83]

Mine is Galbraith mountain up here in Bellingham, Wa. The view from the top is awesome, and the trails are fun too!

[mcgowanc]

Moab is great for a short trip - A few or five hours and you are in the desert with tons of riding .. everywhere!

[airborns_pilot]

Well I'm still new to riding so ill say Mont St-Anne since its 1 hour away from where i live and has so nice trails

[NuMexJoe]

Picking just one destination, it'd have to be Moab. It never disappoints, and is only 6.5 hours away. Big rides w/ big hits, and you can still find cheap places to flop if you're not inclined to camp. If only the town had a topless bar, it'd be the perfect destination! But with all the bike shops in town, there's enough post-ride p0rn of a different sort to be had.
- Joe

[Stray_cat]

Highland MTB park. My friend has a lake house nearby, so after a solid day of biking there's beer, food, and lake fun to be had. Can't think on anything else I'd rather be doing!

[awholelota]

My favorite all time trip to take is just my local trail in Pacifica Ca. It’s called boy scout on Montara mt, and it was the very first place I rode a mountain bike. After 7 years, countless other trails, and tons of different bikes it’s still my favorite place to ride. It’s absolutely beautiful all the way up and all the way down. It has everything you could ever want with a great downhill trail that’s as rewarding than anything at Northstar, and great freeride features as well. I’ll be there on the 27th to commemorate the passing of a riding friend. We’re taking his bike for one last ride…

[ultraNoob]

Some of the most fun I've had riding was at South Mountain (aka SoMo) in Arizona. Even though I only got a small taste of it, I fell in love. There's something about lots of big rocks on a flowy trail that really makes me grin from ear to ear.

[farrell]

Love showshoe. close, great trails, no NJ accents

[nikoli]

I would have to say that whistler is my favorite place to ride, but there are alot of places I have yet to ride that are supposed to be good too.

[icon27]

Only been to Winterpark - heard Keystone is off the chain and SolVista is a up and comer!!! 4th of July weekend was all fireworks and DH!!! Winterpark was my first ever outing on the slopes and since my first run i've been hooked. Trails are mostley intermediate to advanced runs. No place for hard tails here.... rode a Kona Stinky and went faster than I ever imagined I would. Also got in a little OTH(over the handlebars). I was even stoked when I walked away from moving so much dirt that I thought I was digging my own grave. Winterpark is a quiet little resort town with plenty shops and watering holes. The hotel was cheap($60 a night) and the hot tub was a added bonus after hitting the resort. Went back last weekend since now I'm the proud father of a brand new Giant Reign X1. She's so cute!! LOL... Sorry guys and gals you have one more old man to watch out for on the trails and maybe one day all you'll see is the dust from me blowing by you... If you see a old geezer with a shirt that says Big Daddy bombing the trails dont be shy and holla LOOK OUT FOR BIG DADDY!!!!!!!

P.S. and whats all this talk about this Whistler place??????? Just kidding!!! we all wish to visit mecca once in our lives.........

[Mudslug]

you may not believe it, but Ottawa has some of the best riding in North America if not the world. We are surrounded by Canadian shield rock and the Gatineau Mountains. On the Quebec side you can go DH at Camp Fortune. It is some of the most technical and insane DH courses next to Mt. Bromont. People travel from all over the world to ride this little hill. LOOK IT UP ONLINE.
For XC Camp Fortune is also fantastic, wicked steep climbs and DH single track with a high Pucker factor! Not only that, there numerous local trails at Kanata Lakes. Few XC riders can claim the ability to rip through the technical sections, if you can ride the lakes well, you can ride anywhere! The BEST PART is everything is 10 minutes drive from my door, or 2 minute ride down the road, FREAKIN' AWESOME EH!

[bmerboy]

80 miles, 99% singletrack:brows:, huge mountains, climbing and decending measured in the 1000s of feet, water, lush forests, wild flowers, and no people. Best yet, you can start in Santa Fe after a breakfast of Chiliquiles at the Baking Company and finish off with a cold one or three :cheers:at the Santa Fe Brewing Company.

[HenryTheHammer]

Whistler, hands down.

[Lowball]

One of my favorite places to travel and ride is Mammoth Lake, CA. From the Sacramento Area it’s about 4.5 to 5hrs depending on which route you take. It’s located on the eastern side of the Sierras and had lots of options for riding. We’ve been going down to Mammoth pretty much every year, at least once a year, for mountain biking and snowboarding. If you go in May or June, you can do both on the same day (snowboard in the am and biking in the pm).

Now the obvious choice is to ride the resort (Mammoth Mountain Bike (http://www.mammothmountain.com/bike_ride/index.cfm)) with its wide variety of trails accessed by lift or just by riding out of your hotel room. The place is awesome and very convenient for riding. It’s something the whole family can enjoy and use with easy trails like Uptown/Downtown or of course the more challenging runs like Flow, Bullet, Chain Smoke, and the newly opened Twilight Zone.

In addition to the “Resort” you have a ton of XC options around town. The one we do every year is Mammoth Rock Trail which is a very scenic loop that starts as a road climb up to twin lakes and then winds back down to the town of Mammoth pretty much 80% single & double track. If you do it in the am you can grab a little breakfast at the Stove…very popular spot so depending on the time you may have a bit of a wait…but it’s well worth it.

The last ride that makes the overall trip worth wild is just south of Mammoth @ Lower Rock Creek. You can do it as a shuttle if you have two cars or hire a company to drive it for you (which we learned later after a few years of riding Mammoth), or you can ride the single track down and the paved road back up (pretty hard road climbing after such a nice down hill), or if you’re hard core like Shirley from Footloose (Foot Loose Sports (http://www.footloosesports.com/)) you can do it as an out and back (Shirley has worked at Footloose as long as we’ve been coming to Mammoth in the mid-90’s…so if you have any questions about where to ride go see her for the straight skinny).

Overall it’s about a 7-mile DH that is broken into 3 sections. The first two sections are flowy single track that wanders in and out of trees, a few creek sections, and just a great over all feeling. The third section is where the fun technical challenging stuff begins. Lots of rocks, some obstacles, and one nasty loose rocky uphill section (unfortunately I’ve never cleared it). Since you’re down in a canyon the views are just awesome…so if you have time to stop and smell the roses, look up and check the sceneries.

Photos by: Lee McCormack at www.leelikesbikes.com

[Secret Squirrel]

Whistler, while Crankworx is going on.

One word: w0w

I rode 6 hours a day for 8 days straight. Bike was trashed, I was trashed.

Then I did my first heli-drop. Set down on a freakin' glacier!!!

"Uh...that's the trail??!?" I said as I looked a very vague outline of a trail that was pretty much a bunch of jagged rocks. Which is pretty much all you're gonna get above the tree line... The ride up was unbelieveable.

So cool.

[DH biker]

My favorite place to travel to to go riding is New Hampshire. There are some great trails up there in the wilderness and you really feel like you are exploring places that most people don't see everday. The views can be great as well. The singletrack is amazing and the downhill trails are just fun. The technical stuff is really technical too. NH is fun.

[ricebowls]

You can add me to the bandwagon but after 5 trips I've yet to get bored there.

[bikephans]

The place I long to travel, and now that I leave in GA it is alot longer compared to Logan UT, is MOAB and surrounding areas including durango, gunninsion, and cainesville.

Entirely way too many places to name. What makes me miss it the most and want to go back is the great attitude of the whole mtb community in that area. It has great riding but even better with great people. I first made it Moab 7-8 times a year then started to branch out to cainesville, ouary, etc. Every trail was fun and I cannot pick one because they all put a smile on face.

PS, now in Ga, Dupont State Park and Pisgah relieve my disorder.

[lonewolfe]

I've ridden a lot of great places but Downieville, CA is my favorite destination. The town is extremely "mountainbike friendly" which is a major plus coming from the SF Bay Area where there is a heavy anti-mountainbike presence on many of the trails. The trails are epic and the scenery is breathtaking. You must ride Downieville at least once before you die. It's that good! Here's a picture from "Packer Saddle" which is the starting point of the 15-17 mile descent into the town of Downieville. :cheers:

[headtube]

Wild deer roam freely in Albion Hills Conservation Area just north of Toronto. It's not uncommon to see a velvet-textured mother doe with her young, crossing the trail as you're setting up for the next high speed berm. The same park hosts the 24 hour Summer Solstice race here in Ontario, Canada.

This place is Mountain Bike Meca. Flat tires, broken cranks, twisted frames have all succumbed to this hollowed ground. Celebrations with laughter, and the stories told time and again of that one ascent that bested us all. The roots, the rocks, the rubber, the slapping of chain on stay, with chattering of heavy braking tests the technical savvy of every rider that embraces this challenge.

This single track stimulates the senses, and intoxicates even the hard core rider who's done it all. The scent of pine and moss fills the air as your eyes catch a rare Pileated woodpecker take flight from a knarly hole-ridden tree. While descending, the stunning scenery and the jump that lay ahead fill the blood vessels with adrenaline. You quickly glance back to see your mate has catapulted on that last transition, and now stands quietly beside his bike methodically surveying the damage.

Standing on the pedals rotating the cranks, leg muscles burning with lactic acid, a racing pulse, gasping for oxygen; they don't call it Albion "Hills" for nothing. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

[kosho]

I Love My Hardtail

[cliffster5]

On the mtb I can't think of anyplace more picturesque than the trails around Moab. It's the red rock. My bucket list includes a ride on the Rim Trail in Canyonlands. On the road, the ride up to Mt. Haleakala was just amazing with no flat stretches except one 50 yard span. Being passed on their downhill journey by all these fat tourists on balloon tire bikes while being led down by the bike company employee with both legs over the top tube showing off to the out of town rubes was good for some comic relief.

[syadasti]

Carbondale, PA.

It has the two best places for technical trail riding - Merli/Fell and Prompton Dam.

[maml]

My favorite place to travel for a ride is back to my hometown of Grafton New York. I live a couple miles from over 50 miles of singletrack, mostly of the rooty and rocky variety. The Grafton Lakes Park/Dunham Resevior/Pittstown State Forest isn't exactly Epic in terms of views or climbs, but it's a hell of a nice ride, and I can go chill in the house I grew up in, which is now my brother's home. Cold beer, hot cider, and a nice relaxed, rural kind of living.

Sucks in the winter though.

[singletrack pig]

I've ridden all over the US and love the riding in the Rockies, Desert Southwest and PNW, but my favorite has to be my backyard- Pisgah National Forest. Always challenging, always fun, and great people. Waht else do you need?

[RideND]

The trails around Hyalite Resivoir near Bozeman, MT.

The drive up to the trails is gorgeous and the resivoir at the top is an awesome sight, nestled between the mountains. The riding is fun with many different trails in the area.

[mcjersee]

i love to travel to Mountain creek, new jersey...i love the challenging trails and the features they have...my favorite trail at creek would have to be domination because i love the park features on the trail....i no im not qualified to enter the contest but i had a bad fall and my rims were not double walled which caused it to bend like a bannana...but i really would like to win these so i can ride again..i just started this year and im dissappointed that after only a few weeks of riding i had to stop cause i dont have the money to buy a whole new wheelset....thanks

[Instinct]

Hands down the best place to ride in my opinion is the North Shore (Vancouver, BC). With so many mountains, and runs to pick from it's hard to chose one favorite. But I suppose CBC on Seymour is right up there with the best of 'em.

[tomacdaddy]

Moab. Been there many, many times and always have a great time.

[sugarNspice]

There are soo many that it's hard to pick, but I was impressed by Phil's Trail (http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/trails/1000h-philstrail.shtml) when I lived in Oregon. It reminded me of home (Austin, Texas), so it was awesome when I was homesick. :)

[tubejockey]

Whistler does rock!!! Anywhere else does not measure up.

[Slugman]

Going ot Whistler in 2 days... will update my post afterwards!

[Rockland]

The riding at the Camden Snow Bowl in senic mid-coast Maine, is worthy of traveling to ride. Amazing singletrack climbs & descents. The views are incredible as well - overlooking the Atlantic ocean & the surrounding coastal communities.

[Bushwhacker]

Pisgah, NC...that much fun should somehow be illegal.

[Mountain Geeker]

Wilson's Creek

[hatleye]

I tend to stick to the XC side of life, and ejoy this place a couple times a week. Enough climbing to get the heart really going, and enough downhil to keep you interested.

[ciszewski]

First off I would like to thank Notubes for supplying such a great prize; it will certainly make somebody’s day to win a set of wheels like that! Who knows it might be me.

My favorite place to ride isn’t necessarily a location on a map, but between the tape. The rush I get when racing is incomparable to any location by itself. I got my first mountain bike 4 years ago and started riding my local XC trails which later got me started in racing. I then got into DH and bought a used bike and immediately got into racing the following year (this past season). I love whole feel of racing from the nerves at the start, to the actually race run which always ends up being a blur that you can never really remember, and when you leave you always know you’re going to do it all over again next race.

Here are a few pics from my race season;

[Ksquaredracing]

I recently went out to Diablo Freeride park in NJ from my home in CA. It was one of the best trips I have done in a long time. There was a little of everything to ride from technical rocky terrain to groomed jumps ramps and drops. There was a little bit of every skill anyone would want to work on and just some really fun riding with beautiful terrain.

Some video from my trip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IONwWHMh2s8

[jzrider]

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is located 110 miles north of Phoenix and 23 miles south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 4,500 feet. Sedona is usually 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Mountain bike trails in Sedona, Arizona are amazing. Sedona trails have a little bit of everything; majestic Ponderosa Pine forests, steep switchbacks, slickrock, and amazing red rock views. The high Arizona desert can be very rugged and dangerous, bring plenty of water on your rides. Sedona is rightly becoming a prime mountain biking destination yet you are still able to find solitude amongst the cactus and single track. Popular mountain biking trails in the area include the Bell Rock Pathway, Big Park Loop, Cathedral Rock/HT/Templeton trial, and Baldwin trail. Be sure to check out Cosmic Rays Fat Tire Tales & Trails guide book for more information.

Sedona Arizona Mountain Bike Trails (http://www.whereweride.com/mountain-bike/arizona/sedona/Default.aspx)

[JohnE]

WAY back when, my roadie buddies and I went to Colorado and followed the Coors Classic around Colorado. Two summers spent wandering around one of the most scenic states in the union, watching Lemond and Hinault (When they still got along...) Hampsten and Bauer, eating Ramen and drinking beer. Oh yeah, riding bikes too!

[noskcaj]

Jefferson National Forest in western VA is always a good ride

[Guard]

Snowshoe, WV, western side when the lift is running...it rocks...literally!!!:biggrin::cheers:

[TrailMonkey]

My favorite ride takes about 3 hours one way.
And it's not all that special of a ride....mostly street with a couple
dirt trails along the way. The view is nothing special either...houses
and a few stop lights along the way. Traffic for the most part is
usually thin.
The ride is nothing special but it's a journey that I'll take rain or shine.
Funny but the ride is best when I'm hungry and thirsty.
And this ride is even more rewarding on holidays.
Yes, this ride takes me 3 hours one way....but again it's not the ride
that is so special but it's what's waiting for me at the other end.
You see, my grandmother lives 3 hours from me.
And yes, a lot of us have grandmothers...but this grandmother is different.
This grandmother is new to me. It's the grandmother I never knew I had.
Or should I say it's a grandmother we thought was gone.
It's been only 8 months now but I've taken this ride more times then I can remember.
Tomorrow is my day off and I plan to get up early....because i have
a 3 hour ride ahead of me.
Anyone else riding 3 hours?

[paulbug]

I like to ride from my house to Big Basin State Park in California.
I can take my gear almost year round, ride 50 miles, camp in the woods and hardly see a soul.
Praise God for the redwoods.
Paul

[troubbledone]

whistler has been the best so far but in a few weeks i'll be going to the east coast to check out the scene out there

[MTBXRacing]

My favorite place to ride is located in a multi use area called Taconic-Hereford MUA 909 (Dutchess County, NY), so named for the 900 plus acres of mostly rolling hills with moderately steep slopes interspersed throughout. Well-maintained hard-packed 4WD fire roads circle and loop through dense hardwood forest over hilly terrain. Branching off these fire roads are more challenging single-track spur trails that provide a variety of trail experiences from fast and smooth to technical, with roots, grass and loose rocks.

[MtnBikerChk]

My favorite place to travel to ride is Kingdom Trails in VT. You can see tons of our pics in the monkeyfest threads in the ride report forums.

To recap: A couple of times a season we board the dog and head 3.5hours North to ride with friends from New York, MA, NJ, PA ETC - and people have been known to travel from NC to attend!

Most fun ever :)

[ZHendo]

Whistler has probably been mentioned a bunch of times, it truly is an amazing place. Downieville, Santa Cruz, Keystone CO, etc are at the top of my list for places to ride. However, a newly added favorite of mine is Ashland Mountain in Oregon. I took a road trip there with my dad earlier this year, and Ashland was the highlight of the trip. The trails aren't very technical overall, and they aren't totally downhill oriented either. It was amazing seeing the variety of riders that come out to enjoy the trails. The shuttles are run by Ashland Mountain Adventures, and the owners are truly some of the nicest people I've ever met. The trail network up there is constantly growing, and I found myself riding freshly cut trails numerous times on my various runs. I'm more of a DH guy whereas my dad prefers "all mountain", but both of us left Ashland feeling completely stoked. I think that says a lot about the kind of riding that mountain offers.

[patrik]

Grand Junction. It was supposed to be a stop on the way to fruita but ended up being my only destination. Tons of fun

[ssinga]

My favorite travel destination is Pisgah Natl Forest in W. North Carolina. There is so much variety in trail design and terrain that it can keep you entertained for weeks.

[max123]

I will go with Zermatt, Switzerland, an awesome mountain town with no cars endless terrain few rules and tons of trails. I rode dh there with the small local dh network during a random family vacation and it was sick. I would imagine on a trip to zermatt france could also be an adequate stop.

[William42]

santa barbara. The trails there blow my mind. Plus being home is pretty rad.

[kalNhobbs]

I would have to say Blackrock here in Oregon for a day trip, or Bend if I am going to stay for a while.

[ILikeFood]

As many have said - Whistler. I've gone up for a week as a annual pilgrimage since getting into freeriding. Nothing better than a week of Garbanzo, Unibroue and bear watching with your best friends.

When I first got into mountain biking, years ago, I would do the same with Moab: gather up a group of friends, drive 38 hours straight through, and spend the week at the Canyonlands Fat Tire Festival. After 4 years of that, I moved to Utah to be closer to what I found to be the best riding ever.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to migrate the family to Vancouver :)

-f00d

[Yanick]

My favorite trail that I ride frequently is a secret spot in Ste-Adele, Thanks to Richard Spenard for making all that awesome work on his private property.

Kingdom trail is nice too but quite far from home for a one day out!
And Whistler too!!!

Hey, thanks to NoTubes for that!!!

[andym]

As an east-coaster I would have to pick somewhere in WNC like Pisgah or DuPont.

[brado1]

Pisgah, Pisgah, PisagAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH North Carolina

rocks, roots, big climbs, big bombin' downhills, best east coast riding

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2376852917_7b49834aa2_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2273217799_df15b8139f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2215093807_69e7bbd725_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1198/689371115_2b186c98fd_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/1804327360_7403674e6d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2469213039_95739987a7_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/547742165_3bc4f68bb3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/2175439324_386c410499_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/1469897734_963927b6b2_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2633260439_acd158933f_b.jpg

it's heaven, and it's my backyard

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2764763121_1c4da92daf_b.jpg

[liv4sno]

I live in North Conway and absolutely love being able to start many epic rides right from my house. However, Whistler is one-of-a-kind, and if a genie granted me an all-expense paid bike trip anywhere in the world, that is where I would go.

[Squirreldh]

Bartletts wash in moab utah. Giant natural skatepark for mtn bikes. Fun on a full on dh rig, or just a park bike.

[Willy Vanilly]

Saratoga Gap. It's not exotic but it's the spot I'll always associate with "riding at home".

[jvp108]

State College, PA. Rothrock Forest has enough trails to keep you busy for a week. Good maps availible too.

[The Joker]

Tahoe. XC or DH, you can hit up the lifts or the natl forests. It's a break of refreshing outdoors and nature after being ing the city so much.

[wiscodh]

Its gotta be whistler for sure. Great trails, everyones stoked to be riding, and the views are amazing.

[RD3]

Seven Springs. Its close to me and has great cross country and downhill trails.

[Timekiller]

So far.. Highland in NH. A buddy of mine, and I went up 2 weeks ago. Something got screwed up and we were only able to ride one day (supposed to be 2) I really can't wait to get back there, it was so much fun. Now I am planning on making at least a bi-annual trip up there.

[mtnbmx]

The best place to ride is with my kids. This last year we made the transition form hard core National BMX racing to mountain biking. Last year we got started at Darners ranch near Buena Vista Colorado. This encouraged us to sign up with NORBA and start running the Mountain States Cup. We started off just doing 4X and DS then this year the boys added DH to there menu. Since then we camped right on the mountain at Snowmass and stayed at some the best resorts Colorado has to offer. We went to Keystone, Winter Park, Snowmass, Crested Butte, Idaho Springs, Nathrop, Sol Vista …..The destinations were awesome but traveling and racing with my kids has been the most memorable.

[mtnbikermaniac]

Well, I have never been on an actually biking trip, I am only 16 and my main support system, my dad moved to Texas due to the high costs of living in San Diego. So I have never ridden anywhere outside of my home area (San Diego) I have to wait until im 18 to do all of that fun stuff, but for now Im stuck here. (not that the riding here is bad or anything) If I could choose a place to vacation at with my bike then it would be Oregon or Whistler. All the riding in those areas looks so epic and fun. It seems like totally different terrain then what im used to, rocky dry SoCal compared to lush green forrests. With that said, my favorite place to travel to and ride would be Noble Canyon in San Diego, it the most epic trail I have ever been on. 10 mile downhill, starting of in a smooth tree covered forrest, and ending up in a desert-ish rocky canyon

[bballboy388]

I would have to say my favorite place to ride is... anywhere as long as I'm having fun and with close friends I'm happy, thats why/how I got into riding.

[TomBo]

St.Anne, had some of my funnest race weekends there over the years. Absolutely love the hill, been a few years now. I am sure I will be back. That is if I can ever get away from the Rockies...

[46chief]

Timberline, WV. The Canaan Valley is chock full of cross country bike trails and racing history.

Timberline is also one of the first 24 hour race venues and has a long history of trail building tha thas benefitted the ski area by the creation of a great downhill trail network. in it's first season it has ore lift accessed trails than 7springs and WISP combined.

The free camping is excellent and the there are a ton of places to stay if you need a room.

[Del]

Seven Springs PA so far. It's been my first road trip to a resort so it holds a special place :)

[Caine]

2 weeks in italy: lake garda and the mountains around the lake.

4 hours trail and DH trips into the mountains so far away form anything that you can't use a cellphone to call for help and to deep into the canyons that if you crash no helicopter can get to you.
and then the trail end up at the local bike shop and cafe.

so after a long you you can sit and enjoy a cold beer or redbull and talk to all the other riders from that day.

BEST 2 weeks of my life

[DH Diva]

Totally cliche but Moab!! A couple reasons:

-You can ride your MTB and Dirt Bike there!

-I was proposed to and got married there!

I Love Moab.

[MarsB]

Fernie, BC

[dirtmover]

Dry Hill in Port Angeles, WA. It's the best DH in Washington and zero lines. Can't beat that.

[Plummit]

The farther you travel, the further you go, the clearer you can see where you've been. The amazing vistas of riding in Moab, Taos, the Sierras, or the mountains of Colorado (haven't been to Whistler yet, but someday...), are all incredible in their own right, but, for me, really serve to sharpen and focus in my mind the sick trails I count myself lucky to ride right here at home. The amazing views, huge climbs, and high speed descents of those places are subtly reflected in the smaller versions we have here: a quick view, a steep tech climb or short gnarly down... The skills I re-learn and re-hone elsewhere I bring home w/ me and refresh and renew the trails I ride regularly North of Boston.

:cheers:

[Bernard]

One word: Morzine

(in France!)

Really nice dh-tracks, epic freerides and fun to hang out!

[Konabumm]

Snowshoe - I can't say Whistler because I've never been there. But I'm sure it's FANTASTIC

[CraShRyDer7]

my favorite place to travel to for a ride is diablo freeride park. out of the places ive been to its great. theres a fast lift, and tons of fun trails

[EBasil]

I tend to prefer the riding to the "traveling", so I don't do long trips unless they're special. Coming from San Diego, the trips to Mammoth, Tahoe and Moab fit that category. This thread made me think of one aspect of the run up to the Eastern Sierra, and that's where the traveling is also good.

We prefer to maximize our time on trail, but I don't like to drive up late on Friday night, after work. Instead, we leave in the predawn hours. It's quiet and still when we roll out in the dark, loaded with bikes on the roof and the eager stoke for the trails we'll hit that day. Traffic is light, so we roll fast and easily up through Mojave and, if things go well, I watch the sun rise on the eastern Sierra as we head out of the desert. If we take turns driving, I always ask for "second shift", precisely so I get this amazing perk: rolling up the highway with a scarlet mountain range to my left, fellow riders asleep or relaxed to the view with me. As the light gets better and brighter, the road is still clear and the air through the vents crisp and clean smelling. By the time we roll into Mammoth, I'm recharged from a week at work and stoked to ride.

[cannondalejunky]

a couple years ago i drove from arkansas to whistler, but did some of my favorite rides while i was in oregon

[JimEG]

My favorite place to ride is HERE (http://www.capitolforest.com/), Capitol Forest WA.

It is close to home, offers miles and miles of trails and I help take care of it by VOLUNTEERING REGULARLY.

Spend more time close to home, burn less fuel, and give back to your local riding area. That is why.

close 2nd: Whistler, for obvious reasons.

[synchro]

i'll put in a vote for the chilcotins if you're looking for a real adventure. you can go self assisted for a few days or do the gucci package of doing a horseback supported trip and having someone else look after all the cooking.

http://www.sprucelaketours.ca/

[hooples3]

The place i miss the most and that i am looking forward o going back to is Bend , OR. There were so many riding opportunities there. You can hit a different trail every day of the week. There is so much riding to be done!!!! It would be the location for an ultimate weeklong trip of riding and visiting some local breweries

[ROTFLMAO]

While in the Army stationed in Germany I had the opportunity to ride in Switzerland a bit. I haven't had a chance to get back there but I will go back. The riding is amazing and the people are so friendly. Just a beautiful place to be in general.

[javguy]

Not a technically challenging endeavor, but enjoyable for beginner to intermediate level riders, like me. Nice scenery and usually far away enough from roads that you don't hear the traffic.

[TankerX]

The best place ridden is Whistler on my list but sure there are other ones I haven't gone yet. But yes Whistler is the current Mecca of Mtn biking period. Freight train-aline, endless jumps!!!

[daisycutter]

Platty is my favorite place to ride. It it a 3 hour ride from NYC and with 2 young kids I don't get a chance to go up there very often. But when I do make the trip I find I always enjoy myself; unless of course I crash and injure myself. But strangely enough I find as I get older (currently 43) I find I crash less and just have become a better rider. Platty is the best pure old school DH place to ride on the east coast. The trails are lacking in trail maintaince but are just made for a 9 inch travel DH bike. They are rough but with lots of flow with tons of natural drops. I find platty adictive. In the heat of summer it is around 10 degrees cooler the other DH spots near to NYC. Platty is not as popular as it once was, mountain creek is the cool spot to go, but for me it will never compare to the splattekill

[aphex2k]

OK some of you might know this place, some won't. It's called "Coed y Brenin" and it's a trail centre in Wales. It's one of the original purpose made trails in the UK and people from all over the country head there for some amazing riding. It's extremely rocky, so fat tyres are a must. The trails are swoopy and super flowy in some sections, then technical and difficult in others.

There are routes for beginners, moving to routes for the hardcore. There's really something for everyone. The surroundings are superb. It's a managed forest mid-Wales so you have some serious fireroad climbs, amazing views, rivers, waterfalls.... Ohh... You name it. It's truly stunning.

As soon as you start the trail you ride under a huge set of forks (see below) and it's hardpack for 100m, then the rocks start and you really need to concentrate! I started and it was dry, but when I got to the rocks if absolutely belted it down and the rocks were like ice. I managed to lock my front wheel and catapult myself over the bars! Isn't it strange when you hurt yourself on a bike, it's almost funny! "Ahh my leg's bleeding!" whilst wiping the mud and blood off, checking the bike over, and planning the next drop, rock or switchback.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2788529053_9a2037bdf8.jpg

[FactoryCostcoDH]

Calaveras. It's right by my house, has a nice easily hikeable mountain with a few short but sweet dh runs on the other side. And lost of ROCKS!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/SheepHeadMX/pbpic1993764.jpg

[Agentorangemen]

Stockholm baby!

SSWC 06 was there, it was my first bike vacation, flew from State College, PA to Philly to Stockholm for ~$400, took the train into the city, subway to my hostel, and it was all bikes from there. Met a ton of great people there for the event, but the female locals were the best...Trails are insane, think slick rock w/ moss, great flow, rocky and awesome, and the best part is completely bike access. The city has bike lanes everywhere and the only other vehicle I rode in while there was a ferry with my bike to access more trails. Definitely will visit again in August for the best weather of the year.

[rocklobster2012]

There's a big trail network in southern Massachusetts
A lotta fun stuff

[TKCastle]

Mammoth for me is the road trip/destination I love. There is nothing like driving up the 395n. The eastern sierras on the left, death valley on the right it is truly magical. I work a full day on friday, grab the bikes and gear and start to leave all the madness behind once I pass Mojave. For me is the best trip when it's me and my bike.

[neverwalk]

For me, it would have to be Fruita/Grand Junction.
XC, Freeride, the area has it all (except maybe pure DH...), views, varied riding, great local shops, restaurants etc. A true riding destination, that can give you a solid week-long vacation.

[Arutha]

I am going with the old staple - MOAB

Coming from the Appalachians, MOAB seems like a different world. Red, grippy rocks, lack of trees, sandy, and exposure. Yet if I want trees I just need to get a shuttle up the La Sal Mountains. Quite a diverse location with the added threat of erratic weather. Low temps in the evening, hot as hell in the day then all of a sudden snowing in the La Sals and the day become much cooler and misty.

Trails of all lengths with quite an array of terrain and climbing. The town has bike shops, good food, and friendly people. Not much else you could ask for. Just bring your own beer, that's the only thing Utah lacks.

[xy9ine]

the northshore mountains. effectively my backyard (10mins from my house), i've been riding them for ~15yrs, and still never get bored of the knarly old trails. there's been lots of change over the years as the sport has evolved, but a few of the classics remain intact (in spirit anyways). despite the grooming & popularization of some trails, there's plenty out there to keep you humble and kick your ass if you're not on your a-game. a handy escape from urbanity, and some decent slopes when the snow flies & the bikes are exchanged for boards.

[crouchingtiger]

Hey im new here and i was wondering if anyone new of any trails near southern MA. :biggrin:

[Wumpus]

I guess it would be the trails with no names in Austin -- an epic day of riding all in the city.

[bdamschen]

One of my new favorite places to travel for riding would have to be Colorado Springs.

My girlfriend and I went there for week to ride and then head over to race the Mountain States Cup Snowmass race. When we arrived, we didn't know anyone who lived there, or where to ride but we stopped off at a local bike shop to see if they could point us toward some trails. I was a little nervous asking, since we had only brought our DH bikes for the race and where I'm from in California, asking where a good shuttle run is goes along the same lines as walking up to someone and asking where is a good place to molest farm animals would be.

We were in luck however, since people in Colorado Springs are awesome and the guy at the local shop said he didn't ride DH, but if we waited around of for a few minutes, someone who did would be back and could point us in the right direction. Not only that, but he said the guy works too much anyways and told us to take him with us when we go ride.

Our new found guide turned out to be totally awesome, as he showed us a nice 1 hr long dh run with an awesome view of the Springs, and then went on to invite us to stay at his house that night before heading out to the race where he introduced use to a couple more friendly colorado springs locals. I was amazed by how hospitable these guys were, and how fun their trails were as well. This to me is what keeps our sport growing, yet keeps it down to earth at the same time. I've already got Colorado Springs as a destination spot for next season.

[Forest_biker]

Rothrock Forest, PA, near State College
Rocks, rocks, and a few more rocks...rocks...Rothrock Rocks!

http://www.fatsinthecats.com/photos/albums/userpics/10007/normal_pa.jpg (http://www.fatsinthecats.com/photos/albums/userpics/10007/pa.jpg)

[NJ-XC-Justin]

Ringwood State Park, NJ. It's my local trail system, but it's also my favorite. Tons of killer singletrack, absurd switchbacks and climbs, and enough rocky tech to put the hurt on me even if I ride the same trails twice a week. My favorite place to ride.

[demo 9]

diablo, its my home away from home and i love the east coast rocks(not that i have anything to compare it to) but diablo is a great place to ride

[iandude94]

diablo.

[consumer 1]

Bent Creek, Pisgah National Forest North Carolina. Great Singletrack And Awesome Downhills.

[EndusroRacer128]

Would be Razorback, but R.I.P. So its Santos Trail in Belleview Fl. Technical XC and good South East Freeride. Great race course, too.

[Str8OutaBallard]

Garbanzo and the gondola connector trail from upper mid station

[pigboy]

Rome. Not that I ever have

Gypsy kids trying to pickpocket the tool bag.

Hot August sweat

and the cobbles bumping under my wheels.

Drunk on Italian women

I huck the stairs at the fountain

where Brando should have sprouted wings and taken flight

my carbon frame so stiff

i snakebite

and need new rims.

[Defenestrated]

Mammoth! (where I broke my neck :huh:)


:banana:

[JewBagel]

The MRT (McKenzie River Trail in Oregon). The terrain is very diverse and you can shuttle it making it about 25 miles top to bottom of everything from lava rock to incredibly lush old growth forests. About 5 miles from the top there is a large waterfall filling a huge deep blue pool. The water is so clean and cold you don't need to bring more than a 50oz reservoir which you can refill along the ride. It's probably one of the best rides around Oregon, only an hour from my home by car, and perfect on a SS 29er.