Catriona: Herrington Manor/Swallow Falls is waaaaay over in the south-western corner of MD. I think the trail I rode definitely classifies as beginner if you have at least front suspension. I didn't come even close to crashing, but got bounced around a lot. And there were two small hills that I didn't even attempt to ride, just because one was a gully full of rocks and the other was covered in tree roots. Otherwise, easy-peasy if you like bouncing around.

As for bike shops, my favorites are The Bicycle Escape (Tom is great, he's been working with bikes since he was a kid and is very easy to talk to) and Bike Dr (I'd second the suggestion to talk to Brian). The place in downtown Fredneck (Wheel Base, I think?) is ok, but they haven't been terribly helpful when I've had questions.


Quote Originally Posted by 7rider View Post
I myself have ridden only at Little Bennett, and thought it was fine.
Hey! When did you ride at Little Bennett? And why didn't you tell me? What's it like? Could I handle it on the 'cross bike? Is it more like Rosaryville, or more like Schaeffer (which I still want to try one of these days, with a good leader to follow *hint *)?

I also still want to try and get down to Cedarville to check that out. The description sounds as if it's even easier than Rosaryville, and I remember from hiking there that it's very pretty. If only this crappy cold weather would go away