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View Full Version : night riding in mass state parks

JPS
October 16th, 2007, 09:45 PM
I've heard different stories regarding night riding in Mass state parks. Sounds like it is ok in some, not in others. The state web page doesn't seem to be of help here.

Anyone got the scoop?
Tinshield
October 16th, 2007, 09:48 PM
Well, officially parks close at dusk right? So, there's no riding (officially).
Tim
October 17th, 2007, 07:48 AM
Well, officially parks close at dusk right? So, there's no riding (officially).

Correct. I haven't had any hassles as long as you don't park in the official parking lot. The dusk closure is really just intended to curb "recreational activities" in the parking lots.

Tim
Mntbiker13
October 17th, 2007, 08:24 AM
ive riden in some at night. its not approved but neither will they arrest you for it lol..

Recreational activities eh? sounds like fun
fishbum
October 17th, 2007, 09:11 AM
Not to rain on your fun, but maybe there's a reason the trails are closed at night?

We have this issue locally - the mountain biking in our state park is already tenuous at best - the Ranger has made it clear that all it takes is to have someone get hurt at night and when the state gets sued (and you KNOW that will happen) they will shut it down to all of us.

You guys are NEMBA members. Is it worth it?
bdee
October 17th, 2007, 09:44 AM
Call the ranger at your local riding areas to get the low down. It's that simple.

The rangers and local law enforcement are usually more concerned with pickle park activities, and underage drinking, than folks on bikes. That said the authorities don't hang out in the woods after dark, they tend to stake out the places popular with those darned ne'er do well juvenile delinquents. If they were in the woods at night I reckon there would be less post party trash in the woods where I ride..
Tinshield
October 17th, 2007, 06:34 PM
Correct. I haven't had any hassles as long as you don't park in the official parking lot. The dusk closure is really just intended to curb "recreational activities" in the parking lots.

Tim

Roger that. People that have a wide Q factor should be careful though as it may be considered an overt solicitation.;)
BigMac
October 19th, 2007, 04:38 PM
it varies, as mentioned by bdee... call your local park and get the scoop, some of local parks in Franklin County allow, some do not.
Mark,
ragertim
October 23rd, 2007, 11:09 AM
Not to rain on your fun, but maybe there's a reason the trails are closed at night?

We have this issue locally - the mountain biking in our state park is already tenuous at best - the Ranger has made it clear that all it takes is to have someone get hurt at night and when the state gets sued (and you KNOW that will happen) they will shut it down to all of us.

You guys are NEMBA members. Is it worth it?

this is a very good point. in some places, it is a very bad idea to ride at night due to the current political climate. in others, it's not a problem to the land managers. good judgment should be used on a case by case basis.

-t