Scroll down to see additional information about New England riding.
ARCADIA
Arcadia Management Area can be found just a few miles from Interstate 95 and about 25 minutes southwest Providence. It can be found at Route 165 in Exeter (RI), which divides the area into the North and South sides. You can park in the main lot at Route 165, or on the south side at Browning Mill Pond located on Arcadia Road Richmond, RI.
Directions 95 N/S: Take exit 5A onto Route 102. Follow for a half mile, then take a left onto Route 3. Continue for approximately 1-1/2 miles until you see a blinking light. Turn right onto Route 165. Continue on Route 165 approximately 3-1/2 miles to the main parking lot.
Arcadia Management Area covers over 15,000 acres and has approximately 40 miles of singletrack and 15 percent dirt roads. Arcadia has very little elevation change, but there are many challenging ups and downs. There are many rock gardens, and sections that can be very technical. There are many trails that you can ride and enjoy for hours. Although there are some easy trails and fire roads for beginners, it can be difficult to locate these sections if the area is unfamiliar. Intermediate to advanced riders will find the trails more enjoyable. During the summer months, rides are offered by NEMBA chapters around the area.
Arcadia can be difficult to navigate without a map. However, great maps by Great Swamp Press are available at local bike shops or camping stores. You can also find directions and other maps at www.rinemba.org.
The local chapters of NEMBA, AMC and their local chapter maintain trails. They have built many bridges and water bars and done much more.
This area is popular with hunters, hikers, motorcyclists, canoeists, motorcyclists, canoeists, fishermen, and horseback riders. The hunting season runs from the second weekend of October through the last day in February. Hunting on Sunday is also permitted.
ACCOMMODATIONS – There are no accommodations nearby. However, just 10 minutes from exit 6, there is the West Greenwich Best Western Hotel and Super 8 located right off the highway.
FOOD: Little Country Pizza (397-2500) is located at the corner of Route 3 & 165. It is a popular spot for after-riding eating. Big River Inn can be found on Route 3 north, 3 miles to the right of Route 165. Additional food can be found at exits 3A and 3B in Wyoming, RI.
MORE BLACK DIAMOND BONANZA RIDER INFO
The October 2006 issue of is available for purchase if you don’t have one. This comprehensive guide to riding New England is amazing. Imagine a well-organized, tightly packed series of technical singletrack that leads to your backdoor. That’s New England.
Get the October 06 MBA now! Visit www.nemba.org to get started.
ATTITASH MOUNTAIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
It is located on Route 302 at Bartlett in New Hampshire. It has seven miles of singletrack that is lift-serviced.
ENTERTAINMENT – Attitash is just 15 minutes away from Downtown North Conway. There are many restaurants and bars in North Conway that can cater to any taste. You can also shop at outlet and retail stores.
ACCOMMODATIONS – The Grand Summit Hotel is located less than one mile from Attitash’s base and offers shuttles to Attitash. 374-1111.
FOOD: There is a full-service cafeteria at the main base. A bar is located across the street. Matty Bs serves pizza, burgers and pub food.
For the rest, get the October 2006 MBA.
BEAR BROOK IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
At 10,000 acres, Bear Brook is New Hampshires largest developed state park. There are 40 miles worth of diverse trails, including a lot of singletrack.
Entertainment: Manchester’s Elm Street has many bars and small clubs that offer entertainment. Concord is home to a number of excellent bars and restaurants. Many shows are offered by the Capital Center for the Arts. Boston is located approximately one hour south, while the White Mountains and Lake Region are about an hour north.
ACCOMMODATIONS – There is a campground and many hotels/motels around the park.
FOOD: Concord and Manchester both have great dining options.
Check out the Bear Brook hot spot in the October 2006 MBA.
3. BRADBURY MOUNTAIN STATE PARK IN MAINE
Over the past ten years, Bradbury Mountain has become a mountain biking park. The 19-miles of trails are well-organized and marked.
ENTERTAINMENT – There are several nearby bars. Gritty McDuff and Sebago Brew offer bar food, sandwiches, and beer. Outdoor outfitters L.L. Beans Corporate Headquarters are located in Freeport, Maine.
ACCOMMODATIONS – The Best Western Hotel is located in Freeport. There are also a number of independent motels in Freeport. All of them are within 20 minutes. Bradbury Mountain offers camping, but only half a dozen sites are available. To register and verify availability, you will need to contact the State Parks.
FOOD: Freeport offers Subway, McDonalds, Chinese food and a few small steakhouses. For?20 per person, you can choose to go to one of the extremes.
The June 2006 MBA explains more, down to which tires are best.
4. HUNTINGTON STATE PARK IN CONNECTICUT
Huntington State Park covers 800 acres and offers a wide variety of riding options: Singletrack, doubletracks, some rocky stuff and a few gnarly downs.
ACCOMMODATIONS – The following hotels can be found in Bethel: Best Western Berkshire Inn 11 Stony Hills Rd; 744-3200. Best Western Inn 46 Stony Hills Rd#1; 743-5353 Hillside Inn & Suites 21 Stony Hill Road; 743-3855. Microtel Inn & Suites, 80 Benedict Rd; 748-8318. Travel Inn 18, Stony Hills Rd. 743-5990.
FOOD: ONiells, Bethel (PT Barnum Square), is our favorite place to grab great sandwiches after a ride. You can find many other restaurants and cafes in downtown. Old Heidelberg, 55 Stony Hills Rd, Bethel CT 06801, 797-606. More than 40 German beers, 40 wines and specials in German cuisine are available. Outdoor seating is available.
This is why it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to ride.
KINGDOM TRAILS IN VERMONT
The Kingdom Trail System can be found in the Village East Burke, in the middle of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. It includes 115 miles of singletrack and doubletrack.
ENTERTAINMENT: There are bands that play at the local pub and at the base the ski lodge. On weekends, the Trout River Brewery is open in Lyndonville. St. Johnsbury, 15 miles away, has museums and theaters. There are also downtown shops. The rural setting is peaceful and tranquil for most people. For great boating, Lake Willoughby can be found only 8 miles away.
ACCOMMODATIONS – There are many lovely Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Motels, Cabins, and Vacation Rentals within 15 miles from Kingdom Trails. There are also a few campgrounds. Many accommodations offer bike packages, while others are directly located on the trail. The website has a full listing www.kingdomtrails.org.
FOOD: There are many places to eat within a 10-mile radius of East Burke. Breakfast at Miss Lyndonville Diner, lunch at Baileys and Burke General Store and dinner in The River Garden or Junipers At the Wildflower Inn and Tamarack Grille on Burke Mountain are all options. For a complete listing, visit the website.
To learn more about Kingdom Trails, read the October 2006 issue of MBA.
6. MOUNT AGAMENTICUS IN MIINE
Nearly 30,000 acres of southern Maine are covered by the Mount Agamenticus area. Mt. Trails are known for being technical and difficult.
There are no beginner trails. It is a smart idea to bring a GPS and a phone.
ENTERTAINMENT – Inn on the Blues, York Beach offers live music and spirits as well as watching out-of state riders navigate the trails. Portsmouth, NH has a great nightlife.
ACCOMMODATIONS – There are more than a million along the coast.
FOOD: Rubys Pizzas, Flos Hotdogs and Anthonys Subs. You can also get a Lobsta at Barnacle Billys Perkins Cove.
We explain why Mt. Agamenticus may be too hot for some.
7. VIETNAM MASSACHUSETTS
Vietnam’s first mountain bike club purchased and protected the trail system. It includes 20 miles of singletrack trails that span over 1500 acres, located in the towns Milford, Holliston and Hopkinton.
ENTERTAINMENT – Vietnam is just half an hour away from Downtown Boston. Downtown Boston offers everything. The USS Constitution is a must-see, in addition to Harpoon Brewery and the theater districts. The woodenhulled ship, also known as Old Ironside is still in active service.
ACCOMMODATIONS – The following hotels are within one mile of Vietnam: Holiday Inn Express at 50 Fortune Blvd. Milford, MA 01757, 634-1054. Fairfield Inn 1 Fortune Blvd. Milford, MA 01757, 478-0900. Courtyard Marriott 10 Fortune Blvd. Milford, MA 01757; 634-9500
FOOD: You can find many restaurants within a 10-mile radius. Cornells Pub and Spirits is a local favorite, as well as the usual chain restaurants. 229 Hayden Rowe Street Hopkinton, MA 01748. 435-6191. Prezo Grille & Bar, 229 East Main Street, Milford, MA 01757; 634-0101. Mango Thai Cuisine 9 Medway Road Milford, MA 01757. 482-9779. Acapulcos Cantina, 231 East Main Street, Milford, MA 01757; 478-7197. Docs Sports Bar & Grille, 340 East Main Street, Milford, MA 01757; 634-4000.
This MBA, October 2006, explains the secrets behind why this riding area was named Vietnam.
