favorite trail?

[singletrackmind]

The Berryman, Monarch Pass, Tsali national forest trails that I can't remember the names of except for the Mouse, Fred's Lunchbox, Porcupine Rim, that's a small sampling...

[bounceswoosh]

I don't have pics; my two favorite local rides are Betasso and Heil Valley Ranch.

Betasso is not really technical; it's a fun roller coaster-y loop. It has some interesting rules -- two days a week it's off limits to bikes, and bikes are supposed to go in the direction indicated at the trail head. They flip the direction every month or two. I think this is a pretty good way to reduce trail use conflict. (Now, when they introduce bike-only days, then I'll be thrilled! But I won't hold my breath ...) Betasso has an alternate approach that is extremely technical and steep; I've never tried that part. The loop is just over three miles; the most I've done is three loops. My favorite direction is clockwise; you start and end on a descent, so it's easy to keep going and only realize half way through the loop that you're committed to more climbing!

Heil, well, if you're going to ride Heil, you want a full suspension bike. Parts are buff trail, but much of it is loose rock or jagged stuff sticking up. It's not classified as technically difficult, but the loose rock is a lot of work. It's an eight mile lollipop -- you climb up forever, do a roller coaster loop, and then dessert, the descent, of course way too short =) What I like about it is that I inevitably want to go back, because all I remember when I'm done is the descent, not the climb.

[Tuckervill]

Thanks for the info, Sundial!

Yes, when I first started mountain biking, I wondered if the guys who rated trails had EVER been a beginner!

I can't wait to try Syllamo out.

Karen

[sundial]

Tuck, if you have a FS mtb, you'll enjoy it more.

[bluebug32]

Kingdom Trails in VT - great mtbing vacation

[Di bear]

Copper Harbor. Click here for photos. I separated them according to trail.

[sundial]

Di Bear, WOW! A tandem mtb! I especially love the last pic on the Red Trail. The scenery is so beautiful. I wanna go play there.