Newbie looking for cape ann trails

[leaderdmd]

Hi All,

I am new to Mountain biking. I bought my daughter too large a bike by accident - fits me just right. I took a ride on the Fells loop. I can't believe I didn't discover this sport until I was 43. Joined NEMBA last Sunday at Wompatuck in gratitude.

I spend a lot of time in Gloucester, wife and girls love the beach. Are there any reasonable trails to keep me and the boy busy while the girls soak up the sand?

David

[OldSloDoggie]

Hi.
There are some fine spost here on Cape Ann ti Ride. I'd be happy to show you around and or give some directions (I type almost as bad as i ride). We usually out a few weeknites and at least once a weekend. How does Sun AM or Tuesday evening 6ish sound? Also check the ride board section, good way to hook up with other riders
OSD

[woodyak]

There is a ton of good riding in the Cape Ann area. Since you are new to the sport I'll point you towards dogtown.

Dogtown - This park is big and takes up the center of the island that is Gloucester/Rockport. There are a lot of easier fireroads as well as some more difficult technical trails. The trails are very rocky and loose. You will also come across mud puddles and boggy areas. It easy to get turned around and lost here but if you keep on going in one direction you'll get to cement . There are trailheads all around the park but parking is limited. I've found the easiest way to get in is to find Squam Rd. in Rockport and go all the way to the end till you see the trailhead (green gate). Park on the side of the road and go in. Start riding and explore.

There are a ton of other trails in the area but most are very technical. Dogtown is a good place to start and then move onto the crazier stuff. Hope this helps!

BW

If you joined NEMBA at Wompy and have ridden the Fells and now your looking in Gloucester it seems to me you have a good enough range to ride almost anywhere. Get the girls their own car. Keep an eye on the e mail lists sent out each week. You have signed onto an email list right. If not look on this page up to the top left and open the digital nemba drop menu then clic on email list and sign on to all that are in your riding range. Keep an eye out here as well, though most of the rides posted here are for advanced and fit riders.

Skills clinics are also great ways to learn new trail areas and meet other NEMBA members. I have heard good things about the one on thursdays ;)

bill

[Adam]

Definitely check out Dogtown, it's a nice ride & often subject of a NEMBA member led ride.
The other riding I'm familiar with in the area steps it up quite a bit in technical, climbing, and distance. The group rides I've been on in the area are usually closely held, and it's often we run into locals who are curious how we know about the place. I get the feeling there's a mix of public land as well as private land that's 'open' to biking..but some of the best rides are well kept secrets.

-Adam